# Files vs ES File Explorer

The clearest difference is update cadence: ES File Explorer at every 3 weeks against Files's every 4 months. ES File Explorer also leads on review sentiment (64% vs 55%) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Files sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and ES File Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Files against 4.6 for ES File Explorer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13K and 15K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of Files's written reviews are positive against 64% of ES File Explorer's.

Files ships an update every 4 months, ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Files | ES File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/files-file-manager-and-browser/id349275540/reviews)** | [4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13K | **15K** |
| Positive reviews | 55.2% of reviews | **63.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 56 MB | 263 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hian Zin Jong](https://appshunter.io/developer/298442756) | [Beijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435277197) |

## What reviewers say

### Files

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/files-file-manager-and-browser/id349275540)

This app provides a web browser to save documents for offline viewing on your device. It includes a robust file manager with viewers for various document types, a photo browser, PDF reader, and Dropbox integration.

**Highlights:** Web browser for offline viewing, Built-in file manager, Advanced PDF reader, Photo browser, Dropbox integration, File transfer via HTTP/FTP, Passcode lock

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $5.99 | per year |
| Full Version Upgrade | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to collect content
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Useful for offline access
- 🚀 Quick downloads
- 👍 Reliable app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes/glitches
- 🔒 Security concerns
- 💰 Subscription model issues
- 🔋 Drains battery
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with iOS updates

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening images/videos
- Download links not working
- Restore purchases not functioning
- App not opening on iOS 13+
- Inconsistent behavior when switching tabs

**Requested features**

- Add equalizer
- Improve search functionality
- Enable background downloads
- Integrate with native Files app
- Add playlist management options


### ES File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965)

Manage local and network files with this comprehensive tool. It offers file transfer, compression, built-in media players, cloud storage integration, and editing capabilities for various document and code formats.

**Highlights:** File management and sorting, WiFi and face-to-face file transfer, ZIP, RAR, 7Z compression/decompression, Built-in audio/video player, Cloud storage aggregation, Remote service access (SMB, FTP, WebDAV), PDF and code editor

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ES Pro(1 month) | $6.99 | per month |
| ES Pro(1 month) | $6.99 | per month |
| ES Pro(1 year) | $29.99 | per year |
| ES Pro(1 year） | $29.99 | per year |
| ES remove ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| ES lifetime vip | $4.99 | one-time |
| ES lifetime vip | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful file management
- 📁 Extensive file format support
- 🔒 Secure folder access
- 🎵 Excellent built-in media player
- 🔗 Seamless network connectivity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔍 Search functionality issues
- 🔇 Music playback problems
- 🔌 Connectivity issues with FTP/SFTP

**Reported bugs**

- Deleted all user files after update
- Unable to connect to SMB servers
- Video playback issues with certain file types
- Inconsistent behavior when using VPN

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved file compression tools
- More customization options
- Better integration with Apple ecosystem
- Enhanced audio/video playback controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Files free?

Files is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ES File Explorer free?

ES File Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Files or ES File Explorer?

Files is rated higher. Files averages 4.7 out of 5 from 13K ratings, while ES File Explorer averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.

### Do Files or ES File Explorer have ads?

Neither Files nor ES File Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Files or ES File Explorer?

Files ships an update every 4 months, and ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. Most recently, Files was updated on October 29, 2026 and ES File Explorer on October 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*