# Files vs X File Manager

Files and X File Manager both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of X File Manager's written reviews are positive against 55% of Files's. X File Manager also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Files's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (12K vs 89). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Files sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and X File Manager sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 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 4.7 for X File Manager. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Files has 12K ratings behind it against 89, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of Files's written reviews are positive against 100% of X File Manager's.

Files ships an update every 4 months, X File Manager fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and August 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Files | X File Manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/files-file-manager-and-browser/id349275540/reviews) | [4.7 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/x-file-manager/id1450712034/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 89 |
| Positive reviews | 55.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 56 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hian Zin Jong](https://appshunter.io/developer/298442756) | [Nguyen Luong](https://appshunter.io/developer/1498569189) |

## 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


### X File Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/x-file-manager/id1450712034)

Manage your files, photos, videos, and documents with a powerful and intuitive interface. Organize, protect, and share your data easily with features like passcode protection, compression, and cloud integration.

**Highlights:** Smart file organization, Passcode and folder protection, File compression (ZIP), Built-in web browser and downloader, Cloud storage integration (Google Drive, Dropbox), Document scanner, Light and dark themes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| X-File (Ultimate Upgrade) | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Files free?

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

### Is X File Manager free?

X File Manager is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Files or X File Manager?

Files and X File Manager are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 12K and 89 ratings respectively.

### Do Files or X File Manager have ads?

X File Manager shows ads; Files does not.

### Which is updated more often, Files or X File Manager?

Files ships an update every 4 months, and X File Manager fortnightly. Most recently, Files was updated on September 20, 2026 and X File Manager on August 29, 2026.

---

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