# FileBrowser vs File Explorer (File Manager)

The clearest difference is price: File Explorer (File Manager) at Free against FileBrowser's $7.99. File Explorer (File Manager) also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). FileBrowser's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

File Explorer (File Manager) is free to download; FileBrowser costs $7.99 up front. File Explorer (File Manager) sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. FileBrowser asks for nothing beyond the download.

FileBrowser holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FileBrowser has 5.6K ratings behind it against 35, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of FileBrowser's written reviews are positive against 55% of File Explorer (File Manager)'s.

FileBrowser ships an update every 5 weeks, File Explorer (File Manager) monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FileBrowser | File Explorer (File Manager) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filebrowser-documents-manager/id364738545/reviews)** | [3.7 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager/id511271604/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.6K** | 35 |
| Positive reviews | **82.1% of reviews** | 54.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#52** | — |
| Size | 70 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stratospherix Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/323133606) | [Certchip](https://appshunter.io/developer/1652474819) |

## What reviewers say

### FileBrowser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filebrowser-documents-manager/id364738545)

**Currently charting:** #52 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

Access and manage files across your home computers, network drives, and cloud storage. Upload, download, copy, and edit documents directly from your device, with built-in viewers for various file types and streaming capabilities.

**Highlights:** Connect to computers, NAS, and cloud storage, Upload, download, copy, and move files, Multi-tabbed browsing and split-screen support, Edit documents in-place, Built-in viewers for documents, photos, and media, Stream movies and music with AirPlay/Chromecast, Annotate PDFs and images

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great file manager
- 🚀 Powerful and versatile
- 🔒 Secure access to files
- 💡 Excellent integration with iOS Files app
- 👍 Reliable and stable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 SMB connection issues
- 🐛 Misleading directory caching
- 🐛 Video playback problems
- 🐛 Buggy UI changes
- 🐛 Inability to rename photos

**Reported bugs**

- Copy and paste functionality broken after update
- Inability to access iCloud files
- Crashes when accessing large files
- Thumbnails not generating properly

**Requested features**

- Add support for AV1 video codec
- Improve audio playback controls
- Implement a recycle bin/trash feature
- Add option to loop video playback
- Improve video scrubbing and seeking


### File Explorer (File Manager)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager/id511271604)

Manage local and cloud files with this comprehensive tool. It supports multiple cloud services, offers file sharing via Wi-Fi, and includes media playback and editing features. Secure your data with a secret folder.

**Highlights:** Cloud drive management (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive), File sharing via Wi-Fi (HTTP, FTP), Video to MP3 and video to MP4 conversion, Photo and video editing (rotate, flip), Secret folder with password/Touch ID protection, Built-in music player and voice recorder, Download files from web pages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | Free | one-time |
| Pro Version | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FileBrowser free?

FileBrowser costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is File Explorer (File Manager) free?

File Explorer (File Manager) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FileBrowser or File Explorer (File Manager)?

FileBrowser is rated higher. FileBrowser averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5.6K ratings, while File Explorer (File Manager) averages 3.7 from 35 ratings.

### Do FileBrowser or File Explorer (File Manager) have ads?

Neither FileBrowser nor File Explorer (File Manager) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FileBrowser or File Explorer (File Manager)?

FileBrowser ships an update every 5 weeks, and File Explorer (File Manager) monthly. Most recently, FileBrowser was updated on September 25, 2026 and File Explorer (File Manager) on June 12, 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.*