# USB Disk SE, File Manager vs ES File Explorer

The clearest difference is ads: ES File Explorer at none against USB Disk SE, File Manager's shown. ES File Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (15K vs 829). USB Disk SE, File Manager's advantage is review sentiment (76% vs 64%). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. USB Disk SE, File Manager sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days 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.

ES File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ES File Explorer has 15K ratings behind it against 829, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of USB Disk SE, File Manager's written reviews are positive against 64% of ES File Explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

USB Disk SE, File Manager ships an update every 3 months, ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | USB Disk SE, File Manager | ES File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (829 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usb-disk-se-file-manager/id370531520/reviews) | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 829 | **15K** |
| Positive reviews | **76.2% of reviews** | 63.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 195 MB | 263 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Imesart S.a.r.l.](https://appshunter.io/developer/290160983) | [Beijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435277197) |

## What reviewers say

### USB Disk SE, File Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usb-disk-se-file-manager/id370531520)

This app allows you to store, view, and manage documents on your iPhone and iPad. It offers a built-in viewer, easy file transfers via iTunes, and integration with cloud storage services. Enjoy a simple interface with powerful features for organizing and accessing your files.

**Highlights:** Cloud storage integration (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box), Store and view files on iPhone/iPod, Intuitive swipe navigation, File preview with thumbnails, Copy, paste, cut, delete, and create files, Email documents, USB file transfers

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USB Disk Pro Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| USB Disk Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| USB Disk Pro Half Yearly | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| USB Disk Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💾 Easy file storage and access
- 📁 Convenient document management
- 🔍 Supports various file formats
- ⚙️ Useful for transferring files between devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes reported
- 🔒 Limited file access and editing capabilities
- 💰 Paywall for some features
- 🔍 Difficulty organizing files

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain file types
- Syncing issues with iTunes
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit documents within the app
- Improved file management with folders and renaming
- Support for more file types
- Wireless file transfer without iTunes


### 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 USB Disk SE, File Manager free?

USB Disk SE, File Manager 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, USB Disk SE, File Manager or ES File Explorer?

ES File Explorer is rated higher. USB Disk SE, File Manager averages 4.4 out of 5 from 829 ratings, while ES File Explorer averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.

### Do USB Disk SE, File Manager or ES File Explorer have ads?

USB Disk SE, File Manager shows ads; ES File Explorer does not.

### Which is updated more often, USB Disk SE, File Manager or ES File Explorer?

USB Disk SE, File Manager ships an update every 3 months, and ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. Most recently, USB Disk SE, File Manager was updated on September 24, 2026 and ES File Explorer on September 25, 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.*