# FileXChange vs FileMate

The clearest difference is rating: FileMate at 4.6 against FileXChange's 3.4. FileMate also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 49%) and ratings volume (378 vs 7). FileXChange's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FileXChange sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and FileMate sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FileMate holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FileMate has 378 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 49% of FileXChange's written reviews are positive against 75% of FileMate's.

FileXChange ships an update every 6 weeks, FileMate every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FileXChange | FileMate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filexchange-file-manager/id428955307/reviews) | **[4.6 (378 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filemate/id983467956/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **378** |
| Positive reviews | 48.9% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 94 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iStArtApp](https://appshunter.io/developer/370032188) | [JUNBO JIA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893935666) |

## What reviewers say

### FileXChange

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filexchange-file-manager/id428955307)

Manage and share files across devices and cloud services. This app allows you to view, transfer, and organize various file types, including documents, media, and images, with features like wireless sharing and password protection.

**Highlights:** Cloud service integration (Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, iCloud, OneDrive), Background file transfers, Virtual USB drive via Wi-Fi, Wireless iOS file sharing without internet, File compression and decompression (ZIP), Password protection for documents, Support for viewing multiple file formats

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| the upgrade to the full version | $5.99 | one-time |


### FileMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filemate/id983467956)

This app is a powerful local file manager that allows you to browse, organize, and protect your documents, photos, and videos. It offers robust privacy features like file hiding and password protection, along with convenient file transfer and archive management.

**Highlights:** Local file management, Photo and video vault, File hiding and password protection, WiFi and iTunes file transfer, Archive and extract (7z, rar, zip), File search and marking, Customizable themes

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access, Removing Ad | $3.99 | per month |
| All Access, Removing Ad | $34.99 | per year |
| Removing Ad | $9.99 | one-time |
| Theme, Folder and Night Mode | $9.99 | one-time |
| Passcode Lock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Super Hidden | $9.99 | one-time |
| All Features & Removing Ad | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 All projects in one place
- 👍 Few ads, good folder app
- 👍 Good customization options
- 👍 Real-time video playback
- 👍 Easy to use and access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Too many prompts
- 👎 Limited file viewers
- 👎 Videos don’t play audio
- 👎 Ads are annoying
- 👎 Full-screen ads

**Reported bugs**

- Videos don’t play audio
- Files can be accessed by other apps
- Videos play without sound
- MKV files not playable
- MP4 file play without sound

**Requested features**

- Provide multiple purchase options
- Add Face ID and Touch ID for hidden files
- Improve file viewer features (thumbnails, playlists, adjustments)
- Add folder locking to prevent accidental deletion
- Implement folder download from PC


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FileXChange free?

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

### Is FileMate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FileXChange or FileMate?

FileMate is rated higher. FileXChange averages 3.4 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while FileMate averages 4.6 from 378 ratings.

### Do FileXChange or FileMate have ads?

FileMate shows ads; FileXChange does not.

### Which is updated more often, FileXChange or FileMate?

FileXChange ships an update every 6 weeks, and FileMate every 2 weeks. Most recently, FileXChange was updated on October 17, 2026 and FileMate on October 19, 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.*