# FE File Explorer vs FTP Client

The clearest difference is price: FTP Client at Free against FE File Explorer's $4.99. FTP Client also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). FE File Explorer's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.2) and review sentiment (68% vs 31%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

FTP Client is free to download; FE File Explorer costs $4.99 up front. FTP Client sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FE File Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

FE File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FE File Explorer has 5.8K ratings behind it against 58, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of FE File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 31% of FTP Client's.

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, FTP Client every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FE File Explorer | FTP Client |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fe-file-explorer-smb-and-ftp/id499470113/reviews)** | [3.2 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ftp-client-ftp-server-files/id1020652555/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.8K** | 58 |
| Positive reviews | **67.6% of reviews** | 31.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#22** | — |
| Size | 106 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skyjos Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/499470116) | [Loopbots Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1384442096) |

## What reviewers say

### FE File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fe-file-explorer-smb-and-ftp/id499470113)

**Currently charting:** #22 Top Paid · Utilities, #157 Top Paid (US App Store)

Manage files across your devices and cloud storage. Access and transfer documents, photos, and media from computers, NAS, and cloud services directly on your iPhone or iPad without downloading.

**Highlights:** Access network shares (SMB/CIFS), Connect to WebDAV, FTP, SFTP servers, Integrate with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Stream media from network/cloud, Transfer files between devices, Direct file management on remote storage

**Features:** Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent file management
- 🔒 Secure access to files
- 👍 Versatile connectivity options
- 👍 Seamless integration with iOS Files app
- 👍 Reliable performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with password protection
- 🔋 High battery consumption during use

**Reported bugs**

- Video playback issues, including audio-video sync problems
- Inability to transfer files from local storage to external drives
- Unreliable SMB and FTP connectivity
- Recent update breaking existing functionality

**Requested features**

- Ability to password-protect individual folders
- Improved navigation for large file/folder lists
- Sync functionality between devices
- Chromecast support
- Integrated PDF annotation tools


### FTP Client

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ftp-client-ftp-server-files/id1020652555)

This app acts as a file manager and explorer for your servers and shared networks. It allows you to securely upload and download any file type, manage files, and access network shares. It offers robust security features and a user-friendly interface.

**Highlights:** Unlimited FTP accounts, Upload and download any file, Password and biometric lock, Access macOS and Windows network shares, Rich text file editor, File and directory management

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ad | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and straightforward
- 🚀 Quick actions for speed
- 👍 Easy navigation
- 🚀 Instant FTPS connection
- 👍 Works as advertised

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Too complicated
- 😠 Monthly subscription not preferred
- 😠 Too many ads
- 😠 Ads make app unusable
- 😠 Can't get past ads

**Reported bugs**

- New connection every revisit
- File isn't showing
- Can't download folders
- Can't dismiss the pop up ad for stupid fish game
- It's all Ads you can't actually use the app

**Requested features**

- Release a paid version (no ads) directly from App Store
- Capability of transferring an entire folder
- Capability of transferring multiple files simultaneously
- Update for use with Files
- Allow port number to be set


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FE File Explorer free?

FE File Explorer costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is FTP Client free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FE File Explorer or FTP Client?

FE File Explorer is rated higher. FE File Explorer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5.8K ratings, while FTP Client averages 3.2 from 58 ratings.

### Do FE File Explorer or FTP Client have ads?

Neither FE File Explorer nor FTP Client shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FE File Explorer or FTP Client?

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, and FTP Client every 2 months. Most recently, FE File Explorer was updated on November 10, 2026 and FTP Client on November 6, 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.*