# FE File Explorer vs File Manager for RUF3

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FE File Explorer at 68% against File Manager for RUF3's 0%. FE File Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 12 months) and chart position (#27 vs unranked). File Manager for RUF3's advantage is price (Free vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

File Manager for RUF3 is free to download; FE File Explorer costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, File Manager for RUF3 every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FE File Explorer | File Manager for RUF3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fe-file-explorer/id499470113/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5.8K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **67.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#27** | — |
| Size | 106 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skyjos Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/499470116) | [BUFFALO INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/390332676) |

## What reviewers say

### FE File Explorer

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

**Currently charting:** #27 Top Paid · Utilities, #176 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

**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


### File Manager for RUF3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-for-ruf3-al/id1068448669)

Manage files on your device and USB drives with this utility app. Easily back up photos and videos to USB, lock sensitive files with Touch ID, and play media directly from your USB storage.

**Highlights:** Backup photos/videos to USB, Touch ID file lock, Direct USB photo saving, USB media playback, Categorized file display, Thumbnail previews

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FE File Explorer free?

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

### Is File Manager for RUF3 free?

File Manager for RUF3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do FE File Explorer or File Manager for RUF3 have ads?

Neither FE File Explorer nor File Manager for RUF3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FE File Explorer or File Manager for RUF3?

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, and File Manager for RUF3 every 12 months. Most recently, FE File Explorer was updated on November 1, 2026 and File Manager for RUF3 on October 20, 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.*