# FE File Explorer vs Helmarr

The clearest difference is price: Helmarr at Free against FE File Explorer's $4.99. Helmarr also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and review sentiment (76% vs 68%). FE File Explorer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ratings volume (5.8K vs 195). On rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Helmarr is free to download; FE File Explorer costs $4.99 up front. Helmarr sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. FE File Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for FE File Explorer against 4.7 for Helmarr. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FE File Explorer has 5.8K ratings behind it against 195, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 68% of FE File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 76% of Helmarr's.

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, Helmarr weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FE File Explorer | Helmarr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fe-file-explorer-smb-and-ftp/id499470113/reviews) | **[4.7 (195 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helmarr/id1638624921/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5.8K** | 195 |
| Positive reviews | 67.6% of reviews | **75.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#23** | — |
| Size | 106 MB | 170 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skyjos Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/499470116) | [Florian Ernst](https://appshunter.io/developer/979192685) |

## What reviewers say

### FE File Explorer

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

**Currently charting:** #23 Top Paid · Utilities, #179 Top Paid (US App Store)

Access and manage files across your computer, NAS, and cloud storage directly from your iPhone or iPad. Stream media, transfer files, and view documents without downloading them locally. Offers versatile connectivity and seamless integration with iOS.

**Highlights:** Access network shares (SMB/CIFS), Connect to FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV servers, Integrate with cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box), Stream media from network and cloud, Transfer files between devices and storage locations, Integrated with iOS Files app, Built-in FTP and HTTP servers

**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


### Helmarr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helmarr/id1638624921)

Manage all your self-hosted services from a single, native iOS interface. Seamlessly integrate and control applications like Sonarr, Radarr, and Unraid with advanced features and customization.

**Highlights:** Unified experience for multiple services, Smart multi-network connectivity, Deep customization options, Home screen widgets, Unraid control, Push notifications, SSH & SFTP access, Download management

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Helmarr Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Ultra Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Bazarr | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lidarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sonarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Radarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Seerr | $4.99 | one-time |
| qBt | $4.99 | one-time |
| Prowlarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Pro | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FE File Explorer free?

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

### Is Helmarr free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FE File Explorer or Helmarr?

Helmarr is rated higher. FE File Explorer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5.8K ratings, while Helmarr averages 4.7 from 195 ratings.

### Do FE File Explorer or Helmarr have ads?

Neither FE File Explorer nor Helmarr shows ads.

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

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, and Helmarr weekly. Most recently, FE File Explorer was updated on November 10, 2026 and Helmarr on November 7, 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.*