# FE File Explorer vs File Explorer (File Manager)

The clearest difference is price: File Explorer (File Manager) at Free against FE File Explorer's $4.99. File Explorer (File Manager) also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). FE File Explorer's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.6) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

File Explorer (File Manager) is free to download; FE File Explorer costs $4.99 up front. File Explorer (File Manager) sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. FE File Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

FE File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FE File Explorer has 5.8K ratings behind it against 35, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of FE File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 55% of File Explorer (File Manager)'s.

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, File Explorer (File Manager) monthly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FE File Explorer | File Explorer (File Manager) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fe-file-explorer/id499470113/reviews)** | [3.6 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager/id511271604/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.8K** | 35 |
| Positive reviews | **67.3% of reviews** | 54.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#46** | — |
| Size | 103 MB | 47 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) | [Certchip Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1652474819) |

## What reviewers say

### FE File Explorer

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

**Currently charting:** #46 Top Paid · Utilities (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 Explorer (File Manager)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager/id511271604)

Manage local and cloud files with this comprehensive tool. It supports multiple cloud services, offers file sharing via Wi-Fi, and includes media playback and editing features. Secure your data with a secret folder.

**Highlights:** Cloud drive management (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive), File sharing via Wi-Fi (HTTP, FTP), Video to MP3 and video to MP4 conversion, Photo and video editing (rotate, flip), Secret folder with password/Touch ID protection, Built-in music player and voice recorder, Download files from web pages

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | Free | one-time |
| Pro Version | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FE File Explorer free?

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

### Is File Explorer (File Manager) free?

File Explorer (File Manager) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FE File Explorer or File Explorer (File Manager)?

FE File Explorer is rated higher. FE File Explorer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5.8K ratings, while File Explorer (File Manager) averages 3.6 from 35 ratings.

### Do FE File Explorer or File Explorer (File Manager) have ads?

Neither FE File Explorer nor File Explorer (File Manager) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FE File Explorer or File Explorer (File Manager)?

FE File Explorer ships an update every 5 weeks, and File Explorer (File Manager) monthly. Most recently, FE File Explorer was updated on October 24, 2026 and File Explorer (File Manager) on October 24, 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.*