FE File Explorer vs GL
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FE File Explorer
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.
- 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
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FE File Explorer is a file manager app on your iPhone and iPad. It can access not only local files, but also files on your computer, NAS and cloud storages. Transfer files among those locations. Stream movies and music to your iPhone/iPad. Directly view and manage documents, photos, files on your computer and cloud without downloading to your iPhone/iPad. FEATURES: * Access network shares on macOS, Windows, Linux, Time Capsule, NAS via SMB/CIFS protocol. * Access WebDAV Server, FTP Server and SFTP Server * Access cloud storages: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box. * Automatically discover comptuers, NAS and servers when you setup new connections. * View, copy, move, rename and delete your files right on iPhone/iPad. * Stream movies and musics from network shares and cloud storages to iPhone/iPad. * AirPlay photos, musics and movies on Apple TV. * Sort and search files * Archive and unarchive files * Dark Mode * Multiple windows on iPad * Integrated with iOS Files app * Distribute configurations via MDM (Mobile Device Management). * Built-in FTP Server and HTTP Server * File Transfer: Copy files among servers, cloud storages, iPhone and iPad. Transfer files by drag and drop. Nearby file transfer: Directly transfer files between two nearby iOS devices. ===== CONTACT US ===== Email: support@skyjos.com Twitter: @SkyjosApps Facebook: @SkyjosApp
GL
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The GL-S20 Tool App is an application built specifically for GL.iNet hardware devices. It connects and operates your Thread Border Router and Bluetooth gateway, making it easier for you to use it. Features: Configuration Services for Bluetooth Scanning and Reporting and more scanning modes Configure devices' reporting interval, MQTT, DHCP/Static IP, Setting up MQTT servers, OTA firmware upgrades and more. Data Filtering Backup and Restore of Files If you want to learn more about GL-S20, please refer to: https://docs.gl-inet.com/iot/en/thread_board_router/gl-s20/ If you want to learn more about us, please refer to GL-iNet: https://www.gl-inet.com/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: GL at Free against FE File Explorer's $4.99. GL also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). FE File Explorer's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and chart position (#25 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
GL 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, GL every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and May 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FE File Explorer | GL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (5.8K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 67.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5.8K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #25 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 103 MB | 39 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Skyjos Co., Ltd. | GL Technologies (HK) Limited |
Bugs and requests
FE File Explorer
Reported bugs
4 issues- 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
6 requests- Ability to password-protect individual folders
- Improved navigation for large file/folder lists
- Sync functionality between devices
- Chromecast support
- Integrated PDF annotation tools
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- Ability to edit photos and videos within the app
GL
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FE File Explorer
No in-app purchases
GL
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FE File Explorer free?
Is GL free?
Do FE File Explorer or GL have ads?
Which is updated more often, FE File Explorer or GL?
Other comparisons
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