# File Explorer (File Manager) vs File Explorer & Player

The clearest difference is rating: File Explorer & Player at 4.6 against File Explorer (File Manager)'s 3.6. File Explorer & Player also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 52%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). File Explorer (File Manager)'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. File Explorer (File Manager) sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and File Explorer & Player sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

File Explorer & Player holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 35 and 124 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of File Explorer (File Manager)'s written reviews are positive against 78% of File Explorer & Player's.

File Explorer (File Manager) ships an update monthly, File Explorer & Player fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer (File Manager) | File Explorer & Player |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager/id511271604/reviews) | **[4.6 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-and-player/id1113281296/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 35 | **124** |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **78.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Certchip Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1652474819) | [Remote Sunrise LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/619088610) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### File Explorer & Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-and-player/id1113281296)

Access and stream files from your Mac wirelessly on your iPhone or iPad. View photos, documents, and play videos directly from your computer. Transfer files and even use your iOS device as a portable drive.

**Highlights:** Stream video from Mac, View photos and documents, Transfer files to iOS, Use iOS as a drive, Wireless Mac access

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro Version - 1M | $1.99 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro Version | $9.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $19.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to PRO | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and understand
- 🚀 Fast streaming of files
- 👍 Seamless connection across devices
- 👍 Works well on Apple devices (iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro)
- 💰 Inexpensive and good value

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Free version is limited/useless
- 🐛 Does not work for PC
- 🐛 No external access (from outside home network)
- 🐛 Paid version download issues reported
- 🐛 Lack of clear instructions for new features

**Reported bugs**

- Paid version download issues reported
- Free version does nothing
- Poor support response to feature inquiries

**Requested features**

- Add NAS support
- Enable external access (remote access from outside home network)
- Add Chinese language option
- Allow file renaming
- Improve PC compatibility


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is File Explorer & Player free?

File Explorer & Player is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

File Explorer & Player is rated higher. File Explorer (File Manager) averages 3.6 out of 5 from 35 ratings, while File Explorer & Player averages 4.6 from 124 ratings.

### Do File Explorer (File Manager) or File Explorer & Player have ads?

File Explorer & Player shows ads; File Explorer (File Manager) does not.

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

File Explorer (File Manager) ships an update monthly, and File Explorer & Player fortnightly. Most recently, File Explorer (File Manager) was updated on October 29, 2026 and File Explorer & Player on October 29, 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.*