# File Explorer (File Manager) vs File manager

The clearest difference is rating: File manager at 4.5 against File Explorer (File Manager)'s 3.6. File manager also leads on ratings volume (720 vs 35). File Explorer (File Manager)'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (55% vs 30%). 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 manager sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

File manager holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: File manager has 720 ratings behind it against 35, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of File Explorer (File Manager)'s written reviews are positive against 30% of File manager's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

File Explorer (File Manager) ships an update monthly, File manager every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer (File Manager) | File manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager/id511271604/reviews) | **[4.5 (720 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-document-editor/id1498297596/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 35 | **720** |
| Positive reviews | **54.8% of reviews** | 29.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Certchip Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1652474819) | [Bhalala Hiren Bharatbai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438302804) |

## 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 manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-document-editor/id1498297596)

Easily manage all files and folders on your device, including internal storage and cloud services. Browse by category, perform essential file actions, and analyze storage usage. Includes bonus process and backup managers.

**Highlights:** File and folder management, Cloud storage integration, Storage analysis, Internal media viewers, Dual-pane interface, File compression/decompression

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| File Manager Pro - Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| File Manager Pro - Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| File Manager Pro - Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| File Manager - Remove Ads | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Perfekter File Manager
- 👍 Good app
- 👍 Video recording

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on startup
- 🐛 Crashes when browsing files
- 🔋 High battery consumption due to ads
- 🚫 Useless, doesn't work
- 🚫 No access to local folders

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when searching for music files
- Deletes all photos, even unselected ones
- Closes automatically when opening
- Doesn't work on iPhone 13 Pro Max

**Requested features**

- Add search option
- Improve file management capabilities


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is File manager free?

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

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

File manager is rated higher. File Explorer (File Manager) averages 3.6 out of 5 from 35 ratings, while File manager averages 4.5 from 720 ratings.

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

File manager shows ads; File Explorer (File Manager) does not.

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

File Explorer (File Manager) ships an update monthly, and File manager every 3 months. Most recently, File Explorer (File Manager) was updated on October 9, 2026 and File manager on October 17, 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.*