Comparison

AirDisk vs ES File Explorer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AirDisk

This app transforms your iOS device into a wireless flash drive, enabling easy file transfers between your computer and phone or tablet via a web browser. It supports photos, documents, music, and videos, with robust file management and security features.

Highlights
  • Wireless file transfer
  • Web browser interface
  • Photo backup
  • Document viewer
  • Music player
  • Cloud integration
  • Password protection
Features
Read full description

AirDisk is a wireless file transfer and file manager app that helps you move photos, videos, folders, documents, music, and archives between your phone, tablet, and computer. Use local WiFi transfer to access your phone files from a computer browser. Open AirDisk, connect your computer to the same WiFi network, enter the browser address shown in the app, and start uploading or downloading files. No cable, no iTunes, no desktop software, and no cloud upload required for local WiFi transfer. AirDisk is useful when you want to: • Transfer photos from iPhone or iPad to Windows PC • Move videos from phone to computer • Send documents from computer to phone • Transfer files over WiFi using a browser • Access phone files without installing desktop software • Organize folders, media, documents, and archives • Manage files locally on your mobile device • Use cloud storage when needed Key features: Wireless WiFi File Transfer Transfer files between your phone and computer over the same local WiFi network. Use your computer browser to upload, download, and manage files. Photo and Video Transfer Move photos and videos from your phone to your computer without using a cable. This is helpful for backing up camera roll media, moving large videos, or freeing up phone storage. Browser-Based Transfer Access your files from a Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, or other computer with a web browser. No desktop companion app is required for local WiFi transfer. File Manager Create folders, rename files, move files, copy files, delete files, organize folders, and manage your local storage from one place. Document Viewer Preview common document formats including PDF, Microsoft Office files, Apple iWork files, images, text files, and more. Archive Tools Zip, unzip, and manage archive files directly inside the app. Music and Video Player Play music and videos stored in AirDisk with built-in media player support. Cloud Storage Support Connect to iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, FTP, and WebDAV when you want to access or manage cloud files. Privacy and Local Transfer For local WiFi transfer, your files are transferred through your local network instead of requiring cloud upload. Your phone and computer must be connected to the same WiFi network, and AirDisk should stay open while transferring files. AirDisk is designed for people who want a practical way to transfer files wirelessly, manage documents, move photos and videos, and access phone files from a computer browser. Discover how AirDisk simplifies file management and boosts productivity. • Learn more: https://airdisk.app • Terms of Service: https://airdisk.app/terms-of-service • Privacy Policy: https://airdisk.app/privacy-policy

About

ES File Explorer

Manage local and network files with this comprehensive tool. It offers file transfer, compression, built-in media players, cloud storage integration, and editing capabilities for various document and code formats.

Highlights
  • File management and sorting
  • WiFi and face-to-face file transfer
  • ZIP, RAR, 7Z compression/decompression
  • Built-in audio/video player
  • Cloud storage aggregation
  • Remote service access (SMB, FTP, WebDAV)
  • PDF and code editor
Features
Read full description

ES File Explorer is a local and network file management tool that can help you manage files easily. 【The main function】 -File management You can create new directories, rename, move, delete files, etc. Support file sorting by name, date, size The iPad version supports features such as split screen, picture-in-picture, and drag-and-drop operations between apps - file transfer WiFi transmission function: support the transfer of files between the mobile terminal and the computer terminal Face-to-face fast transfer function: support for transferring files between mobile phones -Compress and decompress Support the compression and decompression of ZIP, RAR, 7Z format files Support Chinese password -Built-in audio and video player Support functions: double-speed playback (0.5~2.0), background playback, small window playback, etc. Can directly play audio and video resources in the network disk, local area, and local area network -Netdisk aggregation No need to download, you can access and use the files in the network disk Support simultaneous login with multiple accounts on the same network disk Support mainstream network disks such as Baidu network disk, google drive, OneDrive, dropbox, etc. -Remote service access: SMB, FTP, WebDAV -Built-in PDF editor Support PDF file browsing PDF file editing: supports highlight, underline, strikethrough, pen and other functions -Built-in novel reader Support TXT, EPUB format, continuous optimization -Built-in code editor Supports browsing and editing of 47 code formats such as json, js, log, java, php, swift, xml, net, etc. Support code theme switching, font size adjustment, encoding format adjustment -Other functions Automatic backup function: support incremental backup of system albums and ES local files to Baidu network disk, SMB, FTP, WebDAV Recycle bin function: support ES local files to be temporarily stored in the ES recycle bin after deletion to prevent file loss Browser: Support web browsing Application lock: protect user privacy and safety ES PRO - When you purchase ES PRO, you will Unlock all premium features. - ES PRO is billed monthly or annually at the rate corresponding to the selected plan. - Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. - According to the Apple Store policy, your subscription will be automatically renewed after the free trial ends. - Subscriptions will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of current period. - Your account will be charged according to your plan for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or turn off auto-renew in your Apple ID account settings at any time after purchase. Terms of Service: http://esfile.do-global.com/h5/user_manual.html Privacy Policy: http://www.estrongs.com/privacyStatement/en/index.htm Email: esfileexplorerfeedback@outlook.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialESFileExplorer/ YouTube: https://goo.gl/YVXXV3

Screenshots

AirDisk4 screens
ES File Explorer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ES File Explorer at 64% against AirDisk's 12%. ES File Explorer also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (15K vs 150). AirDisk's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. AirDisk sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and ES File Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ES File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ES File Explorer has 15K ratings behind it against 150, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 12% of AirDisk's written reviews are positive against 64% of ES File Explorer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AirDisk ships an update every 9 days, ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
AirDisk versus ES File Explorer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAirDiskES File Explorer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (150 ratings)4.6 (15K ratings) — better
Positive reviews11.8% of reviews63.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings15015K — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB263 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperFelix YewBeijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

AirDisk

All ratings148 ratings
Positive77.7%
Neutral2.0%
Negative20.3%
Written reviews85 reviews
Positive11.8%
Neutral2.4%
Negative85.9%

ES File Explorer

All ratings15,195 ratings
Positive89.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews1,153 reviews
Positive63.7%
Neutral8.8%
Negative27.5%

Bugs and requests

AirDisk

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

ES File Explorer

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Deleted all user files after update
  • Unable to connect to SMB servers
  • Video playback issues with certain file types
  • Inconsistent behavior when using VPN

Requested features

5 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Improved file compression tools
  • More customization options
  • Better integration with Apple ecosystem
  • Enhanced audio/video playback controls

In-app purchases

11 purchases

AirDisk

Subscriptions6
  • Monthly Cloud Services$1.991 Month
  • Monthly Pro$1.991 Month
  • Monthly Photos Transfer$1.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Yearly Photos Transfer$9.991 Year
  • Yearly Cloud Services$9.991 Year
  • Yearly Pro$12.991 Year
One-time5
  • Reset Password$1.99
  • Lifetime Pro$39.99
  • Pro Upgrade$39.99
Show 2 more
  • Lifetime Photos Transfer$49.99
  • Lifetime Cloud Services$49.99
7 purchases

ES File Explorer

Subscriptions4
  • ES Pro(1 month)7 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • ES Pro(1 month)$6.991 Month
  • ES Pro(1 year)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • ES Pro(1 year)$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • ES remove ads$1.99
  • ES lifetime vip$4.99
  • ES lifetime vip$6.99

Questions

Is AirDisk free?
AirDisk is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ES File Explorer free?
ES File Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AirDisk or ES File Explorer?
ES File Explorer is rated higher. AirDisk averages 4.1 out of 5 from 150 ratings, while ES File Explorer averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.
Do AirDisk or ES File Explorer have ads?
Neither AirDisk nor ES File Explorer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AirDisk or ES File Explorer?
AirDisk ships an update every 9 days, and ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. Most recently, AirDisk was updated on October 21, 2026 and ES File Explorer on October 22, 2026.

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