# FileMaster vs ES File Explorer

The clearest difference is ads: ES File Explorer at none against FileMaster's shown. ES File Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (15K vs 4.9K). FileMaster's advantage is review sentiment (81% vs 64%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FileMaster sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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.

ES File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4.9K and 15K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of FileMaster's written reviews are positive against 64% of ES File Explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

FileMaster ships an update every 3 months, ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FileMaster | ES File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (4.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filemaster-privacy-protection/id582219355/reviews) | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4.9K | **15K** |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 63.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 263 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Youmi Information Technology Co. Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/463991539) | [Beijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435277197) |

## What reviewers say

### FileMaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filemaster-privacy-protection/id582219355)

Manage, view, and play all your files securely on your iOS device. Transfer files from your computer, protect them with passwords, and access them remotely. Supports a wide range of media and document formats.

**Highlights:** File management (copy, cut, paste, delete), Password protection for app and folders, Remote file access, Media playback (video/audio), Document viewing (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.), Cloud storage integration, File transfer

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ADS free | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🚀 Efficient file management
- 🔒 Secure file storage
- 💡 Versatile file support
- 🎨 Intuitive organization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 💸 Aggressive advertising
- 🔍 Difficult navigation
- 🔌 Unreliable download/transfer functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Locked out of account due to password issues
- Inability to download certain file types
- Inconsistent browser performance

**Requested features**

- Improved cloud storage integration
- Enhanced music player functionality
- Drag-and-drop file management
- Dark mode option


### ES File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ES Pro(1 month) | $6.99 | per month |
| ES Pro(1 month) | $6.99 | per month |
| ES Pro(1 year) | $29.99 | per year |
| ES Pro(1 year） | $29.99 | per year |
| ES remove ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| ES lifetime vip | $4.99 | one-time |
| ES lifetime vip | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful file management
- 📁 Extensive file format support
- 🔒 Secure folder access
- 🎵 Excellent built-in media player
- 🔗 Seamless network connectivity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔍 Search functionality issues
- 🔇 Music playback problems
- 🔌 Connectivity issues with FTP/SFTP

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FileMaster free?

FileMaster 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, FileMaster or ES File Explorer?

ES File Explorer is rated higher. FileMaster averages 4.4 out of 5 from 4.9K ratings, while ES File Explorer averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.

### Do FileMaster or ES File Explorer have ads?

FileMaster shows ads; ES File Explorer does not.

### Which is updated more often, FileMaster or ES File Explorer?

FileMaster ships an update every 3 months, and ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. Most recently, FileMaster was updated on October 29, 2026 and ES File Explorer on October 30, 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.*