# Remote File Explorer vs Optimal Smart Remote

The clearest difference is rating: Optimal Smart Remote at 5.0 against Remote File Explorer's 2.1. Optimal Smart Remote also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 161 months). Remote File Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (40 vs 1). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Remote File Explorer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Optimal Smart Remote asks for nothing beyond the download.

Optimal Smart Remote holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Remote File Explorer has 40 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Remote File Explorer ships an update every 161 months, Optimal Smart Remote every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Remote File Explorer | Optimal Smart Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-file-explorer/id650802297/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-smart-remote/id745053077/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **40** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 11.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 161 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 8 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **5.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Do Anh](https://appshunter.io/developer/646231301) | [OPTiM Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/484555009) |

## What reviewers say

### Remote File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-file-explorer/id650802297)

Access files on your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer, as well as cloud storage like Dropbox, directly from your iPhone or iPad. Transfer, manage, and view your documents, photos, and videos with built-in readers and players.

**Highlights:** Access remote computers (Mac, Windows, Linux), Connect to Dropbox and cloud storage, Transfer files between devices, Search files by name, Built-in photo viewer, Video and music player, Document reader for Office and iWork

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remote File Explorer Pro Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Remote File Explorer Premium Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Remote File Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


### Optimal Smart Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-smart-remote/id745053077)

Control your PC remotely from your iPhone or iPad without needing a VPN or a global IP address. Access frequently used items easily and enjoy high-speed screen transfers for a seamless experience.

**Highlights:** Remote PC control, No VPN required, High-speed screen transfer, Easy access to frequent items, Centralized user management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Remote File Explorer free?

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

### Is Optimal Smart Remote free?

Optimal Smart Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Remote File Explorer or Optimal Smart Remote?

Optimal Smart Remote is rated higher. Remote File Explorer averages 2.1 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while Optimal Smart Remote averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Remote File Explorer or Optimal Smart Remote have ads?

Neither Remote File Explorer nor Optimal Smart Remote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Remote File Explorer or Optimal Smart Remote?

Remote File Explorer ships an update every 161 months, and Optimal Smart Remote every 3 days. Most recently, Remote File Explorer was updated on October 7, 2026 and Optimal Smart Remote on September 28, 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.*