# FileMaster vs File Explorer

The clearest difference is ads: FileMaster at none against File Explorer's shown. FileMaster also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.9) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FileMaster sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per 3 months and File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FileMaster holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 60 and 79 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of FileMaster's written reviews are positive against 65% of File Explorer's.

FileMaster ships an update fortnightly, File Explorer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FileMaster | File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filemaster-documents-manager/id708200178/reviews)** | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 60 | **79** |
| Positive reviews | **85.1% of reviews** | 65.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 78 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [金剑 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/707885119) | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) |

## What reviewers say

### FileMaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filemaster-documents-manager/id708200178)

This app offers robust file management, including transfer, backup, and editing capabilities. It supports various file formats, including zip and rar archives, and allows for easy browsing of documents, photos, and videos. Transfer files wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FTP, or iTunes.

**Highlights:** File management, File transfer (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FTP, iTunes), Photo and video backup, Zip and rar extraction, Document and media browsing, Text file editing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 季度黄金会员 | $0.49 | per 3 months |
| 季度钻石会员 | $0.49 | per 3 months |
| 钻石VIP | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient file transfer
- 💡 Useful app features
- 🔒 Secure data transfer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🌐 Language support issues
- 📂 Limited file management options

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Unexpected app shutdowns

**Requested features**

- Add more language options
- Improve file management capabilities
- Introduce dark mode
- Enhance device compatibility


### File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257)

Organize, view, and protect your important files on your iPhone or iPad. Easily transfer files via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or iCloud, and preview various document types. Secure your data with passcode protection.

**Highlights:** Wi-Fi file transfer, Bluetooth file exchange, iCloud file management, Multi-format file preview, Passcode protection, File compression

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove advertisement | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vedio Player | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FileMaster free?

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

### Is File Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FileMaster or File Explorer?

FileMaster is rated higher. FileMaster averages 4.3 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while File Explorer averages 3.9 from 79 ratings.

### Do FileMaster or File Explorer have ads?

File Explorer shows ads; FileMaster does not.

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

FileMaster ships an update fortnightly, and File Explorer every 3 months. Most recently, FileMaster was updated on October 1, 2026 and File Explorer on September 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.*