# FileBox vs File Explorer

The clearest difference is rating: FileBox at 4.8 against File Explorer's 3.9. FileBox also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). File Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (79 vs 14). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FileBox sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FileBox holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: File Explorer has 79 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of FileBox's written reviews are positive against 65% of File Explorer's.

FileBox ships an update every 3 weeks, File Explorer every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FileBox | File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filebox-mobile-file-manager/id881402077/reviews)** | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **79** |
| Positive reviews | **69.6% of reviews** | 65.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 98 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JUNBO JIA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893935666) | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) |

## What reviewers say

### FileBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filebox-mobile-file-manager/id881402077)

Organize, secure, and manage your local files with powerful tools. This app allows you to create, move, rename, and delete files, while also offering robust privacy features like password protection and hidden file management. It supports various file formats and archive types, making it a comprehensive solution for mobile file management.

**Highlights:** File organization and management, Privacy and security features, Import and transfer files, Browse various file formats, Compression and extraction, File tagging and smart search, App lock with Face ID/Touch ID

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access, Removing Ad | $3.99 | per month |
| All Access, Removing Ad | $34.99 | per year |


### 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 FileBox free?

FileBox 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, FileBox or File Explorer?

FileBox is rated higher. FileBox averages 4.8 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while File Explorer averages 3.9 from 79 ratings.

### Do FileBox or File Explorer have ads?

Both FileBox and File Explorer show ads.

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

FileBox ships an update every 3 weeks, and File Explorer every 3 months. Most recently, FileBox was updated on October 24, 2026 and File Explorer on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*