# NAS File Explorer vs ES File Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ES File Explorer at 64% against NAS File Explorer's 13%. ES File Explorer also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.4) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 18 months). NAS File Explorer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ES File Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. NAS File Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ES File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ES File Explorer has 15K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of NAS File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 64% of ES File Explorer's.

NAS File Explorer ships an update every 18 months, ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NAS File Explorer | ES File Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.4 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nas-file-explorer/id922406128/reviews) | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **15K** |
| Positive reviews | 12.5% of reviews | **63.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 191 MB | 263 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Wooi Kiang Cheah](https://appshunter.io/developer/826354682) | [Beijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435277197) |

## What reviewers say

### NAS File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nas-file-explorer/id922406128)

Browse and manage files stored on your NAS directly from your mobile device. This free application provides a convenient way to access your network-attached storage.

**Highlights:** Browse NAS files, Manage NAS files, Mobile access, Free to use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 NAS File Explorer free?

NAS File Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ES File Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NAS File Explorer or ES File Explorer?

ES File Explorer is rated higher. NAS File Explorer averages 2.4 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while ES File Explorer averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.

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

Neither NAS File Explorer nor ES File Explorer shows ads.

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

NAS File Explorer ships an update every 18 months, and ES File Explorer every 3 weeks. Most recently, NAS File Explorer was updated on June 11, 2026 and ES File Explorer on September 26, 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.*