# File Explorer vs File Manager 2018

The clearest difference is rating: File Manager 2018 at 4.7 against File Explorer's 3.9. File Manager 2018 also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and File Manager 2018 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

File Manager 2018 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 79 and 40 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 75% of File Manager 2018's.

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, File Manager 2018 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer | File Manager 2018 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) | **[4.7 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-2018/id1055947874/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **79** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | 65.0% of reviews | **75.0% 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** |
| Size | 21 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) | [韩 明洁](https://appshunter.io/developer/399378149) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### File Manager 2018

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-2018/id1055947874)

Manage files on your iOS device with this comprehensive app. It supports over 40 file types, allows cloud transfers, and includes a voice recorder. Easily organize, transfer, and play various media formats.

**Highlights:** Supports over 40 file types, Cloud transfer (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox), Transfer files between computer and iOS devices, Built-in voice recorder, Built-in sound player with adjustable speed, Supports majority video formats

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited File | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is File Explorer free?

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

### Is File Manager 2018 free?

File Manager 2018 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, File Explorer or File Manager 2018?

File Manager 2018 is rated higher. File Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while File Manager 2018 averages 4.7 from 40 ratings.

### Do File Explorer or File Manager 2018 have ads?

File Explorer shows ads; File Manager 2018 does not.

### Which is updated more often, File Explorer or File Manager 2018?

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, and File Manager 2018 every 3 weeks. Most recently, File Explorer was updated on October 24, 2026 and File Manager 2018 on October 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.*