Comparison

File Explorer vs U

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

File Explorer

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
Read full description

File Explorer is the privacy app to organize and view all your files on your iPhone or iPad. Always have your important files with you, protect your privacy perfectly file. Features: * Upload/download files by using web browser in computer via Wifi connection. And you can enable http access password to protect the privacy * Exchange files with other iDevices (having Share installed in the device) via BLUETOOTH. NOTE: no WIFI or 3G connection needed in this scenario and no extra fees. * Upload/download files to iCloud * Quick preview many kind of files (music, video, documents, PDF, images) * Open files in other apps and vise versa * Create/delete/move/rename operations are all supported * Compress files and send them via email * App could be protected by passcode √ Upload/download files via iTunes √ Easy WiFi Transfer √ Import from Photo App(Camera Roll) √ In App Camera √ Bluetooth Transfer between Devices(Both devices must install iVault) We value the user experience of every customer, but we cannot respond to you based on your comments. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding usage, please feel free to contact our customer service email at any time AppDev365@gmail.com Contact us and we will do our best to provide you with services.

About

U

Manage documents stored on u-nas and other FTP/WebDAV servers. Download files to your device, upload files in reverse, and perform local file operations like editing and deleting. Requires U-NAS for full functionality.

Highlights
  • Manage FTP and WebDAV servers
  • Download files to mobile device
  • Upload files from mobile device
  • Edit local files
  • Delete local files
  • Manage multiple server devices
Features
Read full description

U-file is an application for managing documents stored on u-nas and other FTP and WebDAV servers. It can download files from the server to the mobile device, and upload files in reverse. It supports the opening, moving, editing and deleting of local files, and supports the management of multiple server devices at the same time. U-NAS installed and operated is required to achieve full functionality. Notice: continuous operation of GPS in the background may affect operation duration and reduce battery function. Please use with caution.

Screenshots

File Explorer4 screens
U4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: U at 5.0 against File Explorer's 3.9. U also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). File Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (79 vs 1). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. U asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

U holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: File Explorer has 79 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, U fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
File Explorer versus U: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFile ExplorerU
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (79 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings79 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.09.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB96 MB
Age rating4+17+
Developer农 葛Ningbo Wanyou Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

File Explorer

All ratings79 ratings
Positive67.1%
Neutral12.7%
Negative20.3%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive65.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative30.0%

U

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

File Explorer

One-time2
  • Remove advertisement$0.99
  • Vedio Player$1.99
None

U

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is File Explorer free?
File Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is U free?
U is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, File Explorer or U?
U is rated higher. File Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while U averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do File Explorer or U have ads?
File Explorer shows ads; U does not.
Which is updated more often, File Explorer or U?
File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, and U fortnightly. Most recently, File Explorer was updated on June 11, 2026 and U on September 8, 2026.

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