# File Explorer vs U

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.

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

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer | U |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-file/id1272474965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **79** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 65.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 21 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **9.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) | [Ningbo Wanyou Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1228091713) |

## 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 |


### U

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-file/id1272474965)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


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