# File Explorer vs Zip Extractor

The clearest difference is rating: Zip Extractor at 4.4 against File Explorer's 3.9. Zip Extractor also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (305 vs 79). File Explorer's advantage is review sentiment (65% vs 33%) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 6 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Zip Extractor sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Zip Extractor holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 79 and 305 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 65% of File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 33% of Zip Extractor's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, Zip Extractor every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer | Zip Extractor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) | **[4.4 (305 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zip-extractorfile-explorer/id1559880998/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 79 | **305** |
| Positive reviews | **65.0% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 21 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) | [Retouch Photo Editor Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542170015) |

## 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 |


### Zip Extractor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zip-extractorfile-explorer/id1559880998)

Manage your local and network files with this powerful tool. It supports document preview and editing, as well as comprehensive compression, decompression, and file sharing.

**Highlights:** File management, Document preview and editing, Compression and decompression, File sharing and transmission, Network file management

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly VIP | $6.49 | per month |
| Monthly VIP | $6.49 | per month |
| Monthly VIP | $6.49 | per month |
| Yearly VIP | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly VIP | $14.99 | per year |
| VIP Forever | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is File Explorer free?

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

### Is Zip Extractor free?

Zip Extractor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, File Explorer or Zip Extractor?

Zip Extractor is rated higher. File Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while Zip Extractor averages 4.4 from 305 ratings.

### Do File Explorer or Zip Extractor have ads?

File Explorer shows ads; Zip Extractor does not.

### Which is updated more often, File Explorer or Zip Extractor?

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, and Zip Extractor every 6 months. Most recently, File Explorer was updated on June 11, 2026 and Zip Extractor on September 19, 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.*