# File Explorer vs Folder

The clearest difference is rating: Folder at 4.7 against File Explorer's 3.9. Folder also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months). File Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (79 vs 7) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.1). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Folder sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Folder holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: File Explorer has 79 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 67% of Folder's.

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, Folder every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer | Folder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) | **[4.7 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/folder-file-manager/id1563518405/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **79** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 65.0% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 21 MB | 77 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) | [荣 周](https://appshunter.io/developer/1241562586) |

## 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 |


### Folder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/folder-file-manager/id1563518405)

Securely manage and encrypt your private photos, videos, and documents. Access files from cloud drives, play various media formats, and cast videos to your TV. Protect your data with password security.

**Highlights:** Local file management, Cloud drive integration, Media playback (video/audio), File encryption, Password security, Cast videos to TV (DLNA)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $7.49 | per year |
| Buyout | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is File Explorer free?

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

### Is Folder free?

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

### Which has better reviews, File Explorer or Folder?

Folder is rated higher. File Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while Folder averages 4.7 from 7 ratings.

### Do File Explorer or Folder have ads?

Both File Explorer and Folder show ads.

### Which is updated more often, File Explorer or Folder?

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, and Folder every 9 days. Most recently, File Explorer was updated on June 11, 2026 and Folder on September 21, 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.*