# File Explorer vs Zip Extractor

The clearest difference is review sentiment: File Explorer at 65% against Zip Extractor's 0%. File Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (79 vs 3). Zip Extractor's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: File Explorer has 79 ratings behind it against 3, 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 0% of Zip Extractor's.

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, Zip Extractor every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 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)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zip-extractor-zip-and-unzip/id1618469710/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **79** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **65.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 21 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) | [Vishalbhai Vaghasiya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1512628511) |

## 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-extractor-zip-and-unzip/id1618469710)

Easily create and extract compressed files on your iPhone. Supports various formats like ZIP, RAR, and 7Z, with options for password protection and cloud integration. Manage documents, photos, and videos efficiently.

**Highlights:** Create ZIP files, Unzip RAR and 7Z files, Password-protected ZIP creation, Import/export from cloud storage, Preview multiple file types, Add files to existing archives

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## 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 no in-app purchases.

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

File Explorer is rated higher. File Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while Zip Extractor averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

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

Both File Explorer and Zip Extractor show ads.

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

File Explorer ships an update every 3 months, and Zip Extractor every 13 months. Most recently, File Explorer was updated on November 1, 2026 and Zip Extractor on November 3, 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.*