# File Explorer vs File Manager

The clearest difference is review sentiment: File Explorer at 65% against File Manager's 17%. File Explorer also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). File Manager's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.2 vs 3.9). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. File Explorer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and File Manager sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

File Manager holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 79 and 55 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 65% of File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 17% of File Manager'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, File Manager monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | File Explorer | File Manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-file-manager-zip/id954838257/reviews) | **[4.2 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-documents-viewer/id1630811049/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **79** | 55 |
| Positive reviews | **65.0% of reviews** | 16.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 21 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [农 葛](https://appshunter.io/developer/591089697) | [Sunshine Software Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788219451) |

## 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 |


### File Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-manager-documents-viewer/id1630811049)

Manage and organize all your local and cloud-stored files with this comprehensive utility. Access documents, media, and recordings, and secure your data with biometric protection. Offers robust file manipulation and cloud integration.

**Highlights:** Multiple cloud service integration, PDF reader and image viewer, Audio recorder and rich text editor, Uncompression tool for Zip, Rar, 7z, Biometric file protection (Touch ID/Face ID), Offline file access, URL downloader

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 Days Free Trial Weekly VIP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Get Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| 7 Day Free Then Get Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual VIP | $49.99 | per year |
| Get Premium One Time Purchase | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is File Explorer free?

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

### Is File Manager free?

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

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

File Manager is rated higher. File Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while File Manager averages 4.2 from 55 ratings.

### Do File Explorer or File Manager have ads?

File Explorer shows ads; File Manager does not.

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

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