Managing files and folders on your favorite Android device can be a chore, but it doesn't have to be. A quality file manager offers a user-friendly way to create, copy, move, delete, and rename files and folders. If you handle a lot of data on your device, a file manager is a must-have to maintain order and keep your storage in check.

When selecting a file manager, prioritize one with a straightforward user interface and ensure it aligns with your device. Some have sophisticated features like integrated cleaning tools that pinpoint space-consuming files. Others link with cloud storage services or computers via LAN, FTP, SMB, or WebDAV. If you're seeking the ultimate file manager to enhance your collection of the best Android apps, your search ends here.

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1 File Manager - XFolder

Powerful and easy-to-use file manager with desktop-grade features

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

November 27, 2020

This robust file manager lets you view and manage files on internal and external storage (such as an SD card or USB OTG). It includes essential features like copying, moving, deleting, renaming, sharing, and compressing files. You can add favorites for quick access and protect sensitive data within a pin-protected Safe folder. File Manager—XFolder is free (with ads), or you can remove ads with a $3.99 purchase.

Sort files automatically by type and boost device performance by finding junk files (residual, system, ad), empty folders, APKs, and app cache. Hibernate apps for better battery life and cooler device temperatures. The storage analysis feature sorts files by size, showing which files take up the most space. It also displays duplicate files for easy removal.

2 File Manager +

Manage files on your cloud storage or NAS with ease

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

October 19, 2015

The first thing you'll notice about this file manager is its modern interface. The free version includes ads and a light theme only. A Premium upgrade (annual or lifetime) unlocks a dark theme and removes ads. File Manager + offers a range of features for effective file management. It also includes a built-in image viewer, video player, music player, and text editor, eliminating the need for separate apps.

File Manager + lets you manage files through copying, moving, deleting, renaming, and bookmarking. Create new files and folders, then compress and extract supported formats like ZIP, RAR, and TAR. You can share your files via Bluetooth, email, or other compatible apps on your device. The app integrates with popular cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Add remote locations like a local network, SMB, FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV for cross-device access.

3 Mi File Manager

Xiaomi's free and secure tool to find files faster

In-app purchases

❌ None

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

October 25, 2017

Xiaomi's free file manager offers a clean, user-friendly interface for easy file management. It automatically sorts files by type and lets you view device folders and create new ones. System files are initially hidden but can be made visible in the settings. You can view file details, share, move, delete, copy, rename, or open files with other apps. Additionally, you can add folders and files to your favorites when viewing them via their system folders.

The device optimization section shows how much of your storage is used and recommends residual junk for deletion. You can also view the large files on your device, along with videos and APK files, so you can easily remove them to free up space on your device. With Mi File Manager, you can access files remotely via LAN or FTP, which are easy to set up. The app is ad-supported, and there isn't a way to remove the ads. However, ads are unobtrusive and do not interfere with your use.

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4 X-plore File Manager

Explore your files with a dual-pane navigator

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

July 21, 2010

This ad-supported file manager offers a unique, colorful UI and a dual-pane layout for easy copying and moving of files. It allows you to view and manage files locally and access remote file systems (such as LAN or FTP) and cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, Mega.nz, and MediaFire). The app includes an image viewer, supports various archive formats, and provides options like deleting, sharing, duplicating, and renaming with a long press. Each file displays MD5 and SHA1 hash values for verification.

X-plore File Manager simplifies viewing and editing file properties and permissions. It offers a wealth of information about your files, including path, mime type, size, last modified date, EXIF metadata, and compatible apps for opening. A small one-time fee removes ads, while a larger payment unlocks premium features like Wi-Fi sharing, a video and music player, remote access, a PDF viewer, SSH file transfer, a Vault, and an ID3 tag editor.

5 Solid Explorer

Robust file manager that offers encryption and dual-pane browsing

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

July 1, 2015

Solid Explorer is a feature-rich file manager that can be expanded with plugins (purchased via the Google Play Store). It provides easy access to the files and folders on your device, organizes your files, and puts them into collections. Files can be moved, deleted, shared, renamed, archived, transferred, and more. The app is only free for 14 days. When the ad-supported trial expires, you'll pay a one-time fee of $5.99 to continue using it.

The full version offers an ad-free experience, unlimited device access, comprehensive cloud and network functionality, and file encryption. Solid Explorer's highly customizable settings include view options, sort modes, filters, folder options, themes, color schemes, and custom icons. You can add files, folders, or new cloud connections from the main page. The app supports 12 connection types (Google Drive, SugarSync, LAN/SMB, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and more) with additional options on the Google Play Store.

6 Files by Google

Google's smart solution for file management

In-app purchases

❌ None

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

December 1, 2017

With a straightforward design consistent with other Google mobile apps, this free file manager is easy to use. The Browse tab shows your recent files, categories, collections (including the built-in favorites and safe folder), and storage devices. Tapping each storage device shows all folders and files, where you have many options: move, copy, rename, add to favorites, add to safe folder, back up to Google Drive, delete, and open with another app. Deleted files are moved to the trash bin for 30 days before being permanently removed.

Go to the Nearby Share tab to use Android's nearby share feature to send and receive files and folders. This is a great way to share files with those nearby, such as friends, family, and coworkers. The Clean tab offers cleaning suggestions to free up space on your device. It shows duplicate files, old screenshots, blurry photos, large files, and downloaded files. It works with Google Photos, allowing you to delete photos or videos backed up there from your device.

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7 Total Commander

Android version of the powerful desktop file manager

In-app purchases

❌ None

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

May 20, 2012

This file manager offers a distinctive interface and functionality. Total Commander is ad-free and includes a text editor for file editing. Its two side-by-side panels simplify file management. Swipe left for the second panel and right to return to the first. This layout streamlines moving files between locations. Total Commander supports plugins for added features like FTP, LAN, and WebDAV. The app's main page displays all viewable locations. Tapping one allows for deeper navigation (for example, internal storage, SD card, or downloads).

After selecting a file or folder (by single tapping), you can use the select/deselect, copy/move, compress, and delete buttons at the bottom of the screen. Long tapping (equivalent to right-clicking) brings up other options. There's also a sort active panel icon that sorts folders and files by name, extension, size, and date/time. There's also an add/edit button with several advanced functions: change directory, internal command, launch app, view file with app, send to app, and send shell command.

8 Cx File Explorer

Browse quickly with a clean and intuitive interface

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

July 11, 2018

Cx File Explorer is a good choice if you want an ad-free file manager with a bright graphical interface and a user-friendly design. Along with managing files on your mobile device, you can manage files in the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box) and on your PC (LAN, SMB, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV). Files can be copied, moved, renamed, deleted, shared, compressed, and opened in another app. Cx File Explorer also manages the applications installed on your Android device. You can back up, uninstall, share, open, and view their information on Google Play.

The Library tab organizes your files into categories for easy access. You can view your most recent files, organized by date. There are various grid, list, and thumbnail view options, and you can sort files by name, size, date, and type. The storage analysis feature is perfect for visualizing how much storage is being used on your device. You can use it to remove unwanted apps and large files. Additionally, you can clear the cache of temporary app files, which can assist in extending the life of your battery.

9 Simple File Manager Pro

Best professional and convenient paid option

In-app purchases

❌ None

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

November 4, 2018

This open source, ad-free file manager costs $1.19. Simple File Manager Pro offers an easily navigated design and quick access to root files, SD cards, and USB devices. The Files tab displays all folders and their contents and allows you to add new files and folders. It supports deleting, renaming, sharing, hiding, copying, moving, and compressing selected files. Simple File Manager Pro lacks a built-in viewer. You'll open files using external apps (such as gallery apps, video players, or other file managers).

The Recents tab displays 48 of your most recent files. These can be viewed as a grid or list. The Storage tab displays your device's total storage and available free space. Your files are organized into categories, showing how much storage each takes up. When viewing the files under each category, you can sort them by name, size, last modified, and extension. In settings, you can change the app's theme, hide one or more tabs (files, recent files, or storage analysis), change the font size, and password-protect the app.

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10 Material Files

A file manager and compressor in one package

In-app purchases

❌ None

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

December 1, 2019

Similar to Files by Google, this app features a modern, user-friendly UI that is easy to navigate. It features a black night mode option that is slightly darker (pure black) than the regular night mode. With Materials Files, you can browse and manage files on your device, as well as on FTP, SFTP, and SMB servers and an external storage device. The app menu provides quick access to DCIM, downloads, movies, music, pictures, and screenshots. When you long tap any of these options, a menu pops up, and you can hide or show other folders on your phone's internal storage.

Material Files is free, without ads, and has all the file-related functionality you'd expect, such as cut, copy, delete, rename, compress, share, open with, and properties. If you have a terminal app on your device, there's an option to open files in a terminal. It doesn't have an image or video viewer built in, so when you tap to open them, you'll choose an app on your device to view them. Within the app, it's easy to add new folders and files, and you can sort folders by name, type, size, and date last changed for easier browsing.

11 EX File Manager

Fast and secure with multiple language support

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

July18, 2022

This file manager lets you easily manage your files and folders on your device and in the cloud. It supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Yandex. The home screen gives you quick access to images, videos, music, apps, and other integrated tools, such as the disk analyzer, cleaner, battery saver, and CPU cooler. The disk analyzer provides a visual overview of your device's contents. You can view and delete large, recent, empty, redundant, and duplicate files and folders.

EX File Explorer offers robust file management tools, including copying, cutting, pasting, moving, creating, deleting, renaming, searching, sharing, sending, hiding, and bookmarking files. It also handles compression and extraction of ZIP, RAR, 7zip, and OBB files. File transfers are supported via FTP, SFTP, FTPS, LAN, WebDAV, FlashAir, and Bluetooth. The app is free with ads, but you can upgrade to Pro (monthly, annual, or lifetime) to remove ads and unlock features like viewing hidden system files, finding disguised media, and encrypting files.

12 ASTRO

All-in-one app with no ads

In-app purchases

✅ Yes

Subscription

❌ None

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publish date

2009

This all-in-one file manager manages files on your device, SD card, and the cloud. A handful of storage locations can be added to ASTRO: Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Yandex, Disk, FTP, and SMB. Like other apps on this list, this file manager automatically sorts your files into folders and gives you access to your system folders and files, similar to a computer file manager. Unlike the other file managers on this list, ASTRO has a separate search tab with advanced filtering and sorting options.

Folders have a search function and can filter out specific file types. When dealing with files, you can delete, share, copy, rename, compress, hide, and add them to your favorites. You can also create an encrypted vault to store your sensitive files for secure file protection. Your vault can be protected with a pin or using biometrics. To help you free up space on your device, Astro includes cleaning functions to remove unneeded files, large files, and unused apps.

It's time to make a choice

Choosing the perfect file manager for your Android device can be challenging with so many choices. The best app for you depends on your individual needs. Consider your priorities and discover the file manager that aligns with them. If transferring data from your Android to your PC is a common task, read our article on how to transfer files from your Android to your PC.