Introduction
Every phone comes with a file manager, but the built-in one is usually basic. A good file manager app makes it easy to find downloads, move photos, clean up storage, connect to cloud drives, and even access files on your computer over Wi-Fi.
This guide compares the best file manager apps for Android. (iPhone users: the built-in Files app is already excellent, and third-party file managers are heavily restricted on iOS — this guide is mainly for Android.)
How to Choose a File Manager
Look for four things: a clean interface that shows storage clearly, cloud support (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), network access (SMB/FTP for your computer or NAS), and honest pricing — no ads that get in the way of your files. Also check permissions: a file manager needs storage access, but it does not need your contacts, location or phone state.
1. Files by Google — Best Free File Manager
Files by Google is the best file manager for most Android users. It is free, has no ads, and is made by Google. It organises your files into clear categories — Downloads, Images, Videos, Audio, Documents, Apps — and shows exactly what is using your storage.
Its cleaning tools are the best of any file manager: it finds junk files, duplicate photos, blurry images and large files, and lets you delete them safely. It also shares files offline with nearby Android phones at high speed.
The only thing missing is advanced features: no root access, no FTP server, no dual-pane view. For everyday file management, though, it is the cleanest and safest choice.
Best for: free, simple file management and cleaning. Price: free, no ads.
2. Solid Explorer — Best All-Round Power Manager
Solid Explorer is the best file manager for people who want more power. It has a beautiful dual-pane interface for dragging files between folders, full cloud support (Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box), SMB and FTP network access, and support for encrypted files and archives.
It also includes a good image viewer, music player, and a Chromecast feature for sending media to your TV. The interface is the most polished of any power file manager.
Solid Explorer is a paid app after a 14-day trial, and it is worth it if you manage files daily. For casual users, Files by Google is enough.
Best for: power users who want dual-pane and cloud support. Price: free trial, then one-time purchase.
3. FX File Explorer — Best for Network and Root Access
FX File Explorer is the best choice if you access files on your computer or home server. Its network tools are the strongest on this list: SMB, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and SSH, all with a clear interface.
It also has a clean dual-pane mode, a good text editor, archive support, and optional root access for advanced users. The free version covers most features; the Plus version adds network, cloud and media tools.
FX is slightly less polished than Solid Explorer, but its network features are better. If your files live on a NAS or a computer, FX is the one to get.
Best for: accessing files on computers and servers. Price: free; Plus unlocks network and cloud.
4. MiXplorer — Best for Advanced Users
MiXplorer is the most powerful file manager on Android, and the favourite of advanced users. It supports almost everything: cloud drives, SMB, FTP, WebDAV, root access, archives, eBook reader, image viewer, media player, and a huge range of customisation.
It is free in its Silver version on the Play Store, with the full version available as a paid add-on. The interface is functional rather than beautiful, and the learning curve is real.
MiXplorer is overkill for most people. But if you want one app that does everything a file manager can possibly do, this is it.
Best for: advanced users who want every feature. Price: free Silver version; full version is paid.
5. Cx File Explorer — Best Free Alternative With Cloud
Cx File Explorer is the best free alternative to Files by Google with more features. It has a clean interface, cloud support, network access (SMB, FTP), and a storage analyser that shows what is using space.
It is completely free with no ads, which is rare for a feature-rich file manager. It also includes a recycle bin, so deleted files can be recovered — a feature even Files by Google lacks.
Cx is less polished than Solid Explorer and its cloud support is simpler. But for a free, ad-free manager with cloud and network access, it is the best option.
Best for: free file management with cloud and recycle bin. Price: free, no ads.
6. Total Commander — Best Classic Power Tool
Total Commander is the Android version of the legendary Windows file manager. It has dual-pane navigation, plugins for cloud and network access, and a loyal following among power users.
It is completely free with no ads, and it is extremely capable once you learn it. The interface is old-fashioned and dense, which puts off new users, but its fans would not use anything else.
Use Total Commander if you like keyboard-style efficiency and do not mind a dated look. Otherwise, Solid Explorer or FX is friendlier.
Best for: classic dual-pane power users. Price: free, no ads.
Comparison Table
| App | Best for | Cloud support | Network (SMB/FTP) | Ads | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files by Google | Simple + cleaning | Drive only | No | None | Free |
| Solid Explorer | All-round power | Yes | Yes | None | Trial, then paid |
| FX File Explorer | Network access | Yes | Yes | None | Free, Plus |
| MiXplorer | Advanced users | Yes | Yes | None | Free, paid |
| Cx File Explorer | Free with cloud | Yes | Yes | None | Free |
| Total Commander | Classic power | Via plugins | Via plugins | None | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best file manager app for Android? Files by Google, for most people — free, no ads, and great at cleaning. For power users, Solid Explorer is the best paid option.
Do I need a third-party file manager? Not necessarily. Files by Google or your phone's built-in manager covers everyday needs. You need a third-party app only for cloud drives, network access, or advanced features like dual-pane and root.
Is there a good file manager for iPhone? The built-in Files app on iPhone is already good, with iCloud Drive, external drive support, and folder management. Third-party file managers on iOS are limited by the system, so the built-in app is the best choice.
Are file manager apps safe? The well-known ones on this list are safe. Avoid unknown file managers that ask for unnecessary permissions (contacts, location, phone) or show aggressive ads — a file manager has no reason to need those.
Download
Get these file manager apps free from the official stores:
- Files by Google — Google Play
- Solid Explorer — Google Play
- FX File Explorer — Google Play
- MiXplorer Silver — Google Play
- Cx File Explorer — Google Play
- Total Commander — Google Play
Download only from the official Google Play Store.
Conclusion
For most Android users, Files by Google is the only file manager you need — free, safe, and good at cleaning. If you manage files on computers, servers or cloud drives, step up to Solid Explorer or FX. And if your real problem is running out of space rather than organising files, our guide to the best phone cleaner apps will help you free it up.