File managers are undoubtedly one of the most used apps on our Android phones, and most stock file managers work just fine! However, while I admit that Files by Google or a proprietary file manager is decent, I have stopped opening them on my smartphone — because they don’t cut it. On the contrary, it is easier than ever to find better Android file managers that make the stock one look broken, under-equipped, and just not enough. Here are three such file managers you can count on when the stock one disappoints.
Solid Explorer killed my copy-paste shuffle
The dual-pane interface made moving files a drag, literally
Moving files and folders between directories is an area where stock file managers and Files by Google struggle! You may have encountered this if you’ve attempted to reorganize the files on your smartphone. Solid Explorer, however, solves this problem by integrating a dual-pane interface that you can launch by rotating your phone. Once you’re there, you can copy and move content by dragging it across the two panes. This experience has been so addictive that I cannot really go back to a stock file manager.
Solid Explorer is thus a solid alternative to the stock file managers on your smartphone. For instance, you can use Solid Explorer to connect to cloud and network destinations, such as Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive, without any hassle, and easily set up FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV servers. It also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to day-to-day file management: you can decide how your files appear, and there is always an option to analyze each folder to see what is using storage space. It’s also handy that you can move a file between two directories by dragging a folder/file to the edge of the screen, even without rotating the device.
I must add, however, that Solid Explorer doesn’t have a completely free plan. You will be bombarded with a lot of full-screen and other advertisements while you use this. The free plan gatekeeps access to a number of features, like encryption, but the basics are covered. If you need a peaceful way to manage your files, you may need to upgrade to the paid version.
- OS
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Android
- Individual pricing
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Free, Subscription available
- Developer(s)
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NearBytes
Solid Explorer is a file manager app for Android that packs a dual-pane interface, network storage, and other features.
Material Files is what stock should have been
Open source, no ads, no first-run upsell
If you are not looking for too many features, but a cleaner, privacy-focused experience, you might want to check out Material Files. I often feel this open-source file manager is what the stock app should have been for most people. Built by a single developer, Material Files strikes a balance between intuitive UI design and features that help people manage their devices better. The best part? You can install the app straight from the Google Play Store.
I’ve found Material Files to be exceptionally fast, and you can tell the difference when you switch from Files by Google! It also makes it so easy to work with both local and network storage destinations. I’ve used this app to connect to my local media servers and other locations with ease. Users also love Material Files for its theming capabilities: you can choose the accent color and use other customization options to suit your aesthetic. For instance, the app offers per-folder view customization options that grant flexibility while navigating different types of folders. That is, I may want a grid layout while exploring a photo-based folder, but would stick to a list when a folder is full of documents. The open-source app is Linux-aware, supporting symbolic links and file permissions.
Material Files doesn’t offer many advanced features, though. For instance, you don’t get dual-pane integration or sync options for Google Drive and other platforms. However, from a privacy-centric perspective, those features are superfluous. In the end, this file manager works great for those who need the familiarity of Files by Google minus the privacy concerns.
- OS
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Android
- Price model
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Free, Open-source
Material Files is a free, open-source file manager for Android smartphones
Cx File Explorer found the storage I couldn’t see
The analyzer that argued with Google’s cleanup tab
You might miss the Cleanup tab when you switch from Files by Google, but Cx File Explorer has got you covered. However, you might find some differences in the insights you get from both apps. The cleanup features aside, Cx File Explorer packs enough features to make you forget your stock file manager for good. And it starts with an intuitive UI design that slides between folders and directories. It also helps that the app doesn’t contain ads or in-app purchases.
Like the other file manager apps on this list, Cx File Explorer can manage both local and network storage. Setting up network-attached storage (NAS) is relatively easy as well. However, you also have the option to connect to Google Drive or other cloud storage services like OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box. The app does more when it comes to storage analysis and cleaning, offering more insights than Files by Google. This cleaning system includes an option to analyze the storage space used by applications. This felt faster and more comprehensive, as I got to see where my storage space went.
Returning to the file management aspect, Cx File Manager also includes a built-in archive viewer that lets you view files within an archive without extracting them. You also get better control when creating compressed files in the app. Overall, Cx File Explorer provides a range of utilities that benefit beginners and advanced users alike. That it is completely free and ad-free is the icing on the cake.
- OS
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Android
- Individual pricing
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Free
- Developer(s)
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Cx File Explorer
Cx File Explorer is a free file manager for Android that offers features like storage cleanup, app management, and network connections
Where all three lose to the stock app
All three apps on this list are better than the stock Android file manager apps your smartphone ships — even if it is File by Google! Choosing one would be such a no-brainer for most people. Yet, you must keep in mind some limitations, such as the lack of access to /Android/data and /Android/obb folders. Given that all tools require full disk access, you may also have privacy concerns, but one of the three is open source. In the end, the decision comes down to your priorities, such as ease of use, professional controls, or privacy!
