Every smartphone running the Android operating system already has a built-in file manager from the manufacturer, but most often it is not convenient and has minimal functionality. If you do not like the standard one installed on your phone or tablet, know that there is always a more suitable alternative.
There are a lot of similar apps in the Play Store and it is not always easy to choose the right one. We decided to make it easier for you, so we chose the five best file managers for Android. It is quite possible that you are already familiar with some of them. So, let's get started.
ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is worthy of taking the top spot in any rating. It is very popular both in the Play Store and among Android users - it has a whole army of fans. It is not surprising that it has been downloaded more than five million times. ES File Explorer is distinguished by its rich functionality and thoughtful design.
You can create new folders on the memory card or internal storage, move, copy, delete and rename files. You can even connect your cloud storages and access them at any time.
Also, with the help of this application, users can exchange data over a local network. Files can be easily transferred from one device to another over a secure connection. In terms of functionality, it is probably the best in its category.
The app is free to download, but the free version will show ads, you will have to pay a little to remove them.
File Manager
File Manager It seems simple, but it is not inferior in functionality to other applications from our rating. Remote access, cloud storage and much more are supported. Files and folders can be moved, deleted, renamed and compressed so that they take up less space in memory. It copes especially well with deleting unnecessary files in order to free up space on the SD memory card and in the internal memory of the device.
Perhaps the developers should pay a little more attention to the interface. The good news: the application is absolutely free to download. The bad news: ads will be shown. Unfortunately, there is no purchase option to remove ads. If you need a simple file management program, then File Manager is exactly what you need. It copes with its duties perfectly.
ZArchiver
ZArchiver — the application is not new, but it is great for managing files and folders (you can change the color of folders), especially when it comes to compression and decompression. There is support for the lossless compression algorithm — zstd. By the way, Arch Linux developers in January 2020 reported about the transfer of the packet packing scheme from the xz algorithm to zstd, which accelerated the unpacking of packets on 1300%. And as you know, the Android OS is based on the Linux kernel. Therefore, support for this algorithm is very useful.
There is also support for installing APKS, XAPK and Split APK. The latter format allows the developer to split the APK file into the main file and separate components containing graphics, libraries, etc. And another useful feature is that the application allows you to open the necessary files in the archive without unpacking the archive itself. ZArchiver is updated frequently. Bugs are quickly fixed and new features are constantly appearing.
AndroZip
AndroZip has been developed and supported since 2009. At one time, it became one of the first applications for archiving and backup for Android. Considering the length of development, you have the right to expect an excellent program and you will certainly not be disappointed in your expectations.
The time-tested application has a fairly modern set of functions, comparable to the functionality of new file managers from other developers. However, it is slightly different from other programs from our rating. It was created primarily for compressing and unpacking files and folders, but at the same time it copes well with other tasks, such as searching, editing files and folders on your device.
If you spend money on the paid version, you can create archives using 128 and 256-bit encryption using the AES 128 and AES 256 cryptographic standards.
This app makes it easy to backup your data (for example, to transfer it to a new phone) and even install APK files on your phone or tablet. AndroZip is free to download, but it will contain ads. You will have to pay to get rid of them.
ASUS File Manager
And although ASUS File Manager seems like the most typical file manager, it is quite functional. Cloud services are supported and access to all data is equally simple, regardless of whether they are in local storage or in the cloud. You can compress files to save space, there is a built-in basket and a built-in option for clearing data from the cache.
Of course, File Manager also makes it easy to access files stored on a memory card. The app has an attractive design and can be downloaded absolutely free, with built-in advertising. The paid version does not have it.