5 Best File Managers for Android in 2024

Some of the best file managers include Total Commander, Solid, X-plore, Fx, and CX file explorer for managing data on your Android smartphone. These offer copying, moving, renaming, sharing, and deleting files.

They support different file types, cloud storage integration, network connectivity options, and intuitive interfaces, improving the user experience and productivity.

Let’s discuss the top 5 file managers in detail.

05 best file explorer for android

1) CX File Explorer:

CX file explorer

With its advanced interface and variety of functions, CX File Explorer improves file and application management on Android.

It is a trustworthy tool for planning, making the most use of available space, and transferring data between devices because it provides effective storage analysis capabilities.

Features:

Browse directories, copy, paste, rename, delete, share, or add apps and files to your home screen with ease using Cx File Explorer. The data that you have removed unintentionally will be restored through the built-in recycle bin option.

Try to analyze and clean cached files and data. Transfer, compress, rename, create, and delete files and folders with ease. This app provides the option of “hide folders” and applying passwords for security purposes.

Pros

User-friendly interface.

Recycle bin feature to restore deleted files.

Effortless network connectivity for file transfer

Improved device performance with cache clearance

Cons

Limited language support

Some advanced features require extra plugins or upgrades.

2) FX File Explorer:

FX file explorer

Fx File Explorer was developed in 2012 by US-based company NextApp Inc. and is a trusted and user-friendly app. Almost all of its features are free to use, but some premium ones require the Plus version.

So, you need not worry because all your tasks will be done through the free version, which is easily available on the Google Play Store. 

Features:

The app gives a complete privacy guarantee to its users to store their data with utmost satisfaction because it does not ask for any of your private information. This app provides customization options and an easy-to-use interface for a smooth user experience.

View, create, organize, copy, and rename your files and folders inside the app. Managing and analyzing your data and how much space your documents, images, audio, and videos have occupied is easy.

Unfortunately, the app does not provide access to cloud storage devices free of cost. The availability of remote platforms like FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and SMB required paid versions to perform their tasks.

Pros

Dual-window mode 

First-class design.

Improved customization options.

smooth file transfers between PC and phone.

Cons

Cloud services require upgrading.

Sometimes there are slowdowns during file copying.

3) X-Plore:

X plore file explorer

X-plore is an incredible Android app with file management and cloud server connectivity. It provides photo viewing, music, and video playback functionality to its users.

Moving on, FTP or SSH server connections are available within the app. The best of all. It is free to use without costing you a penny but somehow offers in-app purchases for a few premium functionalities.

Features:

With USB OTG support, you will easily connect external devices and access files on the go. It includes a built-in music player, and a SQLite database explorer, and integrates Zip files effortlessly. Transfer files via Bluetooth, email, or other supported methods between devices.

Now, hiding the folder is super easy, and keep your sensitive data secure with the vault for encrypting files. With a dual-pane tree view, root access, and a disk map feature to visualize disk space usage.

It offers support for FTP, FTPS, LAN (SMB/Samba), DLNA/UPnP servers, and cloud storage access to services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and more. SSH File Transfer (SFTP) and SSH Shell capabilities 

Pros

Dual-pane interface

Root access and cloud storage integration.

Available on the Google Play Store.

Cons

Old-fashioned UI design

Lack of source code and data transparency.

4) Solid Explorer:

solid explorer-best file explorer for android

With its visually engaging Material design style, which is inspired by Android 5.0 Lollipop, this app improves the file management experience.

Solid Explorer provides features like folder properties and theme customization. It is not an ad-free app, but, after unlocking the premium version you will get rid of the ads and enjoy some other valuable features.

Features:

It supports major cloud platforms, Yandex, and OwnCloud servers, granting easy file access. Rooted users benefit from its built-in root explorer for system file customization.

It offers useful tools like renaming, encrypted file support, and a dual-pane layout for simplified file transfers. It secures your files and folders with AES encryption. Restore your files and free space on your device with its recycle bin functionality.

Pros

Extensive customization options.

Secure AES encryption for sensitive files and folders.

Storage analyzer for identifying storage-hungry files.

Copy, paste, cut, batch rename, and more.

Support for major cloud storage services and protocols

Cons

Monetized with ads and in-app purchases.

Limited platform support

5) Total Commander:

total commander

Total Commander is an established app developed by Ghisler Software GmbH that has offered extensive features and unmatched functionality since its 2011 debut on Android.

With over ten million downloads and support for 25+ languages, it remains the top choice for users seeking robust file management capabilities.

Features:

Many file management tools, including network storage, cloud connections, bookmarking, plugins, and a text editor, are available with Total Commander.

Its dual-window mode makes file sharing and browsing simple, and its powerful search feature makes finding files easier. It supports several protocols, including LAN access plugins, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, (S)FTP, and WebDAV.

Pros

Dual-window mode

Visually appealing folder and file entries.

Regular updates and plugin support 

Cons

Unclear user interface.

There are limited view options, with only list views available.

Dependency on plugins for certain advanced features

Comparison:

FeatureFX File ExplorerX-Plore File ManagerSolid ExplorerTotal CommanderCx File Explorer
Dual-Pane View
Cloud Storage SupportGoogle Drive, Dropbox, SugarSync, and OwnCloud (Paid version)Google Drive, Dropbox, SugarSync, OneDrive, WebDAV, FTP, SFTPGoogle Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, WebDAV, and SMBGoogle Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive(Via plugin)OneDrive, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, 
Network Storage SupportFTP, SSH, HTTPS, WebDAVFTP, SMB, DLNA/UPnPFTP, SFTP, WebDAV, SMBFTP, FTPS, LAN (SMB/Samba), DLNA/UPnP serversFTP, SFTP, WebDAV, SMB
Root AccessAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Built-in Media Player
Encryption SupportAvailable (Plus version)AvailableAvailableAvailable
File Compression/Extraction
User InterfaceStandardUniquesmoothUtilitarianIntuitive
AdvertisementsNoneNoneNone (premium version)NoneNone
CostFree (Plus version available)Free (With in-app purchases)Free (With in-app purchases)FreeFree

Personal Opinion:

I recommend using CX File Explorer because of its user-friendly and simply designed UI. It is available on the Google Play Store so try to install it with a single click. The app is free to use without any frustrating ad experience.

You will easily analyze your device performance and space and manage all your data in a single place. Get back your important data and take action to secure your privacy through this management app. So you must give this app a shot!

FAQ’s

What are some other important file management apps?

A few other file management apps include Astro, ES, Amaze, Material Files, MiX Plorer Silver, Files by Google, and Simple File Manager Pro.

Are these apps compatible with all Android devices?

Most file management apps are compatible with a wide range of Android devices, but check the app’s compatibility with your specific device’s operating system version. 

Do these apps consume a lot of battery and system resources?

Typically, they consume minimal battery and system resources while running in the background. So, optimize app settings to minimize resource usage.

Conclusion

To sum up, Android file management provides a variety of customized choices. Apps with distinct features are FX File Explorer, X-Plore, and Solid Explorer. CX File Explorer is more user-friendly for individuals who like simplicity, whereas Total Commander is better for power users who want plugins.

Whether it’s cloud integration, sophisticated functionality, or user-friendly design, all of them compete to provide users with control over their data. Regardless of your level of tech knowledge, exploring these apps improves your smartphone insight.