Top 5 Best File Manager Apps on Android

This curated overview of top 5 best file manager apps on Android focuses on useful options, standout features, and details worth checking before making a choice.

1. Amaze File Manager

Any Android application that is free and open source deserves a welcome, and Amaze File Manager gets that advantage. The app offers a file manager, albeit less feature-rich, but offset by simplicity and allowing you to find what you need quickly.

That doesn't mean this simple file manager is packed with features. You can use multiple tabs, change themes, and quickly do all the usual copying, cutting, compression, and decompression operations. Rooted users of course also have root access. Plus, this app is completely free.

As always with open source applications, there are a few small bugs popping up, but Amaze File Manager is continuously being updated.

2. Solid Explorer

One of the great things about Solid Explorer is its two-compartment design, which makes file management intuitive and easier. The app specifically focuses on security, allowing you to encrypt any files and folders with your password and fingerprint sensor.

The 2-compartment design is basically creating two separate windows in Solid Explorer, allowing you to drag and drop files and folders just like on a Windows computer. There are many customizations about colors and themes.

One thing to note: Solid Explorer is a paid app, but you can try it out for free for 14 days before deciding if it is for you.

3. MiXplorer

One of the best personal file managers for Android, MiXplorer has long been a favorite, allowing you not only to explore files on your device but also across your entire personal network ( includes FTP, LAN and cloud storage). It comes with a variety of customizations, tabbed browsing and mouse creation using the 'tasks' feature.

You can easily view different file formats thanks to a reader that supports Epub, MobiPacket and PDF formats, as well as the ability to read multimedia files such as pictures, videos.

You don't need root to use MiXplorer, but if you do, then more functions will open up in the form of data backup and additional management options. This app has no ads, is completely free and is developed by a team of potential.

4. ES File Explorer

ES File Explorer is one of the oldest and most trusted file managers on this list. Without ads, this app deserves the number one spot. However, we must also understand for the time and effort that the developer has spent.

Currently ES File Explorer has been removed from Google Play Store because of some violations. So you need to download it from a site like APKPure.

ES File Manager still comes with a gesture recollection feature that allows you to go back to your previous steps. You can also create shortcuts for folders and files on the home screen. The app comes with a viewer and player that supports a wide variety of file types.

ES File Manager supports compress and decompress rar and zip files and has a separate note editor. Add to that cloud storage, Bluetooth file viewing, remote file access, file transfer to PC, SD card analysis and a whole host of other features. The app looks bloated with a lot of features, and ads and designs that haven't been simplified. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive tool, this is the best option.

5. Astro File Manager

The first thing you see when you visit Astro File Manager's Google Play page is 'No Ads' (no ads). This banner appeared to stand out as a corporate motto. For anyone who wants a great file browser with no ads, look no further. In addition to helping you organize your files, the app also comes with a handy memory cleaner.

Astro also supports compressing and decompressing files in rar and zip formats. You can also highlight settings, files and folders. It comes with its own media player that lets you watch videos, photos and listen to music in a great way.