If you are utilizing stock Android on a Nexus or Motorola smartphone, you would realize that a File Manager application is missing from the OS. While most other Android skins & custom ROMs accompanied a file manager installed, Google’s Android build does not come with one. This results in issues when we want to share, move or delete particular file types for example, songs, photos, videos, etc. Well, a file manager application is a need to be sure and every Android user wants a decent file manager application.

Gratefully, Google Play Store features includes various extraordinary file manager applications yet pickin one can be a little tricky. Like always, we tested all the File Manager applications and have found the best ones you can utilize.

Best File Managers for Android

1. File Manager HD

File Manager HD has been accessible for Android for quite some time now and some manufacturers even pre-install the application on their cell phones. The application classifies your files based on different file types like images, audio, videos and documents and supports different cloud storage services. It additionally lets you effortlessly switch between your local & cloud storage with easy. The file manager also supports different file sharing network protocols (FTP, WebDAV, LAN, SFTP & FTPS) alongside additional features like gadgets, APK file support, junk file cleaning, Root Explorer and so forth.

File-Manager-HD

Alongside the features, the application has a very clean UI that aims at making things quicker. If you visit a file or folder often, you can put it as a gadget on the homescreen. So, if you are looking for a file manager application that lets you manage your files rapidly and efficiently, you have to give File Manager HD a shot. The application is accessible in an ad-supported free version but if you hate advertisements, you can get the paid version too.

Install: (Free, Paid version $3.22)

Compatibility: Varies with device.

2. File Expert

File Expert is another popular file manager providing which gives some unique features alongside the usual ones. It classifies files in particular folders and supports cloud storage synchronize via a plugin. There are some cool features such as Recycle bin, Safebox (save private files), Super Downloader, Root Explorer and capability to favorite, tag & compress files (ZIP, 7Z and RAR). It supports numerous file transfer techniques like Bluetooth, Samba Client, FTP, SFTP and FTPS servers.

File-Expert

On the UI front, it features a clean interface and tabbed layout, which ensure locating your files is effortlessly. The application should work well for people who are looking for a file manager with privacy features like Safebox. The application is accessible in a free version, which is ad-supported and there are three paid versions: Professional, Premium and Flagship. Professional version gives features such as confidential files, file recovery, printer support and removes ads. Premium & Flagship include all of Professional features and add GCloud memory, Dropbox data synchronize and login support.

Install: (Free with in-app purchases starting at $2.99 for Paid versions)

Compatibility: Android 4.1 and up.

3. Solid Explorer

Solid Explorer, as the name suggests, is quite a “solid” file manager offering. With the usual file management features, Solid Explorer additionally includes Cloud storage support and capability to hide files & folders. The application also gives capability to ZIP (ZIP, 7ZIP, RAR, TAR) & extract files alongside support for numerous network file sharing protocols (FTP, SFTP, WebDav and SMB/CIFS). There are also paid plugins accessible for USB OTG (On-the-go) support, Cast and then some.

Solid-Explorer

The application’s interface is stunning and functional too, with two panels/windows accessible through a swipe, so that you can effortlessly drag & drop files between folders and multitask. Furthermore, there’s also capability to customize the application’s interface with numerous choices and icon packs. The application is fluid and we found no lags at all in our testing. Solid Explorer is a great selection if you are looking for a Material Design implemented File Manager with support for USB OTG and multitasking. It’s accessible for a 2-week free trial on the Play Store after which you should pay for the Premium version.

Install: (Free trial with in-app purchase of $0.45 for Premium version)

Compatibility: Android 4.1 and up.

4. File Explorer

File Explorer, previously known as FX Explorer is a popular file manager application, which aims at bringing you a cohesive experience alongside the features. The application gives some cool gestures, visual clipboard, file viewers, pinch to zoom support, themes, home page customization, usage view and some more. File Explorer also supports add-ons or plugins and there are add-ons for cloud storage synchronize support (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box and SugarSync), root, network file management (FTP, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV) etc.

FX-File-Explorer

There’s a split view feature as well, which as the name suggests lets you open two folders in a split view mode. Overall, we adore the application due to its beautiful user interface and some distinctive features like gestures, visual clipboard and split view mode. Furthermore, the application feels fluid at all times and we never felt any stutters in our testing. The application is accessible for a 7-day trial on the Play Store after which you will have to purchase the Plus version via an in-app purchase.

Install: (Free trial with in-app purchase of $2.50 for Plus version)

Compatibility: Android 2.1 and up.

5. Gira File Manager

Gira File Manager is a simple yet elegant file manager application that works as it’s supposed to. The application implements Material Design alongside the action button to include a new folder. The application includes support for cloud storage services (Premium version only) and furthermore gives you to include any folder or file to the homescreen for quick access. There’s additionally support for application management, USB OTG drives, different file formats including GIF, file compression (Zip, RAR, Tar, Tar.gz, Tgz, Tar.bz2, and Tbz formats) and some more.

Gira-File-Manager

While the application is accessible in a free version, it incorporates advertisements, so you can create in-app purchases to remove advertisements or purchase the Premium version, which also lets you try upcoming features first. If you need an easy file manager application, which doesn’t confuse you with any complex features and keeps things clean and fast, you should definitely give Gira File Manager a try.

Install: (Free with in-app purchases)

Compatibility: Varies with device.

6. File Commander

File Commander is a feature rich and advanced file manager for Android that features a clean interface amidst many features. The application categorizes your files and lets you include custom categories like Recent files on the home page. The application additionally supports cloud storage accounts and network file sharing protocols (WiFi Direct, FTP/FTPS server, Remote sharing and Bluetooth) as well. One cool feature that we truly liked in our testing is the capability to proceed with longer copying or moving tasks from the background.

File-Commander

File Commander is accessible in a free ad-supported version but it misses out on numerous cool features that the Premium version packs. The Premium version provides features such as Secure Mode (lets you hide or encrypt files & folders), Storage Analyzer, Recycle Bin (restore files with ease), hidden files access and also removes advertisements. The free version is good but the advertisements can be somewhat nagging here. The UI is perfect & easy and its premium features certainly ensure it stands out in the crowd.

Install: (Free with in-app purchase of $3.99 for Premium version)

Compatibility: Android 4.0 and up.

7. Cabinet BETA

Minimalist applications have their own charm and one such application is Cabinet. The sleek looking file manager application is in Beta application already it’s a highly rated app on the Play Store. The application looks stunning and not very feature rich but it has got its basics right, with support for usual file manager features and compression support. It also lets you see a file’s or directory’s detailed properties and supports third party plugins & root access. The application also lets you customize the application’s primary & accent colors, thumbnail color and then some.

Cabinet-BETA

Cabinet is still in Beta, so we ought to see more features and plugins make their way to the application once the application is released as a stable version. While it lacks advanced features, the application ought to work for most users. If you don’t like tinkering with your apps much, Cabinet Beta should be a good choice. Thanks to the good-looking Material Design interface & fluid performance, Cabinet is indeed an awesome file manager application for individuals looking for something basic and simple to the eye.

Compatibility: Android 4.0 and up.

8. Total Commander

Total Commander has been a popular file manager application since a long time and it still remains viable, thanks to its advanced features. It supports different file sharing protocols (FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, LAN, OBEX) and cloud storage support through plugins. Other key features of the application includes media streaming player, directory history, capability to alter permissions of a file and some more. If you have a rooted gadget, Total Commander supports it and gives you to manage system directories.

Total-Commander

We don’t like the difficult and hideous user interface the app incorporates but its features do bring some value. Once you get utilized to the app, you will know that the app lets you manage your files rapidly, thanks to custom shortcuts being located at the bottom toolbar. It also supports a two panel mode, which is accessible through a swipe, so you can effortlessly drag and drop files. Total Commander is suggested, if you are looking for influential features in an app that doesn’t hog the resources. Yet, the app leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to the interface. Total Commander is free, so you can check out and choose for yourself.

Install: (Free)

Compatibility: Android 1.5 and up.

9. ASTRO File Manager

ASTRO is a famous decision for many users and that’s because it gives the all familiar Windows explorer look. Alongside usual file management, the application lets you compress files into ZIP format. It also supports popular cloud storage services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box and Facebook) and lets you transfer files between them with easy. ASTRO brings different other features like Mcafee antivirus integration, capability to set default search locations, search index options and customization choices. The application also provides some useful tools for Android, for example, App Manager, SD card utilization tracker and a Task Killer.

ASTRO-File-Manager

If you are a Windows computer user, ASTRO File Manager’s interface ought to feel right at home for you. While the feature list is not as rich as other applications on the list, it is good sufficient and gets the work done. While the file manager application is accessible for free on the Play Store, you can get the Pro version, which removes advertisements.

Install: (Free)

Compatibility: Varies with device.

Best File Managers for both casual and power users

According to us, these are the best file managers for Android and we are pretty sure one of these apps would certainly cater to your need. If you are a power user who wants all the advanced features, you should try the likes of File Manager HD, File Commander and Total Commander. Is multitasking & usability your priority? You can choose between ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer or File Explorer. Want a clean interface? File Expert, Gira File Manager or Cabinet beta should be good choices.