Every Android smartphone requires a reliable file explorer, and for many users, Files by Google serves as the default choice. This free and lightweight application provides essential file management capabilities, complemented by a clean design that facilitates quick access to content organized in folders or categories. While it excels at cleaning up duplicate files and freeing up storage space, it may not be the most comprehensive file management solution available on Android.
What Android file management app do you use?
In a recent poll, users expressed their preferences for various file management applications:
- Files by Google: 15%
- Mixplorer: 4%
- Material Files: 12%
- Solid Explorer: 23%
- Cx File Explorer: 12%
- Fossify File Manager: 12%
- Your phone’s default file manager: 15%
- Another app (mention in comments): 8%
Mixplorer
Among the alternatives, Mixplorer stands out for its versatility and extensibility. With over a decade of active development, this application integrates various storage solutions seamlessly—from internal storage to external media, LAN, Google Drive, OneDrive, and other cloud services. Users can access all their data without the need to switch between different apps. Additionally, Mixplorer supports symlinks, enhancing file access flexibility across Android devices.
The app’s customizable design is another highlight. While the default layout is user-friendly, power users can enhance functionality through add-ons, apply skins for theming, and utilize a tabbed interface for easy navigation. A particularly useful feature is the dropdown breadcrumbs menu, allowing users to backtrack to root folders without cluttering the screen. Mixplorer is available for free via XDA, but supporting the developer by purchasing Mixplorer Silver from the Play Store is recommended.
Material Files
Material Files offers a balanced approach, combining an intuitive user interface with an extensive feature set that appeals to both casual users and power users alike. Its design, influenced by Material You, adapts to the device’s color theme and supports automatic Night mode based on system settings. While it may not match Mixplorer in terms of expandability, its user-friendly layout and accessible features, such as a dedicated Screenshots shortcut, make it a practical choice. However, it does not support browsing files on Google Drive.
Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer is another highly regarded option in the Android app ecosystem. Mirroring many features of Mixplorer, it distinguishes itself with unique functionalities, such as real-time folder size displays that update as files are added or removed. The polished UI experience enhances usability, featuring a two-pane file management system that allows users to view two directories simultaneously. Additionally, the option to lock storage access with a fingerprint adds an extra layer of security, making Solid Explorer a compelling choice for those who prioritize both functionality and aesthetics.
Cx File Explorer
Cx File Explorer takes a more focused approach to managing Android device storage. It offers a suite of tools designed to help users identify and manage storage issues effectively. The standout feature is its analysis tools, which provide insights into storage usage, highlighting the largest files and detailing where space is being consumed. The clean design, compact icon-based breadcrumbs menu, and built-in media players further enhance the user experience, making it a practical choice for those looking to optimize their device’s storage.
Fossify File Manager
Fossify File Manager rounds out the list as a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy and simplicity. It offers a user experience similar to Files by Google but with enhanced security features, such as the ability to lock individual files and folders with a fingerprint or password. The approachable UI, customizable color themes, and straightforward organizational tools make it an appealing choice for users seeking a secure yet user-friendly file management solution.
While Files by Google remains a solid choice for basic file management needs, those seeking additional features, cloud storage access, or enhanced security may find these five alternatives worth exploring.
5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google
Every Android smartphone requires a reliable file explorer, and for many users, Files by Google serves as the default choice. This free and lightweight application provides essential file management capabilities, complemented by a clean design that facilitates quick access to content organized in folders or categories. While it excels at cleaning up duplicate files and freeing up storage space, it may not be the most comprehensive file management solution available on Android.
What Android file management app do you use?
In a recent poll, users expressed their preferences for various file management applications:
Mixplorer
Among the alternatives, Mixplorer stands out for its versatility and extensibility. With over a decade of active development, this application integrates various storage solutions seamlessly—from internal storage to external media, LAN, Google Drive, OneDrive, and other cloud services. Users can access all their data without the need to switch between different apps. Additionally, Mixplorer supports symlinks, enhancing file access flexibility across Android devices.
The app’s customizable design is another highlight. While the default layout is user-friendly, power users can enhance functionality through add-ons, apply skins for theming, and utilize a tabbed interface for easy navigation. A particularly useful feature is the dropdown breadcrumbs menu, allowing users to backtrack to root folders without cluttering the screen. Mixplorer is available for free via XDA, but supporting the developer by purchasing Mixplorer Silver from the Play Store is recommended.
Material Files
Material Files offers a balanced approach, combining an intuitive user interface with an extensive feature set that appeals to both casual users and power users alike. Its design, influenced by Material You, adapts to the device’s color theme and supports automatic Night mode based on system settings. While it may not match Mixplorer in terms of expandability, its user-friendly layout and accessible features, such as a dedicated Screenshots shortcut, make it a practical choice. However, it does not support browsing files on Google Drive.
Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer is another highly regarded option in the Android app ecosystem. Mirroring many features of Mixplorer, it distinguishes itself with unique functionalities, such as real-time folder size displays that update as files are added or removed. The polished UI experience enhances usability, featuring a two-pane file management system that allows users to view two directories simultaneously. Additionally, the option to lock storage access with a fingerprint adds an extra layer of security, making Solid Explorer a compelling choice for those who prioritize both functionality and aesthetics.
Cx File Explorer
Cx File Explorer takes a more focused approach to managing Android device storage. It offers a suite of tools designed to help users identify and manage storage issues effectively. The standout feature is its analysis tools, which provide insights into storage usage, highlighting the largest files and detailing where space is being consumed. The clean design, compact icon-based breadcrumbs menu, and built-in media players further enhance the user experience, making it a practical choice for those looking to optimize their device’s storage.
Fossify File Manager
Fossify File Manager rounds out the list as a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy and simplicity. It offers a user experience similar to Files by Google but with enhanced security features, such as the ability to lock individual files and folders with a fingerprint or password. The approachable UI, customizable color themes, and straightforward organizational tools make it an appealing choice for users seeking a secure yet user-friendly file management solution.
While Files by Google remains a solid choice for basic file management needs, those seeking additional features, cloud storage access, or enhanced security may find these five alternatives worth exploring.