One of the significant advantages of the Android operating system is open access to the file system. Some devices have simple file managers installed right out of the box, other devices don't even have these, so third-party file managers are quite popular among users.

This article contains 3 of the best file managers for Android OS, which have extensive functionality and allow you to fully work with both your own data and system files.

File Commander

File Commander immediately greets the user with a bright and interesting design.

The application is shareware. The free version comes with ads, and in order to remove it, you need to pay an additional fee. In addition to the absence of advertising, the Premium version opens up advanced opportunities for the user:

• Access to hidden files and folders;
• The presence of a "Recycle Bin", which allows you to recover erroneously deleted data ";
• Allocation of frequently used files to Favorites for quick access;
• Safe mode, which allows you to hide or encrypt selected files and folders;
• The ability to sort data by type and size to analyze the utilization of drives.

Immediately after launch, you will see a window with categories of files that you can work on.

By tapping on the selected storage, you can immediately access all files and folders that are located there.

Next to each disk drive there is a pie chart icon, by tapping on which you open the Memory Analyzer. This feature allows you to determine the "heaviest" files that take up the most space on the disk. The analyzer is available only for the Premium version of File Commander, but for free access there is an opportunity to use this function 3 times for informational purposes.

If your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network together with your computer, with PC File Transfer you can access your files using a browser. To do this, you need to start the PC File Transfer service and enter the address generated by the application into the address bar of the browser on the PC.

This way you can access all files on your PC without having to connect your smartphone or tablet to your PC using a USB cable.

Also File Commander allows you to broadcast the screen of your mobile phone to other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network. To start this function, you need to register via E-mail or using Google or Facebook.

Another extremely useful feature of File Commander is the built-in ability to convert files to various formats. In order to start the converter, you need to tap on the double arrow icon, which is located next to each of the files.

File Commander can convert not only images, but also video files, text documents and pdfs. The list of supported formats is quite extensive, and for each of the files it is selected individually.

The side context menu allows you to quickly access categories, recent files, favorites and trash can, as well as use FTP, log in to other devices through the local network, etc.

The free file manager for Android ES Explorer has a Russian interface made in blue and light gray tones, and without long preludes immediately gives users access to all available functions.

At the very top is information about the available storage facilities and their volume. There is also a button to launch the Place Analyzer, which checks which data take up the most space on the mobile device.

After the analysis, the user can see a pie chart that graphically displays the percentage of occupied and free space. Next, information about large files that "eat up" the bulk of disk space is placed, then about empty temporary and log files, about duplicate files located simultaneously in several directories.

By clicking on "Details" you can learn more in the selected category, as well as immediately delete all or only certain files.

The Cleanup function allows you to quickly analyze file storage and remove files from the trash, erase outdated APK installers, ad junk, downloaded files from the Download folder, cached image thumbnails. Sometimes such minor garbage can accumulate over several gigabytes.

In addition to working with local storage, ES Explorer can also work with cloud services. By clicking on the Cloud button, you can log in to popular remote storages such as Gdrive, Yandex, OneDrive, etc.

Using ES Explorer, you can connect to other devices over the local network via LAN, FTP or Android TV.

The application also allows you to remotely access a mobile device via a PC if both devices are connected to the same local network.

The built-in ransomware allows you to protect your data in transit, as well as when stored in the cloud. For this ES Explorer uses a special 128-bit cipher.

Besides being able to select files by category, you can also access all the information on the selected storage. To do this, click on the memory card icon located at the top of the screen next to the Home Page. All folders and files stored on your device will open in front of you.

It can rightfully be considered a legendary product that has been known to everyone since 1993 on the Windows platform. In 2002, the program migrated to Microsoft and eventually expanded to Windows Mobile and Android platforms.

Total Commander by default has a dark interface in Russian, but if desired, the user can completely change the appearance of the application for himself in Settings. You can change not only the background color and control elements, but also font styles and sizes, line heights, and the appearance of icons. Alternatively, you can simply change the interface theme from dark to light.

On the home screen, you can access shared files on your internal storage. You can also separately get quick access to the downloads folder and photos, go to the root directory of the file system, go to favorites in Bookmarks, or open the full list of applications for quick removal.

At the bottom of the display is a fixed button bar:

• Select;
• Copy / move;
• Archive;
• Delete;
• Sort;
• Add / change button.

File selection in Total Commander is very interesting. In addition to the fact that you can select files with a long tap on the icon, you can also select or deselect certain files, by name or extension. An option to invert the selection is also available.

The copy function allows you not only to move files within the storage, but also to send them via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless technologies.

You can sort the data by name, extension, size, date and time.

You can assign various commands as additional buttons, including change folder, internal commands, launch an application, etc.

Individual folders can be bookmarked by clicking on the star icon at the top of the screen.

After tapping on the "Add Bookmark" button, by default you will be asked to save the current folder to Favorites. You can agree or choose another. Besides saving to bookmarks, you can also save the folder on the home screen for quick access.

The multiple folders button next to Bookmarks is responsible for viewing the folder history. There you can track which folders you viewed with Total Commander, as well as quickly navigate to the selected directory.

Also Total Commander pleases with its extensive search functionality. In addition to searching by file name or extension, you can also search for files that contain specific text, files by creation and modification date, and size.

In addition to the main functionality, the capabilities of Total Commander can be extended using plugins that can be installed additionally. This approach looks justified, because some of the functions that come with applications "out of the box" may not be required by certain users of the application.

Here you can personalize the application and additionally install only the functionality that you need.

FTP server plugins, Google Drive sync plugin, LAN connection plugin, etc. are available for download.

The presented applications have all the necessary basic and interesting advanced functionality that allows you not only to manage files, but also to clean the disk from unnecessary data, work with cloud storage, etc.

Of course, there are tons of apps of this kind on Google Play, but these trio are proven and reliable leaders who have received user acclaim.

Reading 3 min.

Hello everyone, dear readers. Today I have again prepared for you a very interesting selection of the best, in my opinion, file managers.

Before you start studying the collection I have proposed, I want to say a few words about what file managers are and why you may need them in your mobile devices based on the popular Android operating system.

File manager (file manager) is an application for your mobile device that allows you to control various files stored in the memory of your Android gadget, or on an SD card. Also, the file manager (file manager) will allow you to transfer, rename, delete and perform other operations with your files.

Below you can find the voting form. With its help, you can vote for one or another file manager that suits you best. Your voice will help other readers of this material to save time and make the right decision when choosing the right tool.

A very popular file manager for the Android operating system. Total Commander will allow you to easily manage a large array of files on your mobile device... Of all the possibilities, I will note the following, in my opinion the most important:

1. Built-in archiver that can work with RAR and ZIP archives;
2. Built-in text editor for editing files without leaving the program;
3. Support for cloud services such as DropBox;
4. Built-in audio and video players for viewing media files directly from the application.

In my opinion, this file manager, along with the previous application, is one of the most functional and best tools of this kind for Android. Of the features, I note the following:

1. The application supports skins;
2. In addition to the standard functions for this kind, it has the ability to edit text directly from the application, using a text editor;
3. Optimized for comfortable work on tablet computers.

Another good file manager for your mobile gadget. Of the main features of this tool, I would like to note the following:

1. Like the first tool, there is a built-in archiver;
2. The ability to send files to popular social networks directly from the manager.

You can download the application to your mobile device using the link on Google Play posted above.

Nice free file manager for your Android mobile gadget. Of all the features of the application, I will highlight the following:

1. Built-in image viewing and text editing tools;
2. The ability to assign "hot buttons" to perform an action;
3. The application can work with ZIP and JAR archives;
4. There is a built-in document viewer in Word format.

Another high-quality manager, this time for working with file archives in popular formats... Of the possibilities, I will note some:

1. The ability to connect cloud storage;
2. Support for archives in the most popular formats.

The file manager greatly simplifies access to music, videos and various documents. If you are doing something serious on the device, then you cannot do without it. That is why the first analogs of the computer Explorer appeared on mobile phones back in the mid-2000s. With the advent of the smartphone era, the functionality of such utilities has expanded significantly.

This collection contains the best file managers. We will try to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of each program so that you can choose a convenient application for yourself based on our experience gained by us.

Price: Free

A file manager with a lot of installations and a high rating in the Play Market. The application has a pleasant visual interface and intuitive controls. The main screen displays folders with the maximum number of files - music, documents, downloads, etc., there is also a separate division into internal and external memory. In order to access the complete list of folders, for example, for manual cleaning, just click on the desired drive. Like many managers, the program has a memory analysis function, after a short collection of information, detailed information opens up about which file types take up the most space, the largest objects in folders are displayed (including those where the user himself may not be able to look), and also the applications with the largest cache. Cleaning after such analysis can be performed manually or entrusted with the removal of the application.

The program has advanced settings, where you can choose which software to use to open a particular file, as well as customize the display type - hide or show system folders, etc. Additional options include remote access, synchronization with a PC via FTP and access to. The application has a paid version, but there is no particular point in connecting it, since the available functionality is quite enough for comfortable work. I would like to see a dark theme in the application, but its absence cannot be considered a minus, since the software copes with its tasks perfectly. Also from the useful features that have not been implemented in this utility, but are very useful in life - the magazine (displays the latest files downloaded to the smartphone).

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

• No event log.

Price: Free

This file manager has good user ratings. It offers a simple interface with straightforward controls, a fairly good set of features, and all this without advertising. The uncomplicated main menu was divided into three tabs - the most frequently visited places, all folders and cloud storage. Here is the analysis function, which after a short memory scan will show the most "heavy" files and applications. Then it remains to choose - entrust the cleaning to the program or do everything yourself. CX Explorer has support for FTP, which allows you to organize a convenient exchange of information with a PC without using wires.

There are built-in utilities for viewing files - audio, video, text. With their help, the process of finding and removing unnecessary information becomes much easier than using third-party applications. However, if desired, it is possible in the firmware settings - then when the file is opened, a third-party application will be launched at the user's choice. In general, the manager is quite functional, it does not have a very beautiful visual design, but it suits perfectly for simple tasks of finding, sorting and removing software. In future updates, the developers promise to introduce the function of obtaining Root rights, which will expand the ability to work with system folders and files.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

• No event log.

File Manager - Local and Cloud File Explorer

Price: Free

File manager has a very stylish and advanced design, with the ability to swap windows and customize themes. At the same time, the translation of the application is rather crooked - some items and functions are not Russified at all, while others are named so that it is difficult to immediately understand what is at stake, for example, the "compressed" folder contains archived files. Apart from the interface, the application is very functional. There is a standard breakdown by folders, display of free and occupied space, a list of directories with the maximum content, a list of installed software (broken down into native and custom). In the settings, you can specify which folders will be displayed in the main window, open Root access (system files and directories), set a lock password. Like many managers, File Manager can work with cloud storage and supports FTP.

The cache cleaning mode looks strange - by clicking on the corresponding menu item hidden in the settings section, the application will start cleaning something, but what exactly and what effect cannot be understood. Also, the application clearly lacks the analysis function, which displays the most capacious files for automatic cleaning. The app has a paid Pro version that removes ads.

Advantages:

• Beautiful and customizable interface.
• There is an event log.
• The ability to lock the application with a password.
• Root access to system files.
• Work with FTP and cloud storage.

Disadvantages:

EZ File Explorer

Price: Free

EZ File Explorer is a user-friendly file manager with a wide range of functionality, a pleasant interface and intuitive control. Already in the main window, the user will find everything they need - folders with the largest files, information about the state of the drive, as well as a log for the last days. In addition, there is access to the root directory with the folders of installed applications, and for whom this is not enough - you can generally look at the system directories and files. It is not recommended for untrained users to climb and delete something there, and experienced Android users can use this functionality to develop software or study the software of their mobile device, at least this is how the manager's developers present it.

The application allows you to customize the theme, the way files are displayed, choose the method of sorting them, display the name and file sizes (or just the name). The FTP manager has access to the phone from a PC, the ability to manage applications (both third-party and native). The program is not burdened with advertising, but completely unobtrusively offers to install other utilities from the developer, for example, a functional gallery for viewing photos and videos or a safe in which you can hide content from prying eyes.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

• There is no option to clean the memory - all unnecessary files will have to be deleted manually.
• There is no way to connect cloud storage to the manager.

File Manager (File Explorer)

A file manager from a company as famous as Asus cannot be bad at all. It has been downloaded by over 700 thousand people. The overall score is 4.4 points out of 5, which is quite good. First of all, the program has a very pleasant design with a beautiful and understandable display of information. Everything is conveniently located, the functionality is not too great, but in fact it is more than enough - access to the horse directory, displaying hidden files and folders, connecting cloud storages, transferring files to a PC via FTP, the ability to create a password-protected storage.

The application has an option to evaluate memory and delete large files and allows you to find duplicate files. This is true for Android devices because when sending any files through instant messengers or applications, they are copied and heavily clutter up the memory. Given the lack of advertising, the program is one of the best of its kind.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

• An application in automatic mode does not always find large files created by applications, and not downloaded by the user.

Price: Free

Many of us have Total Commander installed on our computer. Now it is the most convenient file manager with a two-window interface. Meanwhile, the developers are not asleep - some time ago they decided to create a separate version of the application, sharpening it for the Android operating system.

If desired, you can also enable a two-pane interface here - this is done in the settings. If you have Root rights, the program provides access to absolutely all folders. There is also a function that allows you to connect to an FTP server, which is useful for any owner of an Internet site. The display of files can be different - it all depends on how many of them you want to fit on the screen of your smartphone. If you so wish, the file manager for Android will even show thumbnails of photos. In theory, this will allow you to completely abandon the standard "Gallery".

Other interesting features include a built-in archiver. Also, some users should like the function of controlling other applications. There is also support for plugins that will allow you to access LAN, WebDAV and USB sticks. In a word, Total Commander can easily be turned into a completely professional application.

Advantages:

• The presence of a two-panel mode.
• Free download.
• Support for plugins, which are also distributed for free.
• Built-in archiver.
• Management of installed applications.

Disadvantages:

• Complex interface.
• Not everyone will guess about the existence of plugins.

Fx file explorer

Price: Free

If you want to download a file manager for Android with this name, then be prepared for it to be in English. Unfortunately, the authors of the application do not think about Russian-language localization yet. But this is not a reason to pass him by. The fact is that an excellent two-window mode is implemented here. At the same time, the interface is simplified as much as possible, so that even a beginner will not have any questions.

Like many of its competitors, FX File Explorer creates thumbnails of media files so you don't have to rely on their names alone. The built-in archiver helps you work with files in ZIP, 7ZIP, GZIP and even RAR formats. The player should also please. A nice bonus is the HEX editor, which is useful for app developers. The developers have not forgotten about the usual text editor.

It is curious that you can transfer files using FX File Explorer to another device not only via traditional Bluetooth, but also via Wi-Fi. In short, if you have no problems understanding English, then be sure to check out this application.

Advantages:

• Plugin support.
• Simple and intuitive interface, complemented by a two-pane mode.
• Transfer files over Wi-Fi.
• Built-in archiver.
• The presence of a HEX editor.
• FTP support.
• Nice built-in media player.

Disadvantages:

• Only a trial version is available for free.
• Lack of Russian.

X-Plore

Price: Free

Many people remember this file manager from the days of Symbian. Interestingly, the developers from Lonely Games did not seriously modify their creation with the advent of the Android era. There is a familiar interface that depicts the device's file system as a tree structure. The music player allows you not to launch a separate application to listen to the audio file of interest. The creators have not forgotten about the HEX editor, which was also present on the N73 and other legendary smartphones of past years.

Any folder here can be added to Favorites. If you have Root rights, absolutely the entire file system is displayed. The archiver available here supports 7ZIP, RAR and ZIP formats. Webmasters will love the ability to send files via FTP. Well, ordinary users will rejoice at the introduction of cloud storage support here. Using simple manipulations, you can transfer files via Wi-Fi.

In short, one could safely say that X-Plore is the best file manager. But we will not do this. We understand that Explorer for Android should have the most simplified interface, because most smartphones are used by ordinary people who do not want to learn something new. And the interface available in X-Plore is difficult to understand - the same could be said about the versions of the file manager for Symbian.

Advantages:

• Sending files over Wi-Fi.
• Cloud storage support.
• Built-in archiver.
• The ability to use two-panel mode.
• FTP protocol support.
• The presence of a HEX editor.
• Quick view of images.
• Free distribution.
• The presence of a music player.

Disadvantages:

• The interface is rejected by newbies.

If you think the folder and file icons are too large, you can easily reduce them. Also, there are a large number of sorting criteria, which also helps to quickly find the file you are interested in. The creators have endowed Solid Explorer with a built-in archiver. It is capable of creating ZIP and TAR archives. As for RAR, the file manager can only unpack such archives.

Experienced users will be delighted with the dual-window mode implemented here. You should also like the function of creating a backup copy of all files - this is rarely found in such programs (if we are not talking about their computer versions). Finally, the possibility of using cloud storage is not superfluous.

Advantages:

• Plugin support.
• Working with cloud storage.
• FTP protocol support.
• Simple interface for a beginner.
• Built-in archiver.
• Ability to edit documents.
• The ability to change the theme.
• Competently implemented two-panel mode.
• Backing up files.

Disadvantages:

• The free trial mode lasts only 14 days.
• Unstable work on some devices.
• Poorly copes with large archives.

The file manager is one of the most important applications in a smartphone. You can use it to view and find downloaded files, manage storage space, move files, and more. Not everyone likes to organize files because it's boring, but everyone needs a file manager. Here are the best file viewing apps and file managers for Android.

Amaze File Manage is relatively new and good enough. It is open source and lightweight interface, especially for those who just need to view files. It has Material Design, SMB file sharing, a built-in application manager, and more. This manager includes the most important functions without being cumbersome. You can download it for free, or if you want to help the developers, use in-app purchases.

Astro is one of the oldest file managers for Android. Throughout its history, it has had ups and downs. However, it has always been a good choice. Of the functions, it is worth noting support for SD cards, support for cloud storage, file compression, application management and support for unpacking archives (ZIP and RAR). You will also get an intuitive and beautiful Material Design interface. The app is completely free and no ads. The developer has also published a beta version if you want to try new features before others.

Asus File Manager

It's not every day that you see apps from a smartphone manufacturer on the list of the best. But Asus's file manager is really good. The app has a clean and simple interface with LAN and SMB support, support for cloud storage, support for various file types, support for archiving, and more. This is a completely free app with no in-app purchases. The only downside is the lack of root access and a few advertisements.

FX File Explorer is a relatively new file manager. It has all the usual functions. This includes a function for managing media and files, support for multiple windows, network storage such as FTP, and even support for encrypted zipped files. There's even a text editor and support for unpopular archives like GZip, Bzip2, and 7zip. It has no ads and does not track your devices. It's a good choice for those looking to ditch ES File Explorer.

MiXplorer Silver - File Manager

MiXplorer Silver is the newest file manager on this list. The list of features is pretty impressive. You get standard features like file browsing, cloud storage support, and HTML browsing. There are some niche features including EPub, MobiPlacket, and support for PDF reading and file encryption. There are many plugins that increase the functionality, For example, if you need archiving support, you can install the corresponding plugin. The app does not have a free version, so be sure to use the trial period to decide whether you like it or not.

MK Explorer (File Manager)

MK Explorer is another good file manager. It is a simple manager with few functions. It's perfect for you if you're looking for something simple. It has a Material Design interface, basic file management functions (copy, paste, delete, SD card support for Lollipop 5.0+) and root access. There is also support for 20 languages, built-in text editor, gallery and music player. The app hasn't been updated for a long time, so I recommend it only to smartphones with an older version of Android, such as Lollipop or Marshmallow.

Root Explorer has long been popular with root users. It is not the most up-to-date application, but it is updated frequently. These updates include a new interface, new features and stability improvements. With this manager you will have root access to the partition (if your smartphone is rooted), which allows you to do whatever you want. The app has tools like a binary XML viewer, the ability to change the owner and groups of a file, MD5 support, and more.

Solid explorer

Solid Explorer is gaining popularity and it's clear why. It has a Material Design interface, cloud support, Roo access, FTP, SFTP, WebDav, SMB and CIFS support, archiving and compression support, Chromecast support, and even themes. This is the absolute leader in the number of functions that can only be in a file manager. You can try it for free for two weeks. Then you have to pay 99 rubles. I recommend this manager first. I think it is the best for Android.

Mobile file managers today do an excellent job with their basic responsibilities. In addition to the functions of data management (copying, moving, deleting, archiving, etc.), their toolkit very often includes working with various protocols and viewing multimedia documents.

Among mobile managers, there are both file-oriented programs and more integrated solutions - with support for cloud services, network protocols, file systems and several options for synchronizing with a PC.

With that said, the review consists of the following aspects:

• Interface and navigation: composition of the toolbar, history, bookmarks, setting up the start page
• Available file operations, working with archives, the ability to root-access the file system
• Built-in multimedia and document viewers
• Support for network protocols and services
• Additional tools

Review participants:

• Total Commander
• ES Explorer
• X-plore File Manager
• Fx file explorer
• File manager

Total Commander

The desktop version of Total Commander is quite popular, so it doesn't need any special introduction. Searching for similarities with a mobile application, in this case, does not make much sense, especially since there are not so many of them.

A two-pane mode is available in the mobile manager. Here it is optional and disabled initially. The main page contains the main sections: the root of the file system, photos, downloads, SD card. In Total Commander, you cannot reorganize the workspace in the same way as other managers, as, for example, in ES Explorer (see below).

In general, the interface is static: there are no display modes, pull-out panels, switching between windows, etc. The visual component of the application is ascetic, you can only change the font and color settings. In return, the user gets productivity and excellent speed of work, ease of navigation. File operations can use drag and drop, directory history and bookmarks are used for fast navigation, similar to the desktop version.

For data management, a lower panel is provided, where basic operations are available, such as copying, moving, deleting, zip-archiving, and selecting files by mask. If necessary, additional items can also be added to this panel: user directories, internal commands, and shell commands.

A built-in editor is used to view documents, and a lightweight player with support for standard Android formats is used for multimedia. Image previews in TC are displayed without problems, but to display them full screen, you need to specify an external application.

In terms of support for protocols and services, Total Commander does not really stand out. From the built-in toolkit, we can note the ability to transfer files via Bluetooth (OBEX) and support for a local network. Protocols such as WebDAV and FTP are available for transfer after plugins are installed.

Summary... Total Commander is a fast and stable manager with an emphasis on local file operations with a simple interface. Dual-pane mode is a separate plus, although some users may find the multi-window manager more convenient. Works with older firmware versions (1.6 and higher). Supports multiple network protocols, viewing multimedia formats (excluding images).

[-] No image viewer
[-] No support for cloud storage
[+] The presence of a two-panel mode
[+] Speed \u200b\u200bof work

ES Explorer

ES Explorer is a single-pane file manager with support for cloud services, transfer protocols and multimedia viewing capabilities.

The ES Explorer address bar is used for navigation, clicking on it opens the navigation history. On the left side of the screen is the Quick Access Toolbar for navigating bookmarks, library and online sources. There are also additional tools here: application manager, task manager, SD card analyzer, remote manager and others.

The bottom panel of the application is focused on a variety of file operations, you cannot customize it to your liking. The developers have abandoned the usual context menu. At the same time, data management is convenient, file operations "copy / cut / delete" are always at hand.

Using the bottom panel, you can change the size and layout of the list, switch windows is available, which is very convenient for file operations and work with multiple sources. In addition to multi-selection, gestures are supported - they are defined in the quick access settings.

ES Explorer has a built-in player for opening audio and video. Preview and full screen image preview are available. The text editor works with several office formats, including OpenOffice documents.

To transfer data to ES Explorer, the network protocols FTP, WebDAV and the Samba file system are used. In addition, data can be sent to the cloud (Dropbox, Yandex.Disk, Google Drive, SkyDrive, Amazon S3, Box, etc.), which, in principle, assumes WebDAV.

As already mentioned, the functionality of the manager is supplemented by applications that are available in the "Tools" section of the left panel. Some of them duplicate the system ones: application manager, task manager, etc. The SDCard analyzer, a tool that is also found in other managers, is necessary for analyzing the occupied disk space. Remote access will be useful when transferring files between a mobile device and a computer via Wi-Fi. In addition, data can be transferred via Bluetooth, directly in the file browser.

Summary... ES Explorer will be useful not only as a local file manager. It is notable for its support for network protocols, cloud hosting and the ability to exchange data between PCs and mobile platforms. A big plus is full support for media and office document formats. All these functions are offered for free and, as will be seen later in the guide, this functionality is more typical for paid solutions.

[+] Internal viewing of documents and multimedia
[+] Support for network technologies
[+] Convenient navigation

X-plore File Manager

X-plore File Manager is a file manager with support for various protocols and services and built-in media viewer.

The X-plore start page contains key sections: access to network and cloud storage, main memory, SD card and, optionally, secure system files (root). It should be noted that some network options can only be used when purchasing the full version of the program. This includes file transfer over Wi-Fi, synchronization with a PC via a browser, SSH.

The first thing that is focused on is a tree-like display of data, which is not the most familiar mobile option, but quite convenient to use. When you move to the next level, the tree expands, allowing you to track the full path from the very beginning of the hierarchy. The only moment that causes inconvenience is the high density of elements. In this case, the settings can be varied with the settings for the height of the elements and fonts.

File operations - deleting, copying, moving, archiving, unpacking and others - are available through the context menu. The customizable sidebar is intended for access to the main functions and partially duplicates the context menu.

Quick access is carried out through favorites or history. Switching panels allows you to quickly navigate to data from network and local sources. In terms of navigation, it is also worth noting the convenient multi-selection and customizable keyboard shortcuts.

From the additional toolkit, the Disk map utility should be noted. It will be useful when analyzing disk space and, therefore, to remove unnecessary data. A program manager is also available - replacing the standard utility with almost the same set of functions.

X-plore displays text information, multimedia. Previews are available directly in the hierarchical display. The image gallery is fast enough, but there is a gripe: the scrolling of files is inconvenient, the vertical offset should be removed.

Summary... X-plore File Manager is a program with an addictive interface. This is not a gripe, but some feature that not every user will like, due to the absence of other display modes. The manager is convenient when dealing with network protocols; several standards can be used simultaneously. Also X-plore provides flexible settings and includes an additional set of system tools.

[-] Lack of alternative data viewing modes
[+] High speed of work
[+] Support for cloud services and transfer protocols
[+] Analysis of occupied space

Fx file explorer

FX File Explorer is a simple file manager, a lightweight version of the FX File Explorer Plus application. The FX Plus trial mode is available for 7 days, after which you can install a paid add-on or continue using, but with the basic tools.

The FX home page provides access to bookmarks, utilities and files. In turn, the last section allows you to work with the data of the memory card, main memory and system data in the root access mode - to get the latter, you need to install the extension. The enhanced version of FX Plus also includes media management, network directories, access to cloud hosting and Bluetooth data transfer.

The interface of FX, Holo, is very convenient, its main feature is the presence of "air" between the elements. The manager supports multiple windows, allowing you to quickly navigate between sections. This is what the Actions panel is for.

Similar to Total Commander, there is a split view, or combined mode, which allows you to display two work screens in one window. In this case, the arrangement of the panels is not horizontal, but vertical. Switching modes are supported, independently for each panel: in the form of a list, a grid or in the order of occupied space (Usage). The latter option is a kind of continuation of the Cleaning Tools. Usage allows you to analyze the distribution of data on a disk by their types.

Two other notable features are related to control: they are zooming and selection of an object through slides.

FX File Explorer includes a txt / hex editor, image viewer, media and audio players. FX Plus has the ability to convert Google Docs files to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OpenDocument, PDF and others.

Summary... In terms of functionality, the free version of FX File Explorer is closest to Total Commander, since there is no support for network protocols and cloud services. The app will be useful if you only need basic file operations or to get acquainted with the extended version of FX Plus.

[-] Low functionality
[+] Convenient spacious interface
[+] Powerful archiver
[+] Sophisticated navigation

File manager

File Manager is a simple one-pane manager with support for network protocols and cloud storage.

The application interface is extremely simple: it consists of a main area, with the ability to switch the display (grid / list), and a top toolbar. This panel includes almost all functions, although some additional commands are found in the context menu. The disadvantages of this organization are as follows: first, you have to scroll through the panel to access the buttons you need; secondly, there is no grouping of elements. On the other hand, the contents of the top panel can be changed at your discretion, minimized.

For batch work with files, the "Many" section is intended. At first glance, it is difficult to determine the purpose of this button, and only when multiple selection of files is required does everything fall into place. The inconvenience is that there is no start page with bookmarks, although, for example, you can add shortcuts. You cannot organize the workspace for quick access to network devices and file storages.

If we talk about other aspects of the File Manager toolkit, then the situation is more interesting here. Supports file access and streaming media download over the local network and protocols SMB, FTP, FTPS, SFTP and WebDAV. The list of cloud storages includes a traditional set (Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, SkyDrive, SugarSync, Yandex. Disk).

Multimedia features include thumbnail display for photos and videos, image gallery, SWF player. The built-in editor is used to view text files.

Summary... The File Manager app is intuitive to use and fully functional, thanks to broad protocol and cloud support. However, it is not flexible enough in navigation. Let's say a sidebar (see X-plore or FX File Explorer) or gestures would be helpful.

[-] Inconvenient navigation
[+] Support for protocols and file storages
[+] Multimedia features including streaming

Devices