One of Android’s advantage over the iPhone is of course file management system. Well, compared to the non-jailbroken iPhone, Android gives you full control of what’s in your device’s internal and external storage via a super file management system. Though the default file management app is pretty good, even better are the third-party apps which lets you manage files on your Android devices.
Here, we give you some of the best alternative file management apps for your Android. Most, if not all, of these apps are free to download. So, choose wisely and get the app the best suits your needs.
This article is part of the Beat The Stock series that explores the best replacements for your stock apps. Other articles in the series include -
- Messaging (SMS) Apps
- Dialers and Contacts
- Web Browsers
- Music Players
- Video Players
- Instant Messengers
- Camera
- Widgets
- File Management (Currently viewing)
Stock File Management App for Android
There’s nothing much to say about the stock file management app, called simply as My Files. It’s pretty much gives you the basic features of a normal-working file management app.
My Files lets you create folders, share files, view and list files by list and details and thumbnail. It also pretty much work with other social networking and email apps on your Android devices. In addition, the app lets you move, copy and rename files. In terms of design, the app is simple as well. Hence, it will prompt you to look for more advanced and better looking file management app.
Best Alternatives to the Stock File Management App:
ASTRO File Manager
Astro File Manager is possibly the most popular among the alternative file management apps for Android. I mean, if it’s the first time that you’re using an Android device and you go around asking for a good file management app, many of the users will recommend this app.
This app helps your organize almost all files that you can possibly store in your Android devices – pictures, music, videos, documents and other files. You can consider the app as your Windows Explorer or Finder on Mac for Android phones and tablets. As such, it allows you to easily browse and organize all your files.
One underrated feature of ASTRO File Manager is its ability to kill processes that otherwise eat up your device’s battery life. Another feature that you’ll appreciate about this app is its ability to back up you apps. No wonder, this app has received more than 23 million downloads from the Google Play store. It has everything you need in a great file management app for your Android devices.
Any negative thoughts about ASTRO? There may be few, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Almost 5-star rating after millions of downloads reflects on the quality of the app.
Download ASTRO File Manager
ES File Explorer
Another great add to this list is ES File Manager. It is loaded with features, but one thing that make it stand out from the rest of the apps in its kind is the fact that this app is not only a file manager per se but an app manager as well.
Aside from allowing you to copy, paste, cut/move, create, delete, rename and share/send files from and to your Android devices and computers, ES File Manager also lets you manage apps installed on your devices.
As an app manager, this app lets you install, uninstall, backup, create shortcuts and categorize your apps – be it on your Android phones or tablets or computers.
Aside from being a file and app manager, ES File Explorer Android app also allows you to compress and decompress ZIP files, unpack RAR files, and even create encrypted (AES 256 bit) ZIP files. Grant it root access and ES File Explorer can help you explore the Android system files as well. Just be sure you know what you are doing before playing around with system folders.
Download ES File Explorer
AndroZIP FileManager
This Android file management app was hailed by some who’ve used it as a stand out particularly because it works like WinZip or WinRAR. After using the app, one thing you’ll appreciate about it is its simple and intuitive interface. Yes, some may find it a bit confusing but if you’re in tune with how file managers work – you’ll find that using this app is a breeze after all.
Some of the app’s features include – support for ZIP, RAR, GZIP, TAR and BZIP2 files; ability to create ZIP, TAR,and GZIP; multiple and batch file delete, move, and copy, app management feature and for those who are fond of getting their Android apps outside of the Google Play store, you’ll be glad to know that this app lets you install apps via APK files.
Download AndrodZIP FileManager
File Manager
Don’t let this app’s simple name fool you because it is definitely one of the full-featured file management that you may consider for your Android devices. For one thing, the app has a very friendly UI design as well as functionality. It has 3 sets of commercial icons for 60+ different file types, toolbar and menu items.
Other features of this app that you will appreciate include – list and grid views when browsing files, search and share files, compress and decompress support, multiple selection and sorting, and its ability to stream media from LAN without the need to download the file.
Download File Manager
Root Explorer
Finally, an obvious app for our readers who have rooted Android devices – Root Explorer Android file management app. As the name suggests, this app lets you access the whole Android file system of your device including the data folder.
The app is a bit on the advanced side with features like SQLite database viewer, text editor, the ability to create and extract ZIP, TAR/GZIP files, and extract RAR archives. Other notable features of the app include – APK binary XML viewer, the ability to change file owner/group, create symbolic link, and MD5 support. It is one of the most powerful file management apps you can get.
Download Root Explorer
Super Manager
Super Manager may be the last app to be listed here, but it is in no way inferior to the other apps. In fact, considering everything else Super Manager does, its file-managing capabilities almost seem insignificant. Super Manager is a root explorer too. For wireless usage, it includes a FTP and SMB client also.
Not being satisfied with being a file manager, the app also acts as APK Manager to make handling APKs easier. Task management and services management feature let you monitor the memory usage as well. The app lives up the name ‘super’ in every way and is excellent at everything it does. See the detailed review of Super Manager to know what all this super app can do!
Download Super Manager
Final Thoughts
Listed here are the best file management apps that you can download for your Android tablet or smartphone. Which one are you most likely to download and use? Aside from Root Explorer, all other apps are freely available from the Google Play store.
All these apps have great features and are sure to fulfill any file management needs you may have. All that is left to be done now is to choose the app that best suits your taste.
