The Android OS is good in that the user has full access to the file system and the ability to use file managers to work with it (and with root access – even more full access). However, not all file managers are equally good and free, have a sufficient set of features and are presented in Russian.
In this article, a list of the best file managers for Android (mostly free or conditionally free), a description of their functions, features, some interface solutions and other details that may serve in favor of choosing one or another of them.
ES File Explorer
ES Explorer is probably the most popular file manager for Android, equipped with all the necessary functions for file management.
The app offers all the standard functions such as copying, moving, renaming and deleting folders and files. In addition, there is a grouping of media files, work with different internal memory locations, preview images, built-in tools for working with archives.
And finally, ES Explorer can work with cloud storage (Google Drive, Drobox, OneDrive and others), supports FTP and LAN connection. It also has an Android application manager.
Network folders in ES Explorer
To summarize, ES File Explorer has almost everything you could need from a file manager on Android. However, it is worth noting that its latest versions have become perceived by users already not so unequivocally: it is reported about pop-up messages, deterioration of the interface (from the point of view of some users) and other changes that speak in favor of finding another application for this purpose.
X-Plore file manager
X-Plore is a free (except for some features) and very advanced file manager for Android phones and tablets with a wide range of functionality. Perhaps for some of the novice users who are used to other applications of this type it may seem complicated at first, but if you figure it out, you probably won’t want to use anything else.
Among the features and functions of X-Plore File Manager are the following
- Easy to learn two-panel interface;
- Root support;
- Work with Zip, RAR, 7Zip archives;
- Work with DLNA, LAN, FTP;e Google, Cloud mail.ru, OneDrive, Dropbox and others, Send Anywhere.
- Application management, built-in viewing of PDF, images, audio and text;
- Ability to transfer files between your computer and Android device over Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Sharing);
- Create encrypted folders. -View disk map (internal memory, SD card).
Total Commander for Android
Total Commander file manager is familiar to old-school and not only Windows users. Its developers also presented a free file manager for Android with the same name. The Android version of Total Commander is completely free without restrictions, in Russian and has the highest ratings among users.
Among the features available in the file manager (besides simple operations on files and folders):
- Two-panel interface;
- Root-access to the file system (if you have rights);
- Support for plugins to access USB flash drives, LAN, FTP, WebDAV;
- Image thumbnails;
- Built-in archiver;
- Send files via Bluetooth;
- Android application management.
And this is not a complete list of features. To summarize: you will probably find almost everything you could need from a file manager in Total Commander for Android.
Amaze File Manager
Many of the users who gave up on ES Explorer left the best comments in their reviews for Amaze File Manager (which is a bit strange, since there are fewer features in Amaze). This file manager is really good: simple, beautiful, concise, fast.
What’s with the features:
- All the necessary functions of working with files and folders;
- Support for design themes;
- Multiple panes;
- Application manager;
- Root access to files if you have rights on your phone or tablet.
Bottom line: a simple beautiful file manager for Android without unnecessary features.
