Android comes with a default file manager, but sometimes this one is not useful because it only has the basic features. If you are just looking for a reliable and best file manager for Android devices, this list will provide you with some of the best ones available on the Google Play Store.

Now, let’s take a look at the best file manager and file explorer apps for your Android phone or tablets.

12 Best File Manager and Explorer for Android

1. File Manager

File Manager by File Manager Plus is a powerful free file explorer with a simple user interface. With it, you can manage files, folders, cloud storage, and Network-attached storage (NAS).

When working with files, you can search, open, navigate directories, copy, paste, delete, de/compress, download, bookmark, rename, transfer and organize them. It includes support for all major file formats, including APKs.

2. Files by Google

Google Files (previously known as Files GO), is the official Google app to manage your phone’s storage.

First of all, it is striking that its interface is quite different from that of a basic file manager. When opening the app, we will see the ‘clean’ section, which will show us the space we have available. Next to it, we will see several files that we can delete to free up our phone’s space.

In the explore section, the app divides by downloads, images, videos. Files by Google uses filters rather than folders so your stuff is organized more intuitively. You can search for your files or simply navigate to them through categories and filters. You can also view, delete, move, rename or share any files.

If you are looking for a 3-in-1 file manager app to find files, manage space and share data, Files by Google is a good choice.

3. Solid Explorer File Manager

Solid Explorer is a classic on Android. As soon as we open it, we can access to the device’s folders, as well as the classic ‘more’ button, which will allow us to create new folders, files, or connections in the cloud.

Its main features include easy file management in a dual-pane design, file protection with strong encryption, file management on NAS or cloud storage, and batch operations.

If you’re familiar with ES File Explorer and need a secure alternative, check out Solid Explorer. It offers a free trial for a week or two, after which it costs $1.99.

4. File Commander

File Commander is a powerful and feature-rich file manager that allows you to handle any file on your Android device or cloud storage through a clean and intuitive interface.

You can separately manage image, music, video and document libraries. Also, you can rename, delete, move, compress, convert and send files with just a few taps.

The app also supports cloud storage accounts and network file sharing protocols (Wi-Fi Direct, FTP/FTPS server, remote sharing, and Bluetooth) as well.

5. Astro File Manager

ASTRO File Manager is a free file manager and storage organizer app for managing storage space and sharing files. Its salient features include SD card support, file compression, archive extraction (ZIP and RAR), and cloud storage support. The app also offers some useful Android tools like Application Manager, SD card usage tracker and a Task Killer.

In addition, it has a simple and intuitive interface, based on cards that make it easy to search for files and documents.

6. FX File Explorer

If you’re looking for a good-looking yet capable file manager, FX File Explorer fits the bill. The app is simple in nature, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find robust features ready to be explored. It’s safe to say that this app can do everything you’d expect from a file manager, from the various basic functions for your files to supporting encrypted archive files.

7. Total Commander

Well, Total Commander is probably the most popular file manager app on the list. The best thing about Total Commander is that it is completely free and does not display any ads.

With this app, you can copy, move entire subdirectories, extract zip files, edit text files, and more. If you have a rooted device, you can also access some system files with Total Commander.

8. Xiaomi File Manager

Xiaomi File Manager is a free and secure file explorer for managing, finding, and sharing files.

Its prominent features include file compression, Mi Drop to share files with friends without connecting to the Internet, and global search, among others.

9. Cx File Explorer

Cx File Manager has a simple and intuitive interface to manage all your file. It allows you to:

• Analyze the space used to optimize your space
• Uninstall apps
• Manage folders and files of USB memories that are connected
• Browse folders with compression functions and playback of multimedia content
• Connect cloud services, NAS, LAN, FTP, etc.

10. X-plore File Manager

X-plore File Manager is an advanced file management app designed to give users complete control of their file directories. Its most outstanding features include a dual-pane tree view, disk map, music player, app manager, PDF viewer, Wi-Fi file sharing, view APK files as ZIP, vault to encrypt confidential files, hex viewer, USB OTG, SSH file transfer, SSH shell, and configurable buttons for shortcuts.

11. File Expert

File Expert is another popular file manager for Android. It automatically classifies files into specific folders and supports cloud storage sync via a plugin. There are some cool features like Recycle Bin, Safebox (keep private files), Super Downloader, Root Explorer and the ability to bookmark, tag and compress files (ZIP, 7Z and RAR). It supports various file transfer methods like Bluetooth, Samba Client, FTP, SFTP and FTPS servers.

12. Amaze File Manager

Amaze is a relatively new manager, and it is aimed at those who are looking for a lighter experience and navigation.

With this app, you can easily navigate through multiple folders or files. Then, you can conpy, delete, compress and manage files in many different ways. In addition, you can find other more advanced features such as a multi-window mode, root explorer, app manager to extract APK files and much more.

Choose A File Manager for Your Needs

These were some of the best file manager apps for Android that you can get. If we had to choose one of these file managers, we would go for Solid File Explorer and its Pro version. When it comes to free options, we would go for Cx File Manager or Files by Google.

What are the great file manager apps that didn’t make it to our list? Get in the comments section and tell us about them!