The built-in Android file manager is a functional application. It fulfills your needs and little more. Additionally, it has a uniform appearance and feel and works well with the operating system, much like other built-in Android applications.

The default file manager doesn’t have all the functions I need, which is my issue. Specifically, I often have to transfer data to shared folders across machines on my network. I utilize alternatives that provide an SMB option for network file transfer as the built-in Android file manager lacks this capability.

Even if you may not need that functionality, you might want to have a look at one of the following file managers. More features than you’re used to are available with each.

Now, let’s move on to the applications.

1. The solid Explorer

With more than 10 million downloads, Solid Explorer is among the most widely used file managers available on the Google Play Store. This program lets you operate a basic FTP server from your Android smartphone that you may connect to from distant devices, even if it doesn’t support network sharing connection.

Solid Explorer’s user interface is what sets it apart. In addition to its exquisite look, it provides a great deal of versatility. Consider the View Modes, for example. Files and folders may be viewed in a list, grid, gallery, or compressed format. Additionally, you may sort by size, kind, date, and name. Better still, you may use the filters and View Mode for individual folders.

Additionally, there are folder settings for displaying hidden files, displaying folders first, displaying folder size, remembering the previous folder, and displaying sections. You may access collections (including Recent Files, Photos, Music, Videos, and more) via the sidebar. To put it another way, Solid Explorer is as thoughtful a file manager as they come.

Both paid and free versions of Solid Explorer are available; the premium plan offers a 15-day free trial. Ads are eliminated, the program may be installed on an infinite number of devices, and file encryption and cloud capability are included in the full version ($5.99).

2. Plus File Manager

Because File Manager Plus has a network sharing feature that works well, I use it. I just need to input the share’s IP address, user, and password to get started. As many network shares as I need may even be added.

A useful file analysis tool that examines your storage and shows you what’s using the most space is also included with File Manager Plus. You may see by list, grid, compact, tiny gallery, and huge gallery using this program. Powerful file/folder sorting (by name, size, date, and type, each in ascending or descending order) is another feature of the software. You may apply choices to a single folder or to all folders, and it can display hidden folders.

Even though File Manager Plus’s user interface seems a little archaic, its capabilities make it a fantastic choice, particularly if you need to connect to distant network shares.

There is a free version with advertisements, but you can subscribe to the Premium edition for $8.99 one-time or $2.49 a year. Ads are eliminated and a dark theme is added in the Premium edition.

3. The File Manager

File Manager is a fantastic user interface (UI) that complements the Android style well, but it’s more than just a beautiful face; it has a ton of functions to tempt you away from the dull default. Favorites, the cloud, a local network, PC management, a recycle bin, a built-in sharing tool, and more are all available.

An FTP client, such FileZilla, must be installed on your computer in order to use the PC management function, which converts the File management into an FTP server. The main issue with the application’s FTP section is that it is difficult to connect since there is no option to establish a username or password. Thankfully, you can connect to network SMB shares using the network share option. Safe Folder is an additional useful feature that allows you to safeguard data in a password-protected folder.

You may use File Manager for free (with advertisements) or for $3.99 one-time to get rid of the commercials and include file analysis and wallpaper backgrounds.

4. File Explorer Cx

One feature sets Cx File Explorer apart from most of its competitors, even though it has all the capabilities you could possibly need in a file manager. The application integrates with cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box in addition to enabling you to connect to distant computers on your local area network. The possibilities for remote connections include WebDAV, FTP, SFTP, and SMB.

When you combine the aforementioned features with local storage management, built-in apps (text editor, music player, video player, and image viewer), libraries (for images, audio, video, documents, and new files), a cache cleaner, storage analyzer, automatic USB connection detection, and duplicate download/file remover, you have the makings of one of the best file managers available.

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There is no paid edition of Cx File Explorer, and it is available for free with no advertisements.