Best Android File Manager in 2026
Android's built-in Files app from Google handles basic operations but falls short for power users: no FTP/SMB/WebDAV, no archive creation, no root access, and no TV or watch app. This comparison covers the top file managers for Android phones in 2026.
Top Android File Managers Compared
| App | Price | Root | Network | Cloud | Wear OS | TV | Archives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnExplorer | Free / Pro | ✅ | FTP, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV, DLNA | Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, pCloud, Yandex | ✅ | ✅ | ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, CBR, ISO |
| Solid Explorer | $2.99 | ✅ | FTP, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV, NFS | Dropbox, GDrive, OneDrive, Box | ❌ | ❌ | ZIP, 7z, TAR, RAR |
| FX File Explorer | Free + IAP | ✅ (Plus) | FTP, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV | Dropbox, GDrive, OneDrive, Box | ❌ | Partial | ZIP, 7z, TAR |
| MiXplorer | Free (XDA) | ✅ | FTP, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV, NFS | Via plugins | ❌ | ❌ | ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR |
| CX File Explorer | Free | ❌ | SMB only | None | ❌ | ❌ | ZIP only |
| ES File Explorer | Free | ❌ | FTP, SMB | Dropbox, OneDrive | ❌ | ❌ | ZIP, RAR |
| Files by Google | Free | ❌ | None | GDrive only | ❌ | ❌ | ZIP only |
AnExplorer — Best Overall
AnExplorer has the widest device support of any file manager: it works on the same Google account across phone, tablet, Wear OS watch, Android TV, Chromebook, VR headset, AR glasses, and Android Automotive. Most competitors are phone-only.
Key strengths:
- Wear OS app for Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch, TicWatch — no other file manager has this
- Android TV / Fire TV purpose-built UI with directional navigation
- Device Connect: browse phone storage from a PC browser over Wi-Fi — no cable, no app
- FTP Server, SFTP Server, WebDAV Server built in
- APK bundle formats: APKM (APKMirror), APKS (SAI), XAPK (APKPure) — not supported by most competitors
- Archive manager handles ZIP, RAR, RAR5, 7z, TAR, TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, ISO, CBR, CBZ
Limitations:
- No dual-pane (Solid Explorer and MiXplorer have this)
- Google Drive integration coming (not yet available in current builds)
Solid Explorer — Best for Dual-Pane Power Users
Solid Explorer is a paid app ($2.99 one-time, no subscription) from NeatBytes. Its dual-pane interface is the reason many power users choose it over free alternatives.
- Dual-pane: side-by-side folder navigation
- Supports Google Drive natively (AnExplorer doesn't yet)
- No TV app, no Wear OS app
- No APKM/APKS/XAPK bundle handling
- Full comparison: AnExplorer vs Solid Explorer
FX File Explorer — Best Free with Google Drive
FX is free for basic use, with FX Plus (~$4.99 one-time) unlocking root access and extra features. It supports Google Drive and has a partial Android TV port.
MiXplorer — Best for Customization
MiXplorer from XDA is free and distributed via XDA Labs. A Silver version ($4.99) is on Google Play. It uses a plugin system for protocols and media — NFS, hash, audio/video plugins available separately.
What Makes a File Manager the "Best"?
The best file manager depends on what you need:
| Need | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Cross-device (phone + TV + watch + XR) | AnExplorer |
| Dual-pane workspace | Solid Explorer or MiXplorer |
| Free with Google Drive | FX File Explorer |
| Lightweight phone manager | CX File Explorer |
| Maximum customization | MiXplorer |
| Simple fast and free | Files by Google |