AnExplorer vs CX File Explorer
CX File Explorer (by Cxinventor) has carved out a niche as a simple, clean, free file manager with basic LAN file sharing. It's popular because of its clean interface and one notable feature: browsing network shares (SMB) without needing an account on some local networks. But it falls well short of AnExplorer for power users or anyone with multiple devices.
What CX File Explorer Does
CX is a lightweight local file manager with:
- Basic local browsing (phone storage + SD card)
- LAN (SMB) browsing for network shares
- Basic ZIP/archive extraction
- Simple clean Material Design interface
- Cloud: Google Drive (basic)
- No ads in the free version
It's a fine app for someone who just needs a basic file browser with a clean UI and occasional SMB browsing.
CX vs AnExplorer — Feature Comparison
| Feature | AnExplorer | CX File Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| FTP client | ✅ | ❌ |
| FTP Server (phone as server) | ✅ | ❌ |
| FTPS | ✅ | ❌ |
| SMB client (LAN) | ✅ | ✅ |
| SFTP | ✅ | ❌ |
| WebDAV | ✅ | ❌ |
| NAS support | ✅ | ✅ (SMB only) |
| Root file access | ✅ | ❌ |
| ZIP | ✅ | ✅ (basic extract) |
| RAR / RAR5 | ✅ | ❌ |
| 7z | ✅ | ❌ |
| TAR / ISO / CBR / CBZ | ✅ | ❌ |
| APK (bundles APKM/APKS/XAPK) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud: Dropbox | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud: OneDrive | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: Google Drive | 🟧 | ✅ |
| Cloud: Box | ✅ | ❌ |
| Android TV native | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wear OS | ✅ | ❌ |
| Meta Quest / XR | ✅ | ❌ |
| Device Connect (HTTP browser) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wi-Fi Share (offline) | ✅ | ❌ |
| WhatsApp Manager | ✅ | ❌ |
| PDF viewer | ✅ | ❌ |
| Text editor | ✅ | ❌ |
What CX File Explorer Cannot Do
No FTP: CX cannot connect to an FTP server or expose an FTP server. If you have a home server, a NAS with FTP, a QNAP, or a Synology running FTP, CX is not compatible.
No archived formats beyond ZIP: RAR archives, 7z backups, TAR.GZ distributions — CX doesn't open any of these. AnExplorer handles all of them.
No root: You cannot access /system, /data, or other protected directories with CX. Power users and developers need root File manager access.
No multi-device support: CX works on one phone. It has no Android TV app, no Wear OS version, no XR version.
No Device Connect: There's no way to browse CX from a PC browser without additional software.
When CX Is a Reasonable Choice
Simple browsing on a single phone: If you just need a local file explorer with a clean UI, CX does the job.
SMB browsing on home network: CX's SMB client is functional for basic share browsing on simple home networks.
Very lightweight installs: CX has a smaller APK with minimal permissions for users who want minimal device footprint.
When You Need AnExplorer Instead
Any of these requirements push you to AnExplorer:
- FTP to a home server or any FTP-capable device
- RAR, 7z, TAR, ISO, CBR, or CBZ archives
- Android TV or Fire TV file management
- Wear OS (Samsung Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch)
- Sideloading APKM/APKS/XAPK bundles
- Wireless file browsing from any PC browser
- WebDAV or SFTP protocols
- Root file access
Summary
CX File Explorer is a basic, clean, free app for simple local browsing + SMB access. AnExplorer is a full-featured file manager covering every network protocol, every major archive format, every Android form factor, and unique tools like Device Connect and WhatsApp Manager.
If you outgrow CX, AnExplorer is the natural upgrade.