AnExplorer vs FX File Explorer
FX File Explorer (by Marc Apps & Software) is one of the most capable free Android file managers on the Play Store. It supports root, FTP, SMB, WebDAV, cloud storage, and has an optional "FX Plus" IAP that unlocks additional features. Here's how it compares with AnExplorer in every area that matters.
Background
| AnExplorer | FX File Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | DWorkS | Marc Apps & Software |
| Available since | 2011 | ~2012 |
| Price | Free (Pro upgrade) | Free + FX Plus IAP (~$4.99) |
| Play Store rating | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Play Store downloads | 7M+ | 10M+ |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | AnExplorer | FX File Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| FTP client | ✅ | ✅ |
| FTP Server (phone as server) | ✅ | ✅ |
| SMB / LAN share | ✅ | ✅ |
| SFTP | ✅ | ✅ |
| WebDAV | ✅ | ✅ |
| FTPS | ✅ | ❌ |
| NAS support (Synology, QNAP) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Root file manager | ✅ | ✅ (FX Plus) |
| ZIP extract/create | ✅ | ✅ |
| RAR / RAR5 | ✅ | ✅ |
| 7z | ✅ | ✅ |
| TAR / TAR.GZ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ISO | ✅ | ❌ |
| CBR / CBZ | ✅ | ❌ |
| APK install | ✅ | ✅ |
| APKM / APKS / XAPK bundles | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud: Dropbox | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: OneDrive | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: Google Drive | 🟧 | ✅ |
| Cloud: Box | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: pCloud | ✅ | ❌ |
| Android TV native | ✅ | ✅ (partial — works, not optimized) |
| Wear OS | ✅ | ❌ |
| Meta Quest / XR | ✅ | ❌ |
| Device Connect (HTTP browser) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wi-Fi Share (offline) | ✅ | ❌ |
| WhatsApp Manager | ✅ | ❌ |
| Plugin system | ❌ | ✅ (limited) |
| Multi-select tabs | ❌ | ✅ |
FX File Explorer Strengths
Cloud coverage breadth: FX supports Google Drive, which AnExplorer currently does not. FX also supports Box and major clouds. If Google Drive is your primary storage, that's a real advantage.
Root access depth: FX Plus unlocks root-level file access with strong controls — read/write /system, mount points, and /data. Both apps handle root well, but FX has more granular mount and permission options.
Android TV compatibility: FX File Explorer is compatible with Android TV (it runs, with the standard FX interface). It's not purpose-built for TV like AnExplorer, but it's usable via remote.
Tabs: FX supports tab navigation within the file browser. Opening /sdcard/DCIM in one tab and /sdcard/Downloads in another is faster than navigating back repeatedly.
AnExplorer Strengths
Wear OS: FX has no Wear OS app. AnExplorer runs natively on Samsung Galaxy Watch (Wear OS 3+) and Pixel Watch. If you want to browse watch storage or send files while your phone isn't in hand, AnExplorer is the only option.
XR / Meta Quest / Pico 4: FX has no XR version. AnExplorer installs and runs on Meta Quest, Pico 4, Galaxy XR, HTC Vive XR, and other sideloading-capable headsets.
Device Connect: FX has no browser-based server. AnExplorer's Device Connect feature lets any device on the same Wi-Fi network browse your phone files via http://192.168.xxx.xxxx:8080 — no app needed on the computer.
APKM / APKS / XAPK: FX installs standard APK files but does not natively handle APKM (APKMirror), APKS (SAI), or XAPK (APKPure) bundle formats. AnExplorer handles all three.
ISO format: AnExplorer opens ISO disc images for browsing; FX does not.
CBR / CBZ (comic books): AnExplorer opens CBR and CBZ archives for viewing; FX does not.
FTP Server — Both Have It, Usage Differs
Both apps can create an FTP server on your phone. On AnExplorer, this is called "FTP Server" in the sidebar. On FX, it's in the Network section. Performance is similar over a local Wi-Fi network.
AnExplorer adds FTPS (FTP over TLS) for encrypted server sessions. FX does not support FTPS.
Root Details
FX root access is restricted behind the FX Plus in-app purchase (~$4.99). AnExplorer includes root file management in the standard Pro upgrade.
Who Should Use Each App
Use FX File Explorer if:
- Google Drive is your primary cloud storage
- You need root with detailed mount/permission controls
- You want tab-style navigation
- You're primarily on one phone
Use AnExplorer if:
- You own a Wear OS watch and want to access watch storage
- You need to manage files on Android TV or Fire TV
- You use APKM, APKS, or XAPK sideloading
- You want Device Connect for wireless PC-browser access
- You handle ISO, CBR, or CBZ files