Solid Explorer (by NeatBytes) is one of the most respected paid Android file managers. It has a clean dual-pane Material Design interface, strong network protocol support, and is worth buying if you're a power user on a single phone. AnExplorer is free, covers more device types, and has unique features like Device Connect and Wear OS support.
This is a detailed, honest comparison of both apps — their strengths, weaknesses, and which one fits different types of users.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | AnExplorer | Solid Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (with Pro upgrade) | Paid (~$3 after 14-day trial) |
| Material Design UI | ✅ | ✅ (excellent) |
| FTP client | ✅ | ✅ |
| FTP Server (phone acts as server) | ✅ | ✅ |
| SMB / LAN share | ✅ | ✅ |
| SFTP | ✅ | ✅ |
| WebDAV | ✅ | ✅ |
| FTPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| NFS | ❌ | ✅ |
| NAS (Synology, QNAP) | ✅ SMB + FTP | ✅ SMB + WebDAV + NFS |
| Cloud: Dropbox | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: OneDrive | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: Google Drive | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: MEGA | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud: Box | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: pCloud | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud: Yandex Disk | ✅ | ❌ |
| Archive: ZIP create/extract | ✅ | ✅ |
| Archive: RAR/RAR5 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Archive: 7z | ✅ | ✅ |
| Archive: TAR/TAR.GZ/TAR.BZ2 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Archive: ISO | ✅ | ❌ |
| Archive: CBR/CBZ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Root file manager | ✅ | ✅ |
| APK installer (bundles) | ✅ APKM/APKS/XAPK | ✅ APK only |
| Android TV native | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wear OS native | ✅ | ❌ |
| Chromebook (Android app) | ✅ | ✅ (not optimized) |
| Meta Quest / XR | ✅ | ❌ |
| Android Automotive | ✅ | ❌ |
| Device Connect (HTTP server) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wi-Fi Share | ✅ | ❌ |
| WhatsApp Manager | ✅ | ❌ |
| Built-in PDF viewer | ✅ | ❌ |
| Built-in text editor | ✅ | ✅ (basic) |
| Built-in photo viewer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Themes | Limited | ✅ Extensive |
| Dual-pane interface | ❌ | ✅ |
| File encryption vault | ❌ | ✅ |
| Scheduled cloud sync | ❌ | ❌ |
| Active on Play Store since | 2011 | 2013 |
Solid Explorer Strengths
Dual-Pane Interface
Solid Explorer's standout feature. Side-by-side panels let you drag files between locations without constantly navigating back. If you regularly move files between folders, copy from internal storage to SD card, or organise content between cloud and local storage, dual-pane significantly reduces the number of taps needed. This is genuinely faster for file organisation tasks.
Visual Polish and Theming
Solid Explorer has one of the most visually refined UIs among Android file managers. It fully embraces Material You with dynamic colour theming from your wallpaper. The app offers extensive icon packs, custom folder colours, and a cohesive design language that feels premium. If aesthetics matter to your daily experience, Solid Explorer edges ahead of most alternatives.
File Encryption Vault
Solid Explorer includes an encrypted vault feature — password-protect sensitive files and folders. Files inside the vault are encrypted and inaccessible without the password. AnExplorer does not have this feature. For users who store sensitive documents on their phone, this is a meaningful advantage.
NFS Protocol Support
Solid Explorer supports NFS (Network File System) in addition to SMB, FTP, and WebDAV. NFS is common in Linux/Unix environments and some enterprise NAS setups. AnExplorer does not support NFS.
Google Drive Integration
Both AnExplorer and Solid Explorer support Google Drive natively. Solid Explorer also supports browsing Google Drive contents within its dual-pane view, making cloud-to-local operations seamless.
AnExplorer Strengths
12 Device Form Factors
The most significant differentiator. AnExplorer works across phone, tablet, foldable, Chromebook, Android TV, Fire TV, Wear OS watch, Meta Quest VR, Pico VR, Android Automotive (AAOS), AR glasses, and Samsung DeX. Solid Explorer supports phone and tablet only.
Android TV and Fire TV
Solid Explorer has no TV app. AnExplorer is the go-to file manager for Android TV (Nvidia Shield, Fire TV Stick 4K, Google TV, Sony Bravia). The TV version has a purpose-built layout with D-pad navigation, large focus indicators, and remote-friendly modal dialogs.
Wear OS
Solid Explorer has no watch app. AnExplorer runs directly on Wear OS 3, 4, 5, and 6 — Samsung Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch, TicWatch. Browse watch storage, receive files, manage music for offline playback.
VR and XR Headsets
AnExplorer is on the Meta Horizon Store for Quest headsets and supports Pico 4, HTC Vive XR, and Samsung Galaxy XR. Solid Explorer has no VR presence.
Device Connect
Browse your phone's files from any PC browser — open http://192.168.x.x:8080 in Chrome, Firefox, or Safari and drag-and-drop files without installing anything on the computer. Solid Explorer requires the other device to have an FTP client or SMB support configured.
Free Core Functionality
AnExplorer's network protocols (FTP, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV), cloud services, and archive management are available in the free version. Solid Explorer requires payment after the 14-day trial for continued use of any features.
Bundle APK Installer
AnExplorer installs APKM, APKS, and XAPK bundles natively — these are common formats from APKMirror, SAI, and APKPure. Solid Explorer only installs standard .apk files. For users who sideload apps from alternative sources, this matters.
Archive Format Coverage
AnExplorer handles ISO disc images and CBR/CBZ comic book archives in addition to the standard ZIP, RAR, 7z, and TAR formats. Solid Explorer does not open ISO or CBR/CBZ files.
Honest Weaknesses
AnExplorer Weaknesses
- No dual-pane — the most requested feature from power users switching from Solid Explorer
- No file encryption vault for password-protected storage
- No scheduled sync between cloud and local
- No NFS protocol support
- Less visual customisation (fewer themes, no icon packs)
- No AirDrop-style instant proximity transfer
Solid Explorer Weaknesses
- Phone and tablet only — no TV, no watch, no VR, no car
- No MEGA or Yandex cloud support
- No Device Connect or browser-based wireless transfer
- No APKM/APKS/XAPK bundle installation
- No ISO or CBR/CBZ archive support
- Paid app with no permanent free tier
- No built-in PDF viewer
- No WhatsApp media manager
Pricing Comparison
| AnExplorer | Solid Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | Free | Free (14-day trial) |
| Full version | $29.99 (lifetime Pro) | ~$2.99 (one-time) |
| Subscription | None | None |
| Business model | Freemium | Paid with trial |
| What Pro/purchase adds | Advanced features, remove limits | Everything (trial expires) |
| Multi-device | Single purchase works everywhere | Single purchase, phone/tablet only |
Solid Explorer is cheaper upfront. AnExplorer's free tier gives you more before requiring payment, and the Pro purchase covers all 12 device form factors.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Solid Explorer if:
- You work with two file locations simultaneously constantly (dual-pane is worth paying for)
- You're primarily on a single phone and want the best visual experience
- You need file encryption vault for sensitive documents
- You need NFS protocol support
- You prefer a premium paid app with no ads and no free-tier limitations
Choose AnExplorer if:
- You own multiple Android devices (phone, TV, watch, tablet, VR headset)
- You need file management on Android TV or Fire TV
- You manage files from a Wear OS watch
- You want free, no-ads core functionality with network and cloud included
- You need Device Connect for wireless browser-based access from any computer
- You sideload APKM/APKS/XAPK app bundles
- You handle ISO disc images or CBR/CBZ comic archives
- You need Android Automotive file management in your car