AnExplorer vs X-plore File Manager — Compared

X-plore File Manager (by Lonely Cat Games) is one of the oldest independent Android file managers still actively maintained. It's free, has a unique tree-style dual-panel UI, and stands out from most competitors by offering a genuine Android TV version. Here's how it compares with AnExplorer across every major feature, with honest assessments of each app's strengths and weaknesses.

Background

Feature Comparison

X-plore's Tree Interface — What Makes it Unique

X-plore's dual-tree layout shows two directory trees side by side. Both panels stay fully navigable at all times — you can expand sub-folders in one tree while browsing another in the second panel. This is fundamentally different from flat dual-pane managers (like Solid Explorer) that show two flat lists:

How it works:

• Left panel: expand directory hierarchy like a tree view in Windows Explorer
• Right panel: second independent tree for a different location
• Both panels show the full path hierarchy with expandable/collapsible nodes
• Files appear inline within their containing folder in the tree
• Copy/move operations work between panels

Who benefits most:

• Users navigating deeply nested folder structures (NAS media libraries, project directories)
• Users who need to see the relationship between parent and child folders
• Developers browsing complex app directory hierarchies on rooted devices
• Users transferring files between very specific deeply-nested locations

If you prefer seeing the full folder hierarchy rather than navigating one folder at a time, X-plore's tree view is genuinely unique and not replicated by any other Android file manager.

Both Have Android TV — What's Different

X-plore is one of the few file managers that genuinely supports Android TV with a remote-navigable interface. AnExplorer also has a full Android TV version (tested on Nvidia Shield, Fire TV Stick 4K, Google TV devices). The differences matter depending on your setup:

On the TV specifically, X-plore and AnExplorer are both capable for basic operations. The difference shows when you want to transfer files from your phone to the TV (AnExplorer's Wi-Fi Share) or install app bundles (AnExplorer's APKM/APKS/XAPK support). AnExplorer also extends further into the rest of the Android device ecosystem.

Archive Format Support

X-plore handles ZIP, RAR, and 7z — the three most common archive formats. AnExplorer adds several more that matter for specific use cases:

Who needs these extra formats:

• TAR/TAR.GZ: Anyone downloading from GitHub, managing Linux server backups, or working with Docker images
• ISO: Emulator users (RetroArch, PPSSPP), disc image collectors, anyone archiving optical media
• CBR/CBZ: Comic and manga readers who have local libraries

Cloud Storage Comparison

AnExplorer supports seven cloud services natively. X-plore covers four of the most common ones. If you use Box (common in enterprise), pCloud (popular privacy-focused storage), or Yandex Disk (common in Eastern Europe), AnExplorer is the better choice.

Network Protocol Differences

Both apps support the main protocols. The key difference is FTPS:

• FTPS (FTP over TLS): AnExplorer supports it, X-plore does not. FTPS encrypts file transfers — important when connecting to servers over the internet rather than a local network. If your NAS or server requires FTPS connections, X-plore cannot connect.

Both support FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV. For most home network use, both are equally capable.

X-plore Strengths Summary

• Unique tree-view that no other Android file manager replicates
• Genuine TV support with active development
• Free with no limitations (donate version just removes a small prompt)
• MEGA support alongside mainstream cloud services
• Deep folder navigation is faster with tree expansion than breadcrumb navigation
• Disk map visualisation showing storage usage graphically
• SSH shell access for command-line operations on remote servers

AnExplorer Strengths Summary

• 12 form factor support (phone, tablet, TV, Wear OS, VR, AAOS, Chromebook, foldable, AR glasses, DeX)
• Device Connect for browser-based wireless access from any computer
• Seven cloud services including Box, pCloud, and Yandex Disk
• FTPS for encrypted FTP connections
• APKM/APKS/XAPK bundle APK installation
• ISO, CBR, CBZ archive format support
• Wi-Fi Share for device-to-device transfers
• Built-in PDF viewer and music player
• WhatsApp Manager for organising chat media
• Modern Material Design vs X-plore's more functional aesthetic

Who Should Choose What

Choose X-plore if:

• You prefer a tree-view dual-pane layout over a flat modern UI
• You primarily browse complex nested folder structures
• You want free access to all features without any premium tier
• You only use phone and/or Android TV (no watch or XR needed)
• You're comfortable with a more utilitarian interface aesthetic
• You want a disk map visualisation for storage analysis

Choose AnExplorer if:

• You use Wear OS, XR, or Android Automotive alongside your phone and TV
• You need Device Connect for wireless PC browser access without software installation
• You handle TAR, ISO, CBR, or CBZ archives
• You install APKM, APKS, or XAPK bundle files
• You need FTPS encrypted connections
• You use Box, pCloud, or Yandex Disk cloud storage
• You prefer a modern Material Design interface
• You want built-in PDF viewing and media playback

Pricing

Both apps are free. X-plore has a donate-ware "donate" version that removes a small nag screen prompt. AnExplorer has an optional Pro upgrade for advanced features. Neither app requires payment for core functionality.

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