AnExplorer vs File Manager+ — Feature Comparison

File Manager+ (by HiApps) is one of the most downloaded simple file managers on the Play Store — over 200 million downloads. Its appeal is simplicity: clean interface, fast local browsing, good image previews, and easy enough for non-technical users. AnExplorer serves a different need — power users who want network protocols, multi-device support, and advanced archive handling.

This comparison covers both apps honestly, including when File Manager+ is actually the better choice.

What File Manager+ Does Well

File Manager+ has earned its massive download count by focusing on what casual users need most:

• Clean, intuitive UI — Easy for first-time users or people who just want to browse their Downloads folder. The interface is uncluttered and responsive.
• Fast local browsing — Responsive even on low-end phones with limited RAM. Scrolling through large folders is smooth.
• Good storage analyser — Shows what's taking up space by category (images, videos, apps, documents, etc.) with visual breakdowns.
• Easy file sharing — Share files to other apps quickly via Android's share sheet.
• Built-in cleaner — Scans for junk files, temp files, APK installers, and empty folders. Helps free up space.
• Large user base — 200M+ downloads, frequently updated, reliable stability.
• Recycle bin — Deleted files go to a recycle bin before permanent deletion, preventing accidental data loss.
• Category browsing — Quick access to images, videos, music, documents, and downloads without navigating folders manually.

What File Manager+ Lacks

The moment you need anything beyond basic local file management, File Manager+ falls short. Here's the complete feature gap:

Detailed Gap Analysis

No Network Protocols

File Manager+ has zero network connectivity. It cannot connect to:

• A home NAS (Synology, QNAP, Western Digital)
• An office Windows share via SMB
• An FTP server for remote file access
• An SFTP server for secure transfers
• A WebDAV server (common in enterprise and self-hosted setups)

If you have any form of network storage, File Manager+ is immediately disqualified. AnExplorer supports all five major protocols (FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV) in the free version.

No Advanced Archives

File Manager+ handles basic ZIP extraction and creation. It cannot open:

• RAR archives (common for downloaded content)
• 7z archives (common for compressed backups)
• TAR/TAR.GZ (common for Linux and server files)
• ISO disc images (common for emulators and disc backups)
• CBR/CBZ comic book archives

AnExplorer handles all of these. If you receive a RAR file via email or download a 7z backup from a website, you need AnExplorer.

No Multi-Device Support

File Manager+ works on one phone. It has:

• No Android TV app (can't manage TV storage)
• No Wear OS version (can't access watch files)
• No VR/XR version (can't manage headset storage)
• No Android Automotive support (can't browse car USB)

AnExplorer supports 12 distinct form factors with a single app ecosystem.

No Root Access

Developers, power users, and anyone working with custom ROMs needs root file access to reach /system, /data, or other protected directories. File Manager+ does not support this. AnExplorer provides full root file management.

No Wireless Transfer

File Manager+ has no way to transfer files wirelessly to or from a computer. AnExplorer offers:

• Device Connect: any computer browser can access phone storage at an IP address
• FTP Server: run a server on your phone for FTP client access from a PC
• Wi-Fi Share: transfer directly between two phones on the same network

When File Manager+ Is the Right Choice

File Manager+ makes sense if you:

• Mostly need to find, open, and share local files (photos, documents, downloaded APKs)
• Don't need to connect to a NAS, FTP server, PC shares, or remote storage
• Prefer a very low-friction, minimal-setup experience with no learning curve
• Need basic ZIP extraction and nothing more
• Want a simple storage cleaner with category-based browsing
• Have a low-end phone and want the smallest possible resource footprint
• Are setting up a phone for a non-technical family member

File Manager+ is genuinely good at what it does. The mistake is using it when you need features it simply doesn't have.

When to Use AnExplorer Instead

AnExplorer replaces File Manager+ the moment you need any of the following:

Network access: Browse a Synology NAS, connect to an office SMB share, or transfer files from a PC — File Manager+ can't do any of this. AnExplorer supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SMB, WebDAV out of the box, all in the free version.

Android TV / Fire TV: File Manager+ has no Android TV app. AnExplorer is the primary option for managing files directly on a TV — sideloading apps, browsing USB drives, connecting to NAS storage.

Wear OS / Watch: If you have a Samsung Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch and want to manage files on it, AnExplorer is available on Wear OS. File Manager+ is not.

Archive formats: If someone sends you a .rar archive, .7z backup, or a .cbr comic book, AnExplorer opens these. File Manager+ handles ZIP only.

Root access: Accessing /system, /data, or other protected directories requires root file manager support. AnExplorer has this; File Manager+ does not.

Device Connect: Transfer files between your phone and any computer using just a web browser. No cable, no software installation on the PC side. File Manager+ has nothing comparable.

VR headset: Managing files on a Meta Quest or Pico 4 requires AnExplorer. File Manager+ doesn't run on VR headsets.

Storage & Space Analysis — Both Have It

Both apps include a storage analyser that shows what's consuming your device's space. File Manager+'s analyser is slightly more polished visually with colour-coded category breakdowns. AnExplorer's analyser provides a similar breakdown by category (images, videos, audio, documents, apps, other). For most users the difference in storage analysis is minor — both accomplish the same goal of identifying space hogs.

Pricing Comparison

AnExplorer Limitations (Honest Assessment)

While AnExplorer covers far more ground than File Manager+, it has weaknesses worth noting:

• No dual-pane interface for side-by-side folder comparison
• No scheduled sync between cloud storage and local folders
• No file encryption vault for password-protected storage
• No AirDrop-style tap-to-share for instant proximity transfers
• More complex interface than File Manager+'s intentional simplicity

Verdict

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