X-plore File Manager vs Files by Google: Which File Manager App is Best for You?

X-plore File Manager is a powerful dual-pane file manager for power users who need root access, cloud storage support, and advanced network protocols. Files by Google is a user-friendly file manager focused on storage cleanup, offline file sharing, and simple browsing, ideal for casual users. Both apps are free but cater to different needs.

X-plore File Manager Android app icon

X-plore File Manager

Rating
★ 4.38
Downloads
10,000,000+
Developer
Lonely Cat Games
View on Play Store
Files by Google Android app icon

Files by Google

Recommended
Rating
★ 4.51
Downloads
5,000,000,000+
Developer
Google LLC
View on Play Store

Application manual: www.lonelycatgames.com/docs/xplore Highlights: ● Dual-pane tree view ● Root, FTP, SMB1 / SMB2, Sqlite, Zip, Rar, 7zip, DLNA/UPnP explorer ● Disk Map - see which files consume most space on your disk - http://bit.ly/xp-disk-map ● Cloud storage access: G…

Pros

  • Dual-pane tree view for efficient file management
  • Supports root, FTP, SMB1/SMB2, SFTP, SSH Shell
  • Disk Map visualization to find large files
  • Cloud storage access: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Webdav
  • Supports archive formats: Zip, Rar, 7zip

Cons

  • Outdated user interface with a steep learning curve
  • Limited file cleanup and optimization features
  • No built-in offline file sharing capability

✨ Free up space on your device with cleaning recommendations 🔍 Find files faster with search and simple browsing ↔️ Quickly share files offline with Quick Share ☁️ Back up files to the cloud to save space on your device 🔒 Secure your files with a non-device lock F…

Pros

  • Simple and intuitive interface for all users
  • Smart cleaning recommendations to free up space
  • Offline file sharing via Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share)
  • Cloud backup to save device space
  • Secure file vault with non-device lock

Cons

  • No root explorer or advanced network protocols
  • Limited archive support (no RAR or 7zip extraction)
  • No dual-pane view or disk map visualization

Final Verdict

Our pick: Files by Google

For most users, Files by Google is the better choice due to its simplicity, cleaning features, and offline sharing. It is pre-installed on many Android devices and has a higher rating. However, if you need advanced features like dual-pane tree view, root access, or extensive cloud and network protocol support, X-plore File Manager is the winner. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize ease of use or advanced functionality.

X-plore File Manager Android app icon

X-plore File Manager Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 1
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 1
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 2
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 2
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 3
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 3
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 4
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 4
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 5
X-plore File Manager Android app screenshot 5
Files by Google Android app icon

Files by Google Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Files by Google Android app screenshot 1
Files by Google Android app screenshot 1
Files by Google Android app screenshot 2
Files by Google Android app screenshot 2
Files by Google Android app screenshot 3
Files by Google Android app screenshot 3
Files by Google Android app screenshot 4
Files by Google Android app screenshot 4
Files by Google Android app screenshot 5
Files by Google Android app screenshot 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app has a higher rating?

Files by Google has a higher rating of 4.507 compared to X-plore's 4.380.

Can I use these apps offline?

Both apps work offline for local file management. Files by Google also supports offline file sharing via Quick Share without internet.

Do these apps contain ads?

Both apps are ad-free. X-plore File Manager is free with no ads, and Files by Google is also ad-free.

What are the device requirements?

Both apps require Android 5.0 or later. Files by Google is optimized for low-end devices, while X-plore works on most Android versions.

Which app should I choose?

Choose Files by Google if you want a simple, clean file manager with storage cleaning and offline sharing. Choose X-plore if you need advanced features like root access, dual-pane, or extensive cloud/network support.