Xplore

Xplore for Android is a powerful android file explorer that can transform your android into a serious file working tool. It provides you with a dual-pane, cloud storage integration and root-exploration capabilities that far exceeds most competing apps.

The app’s two-pane tree view lets you organize your files like a boss. Just drag the files and drop them to the folder you want. It’s the sort of arrangement that makes moving photos from your sd card to Google Drive feel like less of a slog and more like conducting symphony. Besides the local storage, look for native support for FTP/SFTP transfer and SMB network drive support along with Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive connections without having to switch between apps.

The free version is functional enough for basic batch operations on files. It has an APK installer for sideloading apps, has built-in viewers for images, audio, text and PDFs. It also has USB OTG support for external drives. The zip file manager also has a disk map tool that uses colors to show the full storage consumption. Also, you get the complete management of all ZIP, RAR, 7zip archives without the need of any extraction software. Rooting devices enables users to get access to the root folder for making changes.

The premium upgrade and its trade-offs

Most appealing functions are behind a donation paywall. By upgrading to the premium edition, you get an encrypted file vault for sensitive documents. Also included are SSH file transfer and shell access to remotely manage your server. You also get WiFi file sharing, which lets you control files from any web browser on your network, and a media player which can read subtitle files. Freemium means ads in the normal version, which can create interrupts when working with resource-heavy file processes.

According to users’ feedback, this interface looks old compared to modern-day alternatives and visually, it prioritises function over aesthetics. Feedback from the community shows that the abundance of features in the layout has a learning curve where first-timers may be overwhelmed by the options. People who have used it for a long time note a hiccup in compatibility after the Android system update. The mobile app situation after an update gets better with the next app update.

How this alternative stacks up against the competition

This app competes directly with the likes of ES File Explorer and CX File Explorer. However, it differentiates itself no-nonsense approach to advanced operations. With the feature of «network drive support», «encrypted file vault» capabilities, and full archive support, it is especially beneficial for users with files on “different drives”. You’ll get more customizable options with hex viewer and customizable shortcuts that file managers don’t usually offer.

The reality? This app might not be the best looking on the Play Store, but it’s definitely one of the most competent If you’re a power user who needs to xfer files via SSH, access Samba shares on the home network, or maintain an encrypted folder for tax docs, the premium donation is worth it. This app brings different utilities together instead of having 3 or 4 utilities you would need without the app. The only con of the app is that it does not look the best.

Xplore is best suited for those who prefer a capable utility instead of an attractive one, including system administers, rooted device enthusiasts, and anyone who manages files in local, cloud and network storage at the same time. People looking for easy photo management may think the interface too cluttered, but those who can get past the learning curve get professional-level file management options that make it one of the more versatile tools on Android.