Solid Explorer. Why? Because I bought it ages ago and it still works fine. Even a decade later, it still gets regular updates, which shows that the dev cares about the app.

More importantly, I like that it jumps straight into my filesystem without any nonsensical abstract views, and I like that it doesn't come with any bloat (no junk cleaner or RAM booster crap), unlike other file managers. With other file managers these days, you open them and instead of seeing your files you get a bunch of mini apps or collections, which is NOT what I want. I just want a simple file manager, not an ecosystem. Thankfully, Solid isn't like that.

So even after all these years and all these updates, the app remains true to its original purpose and hasn't sold out or gone down the enshittification path, which is a refreshing change compared to what we've been seeing with other apps.

Material files Why? - Foss + Does job + All essential utilities + no other foss option available 🥲

Solid Explorer, since I can mount an SFTP volume using keyfile authentication.

The only thing I don't like is that it uses its own file encryption system instead of a more open solution like Cryptomator. I know Cryptomator exists, but I can't access SFTP volume using keyfile authentication with it..

I have been using MiXplorer for past 3 years. Has been working rock solid for me.

I kinda want to see how it would look with MD3 tho.

I have tried alot of File Managers but MiXplorer is the one that suits me the most. Althought I would've prefered an opensource File Manager, Material Files is a little too basic for my needs. The developer of MiX is an awesome dude so I trust him.

Solid Explorer.

However, when I'm VPNing into my unraid server, for some reason Solid Explorer doesn't work? I downloaded Xiaomi File Manager, and while it's EXTREMELY slow, it does work via the VPN.

Does anyone know why?

Edit: tried Material Files to replace the Xiaomi app, and it also lets me connect to my shares when I VPN into my unraid server. I wonder why Solid Explorer refuses to connect..

FX File manager - mounts anything, including SSH, Windows shares,... Great root support, two windows for easier file operations,....

Total Commander. Has been for two decades on PC and near one on Android. Not beautiful, but so useful.

Cx File Explorer

I also use it as a music player since it properly orders files by alphabet and allows for "play single track once" option.

While not great as a general file manager, I use this app to launch into the hidden, built in file manager in Android. The major benefit is that it can access apps' data directories. Every other file manager is blocked from that (at least without root).

Solid Explorer but it's not like I've tried all the others too. It's what I always go to and it has served me good.

FX file explorer, tons of tons of options. And works better than most.

Tbh I find the Google Files app to be fine for my needs.

However in the past I used Solid Explorer but it was simply way more than I needed. If you need that much power check it out.

For an open source FM check out Material Files. It's like SE but free, open source and 100% spyware free.

CX file explorer- can't live without it.

I use Material File Browser. Replaced almost all the default google shit with FOSS alternatives, some of them may not have all the features of a slick google app but it's a fair exchange given that they're not relentlessly jacking my data.

simple file manager, just works.

https[://]f-droid[.]org/packages/com.simplemobiletools.filemanager.pro/

I'm using X-plore for about 15 years now, since Symbian

There's just nothing like it. Super powerful and easy to use

I've been using FX for a few years. I haven't really compared it to the others because it does what I need with little fuss and no ads or other annoyances.

It can access network file shares and you can use a split screen view for easy file copying. It also has a basic text editor and media player, though I don't really use those.

Samsung Files: best ui

Android File explorer (using the shortcut from the play store): can read android/data folder and has access to some other apps like termux

Total Commander because it has way more functions than the others

FX File manager. Super fast even on weak hardware, customizable, and feature rich, with virtually no bugs. It's not only the best file manager I've found on Android, it's the best file manager I've found on any platform.

None of them.

I can't see the hidden parts of the filesystem reserved for program data. So I can't backup program data with Syncthing.

I use Google Files. Tried several F-Droid equivalents still disappointed.

[Pixel 7 Pro]

Material files and/or anemo are perfect for me. Wish material files could handle more kinds of compressed archives though, I have to keep a different app for those tasks

I've been using Root Explorer Pro for a decade, probably? I haven't found a need to change.

I like that it has multiple tab views, and it keeps your tabs persistent across boots. Makes it easy to move files between frequently used folders since both source and destination can be open at the same time in different tabs.

Also, I root all my phones and sometimes need to access system directories, so root access is a must.

Edit: Reading this thread encouraged me to try Materials Files but it doesn't allow multiple tabs so I just uninstalled it.

I like total commander because it let's me browse network storage

Same as you, Mixplorer

I don't really have a favorite. I use a combination of them: Google Files, FX File Explorer, ES File Explorer (4.0.2.3) and Termux.

Google Files is a simple to use general file manager. Mostly useful for finding big files and looking through downloads as it combines SD Card + Internal storage.
FX File Explorer is a less powerful alternative to ES file explorer for me.
ES File Explorer has a lot. And this old version can be nicely customized for free. I like the network storage features and simple music player. Select music to put into your playlist, and hit play. Quick, customized playlists.
Termux if I want something extra. I generally use it for creating TAr archives and copying files along with their timestamps. Also a nicer text editor (Vim) and advantage of being able to SSH into my phone from computer.

Material files, I hate the stock / google files and it doesn't sacrifice on looks