This was posted 7 years 1 month 29 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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[Android] ES File Explorer/Manager Pro $0.20 (Was $3.89) @ Google Play Store

1995

An awesome file manager for the android. I use this one myself and I find it really easy to use. I paid fill price for this so wouldn't hesitate for 20c… Google survey credits! :)

ES File Explorer (File Manager) PRO version will continue to provide you high quality and good service as always
With ES File Explorer (File Manager) PRO version you can:
√ Remove Ad an Ad free version
√More to customize updated color panel and more start page options
√More to expect ES File Explorer (File Manager) team will keep improving the app and strive to keep it the #1 most powerful file manager for android.
√more theme options Following Google material design and more theme options coming soon

With ES, you can access your FTP server, Wi-Fi file transfer, Bluetooth file transfer and connect your chromecast device easily.

Highlights of ES File Explorer (File Manager) PRO:
★ File Manager: Easily list any kind of file, libraries for all Music, Picture, and Video files. Connect file on PC, Mac, Linux Server, Phone, Tablet, Clouds
★ File Transfer: Transfer file from PC to Mobile, Mobile to Mobile, Mobile to PC
★ Cloud Management: ES supports Dropbox, Box.net, Sugarsync, Google Drive, OneDrive-SkyDrive, Amazon S3, Yandex and many other clouds platforms.
★ SD card analyst: with ES you can analyze your SD card usage and manage files as needed according to the results

Features and Benefits of ES File Explorer (File Manager):
►File Manager: Access to your Phone SD card, External SD card and Phone Internal Storage, Manage your files just like you do on your desktop or laptop using Multiple Select, Cut/Copy/Paste, Move, Create, Delete, Rename, Search, Share, Send, Hide, Create Shortcut, and Bookmark
►App Manager: Categorize, uninstall, back up, create shortcuts to your apps and delete APK files
►Remote File Manager: When this feature is enabled, you can manage files on your phone from your PC, tablet, Mac, Linux Server
►Archive manager: Allows you to compress and decompress ZIP files, unpack RAR files, 7z files, and create encrypted (AES 256 bit) ZIP files
►Built-in viewers and players for various file types: Including photos, music, and videos; supports third-party applications such as Quick Office for efficient and better productivity
►Shows thumbnails: For APKs and images
►Text viewers and editors
►Access your home PC: Through your smartphone via WiFi with SMB
►Functions as an FTP and WebDAV client: Manage files on FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and WebDAV servers just like you manage files on your SD card
►Bluetooth file browser: You can copy and paste files between Bluetooth-ready devices. ES File Explorer (File Manager) supports OBEX FTP for browsing devices and transferring files between Bluetooth devices
►Kill tasks with a single click, increase memory and speed up your device: Includes a simple widget that stays on your home screen to let you know your current RAM status and automatically kill tasks, with an ignore list for the applications you want to keep running. The Task Manager module is required for this feature.
►Cache Cleaner and Auto-start Manager: Delete junk files that take up valuable storage space. The Task Manager module is required for this feature.
►Root Explorer: The ultimate set of file management tools for root users. Provides access to the entire file system and all data directories, and allows the user to change permissions.
►Supports Multiple Languages: English, Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Czech, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Tamil, Catalan, Turkish, Lithuanian, Portuguese and many more…

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closed Comments

  • +77

    Yeah, nah. I used to use this years ago but it got bought out and filled with intrusive adware and maybe spyware.

    https://www.androidpit.com/this-is-why-you-should-not-use-es…

    https://www.xda-developers.com/psa-latest-update-to-es-file-…

    I've opted for FX file manager these days.

    • +33

      Yeah I moved to Solid Explorer after I read about that stuff even though I already had it bought. I guess if you have old apk versions it's okay.

      • +8

        +1 for solid explorer. I moved away from ES when it added a lot of intrusive ads.

      • +4

        Solid Explorer is great. I also use MiXplorer which I find better in many ways. It's also free. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23109280&pos… or https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/com.mixplorer.

        • +2

          Another +1 for MiX Explorer, works a treat.

        • Have installed Mixplorer to check out
          Does it have basic SMB functionality or do you have to pay for the SMB2 Add-on?
          Also surprised the VLC codecs Add-on had a cost

        • +1

          @Wally: SMB is built in. That SMB addon is for SMB2, which I'm guessing is for a newer tech? Not sure.

          Just have VLC installed, and it will redirect files to VLC. The media/VLC addon is for playing all sorts of files within MiX without using a third party app.

        • Thx for the reply

          IIRC security experts advise to move from SMBv1 as it provides a possible vector for ransomware YMMV

      • +2

        Damn I bought it thinking pro version might be clean, but you are right, developers can't be trusted. Can some one recommend me a free file explorer with Network capabilities? I just need it to copy files from my LAN PC using wireless. Thanks.

        • Sigh, just got this without reading comments, as I've used it in the past (2 years ago) and thought it was great. Figured pro would be better and ad free.

          So now i'd like to know the answers to your question

    • +8

      Can't say I've seen any ads or bloatware from the time I have used the pro version. Thanks for the articles though.

      • Same for me, since I bought the Pro version during a previous sale, I had never seen any ads anywhere despite all the reports about it (possibly only affects the free version, being that most free apps are ad-supported?)

        I did notice some bloat (cleaner, speed up your phone etc) but I just ignored those features as they were on another screen anyway.

        However I did eventually switched to Solid once they had a sale on it, I guess the only difference I've noticed is that it looks nicer, though not sure if ES has changed since then.

    • +5

      These are about the free version which turned to complete crap. This pro version still runs very similar to the old free version, though yes, the company who bought it is known for being intrusive.

      I've tried all the other popular ones but just kept coming back to this.

      • +12

        The crux of the issue comes down to this - "Ultimately, the sensitive access you grant any file exploring app means that you need to be able to trust the developers, and the tricks the ES File Explorer team is pulling make them untrustworthy."

    • +1

      Def agree. It went crap a while ago. I deliberately looked up the last version which kept the old style interface and no bloat, luckily still compatible with my Android version.

  • +7

    How's the ads and crapware situation after upgrading to pro?

    • +11

      Still bad. Avoid this garbage.

      I use the Asus file manager now. Clean, material design, does the job.

      • +1

        That's sad. I dropped them long ago for the native file explorer of my various stock ROMs. Any recommendation for picture galleries? Currently on stock but wouldn't mind dropping some credit on good ones

        • I use Photos for galleries, never needed anything else

        • +3

          QuickPic is a nice option. Have been using for 2 years now

        • @haiprazzad:

          Beat me to it, pretty similar to the stock android 4.4 photos app..

          Wow I feel old now.

        • +2

          Don't know what you are talking about. There has been no ads on Pro version. I'd you are getting ads then I suggest you better clean your device of other malware before claiming is es pro.

        • @haiprazzad: Definitely QuickPic. Like a must have for Android in my opinion.

        • @jtrvk: This is correct, and the above posters should have mentioned it. QuickPic has been bought by CheetahMobile and have done some very shady stuff.

          The version in the Play Store should be avoided. However, there are apks for QuickPic before it was bought floating around (e.g., on XDA) and this version is perfectly fine.

      • +3

        I bought the paid version a long time ago. No ad I can see.
        To me, the main reason I bought it was actually for the samba/SMB, network support. It was able to play files on my network file shares easily (including the hacked WDTV file shares).

        I haven't used the free one for a long time and I just checked the free one I have is still on the version that's from 2 years ago. My Pro version is the latest.

        It's certainly sad the free one has a lot of adware/bloatware.

    • +1

      I have the pro version and never had an issue with it. My wife's phone had the free version and it was a nightmare of adware popups and crap.

  • +3

    I can recommend Total Commander which is free and has plenty of plugins with small footprint.

    • +1

      I bought TC for windows about 20 years ago. It is THE most important windows app for me. Im lost without it.

      • Me too. Had a licence since 1994.

        You should also checkout TC UP which has add-ins for TC
        http://tcup.eu/

        • THanks , id not heard of this. Ive got it setup perfect, cant think what else TC needs.

  • +1

    I use pro and there are no ads or crapware. Just the good old ES with pro features which actually add some value.

    • +3

      crapware

      Good ol ES File Manager is a contradiction with "ZOMG!!!" cache cleaner and SD card cleaner which sound like bloatware to begin with.

      3.2.5.5 FTW!

      • The pro version doesn't do that by default. Have you even got it?

      • 3.2.5.5 is not Pro.
        mine is 1.0.9 and last updated 29 June 2017.

    • Is good app. Dunno about adware but I was using free for years and bought pro last time it was 20¢

  • Good app, good value

  • +4

    Used to be the bees knees. Not so much these days. I use Total Commander and Solid Explorer.

  • +1

    Used to be good before it sold out and merged in a shitload of bloatware. Stick to X-Plore.

  • +2

    Like others have said, got weird ads and additional bloatware apps when I installed this last time.

  • +1

    I'm running 3.2.5.5 and it's all good.

  • +4

    I found the free version to be very ordinary, appreciate the links with more detail. I'm happy with the (free) X-plore, very comprehensive.

    • +2

      I love X-plore, been using it since the Symbian days and it has never let me down

  • i used the free version for years, just waiting for it! Thanks

  • Used this up until last week, when it clicked how bloated this app had become. I've now switched over to an app simply called File Manager. It meets my main requirement which is to wirelessly transfer files from my PC to the phone, without all the bloat.

  • +10

    DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS APP!

    It was sold to developers who have loaded it with spy/malware. It's not the ES that we knew and loved.

    (this may apply to the free version only; but the developers are NOT to be trusted!)

  • I use this on a rooted nexus 6p with moaab and I see no ads what so ever

  • +3

    been using the free version until extreme bloatware, then I switch to pro with no bloatware

  • +3

    As many others have said, ES File Explorer has lost its reputation since becoming a bloated mess, however the PRO version is a fair bit better (though still some limited bloat), and its still the best in class for File Shares, Samba Support and Android TV. For everything else Solid Explorer is the way to go.

    • -2

      Have you tried MiXplorer or Solid explorer?

  • One of the best apps ever.

    Haven't used the free one in ages. Used it so much that I actually decided that I'd pay full price for it.

  • +3

    A once great app, now a bloated mess filled with spyware. Paid version included. Avoid like the plague.

    • +5

      Got anything to back that up?

      I've been using es from the start, yes the free one is a joke but the paid one is still one of the best out there.

    • +1

      I've been using it for years and always found it really intuitive and works great with our home network shares .

    • +4

      Do you even own the paid version? If you're getting the ads then suffer you clean your device. I've been using the pro version for last 12+ months and not a single ad has affected any of my 20 devices that I own and manage for the household.

      • +1

        I do, and totally agree with gilbarc
        Have had the paid version since not long after it came to exist.
        The paid version has adware (understandable), but both versions have spyware.
        I can't readily find the info, but i'm not using it so i have nothing to lose.

        • It's not about "losing" per e (20c!!). Look at the App store link. 4.7 rating from almost 62000 verified votes. Read the comments and you will find everyone confirms it "safe" from advertising. Look at the free one - yes, it still has high rating because of what it use to be, but almost everyone complains about the advertising.

          Just this alone indicates that the Pro is unlike the Free and that it does not have the spyware you claim it does.

        • +1

          @bchliu:
          "Read the comments and you will find everyone confirms it "safe" from advertising."

          That's great!
          Matches exactly my thoughts, it certainly is free of advertising!

          If you read closer not once did i claim it had advertising.

          5 stars is not a guarantee of being spyware free though.

        • @virtual81: That's fine. I'm still waiting for your proof of Spyware. LOL..

        • Typo in my post, meant to say..

          "The paid version has no adware…"

        • +2

          @bchliu: I can verify that the paid version phones home.

          Edit:
          I use an app called netguard that shows connections made by apps and allows you to block them to confirm that it does phone home.
          Due to the tarnished reputation of the app, I'm not willing to give it passwords to my NAS in case it transmits it or the contents of my NAS back home.

    • One who can find a negative between many positives.

    • +1

      Totally agreed.
      I loved this app and got to the point where it was so bloated and crazy i googled for alternatives.
      Thurs out this app is talking back to base in china also.
      Can't trust it anymore, massive dealbreaker.

      -edit- I'm speaking of the paid version, not the free one.

  • +7

    For those haters out there telling about the paid / pro version having malware and advertising. Please provide evidence of this before making such claims. We can all agree the basic free edition does have some problems, but I am pretty sure most of you who claim this does not even own a copy of the pro edition for 20c. Simply just gripe that they are making you pay for the software as opposed to free.

    I have been running this for last 12+ months on a couple of dozen devices and there has not been a shred of evidence of malware on any of them including unwanted ads etc.

    • +2

      As if you can trust a company that does what it did to the free version with your money and permissions.

      • So.. a company cannot change their business model throughout their lifetime? They were bought out by another company from memory, but still opted to provide a quality product despite the "freeware" one being ridden with ads (as is 90% of all Google Play apps). Fact is, this app still has a 4.7/5 rating in the Play store. Almost everyone agrees it does not contain advertising in the comments. So unless you can have better evidence of it otherwise, then really your opinion is moot.

        • +1

          If you can't do the math on that, I can't help you.

        • -2

          @cymon: that 99% of the people who commented on the Pro version have not had any issues with your alleged spyware and advertising? Compared to the majority of people on the Free version complaining about the Ads? No maths is required but simple logic. If you still cant see that, then I can't help you either.

    • +1

      Right back at you bchliu!
      Are you claiming it is malware free?
      Can you provide evidence?
      I might be misreading, but no one i can see is claiming the paid version has advertising.
      All i can see and claim is that it has spyware/malware.
      I was once a keen user of ES, but it's become bloated and clunky.
      In addition to that the evidence i saw 12 months ago of malware pushed me away from it.
      I can't find the link now, thus cannot prove it.
      You however cannot prove it is malware free.
      Ultimately we have a stalemate.
      I have nothing to gain from turning people away from ES
      I wish it didn't have the issues it has because there is really nothing that compares to it feature wise.

      • -4

        You seriously have an issue. You make the claim that there is spyware. It put the onus on YOU to prove that it does have spyware. So far, NO ONE has come up with an ounce of evidence other than ad-homenium attacks on the company's reputation with the Free version.

        I made the claim it doesnt have spyware - it is installed in 20+ devices in my household many with security applications installed. Furthermore, of the thousands of comments that have been made about the Pro version made in the Play store - almost everyone has no issues with this. Certainly, there may "STill" be spyware within that we don't know about (apparently Microwaves will report you back to the US Govt too). But the overwhelming majority of users have verified it does NOT have any malware in the app that they have experienced.

        So getting back to your claim and your needed proof.. WHERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE FOR MALWARE on the PRO version????????

        • My understanding is that all versions of ES File Explorer use the Baidu SDK, and they were all leaking unencrypted personal information as per here:

          https://citizenlab.ca/2016/02/privacy-security-issues-baidu-…

          I believe that the information is encrypted now but still sent to Baidu (who now own the app). You might be comfortable with that, it's not for me to say. I can't confirm because I'm not going to install that app on my phone again but you can check with a firewall if you're concerned.

        • -2

          @dazweeja: Bit of evidence (finally).. But it is pretty much based upon the Free version of ES (check the link). The Free ES is known to source its Ads from Baidu as does a number of other "Free" Chinese Phones. Much like "Western" Apps will source their advertising through Google Ads (among other more nastier examples).
          Interesting to note that the majority of the article refers solely on the breakdown of Baidu Browser, which is what the Chinese use as an equivalent to Chrome (since they cannot use GApps behind their Great Firewall of China). The concern is ES (Free) uses the Baiduu libraries to source the advertising.

          I might see if I can open up my rooted Phone tonight to grab the libraries out of the ES Pro to see if any of those are Baidu libraries. Might put a Snitch app onto it too to netstat any connections to China from a clean install.

        • Why is it that i have to provide evidence and you don't?
          The idea that you think you're exempt because you asked first is as absurd as the idea that a positive review is evidence that it doesnt have malware.
          That is an argument a 6 year old would pull.

          Lets go back to basics.
          1) I have no evidence that it has spyware.
          2) I never claimed the paid version has advertising.
          3) You have no evidence it doesn't have spyware.
          4) It either has spyware or it doesn't, we can't both be right.
          5) The fact that i can't provide evidence does not automatically make you correct.

          The above are facts, happy to leave it at that?
          I have nothing to lose or gain if you love ES or not.
          I once loved it myself, i saw something that changed my mind, now i don't love it.
          I no longer have the link to what i saw, i don't bookmark every page i visit and a quick google search has failed to reveal it.

          dazweeja has provided an interesting link, might be worth a read.

          No issue here mate, just telling what i saw and freely admitting i no longer have a link.
          Regardless I'm sticking to the facts above, thes cannot be disputed.

          You're the one with an issue mate.
          I'm just casting my vote and sharing my experience.

        • @bchliu:

          Do you have the folder /sdcard/baidu with a hidden file inside? That's also a giveaway.

        • -1

          @dazweeja: Nope.. There's no Baidu folder. That only happens on the Free version.

        • -1

          @virtual81: lol.. I stated my evidence to use statistics on the comments made on Google Play. If it does have advertising, wouldnt you think that there would be much much more people complaining about it since it is paid app? Even the free app has about 4 complains of advertising to every 5 comments. But you have brushed this off as "lack of evidence" even though it is statistically possible to conclude it is advertising and malware free.

          As I wrote to Dazweeja - the article was actually written for Baidu Browser. The FREE version of ES uses the same library sets as its internal advertising server. The Pro version does not look like it has this (I just pulled the APK from my phone and checked the contents).

        • -1

          @bchliu:
          Again with the advertising.
          You've proven yourself illiterate.
          Find one quote from me where i said the paid version has advertising?
          Go and re-read my previous post, user reviews are no guarantee that an app has no malware.
          The whole point of malware is to remain hidden from the user.

        • -1

          @virtual81: Lol.. Lets say that about every other app.. "It might have Malware.. but you cant see it." That sort of argument applies to every other app in Play and Apple stores. May as well not install anything. Again, where is a single article that backs your claim.. on the PRO version?

        • @bchliu:
          Finally you're right about something.
          Yes, any app could have malware.
          In fact it's safest to assume this is the case.
          However we're not talking about any app, we're talking about ES File Explorer PRO (The one that has no ads, yet you continue to claim that i say it does have ads…. just so we're clear)

          Lets do the facts game again…
          1)I saw evidence of malware in ES File Explorer Pro, specifically regarding dialing home with sensitive info, approx 12 months ago.
          2)I have seen no evidence of advertising in ES File Explorer Pro (just so we're clear, because you keep missing this part)
          3)I stopped using ES File Explorer Pro because of #1
          4)I reported what i saw here on OZB and voted accordingly.
          5)I cannot provide proof.
          6)You cannot provide proof.

          I am completely happy for you to not believe me, anyone can make a claim, and any claim should be treated with the appropriate care.
          But the above statement works both ways, you too are unable to provide proof of your claim.
          And positive reviews are not proof that an app has no malware, so don't go pulling that string again.

          Here you go, just because i'm a gentleman, i'll provide you with a free argument you can use against me!

          In my first post…

          The paid version has adware (understandable), but both versions have spyware.

          A typo, and quite possibly an obvious one considering the context.
          But this changes nothing.

  • Mixplorer (https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/com.mixplorer) and Solid Explorer are some of the most fully featured & well designed file explorers today. I think Mix takes the lead though, it has an incredible amount of features whilst still being free.

    • Why isn't it listed in play?

      • Some licensing issue. Someone posted it on play store before while it was on beta, he had that removed, but he's not able to put it up. Or maybe he doesn't want to, don't know.

        I have it installed via XDA Labs, updates from there.

  • $4.69 NZD :D
    No thank you

  • +1

    Can't comment on the pro version but based on what they did to the free version 20 cents wouldn't sway me to download. I thought my phone was riddled with viruses but just latest upate. I was only using to play around with kodi but I see some good suggestions for other non invasive (hopefully!!) file explorers here which will try instead.

  • Last time I checked, it doesn't support SMBv2, so good luck. Also can't remember the last time I got an update..

    Better off with FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (Especially for Speed)

    • When the "systemless root method" because a thing, it took months before they pushed an update for the ES File Explorer Pro version, whereas the free version already had been updated. I remember using a patched APK from xda that had the systemless root thing fixed. Sadly, the new developers aren't interested in updating the PRO version as much as the FREE version. :(

      Pro 1.0.9 does claim to work with smb 2.0 though. I'm still using it.

  • +2

    Does anyone have evidence or are you just trying to defame this app?

    I run Adhell and this app never sends out anything. Been using it for years. Never comes up in Greenify or Samsung device maintenance.

    I'm using the pro version as well.

    And before you get on your high horse, Adhell has stopped 1,548 attempts in the last 24 hours from these apps that are constantly sending analytics and ads from my phone:

    Amazon
    Google (literally hundreds)
    Tumblr
    Viber
    myMail
    Google Maps
    CCleaner
    Kindle
    Spotify
    Chrome
    Commbank
    Facebook
    Messenger
    Goodreads

    So get off ES File Explorer/Manager Pro's back or start uninstalling all the apps above! It has never appeared in the last 2 years on Adhell, Greenify or Samsung device maintenance.

    I can conclude it doesn't send out analytics, ads and isn't a device hog. As for malware, I can't confirm that from the apps I have.

    • I don't think there's any doubt that ES File Explorer has sent information back to Baidu in the last two years:

      https://citizenlab.ca/2016/02/privacy-security-issues-baidu-…

      This applied to anything running the Baidu SDK. Besides, it's owned by Baidu now - I believe all their apps send information/analytics back to them (they in no way deny this, just like Google in no way deny they use analytics). I removed it in January but I can still see my Baidu identifier in a hidden file in /sdcard/baidu

      • A simple Netstat (and the logging from Adhell) will pick up the analytics reporting back Baidu if this was the case. Again, the evidence you have provided is for another app. It references the FREE version of ES. Not the Pro. No Baidu folder, no detected connection back to Baidu.

        • +1

          I was curious so I just reinstalled. They have in fact changed their analytics reporting code since I last had it installed.

          This looks like it: /data/data/com.estrongs.android.pop.pro/app_webview/shared_prefs/__Baidu_Stat_SDK_SendRem.xml

          Here you can see your UID, last send time, etc. Time interval for mine is 24. I would expect a variable like that that to be in seconds but given the number it might be hours, in which case it's sent daily.

        • @dazweeja: Pro version? I dont have my Rooted phone here so I cant get into /Data at the moment.

        • @bchliu:

          Yes, pro.

        • @dazweeja: I'll have a look tonight on my rooted phone when I get home.

        • @dazweeja: The shared_prefs directory of that path doesn't exist on my phone. Pro 1.0.9.

        • @navcar:

          Visible on mine, checked using Amaze File Manager with 'Show hidden files' enabled. Pro 1.0.9 as well, installed today.

        • +1

          @dazweeja: sorry, you are correct. The path had a typo, its actually: /data/data/com.estrongs.android.pop.pro/shared_prefs/__Baidu_Stat_SDK_SendRem.xml

    • +2

      There is a fine line between a few ads and analytics and excessive ads and malware.

  • +1

    From the link provided by dazweeja there is a link to an interesting PDF.
    This in no way claims malware in the paid version, but the contents are alarming.

    https://citizenlab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/baidurespon…

    For example,

    …the Windows version of Baidu Browser collects and transmits — unencrypted — the URL
    and title of all websites visited by a user, as well as the user’s hard drive serial number
    and MAC address…

    Scary stuff

    6) Why was Baidu Browser designed to transmit certain sensitive user data, such as GPS
    coordinates and browser search queries, in an unencrypted format?
    Their reply
    We have already switched over to encrypted formats for transmission of such data.

    GPS co-ords to a chinese company, and no denial.

    The list of concerns is extensive.
    I'm sure these practices are not limited to Baidu.
    But knowing ES are associated with this in any way is a concern, as it would be if i found evidence of similar activity in any other app.

  • +4

    I would rather pay a few dollars to support a decent dev/app like solid explorer https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.solidexplor…

    Or use Amaze if you're into the free / OSS stuff.

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