Some years back I was a mixplorer user, then switched to solid explorer for some time and now I’m using Material Files.
I was thinking of going back to either Solid / Mixplorer or trying something new.
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…
What protocol?
Solid Explorer works fine for me through a VPN with SFTP. I’ve not tried SMB though.
Speed isn’t amazing (was only getting 600kB/s testing just now), but it does work.
SMB.
But when I use Xiaomi File Manager or Material Files, and the SMB protocol, it works.
Xiaomi File Manager is REALLY slow, but Material Files is actually pretty fast over VPN and mobile data.
Still scratching my head as to what makes Solid Explorer different…
I use Solid Explorer with my local SMB share and it works great. I primarily use it keep files in sync between my Android phone and tablet.
It doesn’t seem to work for NFS though.
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…
Also, one of the drawbacks is that it needs Google account to be added to the device to access the drive. MiXplorer can directly use the browser the get access to drive, thus making it more FOSS friendly ROMs.
Same as you, Mixplorer
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.
Plus 1 to this. And it works on my android tv too!
I’ve been using it for years and never really noticed the split view option. Thanks for pointing it out.
FX File manager - mounts anything, including SSH, Windows shares,… Great root support, two windows for easier file operations,…
doesn’t work that well anymore on android 13/14
I’m on 13 and works like a charm
Dito
Seconding FX. It’s also got a super useful quick-share to other devices running FX.
Simply the best for me. Even the UI is great and really thought through
Material files, I hate the stock / google files and it doesn’t sacrifice on looks
I have material files, but I use Total Commander the most. It is overkill but useful when I have to move stuff around on a server. It has an F-Droid Repo too, so bonus.
Total Commander. Has been for two decades on PC and near one on Android. Not beautiful, but so useful.
Never liked it on pc, but I have it on phone and love the ability to have 2 dirs open at the same time.
I’m using it since Norton Commander under DOS, I don’t know how to use something else !
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.
Ghost Commander is featureful and open-source but its UI feels a bit… 1992.
Yeah the UI is a major drawback of Ghost Commander. But before MiX I used to use that
Material files Why? - Foss + Does job + All essential utilities + no other foss option available 🥲
There’s Amaze as a FOSS alternative although I use Material Files too.
Utils are paid and does not align with my needs
I like total commander because it let’s me browse network storage
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.
Same here. I don’t really need anything Google Files doesn’t offer.
I’ve be n using Astro for ages. I tried a few and found them bloated and missing something. Astro has some extra bits I don’t use but I never switched them on so it’s not an issue. You can hide anything you don’t use on the opening screen from the options too.
cx file explorer
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.
