Have you ever wondered where all your downloaded files, all your apps, MP3’s and video are actually stored on your Android device? File exploring and manipulating is perhaps not as easy as it should be on Android so here’s a compiled list of some of the best free file manager apps on Android.

AndroZip File Manager

As a reviewer of this app, I can’t help being optimistic and I have my reasons for it. The interface is one of my strongest reasons.

Navigating between files is a complete bliss. Plus, the default folders that come pre-loaded are well thought out and contain stock favorites such as “Downloads” and “Music”. Creating and searching for folders is easy with other functions like app management. The Backup feature adds that extra cushion of security.

True to its name, the AndroZip allows you to create zipped files on your device. These can be shared between devices. As a free app it especially stands out due to the lack of distracting adverts.

AndroXplorer

The AndroXplorer is a pretty ambitious app. For sheer quirky use of interface this app appears to be thirsty for rewards. The thumbnails all utilize some variation of the Android figure which adds a lot of character to the app. Of course you’re never left in doubt as to which thumbnail does what because the labels are all clearly indicated.

Tap the thumbnail of your choice and you can navigate easily to where you want. Accessing this menu tree and tapping on the title bar gives you access to all the options that the app provides. A handy breakdown of your device’s memory use is supported by options to backup and restore your files. For a bit of familiarity there is also a recycle bin which works out exactly as you’d expect it to.

It’s a pity that the main functions (cut, paste etc.) are very hard to get to, especially on smaller screens, as the pop-up folder menu is truly tiny.  It is certainly a handy app to have, however, the Pro version may overcome its shortfalls.

File Manager

This is one of the more professional apps, especially from a visual perspective. The menu icons are well thought out and very professional in their appearance. Different choices of basic theme can be enabled and the choice of Home Directory can be changed too.

Settings are especially easy to get your head around, but the top level menus do require a basic grasp of Android menus to make the most of them. The app even goes beyond your device functionality by allowing network scans and file management.

One of the nicer looking tools in the app is the Storage Analysis function which lists all of your folders, their usage and overall percentage share of your total memory. Again this is an app that works especially well on a tablet, but its smaller siblings might suffer from the lack of visual space.

Xplore File Manager

Have you ever felt the need to transfer files between folders on one device? If so this file management app is the one for you. There’s also an interesting approach to its interface with the menu buttons down the centre of the screen and the two folders on either side of the centre.

One use of this is to have the external storage displayed down one side and your onboard memory on the other. A lot of file manipulation and displaying of memory sizes is enabled by the app using standard touch gestures.

There is the useful ability to configure the well defined menu buttons in any way that you want and carry out a host of actions such as changing themes, adding passwords and other configuration actions. It’s surprisingly easy to use, has the ability to view multiple file types and allows viewing of many type of files with built in viewers.

Astro File Manager

This is one of the better known file managers on Android and has been around for a long time. Its fame is because of the quick and direct manner in which it enables you to manipulate files in a variety of ways. It’s very intuitive, uncluttered and easily understood.

Many file types are supported including Ringtones, Podcasts and other esoteric types. Of course internal and external memory is easily allocated and viewed. Through a brilliant sub-menu you can access a bewildering array of file manipulation methods. Whether you want to move files, view them, sort them, delete them or create a whole new one the ability is at your fingertips.

Aside from the superior file management options you also have the ability to use the app as a Process Manager, App Backup and SD card manager. The whole app is supported by a very useful support portal and screenshot driven “getting started” option.

Johanna Bergstrom is a passionate writer and an ardent blogger. She is associated with Freedownloadb and mostly finds herself amongst a wide variety of reading material and business tools.