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Here's why we're removing ES File Explorer from our best apps lists

AndroidPIT es filemanager app 1
© nextpit

To say that ES File Explorer has had a rocky few months would be an understatement. It has gone from being the best file explorer on Android to being one that we can no longer recommend. And for one main reason: an intrusive advertising mechanism that ruins its user experience. This is why we've decided to remove ES File Explorer from our best Android apps lists.

AndroidPIT es file explorer 9015
We no longer recommend ES File Explorer. / © ANDROIDPIT

Our best Android apps list alone has more than four millions page impressions, and we spend a lot of time testing the apps that we recommend there. As of tomorrow, ES File Explorer will no longer feature on any of our best-of lists. An app which we once described as, "the best way to keep your data organized on Android" has seen a catastrophic fall from grace over the past few months. 

Where did it begin? Was it when the app was redesigned to be pretty but less functional? Or was it when, after loading the app up with ads and spammy notifications offering to clean your device, the developers announced, "we are about to launch a paid version"? It's hard to know for certain. But one thing is for sure: ES File Explorer has dug its own grave with comical rapidity.

The final straw, and the reason for this article, is that ES File Explorer recently added another piece of bloatware: DU Charge Booster. If I install a file explorer, it's generally because I want a file explorer, not a charge booster. But the team behind ES File Explorer disagreed, and so DU Charge Booster appeared on my phone's lock screen whenever I plugged it in to charge. 

androidpit es file explorer lock screen charge booster ad
The lock screen replacement with ad, and automatic redirection to the Play Store upon unlocking. / © ANDROIDPIT

Not only did it hijack my lock screen without asking, but it used the space to display ads. These were conveniently placed where I would usually swipe to unlock my phone, so when I did eventually manage to unlock my device, the charge booster directed me to the Play Store and whatever app was being advertised. This is a form of malware. 

Not only that, but when users began complaining, some that the additional feature was causing their chargers to become extremely hot, a subsequent update removed the charge booster. All negative reviewers were offered a copy-and-pasted reply, stating that they should "consider giving the app a 5 star rating, if you are happy to see this change." Um. No. 

AndroidPIT has reached out to ES APP Group, which owns ES File Explorer, for comment and will update this article once we receive a response.

AndroidPIT best file explorers solid explorer 1
Solid Explorer (pictured) and MiXplorer are both much better choices now. / © ANDROIDPIT

If this had been an isolated incident, some naive and misguided mistake, there would be room for a little patience. But instead it comes at the most recent end of an ever-growing string of decisions that do not simply reflect embarrassing mistakes, but malicious and misguided attempts to make money. To reiterate, this disservice to the Android community is why we've decided to drop ES File Explorer from our best app lists. We have never done this before and hope it's the first, and last, time. 

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.

We recommend that you uninstall ES File Explorer; there are plenty of much better alternatives out there.

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Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall
Junior Editor

Chris is a graduate in English and Philosophy and habitual tamperer with technology. A recent convert to Android, through the marvel of the Samsung Galaxy S6, he looks to share the fruits of this technological honeymoon through AndroidPIT.

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  • 1
    vinemont Dec 1, 2020 Link to comment

    I have continued to use pre bloated versions of ES File Explorer and have had no problems with them. Frankly I like the way the program works.

    Somebody is continuing to develop the program. A new version recently came out, version 4.2.3.8.1. It's available on the various APK download sites. You can find them by Googling ES File Explorer 4.2.3.8.1 download.

    I was hesitant to to install it because it was a 25 megabyte download, about three times the size of the pre bloat versions.

    Does anyone have any evaluations of the current state of the program and whether or not the developers have gotten their act back together.


  • 1
    Bob Koure Sep 15, 2019 Link to comment

    I always buy the non-advert version of any app (I use the ad version for eval). I've had the Pro version since whenever it became available - and no problems whatsoever. It never seems to have used more than 1% power based on GSam showing app usage - and I move a lot of files between phone, SDcard and home NAS (SMB)
    But now I see both versions have disappeared from Google Play. Sigh...


  • 1
    Emmet Ray Jan 20, 2018 Link to comment

    Wow, turned my phone into a spaztastic tweaker. Overheating, hanging, freezing, that infuriating swipe "feature" with the app wheels that made it impossible to do anything without it popping up over everything else. And I've only had it ONE day. I have adguard and haven't seen much spam but I know it takes awhile for some apps to build a profile of you. Still, good for accessing my network through wifi and playing/copying media files, etc. For now I'll just force stop the thing in apps under settings until I'm ready to use it again. Shutting it down seems to have returned everything for normal. I'll see if it remains so.


  • Introgauge .C 1
    Introgauge .C Oct 29, 2017 Link to comment

    This file explorer completely screwed up the file recognition on my phone, it doesn't recognize pictures, videos or music I've downloaded. Phone clerks and customer support are completely clueless about it. I bought a more expensive phone for the extra versatility when it comes to files, and this explorer completely destroyed that. I am super pissed.


  • outpost99 1
    outpost99 Oct 7, 2017 Link to comment

    I had an ad for Amazon appear on my ES File Explorer and I couldn't get rid of it as it locked up my screen, so I exited ES but every time I tried to go back in the ad was still sitting there and I couldn't do anything else in there - In the end I had to delete ES.


  • 1
    A Smith Sep 17, 2017 Link to comment

    I noticed that ES file manager consumes 7% of my power. that's an incredible amount for a file manager. I installed solid explorer and file commander and they don't even show up on the list. Plus having to deal with the 'logger' feature in ES file manager is not pleasant.


  • Jessica Miller 2
    Jessica Miller Sep 2, 2017 Link to comment

    wiped my SD card, which isn't what I was doing and I've now lost everything!
    Thanks a fucking lot 😟 😢😡


  • Eric Bowling 2
    Eric Bowling Aug 26, 2017 Link to comment

    Fuck you, es. You went from the best file explorer out there to this piece of shit that is the definition of malware infused piece of shit apps. I hope you, whoever, read this.

    Jessica Miller


  • 1
    MANGESH GALANDE Aug 5, 2017 Link to comment

    Battery analyser shows that ES File explorer is using 35% of battery. I wonder why


  • Joshua Harvey 1
    Joshua Harvey Jul 31, 2017 Link to comment

    I have had ES File explorer for a long time and have always loved it. However lately I have been getting all of these horrible advertisements that I HATE! I don't care if the app is face time I would uninstall it because of these horrible adds. My point is it doesn't matter how great your app is when you make it so annoying it has to go. I am uninstalling it as we speak!


  • 1
    William Pompen Jun 14, 2017 Link to comment

    No problem with the paid version, if its really the best app, why not put your money where your mouth is?


    • 1
      Kyoten3 Nov 19, 2018 Link to comment

      I wouldn't have a problem if they just made a basic explorer and then said, "want more functionality, give us 3 bucks" thats fine. But to slip ads, battery apps, and other things in there with out permission, thats underhanded Microsnot BS. Be clear about your apps, if you want to offer a limited free version then fine, if you want people to buy your app, fine. But dont slip stuff in under the radar that frigs with peoples phones, slows them down, causes all kinds of issues and more then likely steals their data and sells it to the highest bidder.


  • 2
    Ben1265 May 18, 2017 Link to comment

    It took me a good while to discover that ES File Explorer was responsible for a wheel of apps that appeared on the lower right or lower left corner of my screen if I swiped from one of these corners. VERY ANNOYING feature. It would also overlay my search bar with an "I'm feeling lucky" bar. If you have that, and do not want to remove ES File Explorer, just look for ES Swipe on ES File Explorer and disable that. @John Terdick: If you have Nougat, you can stop ES File Explorer from working in the background. That way you can still use without impacting your battery life. ES File Explorer is still the best tool I've seen for transferring files to network drives or FTP sites... Suggestions welcome!

    Robin D.


    • 1
      JDB Jul 24, 2017 Link to comment

      Oh my god, thank you so much! This has been driving me crazy recently as it keeps appearing when I'm just trying to use the phone normally, but I thought it was Samsung's Nougat update that caused it. I already disabled some other features of ES File Explorer that were driving me crazy, like the balloons that would pop up on screen every time I added a new file on my phone, but I hadn't figured out what was causing this particular issue.
      I do still like ES File Explorer as it has a lot of features that I like, and I thankfully haven't noticed the issues pointed out in the article, but it sure has been getting rather bloated recently.
      I'm certainly open to suggestions for other, better file managers if anyone knows of any.


  • 2
    Bob Atom May 11, 2017 Link to comment

    Too bad...this was a great app that I was considering buying a few weeks ago. But it has become to intrusive and the ads get in the way and take over the entire screen. I hope users will remove the app and comment on google play store to let them know that they screwed up. Not to be mean, but ES people really screwed this one up. It is almost insulting the changes they made. I was researching replacements for ES when I ran across this article.

    Eric Bowling


  • 3
    Ben Hutchinson Apr 27, 2017 Link to comment

    Which version of ES File Explorer started having these ads? I can download the APK file of any version of most Android apps (including older versions going back to the earliest versions) on this other website uptodown.com and I want to make sure I download the latest version of ES File Explorer that was released before the ads started being pushed. Does anybody here know what version that is? I would like to downgrade by downloading the APK file of the last non-ad version of ES File Explorer.

    Eric Bowling


    • Dale Start 2
      Dale Start Jul 4, 2017 Link to comment

      Hey Ben, did you ever find which version was best to use?

      Eric Bowling


      • Nicola Ursino 1
        Nicola Ursino Jan 24, 2018 Link to comment

        3.2.5.5 is perfect. With Android nougat it broke (at least) one feature: sending files through Wi-Fi. This feature is also broken on ES file explorer pro, but it works fine on the bloated version.


    • Brian Jensen 1
      Brian Jensen Jan 4, 2018 Link to comment

      if you like this app so much. why your not buy pro version. 3 usd. is not much. if people not buy the good apps. so it disappear from update.. and the put all that adware--crap in the free version.


  • 1
    Nascar Jenkins Apr 4, 2017 Link to comment

    I've been using es file explorer for about 2 years now and I've gotten no ads nor seen it on my lock screen. It's still amazing for me. I used the cleaner part of the app (never again) and it WAAAY too thorough.. deleted a bunch of pictures I didn't want deleted and all of the music on my phone (I'm overseas currently and won't be able to get my tunes back for over a month - it's quite frustrating) but other than the cleaner deleting almost everything, I haven't had any of the issues with this app that I've read about recently.


  • 2
    Thomas Miller Mar 27, 2017 Link to comment

    Used the app for a lot of years. As time moved on I've been noticing more and more bloat and advertisements. I just removed from one device and will do the same on my other devices.

    Eric Bowling


  • Rich M 1
    Rich M Jan 25, 2017 Link to comment

    I already said in this conversation, that if you want the version without ads, contact me on: richardrich2004@gmail.com


    • Eric Bowling 2
      Eric Bowling Aug 26, 2017 Link to comment

      Hahah cute. So they can get an app injected with all kinda of janky shit?


  • Dean Rose 2
    Dean Rose Jan 24, 2017 Link to comment

    Totally agree with this. I have been using ES file explorer for year now. I removed it as soon as the spam started. Its now a crap piece of software

    Eric Bowling


  • 4
    John Terdik Jan 6, 2017 Link to comment

    Prior to uninstalling ES my battery life was less than 4 hours. After uninstalling ES and the crapware it had installed my battery life is now almost 2 days.

    Robin D.Eric Bowling


  • VortexOfSlowness 2
    VortexOfSlowness Jan 5, 2017 Link to comment

    Just curious if anyone knows the last known good (or best legacy) version of ES and/or where to find it? I still use uTorrent 2.2.1 and WinAmp 2.x because a lot of times a legacy version of a great app remains the best option forever after the app's demise. I loved ES but this article is right, it's garbage now. Any advice?

    Eric Bowling


    • Glenn Roe 1
      Glenn Roe Jan 15, 2017 Link to comment

      apkmirror.com/apk/es-global/es-file-explorer/es-file-explorer-3-2-5-5-android-apk-download/


  • 4
    John Terdik Dec 31, 2016 Link to comment

    I just uninstalled ES because the apps it installed reduced my battery life to less than 4 hours. I had used ES for several years and enjoyed the function it provided but with the latest release and the malware it is the pits.
    I replaced it with Solid Explorer File Manager, hopefully it will do what ES did without the malware.


  • Howard Garfinkle 2
    Howard Garfinkle Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

    I uninstalled es but just saw it included in Amazon underground as a preferred app to transfer files to my Kindle. Is this also not recommended? I saw that some of the issues you mentioned were indeed included but not activated by default.

    Knot Bless


  • Burke Knight 2
    Burke Knight Dec 2, 2016 Link to comment

    Sorry, but have you checked your device for other malware? I have ES "Free" installed onto 3 devices, and never once seen "charge booster" hijacking my lock screen. Nor, ads. So, this article, to me, is basically unfounded ranting and slander, due to not researching fully. The author needs to really look at their device, and test ES on other devices, before posting such a piece like this. I am an Android app developer, and have multiple devices I work with. Not one time, has the author's claims been valid for me, in well over 2 years of installing and using ES on my devices.

    Scott 902


    • Scott 902 2
      Scott 902 Dec 2, 2016 Link to comment

      Right on! Also, a little look at the file explorer the author is plugging, shows this:

      This is Solid Explorer File and Cloud Manager
      Please note that this is a 14 day trial version

      Gee, sounds like someone that's connected to the development of Solid Explorer, trying to sway people wrongly to use that app, instead of ES.

      And the author wants to talk about "The tricks ES File Explorer is pulling make it untrustworthy" when it's his tricks, and Solid Explorer's advertising tricks that should be questioned.

      Burke Knight


      • Carl Wyble 2
        Carl Wyble Dec 28, 2016 Link to comment

        You guys are missing the whole point of the article. I found it because I searched for "best ES File Explorer Version" because all of the added crap is annoying. Add to that the issues that SOME have had with it (your device is not the same as mine, or my rom, or kernel, none of which affected or were affected by ES previously but with the addition of new features, came issues for many like myself). I don't want to have to turn off the little floating gidget and all this other crap. I want the most basically powerful file manager there is. That used to be ES, but these newer updates bury functionality in ads and unnecessary fluff.

        So if you think the author is trying to "plug" Solid Explorer, you're right. It's because this whole site, one dedicated to telling us which apps they think are best, has decided, like many of us, that ES File Explorer in it's current build no longer qualifies. And, therefore, has been replaced at the top.

        Time to go download a 3.x.x build. Screw the bloat, but ES is still the best.

        The TempestDean Rose


      • Dustin Fox 2
        Dustin Fox Mar 21, 2017 Link to comment

        Have you not installed es on a 7.0 device? It's full of nonsense adds and pop-ups. It hijacked my lock screen.. Tries to clean my system. And is sending me floating widgets when I take a screenshots. This used to be a good file Explorer. Now it literally is just plain shit.

        Robin D.


    • 4
      John Terdik Jan 23, 2017 Link to comment

      Burke Knight - for me ES was a disaster! I had used it for about 4 years and really liked the function that it provided. This past summer I started getting all kinds of pop-ups when using it. At first I trusted the pop-ups because they were coming from ES and after installing a few the screen lock was driving me nuts and my battery life was less than 4 hours. While it is possible that I had some malware that Kaspersky did not detect I felt the issue was ES. I uninstalled it and all of the aps that I had installed while using ES and like magic my battery life had increased to almost 48 hours.

      I also email the ES developer at the sametime and as of this date still no reply from the developer.

      Also if you search you will find a lot of other people recently having issues with ES. It is possibly that all of us are wrong but when I uninstalled it and the apps installed while using ES my battery life went from less than 4 hours to about 48 hours and the developer does not respond to an email. I don't think I have any other option but to suspect that ES is now crap and the developers don't care. I would gladly support the developer if he responded and explained what had changed or what I should do to resolve the issues.

      I agree that the author of this thread seems to be promoting Solid Explorer File. I also read several other postings regarding ES and most recommended SEF thus I took the leap and purchased it. Today, sometimes even after doing extended research we, the novice users, make the wrong decision based on our findings. Not everybody posting on the internet are ethical and are just promoting some product and it is difficult to impossible to filter through the research findings.

      The main reason I dumped ES was because the developer did not respond to my email. In fairness I gave him a chance and his lack of response implied he did not care about me. I also attempted to find a forum for ES but I failed.

      The Tempest


    • Muddassar Sardar 1
      Muddassar Sardar Jul 9, 2017 Link to comment

      I disagree with ur finding it seems odd as a developer u haven't notice the intrusive wheel popping up and the battery app on charger screen was ddefinitely a feture they was had which has been removed as the article mentioned. The annoying whee of ad is most intrusive and worst part I lost a good amount of money and time as was using my online banking app in a very important and short space of time I needed make a payment it popped up and locked me out. I suspect u are affiliated or friends with someone from es file explorer for making such bias claims when all the users know what the truth is.


  • Rich M 1
    Rich M Nov 24, 2016 Link to comment

    Hello everyone, I was really sad, when I saw ES File Explorer PRO and Ads in Free version...
    Anyways, I still last FREE version without Ads and it is backuped, so if you want it, send me a message on my mail: richardrich2004@gmail.com


  • 2
    Email Anon Nov 14, 2016 Link to comment

    I know this article is a few months old, but I was growing suspicious of ES File Explorer and its bloatware and shady ad practices. I Googled their company “Estrongs” location and...my gut was right...China. I can’t completely trust Chinese “ex: 360 Anti-virus” or Russian “ex: Kaspersky Labs” software. I’m sorry I didn’t do this sooner: "EStrongs Inc. develops applications for Android platforms. EStrongs Inc. was founded in 2009 and is based in Beijing, China."--Bloomberg

    Elias Zach


    • 1
      The Tempest Mar 18, 2017 Link to comment

      Kaspersky and Bitdefender are two market leaders in antivirus solution.


    • 1
      Elias Zach Mar 28, 2017 Link to comment

      Bingo! I was suspecting the same thing. Especially after I saw "Net Disk" showing up in the app, along with my SD card. Turns out Net Disk is the Baidu equivalent (copy-cat) of Google Drive. Clicking on it, it asked me to install it, with no option of simply going back. I had to clear cache to make it disappear.
      Btw, if anyone needs a Chinese cloud storage space, they may also need a Chinese AV(!) (aka having the fox guarding the hen house). Just keep in mind that the government in China MONITORS cloud storage also (can't link to a Tech in Asia article, google it folks).

      For me, that's the biggest reason to uninstall ES File Explorer and take it off the recommended app lists. It's an app made in China and one which a user gives more "permissions" than probably any other app.


  • 1
    Brian U. Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    The pro version of ES isn't bad. Those of you running out of space need to disable the recycle bin function. Everything you delete goes into the recycle bin and still consumes space. You don't have to install the extra "bloatware" either. That being said I've started using Solid Explorer with some of the extensions (mainly chromecast) and I'm happy with it too. In my opinion both are good choices. ES has a few more features and Solid is easier to navigate. As I said I'm using Solid ATM and it does everything I need. I don't like the fact they charge for the extensions though. At least once you purchase ES Pro, you can get the extensions for free. I don't understand all the talk of "bloatware" with ES. It has extensions yes but you can choose whether or not you want to install them.
    UPDATE:
    The chromecast extension for Solid Explorer quit working all together. Can someone recommend a file explorer with chromecast extension plz?


  • 长 宁 1
    长 宁 Nov 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I just uninstalled my ES Explorer today, after many years of treating it like my priced collection. It was so useful until I realized my phone always ran out of space. Despite frequent cache wiping, combining with removal of a few suspected applications, I was never able to create sufficient space to run my applications, like WhatsApp and WeChat. They would tell me I didn't have enough space as I tried to upload or download photos or videos during my chat sessions. This situation lasted nearly half a year during which all attempts to solve the issue were in vain. It was by accident that, while using ES Explorer itself to analyze my phone storage today, I discovered some inaccuracies in the aggregate sizes reported by ES Explorer on the various file groups. For example, the analysis indicated there was a combined consumption of a few hundred megs by tmp files. But when I opened up the group in order to delete the files, I noticed nearly all of these files had 0B consumption. How could 0s add up to a few hundred megs? It could only be a mistake! In addition to this group, there were also a few other file groups with similarly blown up reported sizes. So my frequent phone storage run out problem ought to be due to this. Hence, I decided to remove ES Explorer immediately after this discovery. True enough, after its removal, I observed about 400 megs of free space was immediately generated. Now, I can use my WhatsApp and WeChat without any problem.

    Those who are using ES Explorer and encountering similar problem can consider this solution.


  • Tom O'Donnell 1
    Tom O'Donnell Nov 4, 2016 Link to comment

    My ES File Explorer had become one of the biggest cashe magnets I have ever seen, so much crap on it from all my other apps, real bloatware. I can't uninstall the ES File Explorer but I can disable it, which I just did, got tired of seeing advertisements telling me, my tablet has viruses, my tablet has to be cleaned, my battery has problems, my battery is broken, even this little gem, my battery has viruses, which does not even exist. I installed their apps just to add a comment: WHAT CAN YOUR APP DO THAT MY APP CAN'T, YOU JUST WANT ME TO UNINSTALL MY APP FOR YOURS, USING B.S. SCARE TACTICS." Actually one of these apps did respond saying this should have never happened, surprised the heck out of me, let's see if they keep up the false adverts. One thing I did notice after disabling the app, my tablet got 20X faster. Just read the reviews on ES File Explorer and they took all the negative reviews off, go try to find one, everybody is acting like it's GODS GIFT TO THE WORLD, must be all employees or people paid to give good reviews. Now I just have to find a file explorer I like.


  • Farhan Aftab 1
    Farhan Aftab Oct 20, 2016 Link to comment

    And there is another thing, and it is worse then just a booster, it is an icon displayed whenever and where ever there is new file downloaded, even in games when a video ad is cached it shows icon on my screen, I disabled the look screen but I can't disable that icon, and that is the reason, i am going to uninstall it.


  • 1
    Scott M Oct 4, 2016 Link to comment

    I came to the same conclusions you did months ago. I didn't use ES for a while and when I opened it up, I thought it was the wrong app. Holy Crap they threw the bloat in there.

    The only app I found that comes close to what ES used to be is MiXplorer. Can you recommend any others? Can I download ES from 2 years ago?


    • 1
      Scott M Oct 4, 2016 Link to comment

      Never mind. I just checked out the "Top 9" list and found Solid Explorer and tried it. I'm LOVING this one. MiX and ES are now uninstalled.


      • Tom O'Donnell 1
        Tom O'Donnell Nov 4, 2016 Link to comment

        Thanks for the info, gotta try that one, only hope it works with my Google Cast, now called HOME


  • 1
    Quincy Liontamer Oct 2, 2016 Link to comment

    Wow, thanks for the heads up. Nuts to those guys, I was just in the market for pro apps for my new phone, but after hearing this I will not even consider these chumps simply on the grounds of principles alone.


  • Stephen Ahola 2
    Stephen Ahola Sep 26, 2016 Link to comment

    When sideloading APK files I've been to install newer versions over older versions but not the other way around so I must first uninstall the newer version. Sometimes I get the same error message ("App not installed") with the newer version uninstalled in which case I'll try a different "vintage" version which usually does install properly. Other versions besides 3.2.3.1 also seem to be acceptable as long as you avoid the "tainted" ones on or after 4.0 (at least for me but that was an issue of the UI not the crapware they started later.)

    FWIW with one of my older rooted tablets I seem to remember being able to downgrade apps without having to uninstall the newer version when using Titanium Backup.


    • 1
      F Ehrhardt Sep 27, 2016 Link to comment

      Thank you! You can tell I'm a newbie at "sideloading.


  • 1
    F Ehrhardt Sep 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Thank you for the pointer to androiddrawer. Unfortunately the installation fails even after allowing non Google App Store packages. Can anyone suggest a workaround? I was of course trying to launch ES File Explorer_3.2.3.1.apk from the current version of ES File X. Thank you.


  • Stephen Ahola 2
    Stephen Ahola Sep 26, 2016 Link to comment

    For people that miss the older versions they can be downloaded from the uptodown and androiddrawer websites. I've been using version 3.2.3.1 for years (I could not relate to the user interface in versions 4.0 and above.)


  • 1
    F Ehrhardt Sep 26, 2016 Link to comment

    I don't know about the bloatware, but recent version is crap. What happened to Favorites? Those shortcuts were central to apps utility. Home screen has zero configurability. Developers crippled a once helpful app.


  • Ronnie Matthews 1
    Ronnie Matthews Sep 22, 2016 Link to comment

    Ive used es file explorer since gingerbread came out. Never had a problem with it. I use it to explore files folders and send apps and for networking. I think its the best app ever. Pro version 1.0.6


  • Don Maynard 1
    Don Maynard Sep 9, 2016 Link to comment

    I've used it in the past and installed it again the other day and was surprised at all the bloat. I just uninstalled facebook this morning and somehow I agreed to let ES delete my music on the extSD card. Quickly uninstalled ES file explorer and won't ever use it again.


  • 1
    Malcolm Taylor Sep 5, 2016 Link to comment

    I recently noticed mysearch.com being linked to items in the favorites described as images, music and documents by esfileexplorer .

    I have noticed by examining the running processes that ES File Explorer runs ' poocesses ' called "filemonitoringservice" and "FileScanningService" .



    I'm beginning to feel as if I were the emperor who wore no clothes.


  • Craig Taylor 1
    Craig Taylor Sep 3, 2016 Link to comment

    I totally get people choosing function over form...I do it too. But, at some point, principles have to step in and influence a decision. I have a problem supporting a company who clearly made decisions that were not in my best interest, multiple times. I used to LOVE ES File X, but there just no justification for holding logs of my storage activity-we have to give our trust to an explorer, and I can't trust them anymore And though I expect ads with free apps, they took it to a whole other level. It's grimy, untrustworthy, and not something that says "hey, now that they've hurt you, give them money to make it stop."
    -I'm out. And that makes me sad. But, as they say, "fool me once, shame on you... Fool me twice, shame on me!"


    • Stephen Ahola 2
      Stephen Ahola Sep 3, 2016 Link to comment

      I agree with you completely but didn't realize that I was supporting the company by using a years-old version of ESFX. So what would you suggest as a replacement? Preferably something that has been around for several years and will work well with my 2013/14 tablets... (I just bought another Hisense Sero 7 Pro on eBay for $30.)

      Steve


      • Stephen Ahola 2
        Stephen Ahola Sep 6, 2016 Link to comment

        I checked out Solid Explorer v. 1.6.5 from Android Drawer (the last free version without ads- not that I'm cheap but I'm not sure if its a keeper for me with its graphical interface.) I like how ESFX 3.2.3.1 is more text-based, like the Windows XP file explorer.

        Any other suggestions for a replacement for ESFX version 3 would be appreciated (I did not like the changes in version 4.)


      • Stephen Ahola 2
        Stephen Ahola Sep 9, 2016 Link to comment

        After 3 days Solid Explorer 1.6.5 declared that its trial period had expired and woud not load. I had not yet figured out what all of the icons would do so I just uninstalled it. Back to ESFX 3.2.3.1 for me for now until I find another candidate to try... :-(


      • Stephen Ahola 2
        Stephen Ahola Sep 9, 2016 Link to comment

        Explorer from Speed Software looks very good as does FX Explorer. Total Commander looks decent enough with a more graphical interface for those so inclined. (Speed Software also has Root Explorer for $3.99)


  • Stephen Ahola 2
    Stephen Ahola Aug 29, 2016 Link to comment

    I've been using older versions of ESFX like 3.2.3.1 on all of my tablets for years because it got way too complicated with version 4. I turn off auto-updates in Google Play (there is no checkbox for that option in its settings so click the phrase to be sure.) And I turn off auto-updates and auto-check in ESFX, as well. I love how the program interfaces with Dropbox to offload files from tablet's internal memory (I have both rooted and unrooted devices running mainly KitKat which does not allow most 3rd party apps to write to the microSD card.)

    With a new tablet the first thing I get from Google Play is Dropbox and from there I download the APK files for my favorite KitKat app versions, starting with ES File Explorer. (The stock file manager programs that come with new tablets are horrible!)

    Sorry to hear that they took some really bad turns this year... :-(

    Steve

    P.S I haven't read any comments yet so perhaps someone has recommended an acceptable alternate.


  • 1
    Shawn Emershawn Aug 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Eh, I don't think I care. The ads (which my rooted OS found and blocks) don't outweigh the great versatility about ES that I use and love. I'm on a Nexus 6, so a little advertisement wouldn't affect my game while I'm using it. They made an excellent app, so my opinion is that they deserve the money they're getting from them considering it is indeed free, while less good free apps are always an option for those who don't like ads. I don't mind all the additional features because, unlike Cleean Master's additional features (ie iSwipe, CamWish which you use to send pictures to friends WTF CM WTF CM WTF CM), they're actually more helpful and they are completely optional. I'm not getting rid of ES until it starts adding ridiculous features that aren't actually helpful, regardless of advertising.


  • 1
    Ben Davis Aug 19, 2016 Link to comment

    I can understand these issues may lead to you not trusting the freeware app but how about the paid version? I have been using the paid version for a long time and love the power it gives me controlling my file system, NAS, cloud and work ftp. Also, the sd card analyzing function is nothing short of amazing, I've had phones bloated with files scattered throughout file system and this awesome app has made short work of locating large files, and allowing me to delete them. The only thing that annoys me about es explorer is the recycle bin is enabled by default and for most people this is just a waste of precious SD card space, particularly if you aren't aware that its storing all your deleted files.


  • David Cole 1
    David Cole Jul 23, 2016 Link to comment

    You can disable charge booster, not a big deal.


  • Jonas Anderö 3
    Jonas Anderö Jun 16, 2016 Link to comment

    I don't think that you are in a position to say what you write in the article, since you are doing the same thing on your site. When writing reviews, you are linking to Google play via sneaky dialogs that tries to get readers to install sponsord apps. Some of these apps that users that doesn't read messages careful costs money and uses in app purchases. Moreover, the dialogs have timers that closes them and leaves readers with little time to decide what button to push. Shame.

    Ary vanHarrickDavid ColeBojan M.


  • Claire Brooks 2
    Claire Brooks Jun 15, 2016 Link to comment

    I have never had any problems with ES, and I've been using it for years (Free version). Never had ad popups, and when I have accidentally clicked on the cleaner or booster I just choose not to download them.

    David ColeBojan M.


    • Bojan M. 23
      Bojan M. Jun 15, 2016 Link to comment

      Yep, the same. Don't know where all this is coming from.

      David Cole


  • 11
    Thomas S May 29, 2016 Link to comment

    You forgot to talk about the Dianxin folder. Now they removed it, but in a previous version (not so long ago), they created a diaxin folder containing log files on the phone's internal storage.
    It's suspicious because it's the name of a chinese custom rom affiliated to the well known adware (malware?) Baidu

    As many others, I abandoned ES File Explorer for Solid Explorer. It's honestly the best file explorer (I've tested tons of them)

    Ary vanHarrick


  • Judah Richardson 6
    Judah Richardson May 29, 2016 Link to comment

    The pro version works just fine for me without any such issues. No other file explorer has ES' sheer featureset.

    Ary vanHarrickDavid Cole


  • 9
    Oscar Rodriguez Murphy May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    I now use for share and works great no problem I recommend it


  • Paolo 17
    Paolo May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    I tried Solid Explorer in free grab, and I'd still prefer ES PRO (Note the "Pro.") I mean, Solid Explorer looks good, sure, but I don't need a good looking manager if what I need to do and perform will require SIGNIFICANTLY more steps than others. I mean, ESP's selection for multiple files is simply better, which is sad, because I've long sworn by ES and now I'm going to leave from it but I have nowhere to go...

    Ary vanHarrickJerry's W.


  • 3
    Mohammad H. S. May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    it is annoying but you can remove it disable all the advertisements in the settings

    Ary vanHarrick


  • 2
    Kevin Koehler May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    I got the pro version, but it lags behind the free version, wish it unlocked the free version instead - did think I paid once to stop ads too but maybe another app. If the cleaner wasn't so popping up on the sdcard screen all the time. Or the homescreen window as default. But now have to go back to re-open work dies all the time, used to stay there open all day - but maybe its some other background cache cleaner doing sit-up - really need the new version for the duplicates finder though. Wish sort dates were more acurate- but maybe that's android

    Ary vanHarrick


  • Robert Sibley 3
    Robert Sibley May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    ES has long been gone from my device because of ads ruining the experience. I haven't found a satisfactory replacement. Without root or an sd slot, I rarely need a file manager anymore.


    • Jamez Avila 7
      Jamez Avila May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      You should check out Solid Explorer. Although my new Galaxy S7 comes with a built-in file explorer, the UI is ugly touch-wiz. Solid Explorer also allows me to connect my google drive so I can quickly browse the internal, SD card and Drive storage and easily transfer to/from either of those containers. The nice touch is being able to customize the theme colors to match whatever suits your fancy.
      There is a free version of Solid Explorer but I've paid for the premium version. I purchase many pro/premium apps so long as the value is there and the developers don't start trying to add garbage ads/functions.

      Ary vanHarrickSteinPaul Stregevsky


  • 10
    Deactivated Account May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    ES file ADs..long gone. Xender is another one going the same direction. I'm using AMAZE file explorer. simple, fast and clean.

    Ary vanHarrick


  • Alex 17
    Alex May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I have ES file manager or filr explorer Pro and I will never remove it and you do what ever you want .


  • Jamez Avila 7
    Jamez Avila May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Solid Explorer is the best file explorer period. You can add your google drive so you can easily transfer file to/from internal/SD storage, etc. The icing on the cake is being able to change the theme colors to whatever you want which for me is a black/blue theme.

    SteinPaul Stregevsky


  • Klaus T. 59
    Klaus T. May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I signed ES 4.0.2.3 with ZipSigner, get no updates anymore and are happy with this.

    Fullmetal Jun


    • 9
      Fullmetal Jun May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      I use the same version installed from a backup I've made before updating! Alternatives are paid while this old version of ES works perfect and there's no need for updates!


  • Warren JB 10
    Warren JB May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Wow! I've used it for a while, the only non-native file manager I've used, and maybe I'm just stuck on an old version, but I haven't noticed any ads, lock screen hijacks, or anything like that. I can't even find any charge booster when I look for it! All I see lately is an occasional nudge to use the file cleaner, while I use the app.

    All the same, I think I'll look into the alternatives sooner rather than later.


  • Ingo V. 10
    Ingo V. May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Maybe you should have written an article AFTER a reply from the ES APP Group.


  • 5
    Richie Hernandez May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I recently downloaded ES for the first time because I was having trouble setting up some tones for my Alarm App... The way the ads are pushed make it seem cheesy and less than second rate.. I uninstalled it 4 minutes later. The same with DU Booster.. I mean just an insane confusing amount of Ads desperately seeking attention to make money.

    Ary vanHarrickPaul Stregevsky


  • Darko Šićarov 1
    Darko Šićarov May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Still the best, just buy the Pro version and it will be as it was earlier. Or download Pro cracked version as me ;-)


    • 7
      Marcus Ambleside May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      Being a thief is nothing to brag about.

      Paul Stregevskyitprolonden


      • 3
        Steve Behrens May 28, 2016 Link to comment

        Unless you're a Hobbit

        Paolo


  • Shadab Hussain Sadozie 1
    Shadab Hussain Sadozie May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Yeap. i have used es just from the begining but after these updates i was thinking to get rid of it. and now i wil.


  • Chuck Jones 7
    Chuck Jones May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Too bad I DON"T listen to someone like you. Because you are a leech, who only uses free apps, and wonders why a company wants to actually make money. I tried the free ES version for a while, liked it so much, I paid for the pro version.
    Why anyone would listen to your OPINION has to be crazy


    • Chris Marshall 14
      Chris Marshall May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      My problem is not that there's a paid version at all. If I like an app, I will buy it. My problem here is that the monetization strategy was, and continues to be, poorly executed. Instead of creating a new branch of the app, and adding features to that, to create a paid version, they made the free version so horrible that the only options are to uninstall it or pay for the premium version.

      I have no problem at all with developers making money off their apps. But when malware is added to an app without any warning, changing the way my phone behaves, we have a problem.

      Deactivated AccountMESLEH ASHRAMKal LoAl38


  • John Mottershead 1
    John Mottershead May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I replaced ES with Total Commander over a year ago and have never looked back


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I tried to tell you many times that ES File Explorer is not the best.
    Without doubt the best File Manager app is X-plore
    It is packed with features, has a unique dual pane UI so it makes transferring files super easy (it groups Cloud storage folders the same as device folders as well as FTP, DLNA support, SSH, WiFi sharing and App management).

    The app has a great developer who responds to bugs and problems immediately.

    I would urge you to try it out - X-plore

    Peace ✌

    Ary vanHarrick


  • 31
    Deactivated Account May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Thanks for the post...
    this represents the very worst of Google, Play Store and less than respectable app developer's...
    I have no issue about paying for a app I just want to know if it has adds and if so can I pay to remove them...
    how can it be reasonable or OK to add advertising after a app has been installed without notifying the user.?..

    Al38Scott Adam Gordon


  • Parvind Chahal 21
    Parvind Chahal May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    whenever u post u were lawyer of pro versions.....is it showing same du carging booster in pro version


  • 3
    Srinivas May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I agree with Ur point but, the is no other explorer in the store which provides the same features as ES and so I don't know which browser to download, I am not saying that their are not any better explorers what i am asking for is a clone of the ES FILE EXPLORER without all this malicious things.
    Because no other explorer helps you to transfer the files from the explorer itself by using WiFi, I have to go to file transferring application and then have to select the file and send it, whereas in ES I just have to select the file and send it from inside the explorer itself, it saves a lot of time and is speedy , if you know any such other EXPLORER which can provide such functionality please Reply as I am fed up of my ES FILE EXPLORER being laggy and not detecting Root.


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      I would recommend that you try the excellent File Manager app X-plore.

      Peace ✌


  • se jordan 2
    se jordan May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Thank for your article, I now know what has been plaguing my phone. Recently a lock screen appeared after the phone's native lock screen showing a battery charging and ads. I had just installed some camera apps and thought they may have brought this unwanted app with them but it was still there after i uninstalled them all. I was very comfortable with the app but will definitely try your recommendations as this sort of hijacking is unacceptable. Thanks!

    Al38Scott Adam Gordon


  • Raindance Rob 6
    Raindance Rob May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    the Pro version has no ads


  • 28
    itprolonden May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    What makes you think the other file explorers don't do the same thing? I love how everyone wants something for freethen complains about ads.....seriously??


    • 13
      Some Tech Guy May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      It's not about whether it has ads or not. It's about full disclosure. They don't want or disclose that they are taking over your lock screen. Read the article; "Not only did it hijack my lock screen without asking, but it used the space to display ads."

      I uninstalled it because it had too much crap in the way of being a file browser. It also doesn't understand systemless root.
      I dumped it because it was no longer functional for me.

      se jordanAl38Scott Adam GordonDeactivated Account


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      The thing is , it's not that ES includes ads, it's that it has become a poorer product.

      Al38Mark G.


    • Mark G. 28
      Mark G. May 27, 2016 Link to comment

      The excellent File Manager app X-plore has no adverts. You can contribute a few pounds for a beer or coffee to unlock wifi sharing feature.

      Peace ✌


  • 49
    storm May 27, 2016 Link to comment

    I haven't like it for years now.

    Mark G.

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