I stopped using File Explorer because of these three free Windows file managers.

Android's built-in file manager is a useful program. It just fulfills your needs. It also offers a consistent appearance and feel and works well with the operating system, much like all built-in Android apps.

The default file manager doesn't have all the functions I need, which is my issue. Specifically, I frequently have to transfer data to shared folders across machines on my network. I utilize alternatives that include an SMB option for network file transfer because the default Android file manager does not.

You might wish to think about using one of the following file managers even if you might not require that functionality. Each provides more features than you're used to.

Let's move on to the apps now.

1. Total Commander

With more than 10 million downloads, Solid Explorer is one of the most widely used file managers on the Google Play Store. This program lets you operate a basic FTP server from your Android device that you may connect to from distant devices, even if it doesn't provide network share access.

The user interface is what sets Solid Explorer apart. In addition to its exquisite style, it provides a great deal of versatility. Consider the View Modes, for example. List, grid, gallery, and compact views are available for files and folders. Additionally, you may sort by kind, size, date, and name. Better yet, you may use the filters and view mode individually for each folder.

Additionally, there are folder settings that allow you to display hidden files, show folders first, recall the last folder, display folder size, and display sections. You may access collections (including Recent Files, Photos, Music, Videos, and more) on a sidebar. To put it another way, Solid Explorer is the most thoughtful file manager available.

Both a free and a paid version of Solid Explorer are available (with a 15-day free trial for the premium plan). The full version ($5.99) has file encryption, cloud capabilities, and the ability to install the software on an infinite number of devices. It also eliminates advertisements.

2. OneCommander

I prefer File Manager Plus because it has an easy-to-use network share feature. I just need to enter the share's IP address, user, and password to get started. I am even able to add as many network shares as I require.

Additionally, File Manager Plus comes with a useful file analysis tool that examines your storage and provides you with a summary of what is occupying the most space. List, grid, compact, tiny gallery, and big gallery viewing are all possible with this software. Additionally, the program offers robust file/folder sorting (by name, size, date, and type, each in ascending or descending order), which enables you to apply settings to a single folder or globally and reveals hidden directories.

File Manager Plus's capabilities make it an excellent choice, particularly if you need to access remote shares on your network, even though the user interface feels a little archaic.

Ads are included in the free version, but you can subscribe to the Premium edition for $2.49 a year or $8.99 as a one-time cost. Ads are eliminated, and a dark theme is added in the premium edition.

3. FileVoyager

File Manager is a fantastic user interface (UI) that flawlessly complements the Android style, but it's more than just a pretty face; it has a ton of functions to lure you away from the dull default. Favorites, cloud, local network, PC management, a recycle bin, a cleaner, an integrated sharing tool, and more are all available.

You need an FTP client on your PC, such as FileZilla, in order to use the PC management function, which transforms the file management into an FTP server. The main issue with the FTP section of the application is that it is difficult to connect because there is no ability to establish a username or password. Thankfully, you can connect to network SMB shares using the network share option. Safe Folder is another good feature that lets you save data in a password-protected folder.

You may use File Manager for free (with advertisements) or for a one-time price of $3.99 to get rid of the advertisements and include file analysis and wallpaper backgrounds.

4. File Explorer Cx

One feature sets Cx File Explorer apart from most of the competitors, even though it has all the functionality you need in a file manager and more. The tool integrates with cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box in addition to enabling you to connect to distant workstations on your local area network. SMB, FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV are your options for remote connections. 

When you combine the aforementioned features with local storage management, libraries (for images, audio, video, documents, and new files), a storage analyzer, a cache cleaner, automatic USB connection detection, built-in apps (music player, video player, image viewer, and text editor), and a duplicate download/file remover, you have one of the best file managers available.

There is no premium version, no advertisements, and Cx File Explorer is available for free.

One of the aforementioned applications will undoubtedly work if you're dissatisfied with the functionality or behavior of the default Android file manager.