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Choose Files by Google if your priority is freeing space, finding ordinary files, sharing with nearby Android or Chromebook devices, moving files to Google Drive or removable storage, or keeping selected files in a separate PIN- or pattern-protected folder. Choose Material Files if you need root-aware browsing, archive creation and extraction, Linux-style file details, or FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV connections.
Both are free Android file managers, but they are designed around different jobs. Files by Google is an assistant for everyday storage and sharing; Material Files is a filesystem-oriented tool for users who need more control. Neither is universally better, and there is no independent head-to-head speed, battery, privacy, or usability study establishing one as superior.
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The short answer
| If you mainly need to… | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Remove clutter and locate large or duplicate files | Files by Google | Its current listing emphasizes cleanup recommendations, search, browsing, and sorting by size. |
| Send files to a nearby Android phone or Chromebook | Files by Google | Quick Share is built into the advertised feature set, including offline transfers and end-to-end encryption claims from the listing. |
| Move files between local storage, Google Drive, an SD card, or a USB drive | Files by Google | The listing names Drive, SD cards, USB drives, and other installed cloud-storage apps. |
| Use a PIN or pattern separate from the device lock for selected files | Files by Google | Its Safe Folder is specifically advertised for this purpose. |
| Browse root paths or inspect permissions, symbolic links, and SELinux context | Material Files | These are advertised as filesystem-aware capabilities. |
| Create, extract, or inspect compressed archives | Material Files | The listing says it can view, extract, and create common compressed archives. |
| Connect to FTP, SFTP, SMB, or WebDAV servers | Material Files | Those network protocols are explicitly listed. |
| Use a publicly available, GPL-licensed implementation | Material Files | The developer repository identifies the project as GPL-3.0-or-later and publishes its source code. |
This is a feature-fit decision based on the developers’ current listings and repository information, not a laboratory comparison. App behavior can change with the Android release, phone manufacturer, permissions, and app updates.
What Files by Google is built to do
Cleanup before file management
Files by Google treats storage cleanup as a primary task. Its listing advertises recommendations for old chat-app photos, duplicate files, cache, and other potential cleanup targets. That is useful when the problem is “my phone is full” rather than “I need to manipulate a particular filesystem object.” Review each recommendation before deleting anything: a duplicate or old image may still be important to you, and a cache can sometimes be rebuilt but is not automatically disposable in every workflow.
#1 Best Overall
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- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Search, browsing, and size-based decisions
The app also provides ordinary browsing and search, with sorting by size called out in the listing. That combination is practical for finding unusually large videos, downloads, documents, or app-generated folders without learning Linux file paths. It is aimed at normal user storage rather than low-level system administration.
Quick Share for nearby transfers
Files by Google advertises Quick Share for sending files to nearby Android and Chromebook devices. The listing says transfers can work without an internet connection and use end-to-end encryption. Those are claims made by the product listing; they are not an independent measurement of transfer speed or a security audit. Both devices still need compatible Android or ChromeOS features and the appropriate visibility and connection settings.
Drive, removable storage, and other cloud apps
The listing names Google Drive, SD cards, USB drives, and other installed cloud-storage apps as destinations or sources for moving files. A USB-C flash drive is optional, not a requirement for the app. Your phone must support the relevant USB connection and storage format, and an adapter may be necessary on phones without a USB-C port. Check device compatibility before buying hardware.
The Tool Desk
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Safe Folder places selected files behind a PIN or pattern that can be different from the phone’s device lock. This is useful when you want a separate barrier for sensitive documents or photographs while leaving the rest of the phone accessible. It is an app feature, not a guarantee that every copy of a file elsewhere on the device, in a backup, or in another app is protected. Keep track of duplicates and exported copies.
What Material Files is built to do
Filesystem-first browsing
Material Files presents itself as “An open source Material Design file manager.” Its emphasis is direct navigation and file operations rather than automated cleanup advice. It advertises root support and awareness of symbolic links, file permissions, and SELinux context. Those capabilities matter to people maintaining rooted phones, Linux-like directory trees, development environments, or specialized storage layouts; they are unnecessary for routine photo and download management.
Archive operations
The listing says Material Files can view, extract, and create common compressed archives. That makes it the more suitable choice when an archive is the object of the task—for example, inspecting a package without leaving the phone, extracting a folder, or creating an archive before moving files. The listing does not define every supported format, so verify a particular format in the installed version before relying on it.
Rank #2
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Remote-server connections
Material Files advertises FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV connections. These cover common personal-server, network-share, and hosted-storage scenarios. You will need the server address and valid credentials, and the server must be reachable from the phone’s network. Protocol availability does not mean a server is secure: prefer encrypted connections such as SFTP when the server supports them, and avoid exposing file services directly to the public internet without appropriate protection.
Root access is optional and consequential
Root support is an advanced capability, not a prerequisite for ordinary browsing. A rooted device can expose system files whose deletion or modification may prevent apps from working or stop Android from booting. If you do not already understand why a task requires root, stay within normal user-accessible storage. Material Files’ ability to display permissions or SELinux context also does not make changing those settings safe by itself.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Decision area | Files by Google | Material Files |
|---|---|---|
| Main emphasis | Cleanup, search and browsing, nearby sharing, cloud or removable-storage movement, media playback, and locked files. | Filesystem browsing, root support, archives, remote protocols, themes, and Linux-aware details. |
| Cleanup recommendations | Advertised for old chat photos, duplicates, cache, and other targets. | Not positioned around automated cleanup recommendations in the listing. |
| Nearby sharing | Quick Share; the listing says transfers may work without internet and use end-to-end encryption. | Not highlighted as a core feature in the listing. |
| Cloud and removable storage | Google Drive, SD cards, USB drives, and other installed cloud-storage apps are named. | Remote network protocols are emphasized instead. |
| Root and Linux-style details | Root support is not advertised in the listing. | Root support, symbolic links, permissions, and SELinux context are advertised. |
| Archives | Archive support is not highlighted in the current listing consulted. | View, extract, and create common compressed archives. |
| Remote protocols | Not highlighted in the current listing. | FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV. |
| Separate locked area | Safe Folder with a PIN or pattern distinct from the device lock. | Not highlighted as an equivalent feature in the listing. |
| Source availability | Not established by the materials considered here. | Public repository; GPL-3.0-or-later license. |
Choose by the job you do most often
“I need to free space quickly”
Start with Files by Google. Its recommendations are designed to surface common sources of wasted storage, while search and size sorting help you inspect large files manually. Material Files can delete files, but its listing does not present an equivalent recommendation system.
“I move files between my own devices”
Files by Google is the natural first choice when the destination is a nearby Android device or Chromebook, because Quick Share is part of its advertised workflow. For a server or network share, Material Files is the better fit because it lists FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV.
“I use Google Drive or an SD card”
Files by Google explicitly names Drive and SD-card workflows, along with USB drives and other installed cloud-storage applications. Material Files may still be useful for direct filesystem work, but its headline feature set is not centered on consumer cloud backup.
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“I manage a rooted phone”
Material Files is the more relevant option because root support and Linux-aware metadata are advertised. Treat root as a high-consequence mode: confirm the path, preserve backups, and avoid changing permissions or deleting system files unless you understand the result.
Rank #3
- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
“I work with ZIP-like archives”
Material Files is the clear fit among these two listings because it advertises viewing, extraction, and creation of common compressed archives. Files by Google’s current listing does not highlight archive handling.
“I want an app whose source is public”
Material Files has the clearer transparency distinction. Its developer repository is public and identifies GPL-3.0-or-later licensing. Public source lets others inspect and modify the code, but it does not prove that every release has received an independent security audit or that a particular build is free of defects.
Practical workflows in Files by Google
Clean up without deleting blindly
- Open the app and review the cleanup recommendations presented for categories such as old chat photos, duplicate files, and cache.
- Open a recommendation to inspect the files it includes.
- Deselect anything you need to keep, then confirm deletion only after checking the category and file names.
- Use search or size sorting afterward to find large items that did not appear in a recommendation.
Labels and screen placement can vary by Android version, manufacturer, and app update, so follow the wording shown on your device rather than assuming every phone has an identical layout.
Send a file nearby
- Select the file or files you want to send.
- Choose the Quick Share action and select the nearby recipient when the device appears.
- Have the recipient accept the transfer and wait for the completion notice before closing the app.
The listing says Quick Share can operate without internet and use end-to-end encryption. Nearby discovery, visibility, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and permission prompts may differ by device.
Move a file to cloud or removable storage
- Select the item and choose the move or copy action rather than delete.
- Pick Google Drive, another installed cloud-storage app, an SD card, or a connected USB drive when it is offered as a destination.
- Wait for the transfer to finish, then open the destination to verify the file before removing the original.
External-storage access depends on Android’s permission model and the phone’s hardware. A connected drive can require an adapter, sufficient power, and a compatible filesystem.
Protect a selected file in Safe Folder
- Choose the file you want to place in Safe Folder.
- Follow the app’s Safe Folder action and create or enter its PIN or pattern.
- Confirm that the file appears inside the protected area, then remove unprotected duplicates if appropriate.
Do not assume that a copy in Downloads, a cloud service, a messaging app, or a backup is covered by Safe Folder.
Rank #4
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- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
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Practical workflows in Material Files
Browse and inspect local files
Use the app’s filesystem view to navigate to the directory you need, inspect names and metadata, and perform ordinary copy, move, rename, or delete operations. For sensitive operations, verify the full path before confirming; a similarly named directory can have very different consequences when root access is available.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
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- Navigate to the archive in local storage.
- Open it to inspect its contents, or choose the extraction action and select a destination.
- To create an archive, select the files or folder and use the archive-creation action, then verify the resulting file.
The listing says common compressed archives are supported but does not enumerate every format. Test an uncommon format with a nonessential file first.
Connect to a server
- Open the app’s connection or network-storage function and choose the protocol required by the server: FTP, SFTP, SMB, or WebDAV.
- Enter the server address and account details supplied by the server administrator.
- Prefer SFTP for a server that supports it, because it is designed to encrypt the connection.
- Open a test directory, copy a small file, and verify the result before attempting a large transfer or bulk move.
Connection names and fields can change between releases. Keep credentials out of screenshots and avoid saving them on a shared or compromised device.
Use root only for a defined reason
If the phone is rooted and you intentionally enable elevated access, make a backup first, confirm the target path, and change one item at a time. Do not treat visibility of a system directory as permission to edit it. A mistaken delete, rename, permission change, or SELinux-context change can cause an application or Android itself to fail.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Android storage permissions and external SD cards
Android storage behavior is version- and permission-sensitive. Google Play classifies access to user files and directories as sensitive and high risk. On Android 11 and later, the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission is restricted to eligible apps whose core functionality genuinely needs broad access. Apps that use it require review and a clear user prompt, and Google says it should not be used for disallowed cases such as ordinary file picking. Google recommends the Storage Access Framework or MediaStore when those APIs are suitable.
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Best Value
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- 【Good Compatibility】: Dual connectors USB type C + USB 3.0. Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible withUSB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backwards USB1.1. Support videos formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, M P4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP; AUDIOS: FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV
- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
Material Files’ developer documentation also says it is not a replacement for Android’s DocumentsUI and relies on DocumentsUI for some external-SD-card access. If an SD-card operation fails, the limitation may be the platform file picker or a permission grant rather than a damaged card or a missing Material Files feature.
Privacy and security disclosures
| Disclosure area | Files by Google | Material Files |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party sharing | Google Play’s developer-provided Data safety summary says no third-party data sharing. | Google Play’s developer-provided Data safety summary says no third-party data sharing. |
| Possible collection | The summary lists possible collection of personal information, app activity, and two other categories. | The summary lists possible collection of app information and performance data and device or other IDs. |
| Encryption in transit | Listed. | Listed. |
| Independent security review | Listed in the Data safety summary. | Not stated in the cited summary. |
These are developer-provided disclosures, not a guarantee that an app collects no data. Google Play says disclosures can vary by use, region, age, and updates. “No data shared with third parties” is narrower than “no data collected,” and neither statement tells you that every file operation is private in every configuration. Review the installed app’s permissions and the current store disclosure before granting access.
Availability, adoption, and what the numbers mean
Google’s 2018 announcement reported more than 30 million monthly users for Files Go, the app’s pre-rebrand name. The same announcement included the sentence, “Today, we’re rebranding the app to Files by Google.” That figure is historical and should not be read as a current active-user count.
When the listings were accessed on October 13, 2026, Google Play displayed 5B+ cumulative downloads for Files by Google and 1M+ for Material Files. It also displayed 4.5 stars from 9.08 million reviews for Files by Google and 4.3 stars from 7.39 thousand reviews for Material Files. Store totals and ratings change continuously, and the very different audiences and review volumes make them an unsuitable head-to-head quality test.
Common problems and sensible fixes
The app cannot see a folder
- Check the app’s current Android permission grant and retry the operation.
- Use the system file picker when Android presents one; platform restrictions can prevent direct browsing of some locations.
- On an external SD card, remember that Material Files relies on DocumentsUI for some access.
- Do not grant broad storage access unless the app and your task genuinely require it.
A transfer to USB or SD storage fails
- Confirm the phone supports the connector, adapter, and storage format.
- Reconnect the drive and check whether Android shows it in the system file picker.
- Copy a small test file before attempting a large move.
- Keep the original until the destination opens and the file is intact.
A remote connection does not work in Material Files
- Recheck the protocol, hostname or address, port, username, and password.
- Confirm that the phone can reach the server on the current Wi-Fi or mobile network.
- Use SFTP instead of unencrypted FTP when the server offers both.
- Test with a small directory and ask the server administrator whether the account has read or write permission.
A cleanup suggestion includes something you need
Cancel the deletion, inspect the recommendation’s file list, and deselect the item. Automated categories are useful starting points, not a substitute for checking irreplaceable photos, documents, or offline media.
Which one should you install?
Install Files by Google when your routine is mostly personal storage maintenance: clearing clutter, searching for a file, sorting by size, sharing nearby, moving items to Drive or removable media, playing media, or protecting a small set of files in Safe Folder.
Install Material Files when your routine involves the filesystem itself: root paths, symbolic links, permissions, SELinux context, archive creation and extraction, or connections to FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV servers. Its public GPL-3.0-or-later codebase is another reason to choose it if inspectable source matters to you, while remembering that source availability is not the same as an independent audit.
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You do not need to buy hardware for either app. Consider a USB-C flash drive only if removable storage or offline transfer is part of your plan, and verify your phone’s port and compatibility first. For most people who simply want a cleaner, easier-to-search phone, Files by Google is the practical default. For technically advanced local or network file work, Material Files is the better match.
Quick Recap
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