Try Solid Explorer first if you want a clean, powerful Files by Google replacement. Files by Google is popular, with more than 1 billion downloads on Google Play [source: Google Play], but it is not the only good file manager for Android.

Why switch from Files by Google?

Files by Google is simple. That is its charm. But simple can also feel a bit boxed in.

Maybe you want tabs. Maybe you want better cloud storage support. Maybe you need to rename 80 files without losing your mind. Or maybe your downloads folder looks like a raccoon built a nest in it.

Here are six Android file managers that can help with storage cleanup, sharing, and document organization.

1. Solid Explorer

Best for: People who want power without chaos.

Solid Explorer looks nice. It feels smooth. It uses a two-panel view, which is great when moving files from one folder to another. No more opening and closing folders like a confused detective.

• Great for: Moving files, cloud storage, ZIP files, FTP, local network folders.
• Storage help: Shows folder sizes clearly.
• Document use: Easy sorting by name, size, date, and type.

The catch is that some features sit behind a paid upgrade. Still, it is worth a look if you manage files often.

2. X-plore File Manager

Best for: People who enjoy seeing everything at once.

X-plore has a split-screen style. It can look busy at first. Honestly, it feels like walking into a garage packed with tools. But once you know where things are, it is powerful.

• Great for: Phone storage, SD cards, cloud drives, LAN, FTP, and root folders.
• Storage help: Disk map shows what eats space.
• Sharing: Send files over Wi-Fi or to cloud storage.

It is not the prettiest app. But it gets work done fast. If you like control, X-plore is a solid pick.

3. MiXplorer

Best for: Tinkerers who want one app for almost everything.

MiXplorer is packed with features. It supports many file types. It handles cloud storage. It can open archives. It also offers tabs, search, bookmarks, and lots of settings.

That sounds great. It is. But expect to spend a little time setting it up. The menus can feel crowded.

• Great for: Power users, cloud folders, media files, archives.
• Storage help: Search and filter tools help find big files.
• Document use: Batch rename tools are very handy.

If you love tweaking apps, MiXplorer may become your favorite.

4. SD Maid SE

Best for: Cleaning junk and old app leftovers.

SD Maid SE is less about pretty folders and more about cleanup. It scans for app junk, empty folders, logs, and leftover files. These are the weird bits that stay behind after apps are removed.

It drives me crazy that Android still leaves so much clutter after uninstalling apps. SD Maid SE helps clean that mess.

• Great for: App leftovers, cache cleanup, duplicate checks.
• Storage help: Finds junk that normal file managers miss.
• Best match: Use it with another file manager, not instead of one.

If your main goal is free space, start here.

5. Cx File Explorer

Best for: A simple Files by Google alternative.

Cx File Explorer is clean and friendly. It has a clear home screen. You can see images, videos, music, apps, and downloads in one place.

• Great for: Everyday file browsing.
• Storage help: Simple storage chart shows what is taking room.
• Sharing: Connects to FTP, SMB, and cloud storage.

This is a good choice for parents, students, or anyone who just wants the “where did my PDF go?” problem solved.

6. Total Commander

Best for: Old-school file control.

Total Commander is not flashy. Not even close. But it is fast and serious. It has been around for years, and its Android version keeps that no-nonsense style.

• Great for: Copying, moving, renaming, plugins, ZIP files.
• Storage help: Quick folder checks and strong search tools.
• Document use: Great for large folders and repeat tasks.

The design feels a bit dated. Buttons can look tiny. But if speed matters more than polish, Total Commander still earns its spot.

Quick picks by problem

• “My phone is full.” Use SD Maid SE.
• “I need a better all-around file app.” Use Solid Explorer.
• “I move files between devices.” Use X-plore.
• “I want deep settings.” Use MiXplorer.
• “I want simple and clean.” Use Cx File Explorer.
• “I want speed over beauty.” Use Total Commander.

How to choose without overthinking it

Pick based on your biggest headache.

If screenshots, memes, and videos are eating storage, use a cleaner. If documents are scattered everywhere, use a manager with strong search and sorting. If you send files to your laptop often, pick one with Wi-Fi, SMB, or FTP support.

Also, keep only one or two file tools. Too many file managers create more clutter. That defeats the whole point.

My simple combo: Solid Explorer for daily file work and SD Maid SE for cleanup days. Boring? Maybe. Useful? Very.