Like most other Google-built apps, Files by Google has become the go-to file manager for many Android users. In their defense, Files by Google is a decent option, but calling it the best option seems naive.
When you need better file management and advanced features, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Surprisingly, the advanced developers at Google seem to have forgotten to build those options into the Files app.
One of the better file managers for your Android smartphones is Material Files, which is ironically built by a single developer.
The interface didn’t need a tutorial to get started
It also opened folders faster than Google’s app
For starters, Material Files is a completely free, open-source file manager for Android with no ads whatsoever. Developed by Hai Zhang, Material Files has been a popular alternative to default file manager apps for a while, thanks to its native support for root access. This app does not try to reinvent the wheel, though. Instead, it has optimized a familiar layout and UI design for the best results. It meant I didn’t have to go through a tutorial to start using Material Files.
I also liked how lightweight and swift the file manager was. In many instances, Material Files felt faster than Files by Google. For reference, I have been using Files by Google along with the default file manager on my smartphone. Compared to the speed I had seen on this app, Material Files was definitely faster. Given that I keep many photos, documents, and other files on my device for quick access, the speed at which I can navigate between folders and special sections impressed me. I noticed that Material Files also quickly populated the screen with thumbnails and other elements as I navigated. This differs from what I’ve found in Files, which takes a second to load files in a newly opened directory.
Overall, the noticeable improvement in speed alone has made me appreciate switching from Files by Google to Material Files. However, as I’ve kept using it, I’ve found more to appreciate.
Material Files made it look like it belonged to me
Something Google’s own app still ignores
Customization is limited with Google’s files. With Material Files, however, that is indeed an option. A feature I love among the many customization options is the ability to choose a Material You theme based on color. These options work on top of the Material Design UI that the app follows.
As it happens, I can choose a custom UI color from the options and also switch between night mode and Black night mode. If you’d rather use the Material Design 3 UI, you can ask the app to switch to it, too. I also loved the minute customization options, such as the one to control how long file names are displayed. You also enjoy more control when navigating folders.
To begin with, you can choose between grid layouts and sort files and folders by name, type, list, and last modified date. You can also choose options like ascending and folders first. Something I really love here is the option to choose only for this folder. It means that the settings you enable will be saved only for the particular folder. This great if you have a photo-based folder and want it displayed in a grid rather than a list.
Network connections are easier than ever
No cloud login, no nonsense, just SMB
Besides root access, network connections are also built into Material Files. Depending on your requirements, you can connect to FTP, SFTP, SMB, and WebDAV servers with this file management app. Sure, you may not get the same set of features as you would with a dedicated network file manager. Yet, when you want to access remote storage from the comfort of your smartphone, this feature is just right for most people.
The setup is easy, and Material Files doesn’t require you to log in to an account either. I could connect to my media servers by simply entering the credentials. The app displays all options on the sidebar, and you can easily switch between local and remote storage. The lack of support for things like Google Drive may be a limitation, though. Then again, we are talking about a privacy-centric, open-source file manager.
Better file management is addictive
It handles archives way better than Google’s did
All the features I mentioned above are great, but none of them beats the addictive nature of Material Files’ file management. It does so many things you would not expect from Files by Google. For example, you don’t have to extract a ZIP/RAR file to see what is inside. Similarly, Material Files lets you choose whether to explore or install an APK file. These are options you don’t see on what Google ships.
I also noticed other features, such as a built-in compressor utility. You can use this feature to convert a folder or group of files not only to ZIP but also to tar.xz or 7z files, which is great for sharing, and it also lets you set a password. Other features, like the option to show hidden files with a single click and open the folder in a terminal app, are also successful for most power users.
This file management app also does a good job of automatically organizing files into categories such as Downloads, Movies, Music, and Pictures. It also retains a screenshot folder where you can access all the recent screenshots. I can use this app to start an FTP server that’s accessible via a local connection.
That you get all these amazing features without paying or having to deal with annoying advertisements is still surprising.
Where Material Files still falls short
I wouldn’t want to pretend that Material Files is a perfect option for everyone. You may miss certain features if you are coming from, let’s say, Files by Google. Instant access to cloud storage options and integration with Google services are just a few things you would miss when making this shift. You can add features like a private folder, a built-in storage cleaner, and AI suggestions to the list. Yet, you should also consider what you gain in terms of privacy and control, which Files by Google doesn’t offer at all.
- OS
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Android
- Price model
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Free, Open-source
An open source Material Design file manager.
