8 Best iPhone & iPad File Managers You Need to Know in 2025

On iPhones and iPads, Apple's default file manager is the Files app. It allows users to browse and manage content stored on the device's internal storage. However, for some users, especially new ones, navigating and using the Files app efficiently can be confusing.

To this end, we've compiled eight of the best file manager apps for iOS. These tools offer easier and more flexible ways to manage files. Whether you want to transfer, organize, edit, or share files on your iOS devices, these apps will make the entire process smoother.

Part 1: What Makes the Best File Manager for iOS?

If you're looking for a file manager for your iPhone or iPad, here are the top features to consider:

• Simple and User-Friendly: The app should be easy to use, with clear menus and quick access to common actions like copy, move, or delete. Customization options for layout or themes are a plus.
• Powerful File Tools: Basic actions like cut, paste, rename, and delete are a must. Extra tools like tagging, sorting, and organizing folders make file management much easier.
• Wide File Format Support: The app should handle all common file types, documents, images, videos, music, without issues.
• Fast and Smart Search: A strong search function helps you quickly find files by name, type, or even content inside the file.
• Easy Sharing and Collaboration: Good file managers make sharing simple. They let you control who can view or edit files, making teamwork more secure and efficient.
• Offline Access: You should be able to open and edit files without an internet connection. The app should sync changes once you're online again.
• Security Features: Look for file encryption, password protection, and permission settings. Some apps also allow you to wipe data remotely if your device is lost.
• Fast and Efficient Performance: The app should load quickly, run smoothly, and help you manage space. Features like removing duplicates, compressing files, and showing storage usage are very helpful.

Choosing a file manager with these features will make managing your iOS files much easier, safer, and more convenient.

Part 2. Best iPhone File Manager Applications

We have reviewed the best iOS file manager applications that meet the above mentioned features. Take a look:

1. Coolmuster iOS Assistant

If the Files app feels too limited and other file managers don’t play well with your devices, Coolmuster iOS Assistant could be just what you need. It bridges the gap between Apple’s built-in tools and more advanced third-party options. Managing your iPhone or iPad data becomes smooth and stress-free, thanks to its user-friendly interface and reliable performance. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Key Features:

• Support iOS data management tasks such as deleting, editing, and adding data on your iOS device.
• Effortlessly move your data without worrying about loss or privacy issues.
• Works with all kinds of files, documents, photos, videos, apps, contacts, and more.
• Enable its users to back up and restore iPad/iPod/iPhone data.
• Allow its users to select, preview and transfer iOS files.
• Intuitive user interface that makes iPad and iPhone data management tasks easy, even for novice computer users.

Pros

• It allows you to manage and share data easily.
• It has an intuitive user interface for easy navigation.
• It supports different file types.
• It allows users to preview files before transferring them.
• It's compatible with both Mac and Windows systems.

Cons

• It does not support Android devices.

01Install and launch Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer. Use a lighting cord to connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer. Coolmuster iOS Assistant will detect a connection when you connect an iOS device to the computer. Tap the "Trust" button on your iDevice and hit the "Continue" button.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

02You can now manage your iPhone's or iPad's data how you want. As you can see from the application's interface, you can add new data, export, import, delete, or even edit existing data.

03To export your iOS Device data to a computer, click on your preferred data category, such as contacts, messages, notes, music, photos, and more, and tap on the "Export" button, choose a file output, and the exporting process will start.

04To import data to your iOS device from a computer, click on your preferred data type and click the "Import" button and select the files you want to import. Then hit the "Ok" button, and the importing process will begin instantly.

Video Guide:

2. Documents - File Reader. Browser

Get ready to take your file organization and management game up a notch with this amazing iOS app! The tool Documents - File Reader. Browser looks inside all the nooks & crannies of your iPhone or iPad for files, then archives them in an easily accessible way. This isn't just about convenience; you also get enhanced security features plus seamless data transfer from cloud storage services like WebDAV. Thanks to its powerful file recognition algorithm.

Key Features

• Enable its users to transfer files via WebDAV and Clouds.
• A reliable file organizer.
• Guarantee data security due to its powerful data protection algorithm.
• Support direct textual file editing.
• Work with different file formats easily.

Pros

• Users can access this tool from anywhere, anytime.
• It has a built-in widget feature.
• It helps in organizing files more effectively.
• It provides a secure data transfer system.

Cons

• The app consumes more battery power than most file management tools.

3. Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is the perfect app for users who want to effectively and securely manage their data. With Google Drive-level protection, you can trust that your information will be safe. It's a reliable backup system that keeps files in an easily retrievable manner!

Key Features

• Include AI-powered search.
• Provide end-to-end encryption.
• Allow users to share files with others.

Pros

• Users can easily share files with others.
• OneDrive can be used across various platforms, such as Android, iOS, and Windows.
• The AI-powered search helps to find photos and documents quickly.
• It provides end-to-end encryption for added security and privacy.

Cons

• The synchronization of files can be slow at times.
• It only offers 5 GB for free storage (upgradeable up to 1TB).

4. FE File Explorer: File Manager

FE File Explorer is a powerful data management application that offers an impressive range of features like quick copy, save, and streaming options. It also easily detects files from FTP, WebDAV, and SFTP servers for faster data transfers! On top of this, users can enjoy the convenience of viewing documents in different file formats, such as audio or photos.

Key Features

• Support different file formats and encoding.
• Built-in media player for audio and video playback.
• Access files from multiple FTP, SFTP, or WebDAV servers.
• Have a customizable UI for better navigation.
• Have an inbuilt text editor.

Pros

• Users can access this tool from anywhere, anytime.
• It comes with an inbuilt text editor for quick document editing.
• It supports multiple server connections for faster file transfers.

Cons

• The transfer speed of large files is slow. (How to Transfer Large Video Files from iPhone to PC Easily?)

5. Dropbox

Streamline your file management work using the Dropbox application. You can access your documents and files from anywhere with an active internet connection. This iOS file manager application enables you to preview each file stored on the application and effortlessly open them using the supported third-party applications using its "Share" menu feature.

Key Features

• Compatible with various platforms, such as Windows, MacOS and etc.
• Easily preview files and documents stored on the application.
• Support multiple cloud services (including Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.).
• Securely share files with other users.

Pros

• It offers a secure file-sharing system that supports multiple cloud services.

Cons

• Paid subscription plans are expensive compared to other similar applications.

6. Documents by Readdle

Documents by Readdle is a file manager for iOS that brings the power of productivity to your fingertips with its free iPhone and iPad data management features. This comprehensive file manager enables you to access almost all kinds of multimedia content, including eBooks, music, videos, and more. With Documents by Readdle, you can rest assured that all your valuable information is securely stored and available anytime, no matter where you are!

Key Features

• Read, share, and export files in multiple formats.
• Allow users to transfer files from one device to another easily.
• Provide an easy way of creating PDFs from any document.
• Support cloud storage such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

Pros

• The app is straightforward to use.
• The desktop-like file management experience makes it easier for users to navigate files.
• It allows users to access files from multiple cloud services for secure file sharing.

Cons

• The premium version of Documents by Readdle is expensive compared to other similar apps.

7. Apple's File App

Apple's File Application since iOS 11 is an improved version of iCloud Drive that serves as a one-stop shop for organizing and managing your cloud storage. It is similar to Finder on Macs but with added features like secure sharing. While it may not have Wi-Fi transfer or web download capabilities found in other products like Dropbox, this file management application excels at its organization and powerful collaboration tools, making it indispensable when juggling multiple clouds.

Key Features

• Organize and access files from multiple cloud services.
• Create secure, shareable folders for users to collaborate on projects.
• View documents in their native format.
• Search quickly by name, type, or size of a file.

Pros

• It has a user-friendly UI that is easy to use.
• It offers powerful collaboration features with secure sharing capabilities.
• It allows users to view documents in their native format.

Cons

• It lacks Wi-Fi transfer and web download capabilities.
• Searching for files should be improved with an advanced search filter.

8. File Master

File Master is the perfect tool for organizing data on iPad and iPhones, thanks to its useful data management features. Its folder management functions and photo import capabilities are invaluable to iPhone and iPad users. However, there is a slight limitation when moving files in and out of your device. Although there are few options available, the tool is very useful in securely managing all on-device content.

Key Features

• Enable simple folder creation and file organization.
• Allow users to view media and document files without leaving the app.
• Have a Touch ID security and a security PIN for added protection.
• The option to hide files and folders from unauthorized viewing.
• Create files directly from the camera or download content using the built-in browser.

Pros

• The app is easy to use.
• It offers secure file protection with Touch ID security and a security PIN.
• Viewing media files without leaving the app makes it convenient for users.

Cons

• Moving files to and from your device may take some time.

Conclusion

Managing files on your iPhone or iPad can be daunting, but you can use the above-discussed best iPhone file manager applications to simplify the process. However, using Coolmuster iOS Assistant to manage your iPhone or iPad files makes data management tasks easy and enjoyable.

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