When comparing FX File Explorer vs Dir - Open Source File Manager, the Slant community recommends FX File Explorer for most people. In the question“What are the best file explorers on Android?” FX File Explorer is ranked 8th while Dir - Open Source File Manager is ranked 19th. The most important reason people chose FX File Explorer is:
FX File Explorer has a [paid Plus add-on](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx.rk) that add more functionality to the app such as network file browsing and a built in text editor. It costs $2.99 and has a 24 hour return policy.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Plus add-on for network browsing
FX File Explorer has a paid Plus add-on that add more functionality to the app such as network file browsing and a built in text editor. It costs $2.99 and has a 24 hour return policy.
Pro Material Design
FX File Explorer utilizes the Material Design guidelines set forth by Google.
Pro PRO SMB2 support
Pro Supports many compression and uncompression file formats
FX File Explorer features numerous compression file formats such as .zip or .tar as well as a .rar decompression tool.
Pro Root add-on
There is a free root user add-on that allows root file editing and viewing.
Pro Light on resources
The app doesn't take up much storage space; dark mode serves as a battery-saver.
Pro Privacy-focused
This app doesn't collect any of your private data and it doesn't require any unnecessary permissions.
Cons
Con SMB where?
Unable to find the option to connect to an SMB server without upgrading to "pro" version. Can it even be done in the free version?
Con Dreadful interface
A great example of what happens when a developer puts form before function. Pretty to look at but awkward and unintuitive to use.
Con New Material Design look is not that great
FX File Explorer use to have a better design to it before the Material Design overhaul.
Con Out of date
Latest commit on Mar 26, 2018
Con Very Basic
It has basic features only. You can copy, paste, move files but no root explorer, SMB etc .
Con Does not support root yet
