Is ES File Explorer PRO Worth It? A Review

One of the perks of Android is having full control over your files and how your device handles them. Personally, I’ve been a fan of ES File Explorer for years because it gives me that control. Recently, the PRO version of the app was released, so I decided to give it a go and see if it’s worth the upgrade.

Both the regular ES File Explorer and the PRO version offer a bunch of cool features like a web browser, a “junk cleaner” notification, and recommended apps. You can customize how you view your files with icons, details, and more.

Even though both apps are fantastic, ES File Explorer, the standard version, has encountered some trouble recently. It appears that ES Global has adopted a rather frustrating and perhaps questionable strategy to promote the ES File Explorer PRO. Instead of creating a new and improved app, they have intentionally made ES File Explorer worse so that the paid PRO version appears superior. Personally, I don’t mind alternative methods of generating revenue for developers, as money is what keeps them going. However, ES Global’s approach raises ethical concerns in my eyes.

Spot The Difference

So here’s the deal. ES Global offers two versions of their app: ES File Explorer and ES File Explorer PRO. Now, at first glance, you might think they’re basically the same thing. And honestly, it’s hard to tell them apart. But let me break it down for you.

The PRO version of ES File Explorer is like an upgraded version of the standard one. It still does all the great things the regular version does, but with a few extra perks. For example, in the PRO version, you can customize your start page and default windows. They used to have this feature in the free version, but then they took it away and replaced it with a plain old “homepage.” Not cool, right?

Another thing that sets the PRO version apart is its starting interface. It has a darker look and gives you options to change backgrounds and themes. You can even download other cool themes from the Google Play Store, but only if you’re a PRO user.

Now, here’s the interesting part. It seems like the PRO version is actually more stripped down compared to the free version. It’s like ES Global realized that the free version was getting a bit too bloated, so they decided to create a simplified alternative for those who just want something easy to use. That’s where the “windows” button comes in. On the PRO UI, you’ll find it at the bottom right, allowing you to see different windows you’ve opened within the app. In the free version, that button becomes a “more” option, giving you access to the “windows” view or the app cleaner, which helps you delete unnecessary files from your device.

Oh, and one last thing. The PRO version gets rid of those annoying ads that sometimes pop up in the standard version. It’s a small but nice touch.

So, here’s what I think.

ES File Explorer PRO costs $3, but I honestly don’t think it’s worth it. Sure, it’s a good app, but it’s not significantly better than the free version. Plus, I don’t like the fact that ES Global is trying to push the PRO version by making the standard version a little worse. And let’s be real, getting rid of occasional ads isn’t worth spending $3.

The only selling point I can find is that the Google Play page says the team will keep improving the app and make it the most powerful file manager for Android. But until then, you have $3 that you can use for something else.