Cx File Explorer vs. Solid Explorer, Which One is the Best?

There are more file managers than you can think—leaving you torn on a choice. So I’m writing this comparison article to help you not be anxious over choosing a file manager, the best one.

I already have mentioned in other articles that Cx File Explorer stands tall among other file managers, but let’s compare it with others in detail. So you know how it actually outrank others. Let’s be real, I’ll also talk about where it lacks, that’s the justice! Today we’re gonna compare it with Solid Explorer. Most probably, you’ve heard the name. Let’s now begin the game.

Cx File Explorer

Cx File Explorer for Android is a compelling file manager app for organizing files and freeing up storage. It has a simple, clean and straightforward user interface so anyone, even noobs can use it easily. The app was developed by AlphaInventor Inc. and was released on July 11, 2018. Its most recent update was on 12 Oct, 2025—giving remaining bugs a fix. It’s now version 2.6.1.

This isn’t your average file manager app; it has a massive global reach of 10 M+ downloads so far. It won’t cost you a dime, and it only takes up 17 MB, so there’s still plenty of space for your files and everything else. To date, it has a rating of 4.6 stars, with most users giving it 5 stars, and honestly, it deserves even more.

Along with its additional features, it also includes everything you’d expect from your phone’s default file manager. You can analyze your storage and see what’s consuming the largest portions of storage. This, along with dozens of other features helps Cx File Manager outrank competitors and stand out in the crowd.

Features

Putting all the features here might not be a great deal, so I’m writing down 5 features, but the bold ones to make it easy for you to decide while saving your time.

Storage Analysis: The Storage Analysis feature gives you a quick, visual rundown of how your device’s storage is being used, so you can see at a glance what’s taking up space.

Cloud Storage Integration: The Cloud Storage Integration feature lets you get to and handle all your files stored on cloud services right from the app.

Network storage: With the Network storage feature, you get the power to access and manage files stored on other devices across your network. It supports multiple network protocols, so it’s easy to connect to different types of remote storage.

Compress Files: With this feature, you can compress files to shrink their size, making them way easier to store, send, and share.

Hide & Unhide Files: The hiding files feature not only keeps your personal data private, but it also reduces clutter in the file list.

Solid Explorer

With its logo icon, it’s pretty much the same as Cx File Explorer, but both are competitors, not twins. Solid Explorer is older than Cx and both have 10M+ downloads. Though its look is inspired by the old school commander applications, it still looks simple yet beautiful. What I like about this app is that it automatically organizes files into collections.

It offers a secure folder option, by using which you can protect your desired files with strong AES encryption. You can even set a fingerprint on the secure folder. It keeps your files protected even if you delete the app. It takes up 44 Mb, which is way more than Cx’s.

Here’s its darkside. When you install the app, you get a two-week free period that includes ads. When the free period ends, you must buy a membership ,else, you can’t use the app. To date, it has a rating of 3.9 stars, with most users giving it 5 stars. What distinguishes it from others is its extensive customization options.

Features

Dual-Pane Layout: This classic file commander interface lets you view two folders in one go, making copying, moving, and comparing way faster.

Cloud Storage Integration: How Cx File Explorer provides cloud services like storing data on Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and FTP/SFTP servers, Solid Explorer does too. So you can manage local and remote files within a single app.

Archive Support: With this feature, creating and extracting different types of archives like ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and TAR files has become way easier.

Material Design UI: Features a clean, modern interface following Google’s Material Design guidelines that makes it look appealing with customizable themes.

Plugin System & Extensibility: Solid Explorer is highly customizable for different user needs. Supports various plugins and extensions to do things like media casting and specialized file handling.

Do Both Apps Have Any Things in Common?

Despite their different approaches, both do have things in common, because, after all, both are file managers. Both apps let their users use multiple cloud storage apps, compress files, and analyze storage; basically, these features are the ones you’d expect from any modern file manager.

Where they for real align is in their dedication to simple, easy-to-navigate designs. Though both have different design looks, they work like Windows Explorer, making the transition from computer to mobile pretty seamless.

Security-wise, both apps have got your back with file protection features, Cx File Explorer for free and Solid Explorer for money. They also both support network file sharing.

Conclusion

I’d now conclude by saying that if you don’t wanna spend money while still craving advanced features, Cx File Explorer is the way to go. But if you want extra features and different color schemes, you might prefer Solid Explorer. The matter is of need and preference.

Cx File Explorer provides all its features totally free with a smaller 17MB footprint, while Solid Explorer wants bucks after a 14-day trial and consumes 44 MB of storage space. But it still appeals to power users who value extensive customization options and don’t mind paying.

Go with Cx File Explorer if you want something simple and free, or Solid Explorer if you’re willing to pay for all the bells and whistles.