Files by Google vs Material Files: Which Android File Manager?
Files by Google and Material Files are two of the most popular file managers for Android, but they serve very different purposes. Files by Google is the best choice for most users because it combines file browsing with storage cleanup and offline sharing, while Material Files is a lightweight, open-source option for power users who want a simple, ad-free interface with advanced features like root access and archive support.
Background: What Each App Is
Files by Google, also known as Files Go, is Google’s official file management app for Android. It is pre-installed on many Android devices and is available on the Play Store. It focuses on three main tasks: finding files, freeing up space, and sharing files offline. It uses machine learning to suggest files you can delete, such as old screenshots, blurry photos, and unused apps.
Material Files is an open-source file manager developed by a small team of independent developers. It is not affiliated with Google, despite its name. It is designed to be fast, minimal, and free of ads. It supports basic file operations, archive extraction, and even root access for advanced users. It is available on the Play Store and on F-Droid, a store for open-source apps.
How They Work
Files by Google organizes your storage into categories like Downloads, Images, Videos, Audio, and Documents. It also has a “Clean” tab that scans for junk files, duplicate files, and large files. You can review what it suggests and delete items individually or all at once. The app also has a “Share” feature that lets you send files to nearby devices over Wi-Fi Direct, without using mobile data.
Material Files is a more traditional file manager. It shows a folder tree starting from the root of your internal storage. You can navigate folders, copy, move, rename, delete, and create new files. It supports viewing files in a list or grid, and it can open archives like ZIP, RAR, and 7z. It also has a built-in text editor for quick edits.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Primary purpose: Files by Google is a cleaner and sharer first; Material Files is a pure file manager.
- User interface: Files by Google uses a colorful, card-based layout; Material Files uses a simple, text-based list with optional grid view.
- Ads and bloat: Files by Google has no ads but does show promotional cards for other Google apps; Material Files has no ads and no extras.
- Root access: Material Files supports root; Files by Google does not.
- Offline sharing: Files by Google has a built-in peer-to-peer sharing feature; Material Files does not.
- Open source: Material Files is fully open source; Files by Google is proprietary.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want an app that helps you clean up your phone and share files easily, choose Files by Google. It is ideal for people who rarely browse folders and just want to find a downloaded PDF or a photo quickly. The cleaning suggestions are genuinely useful for freeing up space on budget phones.
If you are a power user who needs to move files between folders, extract a RAR archive, or access system files, choose Material Files. It is also a great choice if you are privacy-conscious and prefer open-source software. You can even install both and use each for its strengths.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Files by Google is the same as the old “Downloads” app. In reality, it is a full file manager that can browse all folders, though it hides the root directory by default. To see the full folder tree, you can tap the three-line menu and select “Internal storage”.
Another issue is that Files by Google sometimes shows “Storage used by another app” which confuses users. This is just a category for files that other apps have created, and you can still browse them. Material Files, on the other hand, has no such categories, so you see everything directly.
Some users report that Files by Google’s cleaning suggestions are too aggressive and delete files they wanted to keep. Always review the list before tapping “Delete”. Material Files has no such feature, so you are less likely to accidentally delete something.
Costs and Privacy
Both apps are free. Files by Google is supported by Google and does not show third-party ads, but it does collect usage data to improve its cleaning suggestions. Material Files is open source and does not collect any data. If privacy is a top concern, Material Files is the better choice.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If neither app fits your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Solid Explorer: A polished file manager with a dual-pane mode for tablets and a clean interface. It has a free trial and a paid version.
- Amaze File Manager: An open-source file manager with a modern design and root support. It is available on F-Droid.
- FX File Explorer: A feature-rich file manager with network support and a modular interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Files by Google to access files on an SD card?
Yes. Files by Google can browse files on an SD card if your phone has one. You can switch between internal storage and SD card from the main menu. However, on newer Android versions, some folders may be restricted by the system.
Does Material Files support cloud storage like Google Drive?
No, Material Files does not support cloud storage. It is designed for local files only. If you need to manage cloud files, use the respective cloud app or a file manager that supports cloud services, like Solid Explorer.
Is Files by Google safe to use?
Yes, it is safe. It is an official Google app and does not contain malware. However, it does collect usage data, so if you are privacy-conscious, you may want to use Material Files instead.
Can I share files from Material Files to another phone?
Material Files does not have a built-in sharing feature like Files by Google. You can share files via Bluetooth, email, or any other app that supports sending files, but the process is not as streamlined as with Files by Google’s offline sharing.
Which app is better for a beginner?
Files by Google is more beginner-friendly because of its simple interface and helpful cleaning suggestions. Material Files is more technical and better suited for users who are comfortable navigating a folder tree.
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