Solid Explorer Review: The Best File Manager for Power Users?

If you’re the kind of person who treats your Android phone like a mini-computer, you’ve probably tried half a dozen file managers searching for the perfect balance of power and polish. Solid Explorer has been one of the top names on that list for years — thanks to a dual-pane interface, wide cloud and NAS support, and a long list of pro features. In this deep review I’ll walk you through what Solid Explorer actually does, where it shines, what annoys me, and whether it’s worth the (small) price.

Quick summary — What to expect from this review

Short version: Solid Explorer is a full-featured, polished file manager for Android that focuses on productivity. It’s great for anyone who copies lots of files, uses cloud storage, or wants stronger control over files and archives. You’ll find actionable screenshots, real-world workflows, and a final recommendation at the end. For authoritative feature details, I’ll reference the developer notes and official store listing as we go.

What is Solid Explorer? A short intro

Solid Explorer is an Android file manager developed by NeatBytes. It grew from a compact beta into one of the most capability-packed Android file managers, famous for its two-panel layout and robust cloud/NAS connectivity. Think of it as the “file commander” approach for phones: familiar to veterans of dual-panel desktop file managers, but optimized for touch.

Who makes it and where to get it

NeatBytes maintains the app and lists full feature details on its site. The official Play Store listing gives a current snapshot of installs, ratings and in-app options — both the free trial capabilities and the paid unlocker/pro option. If you care about official downloads and permissions, grab it from the Play Store.

Core features at a glance

Solid Explorer’s headline features are what keep people recommending it. Below I break them down, explain practical use cases, and flag what to expect.

Dual-pane file browsing

Two independent panels are Solid Explorer’s signature. You can browse two folders side-by-side, drag & drop files between panels, and see folder sizes in real time. For anyone who copies large folders between storage locations, the two-pane model is a huge time saver — it’s like having a desktop file manager inside your phone.

Cloud and network storage support (SMB, SFTP, WebDAV, etc.)

Solid Explorer supports a wide range of remote protocols: SMB/CIFS (Windows shares), SFTP, FTP, WebDAV and a long list of cloud providers (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Mega and more). That means you can mount a NAS and treat it like another folder — browse, stream, copy. This is a killer feature for anyone who stores media on a home server or works with files across multiple clouds.

Archive handling and built-in unarchiver

You can create and extract ZIP, 7ZIP, TAR, RAR and more — including encrypted archives — directly inside the app. This eliminates the need for extra apps when you need to compress backups or extract downloaded archives. The UI for archives is intuitive and supports encryption when creating files.

File encryption and security

Solid Explorer supports password-protected archives and uses strong encryption for local file protection (AES-based). For sensitive documents, this built-in option is convenient: you can encrypt a folder, then share or back it up to cloud storage with a password. As always, keep your passwords safe.

Customization: themes, icon packs, and layouts

If you like to tweak the look of your apps, Solid Explorer has a robust theming system: color schemes, icon sets, layout modes and list/grid options. Tweak it until it matches your home screen aesthetic — or keep it minimal for readability.

Extras: root support, media viewer, recycle bin

Beyond basic file tasks, Solid Explorer offers:

• Optional root support for power users,

• Built-in media viewer and audio player for quick previews,

• A recycle bin that stores deleted files (handy if you change your mind),

• App backup features and detailed file info.

Installation, pricing and first-time setup

Getting started is simple: download from the Play Store, accept the necessary permissions, and you’re in. But there are small decisions and costs to consider.

Free vs paid / unlocker options

Solid Explorer typically uses a trial or freemium model: the app is free to try for a limited period or with a small macro-limit, and a one-time unlocker/pro purchase removes limitations. Historically it’s been a low once-off fee (check Play Store for current pricing in your region). If you value convenience and long-term use, the cost is usually modest compared to subscription apps.

Permissions and Android quirks

Because Android’s storage model has changed over versions, Solid Explorer asks for several permissions — file access, media, location (for geotagged file actions in some cases), and optional accessibility permissions for advanced actions. Make sure to read prompts and only grant what you need. Also note OEM battery optimizers can restrict background tasks; whitelist Solid Explorer if you use network mounts frequently.

Using Solid Explorer — UI walkthrough

The app is polished and oriented around efficiency. Below are the main UI elements I use daily.

Home screen, quick access and collections

The home screen shows quick access tiles: recent files, storage roots (internal, SD, USB), and cloud accounts. Collections intelligently group media files and documents so you don’t always have to navigate folder trees. It’s a neat way to find a photo or PDF fast.

Working with panels and drag & drop

Open two panels, navigate to source and destination folders, then drag files from one panel to the other — it’s tactile and fast. The drag-and-drop behavior is well implemented: hold to select, then drag to copy/move. This is where Solid Explorer feels distinctly desktop-class.

Search, indexing and filters

Search is indexed and supports filters by type, size and date. For people with large storage or long download histories, the index speeds up find operations dramatically compared to brute-force folder browsing.

Hands-on: Real-world tasks

Let’s look at common workflows and how Solid Explorer handles them.

Copying large folders between local and cloud

I tested copying a multi-GB folder from local storage to a mounted SMB share and to Google Drive. The app handled both without crashing and gave a clear progress UI. Transfers over Wi-Fi/NAS were stable; cloud uploads depend on your network but the app resumes uploads gracefully after temporary disconnects.

Encrypting and sharing files securely

Creating a password-protected ZIP was straightforward: choose files → create archive → add password. The resulting encrypted archive can be uploaded to any cloud provider. Remember: recipients need the password and a compatible extractor.

Mounting NAS (SMB) and streaming media

Mounting an SMB share and streaming video worked well. Solid Explorer offers a thumbnailed view and basic metadata display, so streaming a movie from a NAS is as simple as tapping the file. For frequent streaming, consider using its integration with media apps or cast from within Solid Explorer if supported on your device.

Performance, stability and battery impact

Speed tests and responsiveness

For everyday use — moving photos, unzipping archives, browsing folders — Solid Explorer is snappy. Indexing may take a moment on very large storage, but search afterwards is fast. The two-panel UI runs smoothly on modern devices.

Stability reports and known issues

Solid Explorer is mature, but like any file manager dealing with network and cloud APIs, occasional hiccups occur: cloud API changes, Android updates, or OEM battery management can cause temporary failures. Community reports occasionally surface such issues, but updates from the developer generally address them quickly. If you rely on mission-critical backups, use redundant checks (e.g., verify file sizes after transfer).

Plugins and extensibility

What plugins exist and why they matter

Solid Explorer supports plugins (sold or free via Play Store) that add features like FTP/SFTP clients, cloud connectors, and Chromecast or root actions. Plugins keep the core app lightweight while letting you add only what you need.

Third-party integrations and webhooks

While Solid Explorer doesn’t aim to be an automation hub, its HTTP and cloud features let you integrate with other services (manual exports, remote mounts, and so on). You can pair it with automation tools for scheduled backups or scripted exports, but that typically requires third-party apps or system scripts.

Privacy & security — what to watch for

Encryption standards and local storage

Solid Explorer uses established encryption methods for archives; it’s fine for casual and moderately sensitive uses (e.g., personal documents). For very high-sensitivity data, consider dedicated encrypted containers and an end-to-end backup strategy.

Cloud credentials and OAuth flows

When you add cloud accounts, Solid Explorer uses provider APIs and OAuth flows where appropriate. That means credentials are handled by the cloud provider, not stored as plain text in the app — a safer pattern. Still, treat cloud-mounted folders like any network mount: someone with access can read files, so use strong cloud passwords and 2FA.

Solid Explorer vs Competitors

Files by Google / Google Files

Google’s Files app is excellent for casual users: cleanup tools, simple sharing and a minimal UI. Solid Explorer targets power users and adds features that Files doesn’t: dual panels, rich network mounts, archive encryption, and plugin extensibility. If you only need occasional file browsing or cache cleaning, Files is lighter — but if you manage many file sources, Solid Explorer is more capable. Review roundups include Solid Explorer in “best file manager” lists for these reasons.

MiXplorer, FX File Explorer, and others

MiXplorer (community builds) and FX File Explorer are other power-user options. MiXplorer may be more customizable for tinkerers, but Solid Explorer balances usability and features with a polished commercial feel. FX and others may offer specific strengths (privacy, specific protocols), so the choice depends on exact needs: price, plugin ecosystem, or customization depth.

Who should (and shouldn’t) use Solid Explorer?

Use Solid Explorer if:

• You manage files across local, cloud and NAS.

• You want a desktop-like dual-pane workflow on mobile.

• You create/extract archives or need on-device encryption.

• You’re willing to pay a small one-time fee for pro features.

Maybe skip Solid Explorer if:

• You only need simple cleanup features (Files by Google suffices).

• You need the absolute cheapest (but less featureful) apps.

• You prefer open-source alternatives like some community file explorers.

Tips, tricks and power-user workflows

Two-panel power moves

Open source and destination folders in separate panels; use drag & drop to move large photo backups to cloud folders quickly. Use bookmarks for recurring targets (e.g., “Work NAS → Backups”) to avoid repeated navigation.

Automating backups and scheduled tasks

While Solid Explorer doesn’t schedule backups natively, combine it with Tasker or MacroDroid to script exporting of files and then use Solid’s cloud mounts or plugins to sync. That gives you automated workflows without sacrificing reliability.

Common problems and how to fix them

Permission errors and Android storage framework

If Solid Explorer can’t access certain folders, check Android’s storage access framework and grant the app access to the required storage roots (or use the “grant access” button inside the app). For SD cards, select the card root in the system picker and allow full access.

Cloud connection failures

If a cloud account stops connecting, remove and re-add it to trigger a fresh OAuth handshake. Check network permissions and whether the cloud provider has changed API rules (rare but possible). If issues persist, check for app updates — the devs push fixes for API changes quickly.

Final verdict — value, recommendation and rating

Solid Explorer remains an excellent choice for Android power users. It delivers a desktop-grade dual-pane interface, strong cloud and NAS support, and thoughtful extras like encryption and archival tools. While occasional cloud or Android-version quirks can show up, NeatBytes maintains the app actively and the one-time unlock cost is modest for the functionality you get. If you often move files between devices, manage media libraries on a NAS, or simply want a polished, fast file manager — Solid Explorer is well worth trying. Industry roundups and long-term users frequently list it among the top file managers for Android.

Conclusion & 5 FAQs

Conclusion

Solid Explorer is a mature, capable file manager that brings real productivity features to Android. It’s designed for people who treat their phone or tablet like a small workstation: two panes, drag-and-drop, deep cloud & network support, and good security options. The interface is clean and customizable, performance is solid on modern devices, and the pro unlock is a reasonable one-time price for frequent users. If you’re tired of juggling multiple cloud apps and want a single unified file manager, give Solid Explorer a spin.

FAQs

Q1: Is Solid Explorer free?
A1: You can try Solid Explorer for free (trial or limited feature mode depending on current Play Store policy). To remove limits and get pro features you usually buy a one-time unlock/premium purchase through the Play Store. Check the Play Store listing for current pricing in your region.

Q2: Does Solid Explorer support NAS and streaming?
A2: Yes — Solid Explorer supports SMB/CIFS, SFTP, FTP and WebDAV mounts, letting you browse and stream media from NAS or remote servers directly. It’s one of its strongest features.

Q3: Can I encrypt files with Solid Explorer?
A3: Yes. You can create password-protected archives and use built-in encryption options for local files. For highly sensitive workflows, combine with other security practices (strong passwords, 2FA on cloud accounts).

Q4: How does Solid Explorer compare to Google Files?
A4: Google Files is simpler and better for casual cleanup and sharing. Solid Explorer is a power user tool with dual-pane browsing, advanced cloud/NAS support and archive/encryption features — choose based on whether you need depth or simplicity.

Q5: Is Solid Explorer actively maintained and safe?
A5: Yes — NeatBytes maintains the app and updates it to keep up with Android changes and cloud APIs. Always install from official sources (Play Store) and keep the app updated for fixes and security patches.