Customer Reviews (140)

Bacon Bob • 2025-02-21T19:22:51-07:00

Great app. So easy to manage. Integrates well. Also great support. Must have app!

Require nickname • 2025-02-18T17:15:00-07:00

This is my go-to app. Without it the ipads would barely be usable. Copy a file from my home server to dropbox or iCloud - no problem. View a file or play music with builtin player - no problem. I have some audible files and discovered it would not recognize them. Sent an email. Next got a reply that the feature was added and will be in the next update. Absolutely NO other ipad has support like that. I could not live without this thing

Vermontier • 2025-02-14T09:19:35-07:00

Can’t create any tasks. Create a task is missing. Trying to create a task to backup folders to flash drive. WebDAV server keeps disconnecting, even when the phone is unlocked.

Summary of Key Insights

FileBrowser Professional is a powerful and versatile file management app for iOS, highly praised for its ability to connect to various storage locations (NAS, cloud services, servers) and its robust feature set. Users appreciate its functionality, especially compared to the native iOS Files app. However, the app suffers from UI/UX issues, occasional bugs after updates, and a learning curve due to its complexity. While the overall sentiment is very positive (high percentage of 5-star reviews), the negative reviews highlight specific pain points that need addressing. The app's strength lies in its functionality and support, while its weaknesses are related to usability and occasional instability.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.4 stars (based on the distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 65.7% (92/140)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 7.1% (10/140)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 2.9% (4/140)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 3.6% (5/140)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 20.7% (29/140)

Strengths: Wide compatibility, feature-rich, excellent support. Weaknesses: UI/UX complexity, occasional bugs, learning curve, connectivity issues for some users.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 140 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a considerable period, indicating long-term usage and feedback. Some reviews mention specific iOS versions, dating back several years.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews based on their overall positive, negative, or neutral tone.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently used words and phrases to uncover common themes and issues.
    • Thematic Analysis: Grouping reviews based on recurring topics such as UI/UX, connectivity, features, and support.

Key User Pain Points

  • UI/UX Complexity: Many users find the interface cluttered, overwhelming, and reminiscent of older PC interfaces rather than modern iOS design. Small text and a lack of intuitive design are frequently mentioned.
  • Connectivity Issues: Some users struggle to connect to specific servers (especially SMB shares on Synology NAS) or experience frequent disconnections (e.g., WebDAV). Socket timeout errors are also reported. VPN connectivity can also be problematic.
  • Bugs After Updates: Updates sometimes introduce new bugs or break existing functionality, such as the auto-slideshow feature or video playback.
  • Feature Discoverability: The app's extensive feature set can be difficult to navigate, leading to frustration in finding specific functions (e.g., batch rename).
  • File Compatibility Issues: Some users report issues with specific file types (.ai files, MKV videos, RAW photos) not being recognized or played correctly.
  • Syncing Issues: Sync functionality can be unreliable, requiring repeated logins or failing to work as expected.
  • Performance Issues: Some users experience slow refresh times, especially when accessing FTP directories, and slower overall app performance after interface changes.
  • Lack of Clear Feature Differentiation: Users who purchase the bundle (FileBrowser and FileBrowser for Business) are sometimes unclear about the differences between the versions.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Media Player Functionality:
    • Loop single song/video option.
    • Crossfade feature for music playback.
    • Skim back & forth controls on the player.
    • Video and audio thumbnail support (album/video poster art).
    • Looped playback for specific video sections.
    • Video playlist creation and management.
    • Background video playback.
  • Improved UI/UX:
    • More intuitive and modern iOS-like interface.
    • Larger text and UI elements.
    • Option to hide filenames in image gallery view.
    • Drag-to-select functionality for file selection.
    • Background color option for image viewer.
  • Enhanced File Management:
    • ID3 tag editor.
    • Shortcut actions for local files.
  • Android Version: A few users requested a version for Android.
  • Bar Code Scanner Improvements: Request for barcode scanner to work on Square QR codes and a button to scan when ready.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Versatile Connectivity: The app's ability to connect to a wide range of storage locations (NAS, cloud services, servers) is highly valued.
  • Robust Feature Set: Users appreciate the extensive functionality, including file management, syncing, backup, and integration with other apps.
  • Excellent Support: Many reviewers praise the fast, helpful, and personalized support provided by the developers.
  • Local Network Access: The app reliably connects to network shares, even older ones, which is a major advantage over other file browsers.
  • File Transfer Capabilities: Users like the ability to move files directly instead of copying them.
  • No Subscription Model: The one-time purchase model is appreciated compared to subscription-based alternatives.
  • Constant Improvement: Users note frequent updates and new features, indicating ongoing development and commitment.
  • VPN Compatibility: The app works well with VPN connections, a crucial feature for remote access.
  • Integrates with existing infrastructure: integrates with Active Directory, Microsoft DFS, and iOS data protection.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address UI/UX Issues: Redesign the interface to be more intuitive, modern, and user-friendly. Focus on simplifying navigation, increasing text size, and improving overall visual clarity.
  • Fix Connectivity Problems: Investigate and resolve connectivity issues with SMB shares (especially Synology NAS), WebDAV servers, and VPNs. Provide clear troubleshooting steps for common connection errors.
  • Stabilize Updates: Implement more thorough testing before releasing updates to prevent the introduction of new bugs or the breaking of existing functionality.
  • Improve File Compatibility: Expand support for common file types (e.g., .ai files, MKV videos, RAW photos) and ensure consistent playback across different devices and iOS versions.

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance Media Player Functionality: Implement the frequently requested media player features (looping, crossfade, skim controls, thumbnails, playlists).
  • Improve Feature Discoverability: Add better documentation, tutorials, or in-app guidance to help users discover and utilize the app's full range of features.
  • Clarify Feature Differentiation: Clearly explain the differences between FileBrowser and FileBrowser for Business to avoid confusion among users.
  • Optimize Performance: Address performance issues such as slow refresh times and overall app sluggishness.
  • Sync Reliability: Improve sync functionality and address login issues.

Low Priority:

  • Add Android Version: Consider developing an Android version to expand the app's reach.
  • Implement ID3 Tag Editor: Add an ID3 tag editor for audio files.
  • Add Shortcut Actions for Local Files: Implement shortcut actions for local files.
  • Improve Bar Code Scanner: Improve barcode scanner functionality.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Simplified File Management App: A streamlined file management app focused on ease of use and intuitive design, targeting users who find FileBrowser Professional too complex.
  • AI-Powered File Organizer: An app that automatically categorizes and organizes files based on content analysis, using AI to suggest folder structures and tagging.
  • Collaborative File Management Platform: A file management platform designed for teams, with features for sharing, version control, and real-time collaboration on documents.
  • Secure File Sharing Service: A service that prioritizes secure file sharing and storage, with end-to-end encryption and advanced access controls.

Trends and Observations

  • Long-Term User Base: The reviews indicate a loyal user base that has been using the app for many years.
  • Positive Sentiment Despite Issues: Despite the reported pain points, the overall sentiment remains positive, suggesting that users value the app's core functionality and are willing to tolerate some issues.
  • Importance of Support: The consistently positive feedback about the support team highlights its importance in retaining users and addressing their concerns.
  • Evolving User Needs: User requests for new features (e.g., improved media player functionality, Android version) reflect the evolving needs and expectations of mobile users.
  • Impact of iOS Updates: iOS updates can have a significant impact on the app's functionality and stability, requiring ongoing maintenance and adaptation.

Conclusion

FileBrowser Professional is a powerful and feature-rich file management app that is highly valued by its users. However, the app suffers from UI/UX issues, occasional bugs, and a learning curve. By addressing these pain points and focusing on improving usability and stability, the developers can further enhance the app's appeal and retain its loyal user base. The app's strengths in connectivity, functionality, and support provide a solid foundation for future growth and innovation. Prioritizing UI/UX improvements and bug fixes will be critical to maintaining a competitive edge in the iOS file management market.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029?uo=2