Customer Reviews (500)

NJJim • 2025-03-13T09:00:15-07:00

I’ve used it for at least 5 years and I love it. I can easily transfer and manage files between iOS, windows, my NAS,etc. I appreciate the access into iOS that it provides as well as the media player.

gircar • 2025-01-29T09:54:20-07:00

Because of this app, I don’t need a computer in my living room anymore. I use it mostly on my Apple TV. If you watch videos on your computer and you have an IOS device or an Apple TV, this app is for you.

Theemmaroberts • 2025-01-18T18:04:52-07:00

I need a way to move files efficiently from my sd card to my external drive. When trying to select a group of files it will only allow you to select files that are “visible”, or that you can see on the screen. Any file that is not visible or “below the fold” will not be selected. I’m trying to select a few hundred photos out of the thousands I have, but doing that is almost impossible since I can select the top photo, hold shift and then click a another photo which is a few hundreds photos down in the list. Terrible. Waste of money.

Summary of Key Insights

FE File Explorer Pro is a generally well-regarded file management app, praised for its versatility in connecting to various storage locations (NAS, cloud services, network shares) and its ability to stream media. However, recent reviews highlight issues with Google Drive support, connectivity problems, update installation failures, and video playback glitches. While many users find it indispensable, the app suffers from bugs, feature gaps, and occasional instability, impacting user satisfaction and potentially driving users to seek alternatives. The overall sentiment is mixed, with a significant number of 5-star reviews offset by complaints about specific functionalities and recent updates.

Key Strengths:

  • Versatile connectivity to various storage locations (NAS, cloud, network shares).
  • Media player functionality, including streaming and AirPlay support.
  • Integration with iOS Files app.
  • Ease of use for many users.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Recent issues with Google Drive support.
  • Connectivity problems (Windows file shares, SFTP).
  • Update installation failures.
  • Video playback glitches (stuttering, audio sync issues).
  • Lack of requested features (e.g., NFS support, Chromecast support, gapless playback).
  • Buggy behavior for some users (e.g., crashes, connection drops, file overwriting).

Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While a large proportion of users express strong satisfaction, a significant number of recent reviews detail frustrations and unresolved issues.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Not directly calculable, but heavily weighted towards 5 stars.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 61.8%, 4-star: 11.8%, 3-star: 8.6%, 2-star: 3%, 1-star: 14.8%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with a noticeable concentration of recent reviews discussing current issues.
  • Analysis Methods: A combination of sentiment analysis (identifying positive, negative, and neutral opinions), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned features and issues), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes and concerns).

Key User Pain Points

  • Google Drive Support Issues: Many users report that Google Drive support has been removed or is not functioning correctly, leading to significant dissatisfaction.
  • Connectivity Problems: Users experience difficulties connecting to Windows file shares, SFTP servers, and NAS devices. Connection drops and timeout errors are frequently mentioned.
  • Update Installation Failures: A significant number of users report that recent updates fail to install, leaving them with potentially buggy or outdated versions of the app.
  • Video Playback Glitches: Users encounter various video playback issues, including stuttering, audio synchronization problems, black screens, and crashes.
  • Bugs and Instability: Some users report crashes, file overwriting issues, and other unexpected behaviors.
  • Lack of Feature Parity between iOS and Apple TV versions: Some users noted that features available on the iOS version are missing from the Apple TV version.

Frequently Requested Features

  • NFS Support: Several users request NFS (Network File System) support for connecting to NAS devices.
  • Chromecast Support: Users want the ability to cast media to Chromecast devices.
  • Gapless Playback: Users desire gapless playback for music.
  • Folder Password Protection: Users request the ability to password-protect specific folders within the app.
  • Mega Cloud Integration: Users want integration with Mega cloud storage.
  • Customizable Themes: Users want the ability to customize the app's appearance with themes.
  • Improved Video Player Features: Pinch zoom, playback speed retention, and shuffle functionality for videos are requested.
  • Siri Shortcuts Support: Users want Siri Shortcuts integration for automating tasks.
  • Ability to access (百度网盘) Baidu Netdisk.
  • Ability to change WebDAV server port.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Versatile Connectivity: The app excels at connecting to a wide range of storage locations, including NAS devices, cloud services (Dropbox, OneDrive, Box), and network shares (SMB/CIFS, WebDAV, FTP, SFTP).
  • Media Player Functionality: The built-in media player is praised for its ability to stream movies and music from network shares and cloud storage, with support for various file formats.
  • iOS Files App Integration: The app integrates seamlessly with the iOS Files app, allowing users to access their files from a central location.
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to set up and use, with an intuitive interface.
  • File Transfer Capabilities: Users appreciate the ability to copy, move, rename, and delete files directly on their iPhone/iPad, as well as transfer files between different storage locations.
  • Responsive Developer: Some users report positive experiences with the developer's responsiveness to support requests.
  • Backup Functionality: Ability to backup data or share files to a PC is well received.
  • Spatial Sound Support: Ability to playback EAC3 JOC Dolby Atmos files correctly using Spatial Sound on the iPad.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighGoogle Drive SupportImmediately investigate and resolve the issues with Google Drive support. Communicate the status of the fix to users.
HighUpdate Installation FailuresAddress the update installation problems to ensure users can access the latest version of the app.
HighVideo Playback GlitchesInvestigate and fix the video playback issues (stuttering, audio sync problems, black screens, crashes) to improve the user experience.
MediumConnectivity ProblemsImprove connectivity to Windows file shares, SFTP servers, and NAS devices. Provide clear error messages and troubleshooting guidance.
MediumImplement Requested FeaturesPrioritize the implementation of highly requested features like NFS support, Chromecast support, and gapless playback.
MediumAddress Bugs and InstabilityResolve reported bugs and improve the app's stability to prevent crashes and unexpected behavior.
LowImprove UI/UXConsider UI/UX enhancements based on user feedback, such as customizable themes and improved file management features.
LowEnhance Documentation and HelpImprove in-app help and documentation to provide more comprehensive guidance and troubleshooting information.
LowFeature Parity Across PlatformsMaintain feature parity between the iOS and Apple TV versions of the app.
LowEnsure Privacy and Security measuresAddress privacy and security concerns by allowing separate passwords and ensuring adequate protection of stored files.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Secure File Sharing Service: A startup could focus on creating a secure file sharing service that prioritizes privacy and offers advanced security features like end-to-end encryption and granular access controls.
  • Cross-Platform Media Player: Develop a media player that seamlessly streams content from various sources (NAS, cloud, network shares) across different platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS) with advanced features like Chromecast support and gapless playback.
  • NAS Management App: Create a dedicated NAS management app with advanced features like NFS support, file organization tools, and remote access capabilities.
  • Cloud Integration Platform: A platform that seamlessly integrates multiple cloud storage services into a single interface, offering advanced file management and search capabilities.
  • AI-Powered File Organizer: An app that uses AI to automatically categorize and organize files based on their content.

Trends and Observations

  • Recent Negative Reviews: There's a noticeable increase in negative reviews related to recent updates and specific functionality issues (Google Drive, connectivity, video playback).
  • Google Drive Dependency: A significant number of users rely on Google Drive integration, highlighting the importance of maintaining its functionality.
  • Long-Term Users: Many users have been using the app for several years and express strong loyalty, indicating a solid foundation of satisfied customers.
  • Feature Requests: Users are actively requesting new features and improvements, suggesting a desire for continuous development and enhancement.
  • Language Preferences: The reviews are primarily in English, but there are also reviews in Chinese, indicating a global user base.
  • Focus on Media Streaming: A significant portion of users utilize the app primarily for media streaming, emphasizing the importance of a reliable and feature-rich media player.

Conclusion

FE File Explorer Pro remains a valuable tool for many iOS users, particularly those who need to manage files across various storage locations and stream media. However, recent issues and feature gaps are impacting user satisfaction. Addressing the prioritized action recommendations, particularly resolving the Google Drive issue, connectivity problems, and video playback glitches, is crucial for maintaining the app's reputation and preventing users from seeking alternatives. Implementing frequently requested features and focusing on continuous improvement will further enhance the app's value and attract new users.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize bug fixes and address the critical issues affecting Google Drive support, connectivity, and video playback. Focus on implementing highly requested features and continuously improving the user experience to maintain a competitive edge.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fe-file-explorer-pro/id499470113?uo=2