Both Owlfiles and FE File Explorer help you access and manage files stored on your devices, computers, NAS, servers, and cloud services. The main difference is scope: Owlfiles is the next generation of our file management experience, with broader platform support, connections that can follow you between devices, more storage options, and built-in tools that go beyond browsing and transferring files.
If you are starting fresh, work across several kinds of devices, or want more automation and media tools, Owlfiles is the better fit.
The differences at a glance
| Area | Owlfiles enhancement |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Available on iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, tvOS, and Android TV. |
| Connections | Connection profiles can be synchronized automatically across your devices, so you do not need to create the same connection again on each one. |
| Cloud storage | Adds support for Amazon S3, S3-compatible storage services, pCloud and MEGA. |
| Automation | Includes automatic photo backup and file synchronization for recurring tasks. |
| Documents and images | Lets you annotate PDFs and edit images without leaving your file manager. |
| Music | Includes a music player with playlists and LRC synchronized-lyrics support. |
One file manager across more platforms
FE File Explorer established a convenient way to work with files beyond the storage built into your iPhone. Owlfiles expands that idea into a consistent experience across iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Apple TV, and Android TV.
That wider availability matters when your workflow moves between a phone, tablet, computer, and television. You can use the app that matches the device in front of you while keeping the same familiar approach to your files.
Set up a connection once
Connecting to a computer, NAS, server, or cloud drive can involve several details. With Owlfiles, your connection profiles can be synchronized automatically to all your devices. Add or update a connection on one device and you do not have to recreate it manually everywhere else.
This is especially useful if you manage several storage locations or regularly switch between desktop and mobile devices.
More cloud and object-storage choices
Owlfiles supports Amazon S3, S3-compatible storage services, and MEGA in addition to its other network and cloud connections. This makes it a stronger choice for people who work with object storage, self-hosted or third-party S3 services, or files stored in MEGA.
Automate recurring file work
Owlfiles can take care of file tasks that would otherwise need to be repeated by hand:
- Automatic photo backup copies new photos to your chosen storage location, helping you keep a separate copy of your library.
- File synchronization keeps selected folders aligned, making frequently used files available where you need them.
These features make Owlfiles useful not only for opening files, but also for maintaining them over time.
Work with PDFs, images, and music
Owlfiles includes more tools for the files you browse. You can annotate PDFs and edit images directly in the app, reducing the need to move between separate utilities for common changes.
For music libraries, the built-in player supports playlists and LRC lyrics. You can organize what you want to hear and follow synchronized lyrics when an LRC file is available.
Which app should you choose?
FE File Explorer can remain a good choice when it already fits your current workflow. Choose Owlfiles when you want the broader, next-generation experience—especially if you:
- use a mix of mobile, desktop, and TV devices;
- want your connection profiles available across devices;
- connect to Amazon S3, an S3-compatible service, or MEGA;
- need automatic photo backup or file synchronization; or
- want PDF annotation, image editing, playlists, and LRC lyrics inside your file manager.
In short, FE File Explorer focuses on the established file-management experience, while Owlfiles builds on that foundation for a more connected, cross-platform, and automated workflow.