iExplorer is a popular iOS file manager that allows you to browse, transfer, and manage music, contacts, messages, memos, voicemails, and other files on a computer. Guess many people have ever used it for iPhone/iPad/iPod management. However, while bringing convenience to people, this program also has its flaws.
Paid. Proprietary. Windows ▼ Support for FM Radio. SMS/Text Message. IExplorer lets you easily transfer music, playlists, text messages, files and more from any iPhone, iPod, or iPad to a Mac or Windows computer and iTunes.
Free. Proprietary. Windows ▼ software-management. Software installer.
As is known to all, you will have to install the QuickTime drive and disk-mounting framework before using this app, which consumes ample computer space. What's worse, it is not good-to-use enough to import photos, music, contacts, etc., to your iOS device. Therefore, an iExplorer alternative is a better choice for you to manage and transfer iOS files on a computer.
iExplorer Review
#1 Coolmuster iOS Assistant
#2 iOS Transfer
#3 Apowersoft Phone Manager
#4 iAny Transfer
#5 iMazing
#6 iMyFone TunesMate
#7 iFunbox
#8 PhoneView
#9 SynciOS Manager
iExplorer Review
iExplorer is an iPhone manager that allows you to transfer music, photos, messages, files, and other data from your iPhone, iPod, or iTunes backup to a Mac or PC. You can swiftly transfer iDevice music to iTunes, export texts and attachments, and mount your iPhone or iPad/iPad/iPod as a USB flash drive with this app.
Below are the pros and cons of iExplorer from user's feedback:
Pros:
* Quick detection.
* Easy to use and lightweight.
* Browses iTunes backups with ease.
Cons:
* Provide limited features in the free version.
* Run slow and even crash during use.
* Cannot transfer files from computer to iOS device.
* Expensive.
* No option to make or transfer ringtones for your iOS device.
* iExplorer will not function well if you don't install the latest version of QuickTime.
* Unfriendly user interface.
#1 Coolmuster iOS Assistant
Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a comprehensive iExplorer alternative that freely exports everything from your iPhone/iPad/iPod to a computer or iTunes backup location and imports contacts, calendars, iTunes backups, bookmarks, and iBooks from the computer to your iDevice. Besides, it can also back up and restore the iOS data on a computer in one click.
Key features:
* One-click to export files from iPhone/iPad/iPod to a computer or iTunes backup location.
* Directly import files from the computer backup to your iDevice, including contacts, bookmarks, iBooks, calendars, iTunes backups, etc.
* Back up and restore all iPhone data in one click.
* Support various file types, like contacts, music, notes, messages, iBooks, apps, videos, photos, bookmarks, calendars, etc.
* Widely compatible with all iPhone, iPad, and iPod models (iOS 14 supported), such as iPhone 12 Pro Max/12 Pro/12/12 mini/SE/11 Pro Max/11 Pro/11, iPod touch 7/6/5/4/3/2/1, iPod classic series, iPod shuffle series, iPod nano series, etc.
Pros:
* One-click operation.
* Preview and choose the files you want to transfer.
* User-friendly and intuitive interface.
* High-speed, secure, and intelligent.
* Fully compatible with all iOS devices and versions, including the latest iPhone 12 and iOS 14.
* No data loss.
Cons:
* Not support jailbreak or locked iPhone.
Further reading:
#2. iOS Transfer
iOS Transfer is an easy-to-use alternative to iExplorer that allows you to sync multiple files among iOS devices, computers, and iTunes. It also offers comprehensive features for managing iOS files on your computer, such as organizing photos, editing music, managing contacts, etc.
Key features:
* Transfer files like photos, music, ringtones, movies, voice memos, contacts, SMS, WhatsApp/Line/WeChat data, call logs, notes, etc., from iOS to computer.
* Also support moving files from iOS to iOS, computer to iOS, iTunes and iOS, iTunes to computer.
* Organize photos on PC: Create photo albums, delete photos, move photos to album on iPhone, etc.
* Manage contacts freely: Remove unwanted contacts, add/edit contacts, de-duplicate contacts.
* Edit music: edit album cover/artist/genre, convert music format, create music playlist, delete music directly.
* Compatible with iOS 6 and later versions.
Pros:
* Intuitive user interface.
* It supports lots of files.
* Amazing features.
* Support muti-direction transfer.
Cons:
Iexplorer Free Alternative Mac Free
* It doesn't have a wireless transfer feature.
* It is not free to use.
Download iOS Transfer from here:
#3 Apowersoft Phone Manager
You can find a lot of software like iExplorer online, but few of them provide an easy operation and wonderful experience to use. Apowersoft Phone Manager is a popular iPhone explorer alternative that gives you a simple approach to manage and switch photos, SMS, contacts, music, notes, apps, and other files between your computer and iPhone. Also, it lets data backup and restoration become an easy thing.
Key features:
* Transfer photos, iBooks, notes, and other files from PC to iPhone and vice versa.
* Manage multimedia files, back up the iPhone data, and restore the computer backups to an iDevice.
* USB and Wi-Fi connection.
* Take mobile screenshots from a computer and mirror the phone screen on a computer.
Pros:
* Easy to use.
* Clean interface.
Cons:
* Only a part of mobile phones supports the screen recording feature.
* Not a free iExplorer alternative.
* It becomes unresponsive on some devices.
Click here to download it.
#4 iAny Transfer
Want to find a free alternative to iExplorer? Although iAny Transfer offers you a charged version of the iOS data management, it is indeed good to use. After connecting your iOS gadget to the computer, it will rapidly exchange music, photos, playlists, iBooks, recordings, contacts, and other data between your iOS devices, from your iOS device to computer/iTunes library, or vice versa.
Key features:
* Copy videos, songs, iBooks, and photos from the PC to your iOS device.
* Move contacts, photos, videos, bookmarks, and music from your iDevice to the computer.
* Automatically convert the audio and video file format to work with your iDevice.
* Migrate files between iOS devices.
* Manage your iOS data on the computer directly.
* Back up and restore the iDevice data.
Pros:
* Manage your iOS data easily.
* Multifunctional and user-friendly.
* Uninstall unwanted programs from your iOS device.
Cons:
* The app cannot run without iTunes. Puffy amiyumi puffy rar.
* Only support the USB connection.
* Not work for the latest iPhone/iPad/iPod models or iOS versions.
* The program needs restarting several times to detect your device.
Click here to download it.
#5 iMazing
Discover other programs like iExplorer that cannot run without iTunes? You won't worry about this on iMazing since it enables you to manage and back up your iOS device on a PC or Mac without running iTunes. Apart from this, this iExplorer alternative lets you copy everything or just the desired items between two iPhones without iCloud.
If you wish to control the iDevice data and keep everything secure fully, this is a reliable tool to consider.
Key features:
* Transfer and back up music, photos, messages, Safari, ringtones, etc., from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer.
* Store, export, and print iPhone text messages/MMS/iMessages/attachments.
* Export music and photos without iCloud or iTunes.
Pros:
* Easy to connect and use.
* Support dragging and dropping the file into the program.
Cons:
* Cannot sort and show the folder's name correctly.
* The Help page does not support any real help.
* Paid program.
Click here to download it.
#6 iMyFone TunesMate
iMyFone TunesMate is another powerful iExplorer alternative. It bridges your iPhone/iPad/iPod and computer and transfers media files between your iDevice and the computer. What's more, you can also move media files between your iDevice and iTunes on this software.
Key features:
* Sync iTunes movies, audiobooks, music, Podcasts, playlists, etc., to your iPhone without data loss.
* Transfer both purchased and non-purchased iPhone music, photos, and videos to a computer.
* Convert a song to a ringtone and transfer it between your iPhone and computer.
* Fully control over the media files: Import, export, delete, and back up.
Pros:
* Fulfil your diverse demands of iOS data management.
* Sync files without data loss.
* Merge iTunes library automatically.
Cons:
* Costly.
* Cannot transfer files wirelessly.
* Only one-way photo transfer.
Click here to download it.
#7 iFunbox
iFunbox is a fantastic alternative to iExplorer that gives you complete control over your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. You can browse the device content on the computer, monitor the whole syncing process, and even convert the .plist files into readable text format and vice versa.
Key features:
* Transfer, manage, and browse iOS files on a computer.
* Convert the binary .plist files into readable text files and vice versa.
* Back up music, videos, and other files from your iOS device.
* Convert and sync any image to the iPhone as the wallpaper.
Pros:
* No need to install the app.
* Easy access to the device content.
* Drag and drop feature is available.
Cons:
* Some features need jailbreaking your iPhone.
* It may crash on some computer versions.
* Sometimes, it cannot connect to the iTunes library.
* Some users report the permission problem during use.
* Outdated design of user interface.
Click here to download it.
#8 PhoneView
Get used to utilizing a Mac computer? Then you must take a look at PhoneView. Unlike other iExplorer alternatives, this app only works on macOS 10.12 or newer versions and provides you a neat interface to browse and manage iOS files. Most importantly, you can preview the text messages and attachments as you do on your iPhone.
Key features:
* View, store, and print most iPhone messages, voice messages, WhatsApp messages, and other data on your Mac.
* Automatically back up messages whenever it detects your iPhone.
* Get access to the entire movies and photos library, including the Photo Stream content and photos synced from iTunes.
Pros:
* User-friendly interface.
* Easy access to the iOS data.
Cons:
* Not available for Windows PC.
Iexplorer For Mac Registration Code
* It crashes now and then.
* Cannot recognize apps most of the time.
Click here to download it.
#9 SynciOS Manager
SynciOS Manager is an easy yet functional alternative to iExplorer. Besides the features that most iExplorer alternatives include, it also makes it easy for you to convert online videos, back up and restore iOS data, and create custom ringtones and text tones.
Key features:
* Back up iOS data to a computer and transfer the computer backups to an Android/iOS device.
* Manage iOS device music, edit song details, and duplicate tracks.
* Preview and export contacts, SMS, and call history to a readable format on a computer.
* Organize the photos or photo albums on a computer effortlessly.
Pros:
* Simple user interface.
* Convenient and easy to use.
Cons:
* Offer limited contact management plan.
* Cannot work without iTunes.
* Not free.
Click here to download it.
The Bottom Line
Given that all iExplorer alternatives above can help you manage, back up, or transfer iOS data, you may get confused about which one to choose. From my perspective, you can select Coolmuster iOS Assistant if you want smooth and quick management of your iDevice. Also, this program is easy to handle. Even though you are a tech novice, you can manage your iOS files by following the on-screen instructions. Thus, why don't you try it now?
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By Gina Barrow, Last updated: January 20, 2020
When it comes to iOS management, we have been using iTunes and iCloud for a while in transferring and managing our photos, music, videos, contacts, and the entire contents. Both iTunes and iCloud have provided easy and user-friendly features.
However, there is no application yet that lets you manage everything in one place. And that’s how the iExplorer came to be. It’s basically an iPhone or iOS device manager where you can handle everything else from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and even iTunes and transfer or back them up to a Mac or PC.
In this article, we will give a closer look and full iExplorer review so you can learn more about this app and decide if this is a better choice.
Part 1. iExplorer Review: Pros and Cons
We are all busy with our daily activities that sometimes we no longer have the time to manage our devices. It is already a hassle when something happens and needs troubleshooting.
Fortunately, there are app developers that have heard this clamor and decided to develop an iOS utility program called iExplorer.
iExplorer is not only limited to file management. In fact, it offers a range of other features such as
- Exporting your SMS
- View calendars, events, and appointments
- Listen to voicemail
- Access your iOS device apps
- Transfer music
- View and export photos
- Browsing iTunes backup
- View and access apps and settings synced to iCloud
- And more…
You can do all these without the need to jailbreak your iOS device and iExplorer also works with jailbroken devices using AFC2 access that allows reading and writing a device’s real root.
Pros of iExplorer
- User-friendly program
- Easy to use with beginner level interface
- 70x faster
- Quick install
- Lightweight
- Free to Try
Cons of Using iExplorer
- Random app freezing and crashing
- Takes time to follow some commands
- Unable to transfer ringtone or customize one
- Pro version is expensive
Part 2. How Does iExplorer Work and How to Install on Mac and PC
Wondering how this program connects your iOS device seamlessly? iExplorer still uses iTunes in order to connect to your device and gain access to your apps and files. Once it has gained connection, it turns your iOS device into an external drive, so you can perform a transfer the normal way.
Iexplorer Alternative Mac Free
Is It Safe to Use?
Yes. According to its CEO, app developers and some user ratings, iExplorer is safe to use. It’s been tested safe and free from malware, Trojans, viruses, spyware, and adware. The installation process is well-secured and follows the highest standards.
How to Install iExplorer on Mac and PC?
Download Iexplorer For Ios
Like any other third-party programs, you can install the iExplorer the same way. It also offers different file download for Mac and Windows computers so anyone can freely install and try.
Upon installation of iExplorer, you need the following:
- Your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch)
- Mac or PC with iTunes installed
- USB cable
- And the iExplorer app
The installation process is quite similar on both Windows and Mac. This guide below is for Windows:
- Download iExplorer on your computer
- Double-click the file to open and begin the installation
- On the pop-up screen, click Run
- Click Allow or Yes on the User Account Control window
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
Does iExplorer Voids Apple Warranty?
All file transfer and management in iExplorer is done manually or based on the user. The software does not change, alter, add or customize your iOS device that may void your warranty. It does not leave any traces as well so no one can tell you have used this program. If your iPhone is still covered with warranty, you don’t have to worry about using iExplorer.
iExplorer does not have access to your passwords, Touch ID, credit cards, and other personal information. It can only read and write data that the USB connection can get like your device name etc…
Part 3. Best Alternatives to iExplorer
Despite the overwhelming benefits of iExplorer, there are a lot of users who are still skeptical about it. If you feel that you are not confident about this program, there here are the best alternatives to iExplorer:
- iMazing – This is also file management and transfer program that lets you transfer music, access your photos, and a free iPhone backup
- Apple Configurator 2 – If you need a program to smoothly deploy all iOS devices in an interface, you can use Apple Configurator 2. It also supports data backup and restore
- SynciOS Manager – This program fully supports cross-platform data management, transfer, and data backup
- Filza File Manager – Another great program you can use as alternative is the Filza File manager which also lets you manage files on root-level access without the need to jailbreak the device.
- WALTR – If you are looking for an excellent way to convert your media contents, then WALTR s for you, it lets you transfer music, photos, videos, and audio files seamlessly unlike the default format which is highly complicated.
Part 4. Summary
Finally, we have discussed a full iExplorer review in this article. Although we haven’t tried using the program to its maximum ability, it does work pretty fine for basic file transfer such as those photos, videos, and music files which are difficult to transfer if you are not familiar with Apple’s complex security.
You can give this app a chance to prove its worth; there is no harm in downloading it for free! But, if you are looking for a better alternative, you can go ahead and browse through the best alternative programs we listed above.
Although, some might not be dedicated to iOS devices alone, most of which are supporting cross-platform data management and are working on both Mac and Windows computers.
In the end, it’s all up to you. We have given both the pros and cons of using iExplorer, how to install and including its security features. You still decide on what's best for you!