Files by Google is one of the better free apps Google has shipped. It does basic storage cleanup, identifies junk categories, and works as a general-purpose file manager. For a lot of users, it is already on their phone and good enough.
But it has real gaps. No duplicate photo detection. No image compression. No way to find all the WhatsApp duplicates that have accumulated over three years. If those gaps are why you are looking for an alternative, this list is for you.
Why people switch away from Files by Google
The most common reasons:
- Duplicate photos not found. Files by Google can identify "similar photos" in some versions, but it does not do exact-match duplicate detection across your whole library.
- No image compression. You cannot reduce the size of existing photos without deleting them.
- Limited control over what gets deleted. The "junk" categories are pre-defined; you cannot dig into specifics.
- Cloud integration you do not want. Files by Google nudges you toward Google Drive and Google Photos. If you prefer to stay offline, the reminders get old.
Alternatives by use case
For duplicate photo removal: FreeMemory
FreeMemory scans your entire photo and file library, groups exact duplicates by MD5 hash, and lets you delete the extras while keeping one copy. This is the cleaner use case that Files by Google does not cover.
It also compresses JPEGs on-device (no upload), cleans up screenshots via a swipe interface, and finds large files sorted by size. The app has no internet permission — nothing is sent anywhere.
Where Files by Google wins over FreeMemory: better file browser, better search, nearby file sharing. If you need to actually navigate your folder structure or move files around, Files by Google is the more capable tool.
Best for: users whose main problem is duplicate photos or oversized JPEGs.
For deep system cleaning: SD Maid
SD Maid handles things Files by Google does not attempt: leftover data from uninstalled apps (called corpse files), database analysis, and — with root access — system-level cleanup. The free version covers the basics. SD Maid Pro unlocks the full feature set.
Where SD Maid wins over FreeMemory: on a rooted device, SD Maid Pro goes deeper than any app here. For non-rooted users the gap is smaller.
Where it falls short: the Pro version costs money. The free version is limited. Non-rooted users see less benefit.
For file management: Cx File Explorer
If what you actually want is a better file browser — folder tree, FTP access, ZIP support, network drives — Cx File Explorer is the most capable free option. It is not a storage cleaner, but if Files by Google's file management feels limited, Cx is a direct upgrade.
For recovering deleted files: Dumpster
If the reason you are moving away from Files by Google is that you deleted something by accident and want an undo option, Dumpster is the right tool. It acts as a recycle bin: files you delete go to Dumpster first, and you can restore them within the free storage window.
Honest comparison
| Feature | Files by Google | FreeMemory | SD Maid (Free) | Cx File Explorer | |---|---|---|---|---| | File browser | Good | Limited | Basic | Excellent | | Junk cleanup | Basic | No | Good | No | | Duplicate detection | No | Yes (exact match) | Partial | No | | Image compression | No | Yes (JPEG) | No | No | | Internet required | Optional | No | No | Optional | | Ads | No | No | No | No | | Cost | Free | Free | Free / Paid Pro | Free |
Which one to install
You do not have to replace Files by Google — you can add to it. FreeMemory for duplicate removal and compression, Files by Google for day-to-day file browsing. They do not conflict.
If you want a single replacement:
- Best all-round: Files by Google is still the most polished general app. Switch only if it is missing something specific you need.
- Best for duplicate cleanup: FreeMemory.
- Best for power users on rooted devices: SD Maid Pro.
- Best file manager: Cx File Explorer.