The strongest WP File Manager alternative for most sites is FileOrganizer, which pairs the same in-dashboard file access with a cleaner interface and safer role controls. For a capable free option, Advanced File Manager covers browsing, editing, and archives without a paywall, while Filester adds a more modern editor. We ranked these from our index of 55,000+ WordPress plugins.

Why people switch from WP File Manager

• WP File Manager’s history of security vulnerabilities pushes cautious admins toward FileOrganizer or Filester for tighter access controls.
• The free interface feels dated, so people move to FileOrganizer for a cleaner dashboard experience.
• Advanced operations sit behind the pro upsell, so some switch to Advanced File Manager for more in the free tier.

FileOrganizer – Overall replacement

FileOrganizer is a file manager from Themeisle, the team behind Neve and Otter Blocks, built for managing, editing, and organising files inside wp-admin. Against WP File Manager, it offers a cleaner interface and more granular role and permission controls. Its drawback is a smaller feature set at the top end, so power users may find fewer advanced operations than older managers.

Choose FileOrganizer if you want a modern, well-maintained replacement with sensible role controls.

Advanced File Manager – Free capability

Advanced File Manager is a full-featured manager that handles browsing, editing, uploading, and archive extraction from the dashboard. Against WP File Manager, it exposes more of its functionality in the free version, including operations others reserve for pro. Its drawback is an interface that can feel cluttered, and its broad file access needs careful permission settings on multi-user sites.

Choose Advanced File Manager if you want the most capability without paying.

Filester – Modern editor

Filester is File Manager Pro from Ninja Team, with a modern UI and a strong code editor for on-the-fly edits. Against WP File Manager, it feels more contemporary and adds features like front-end file sharing. Its drawback is that the most useful capabilities, such as private folders and advanced controls, are gated behind the paid tier.

Choose Filester if you want the most polished editing experience.

advanced-file-manager – Premium extension

Advanced File Manager Pro is the premium companion that layers extra controls, cloud connections, and user restrictions onto the core file manager. Against WP File Manager, it targets teams needing fine-grained access and remote storage. Its drawback is that it is premium-only and overkill if you just need occasional edits to a theme or plugin file.

Choose advanced-file-manager if you need cloud storage links and detailed user restrictions.

When to stay on WP File Manager

Stay on WP File Manager if it is already configured, locked down, and doing the occasional edit you need without trouble. It remains a capable manager, and as long as you keep it updated and limit access to trusted admins, there is little urgency to move. Rebuilding your file workflow is only worth it for a real gain in safety or usability.

How we ranked these

Every plugin here is scored by the WPS Score, a single 0 to 10 rating built from 21 signals covering maintenance, support responsiveness, compatibility, performance, and ratings quality across our index of 55,000+ plugins. Rankings are derived from that data, not editorial preference, and no plugin author can pay to change a score. How the WPS Score works.

Frequently asked questions

Is WP File Manager safe to use?

WP File Manager is safe when kept fully updated, though it has had serious security vulnerabilities in the past that were later patched. Because it grants direct file access, limit it to trusted administrators. Alternatives like FileOrganizer and Filester offer tighter role controls if you manage a multi-user site.

What is the best free WP File Manager alternative?

Advanced File Manager is the strongest free alternative, exposing browsing, editing, and archive extraction without a paywall. FileOrganizer also has a capable free tier with a cleaner interface. Both let you manage files from the dashboard without FTP.

Do I still need FTP if I use a file manager plugin?

A file manager plugin covers most day-to-day edits, so you rarely need FTP for small changes. However, if the plugin breaks the site or you cannot log in, FTP or your host’s file manager remains the reliable fallback. Keeping one available is wise.

The verdict

The best all-round WP File Manager alternative is FileOrganizer for its clean interface and safer controls, while Advanced File Manager wins on free capability and Filester on editing polish. If your current setup is locked down and trouble-free, staying on WP File Manager remains a reasonable choice.