Android: NAS access - 3 good apps compared

If you want to have access to a NAS with your Android device, you need a suitable app. There is a lot of choice in the Play Store - we show you in this practical tip which apps are particularly suitable for NAS access.

NAS access and more with ES File Explorer

The Android app ES File Explorer is one of the most popular file managers for Android. It supports a variety of interfaces, such as various cloud providers, FTP servers or your own NAS. We describe further advantages of the ES File Explorer in the following list.

• The ES File Explorer is an all-in-one app that supports numerous other devices in addition to a NAS. With its help, you can also manage the data stored on the Android device.
• The app offers an integrated media player so that you can view pictures and videos directly.
• You can operate the ES File Explorer intuitively - a learning phase is not necessary.
• The app is an "out-of-the-box" solution that you don't have to expand with plugins.

NAS access via the NAS manufacturer's app

Usually, the manufacturers of a NAS each offer their own app to manage and view the files on it. The two best-known NAS manufacturers - QNAP with Qfile and Synology with DS file - each have their own app on offer. In contrast to the usual file managers, only the manufacturer's NAS can be connected. The following list tells you what makes these apps so special.

• The advantage of these apps is that you can easily add and manage the manufacturer's own NAS devices.
• The user interface is self-explanatory - but also a little minimalistic.
• You should give preference to the NAS manufacturer's app if you do not want to manage different NAS and can do without additional features.

For advanced users: Access to the NAS with the Total Commander + LAN plugin

Total Commander is a file manager with a very wide range of functions. However, this app focuses on the pure management of files. For example, it is not possible to view pictures or videos. In addition, the user interface takes some getting used to for inexperienced users. In the following list we explain when Total Commander could still be worth a try.

• If you are not afraid of a longer induction period, Total Commander is the right choice. The familiarization could take some time, but you can work even more productively with this app.
• Total Commander is known for the fact that it can be expanded with numerous plugins. If you need this feature, there is no way around the Total Commander.
• Total Commander has a very large following. If you want other users to help you quickly with problems with the app, you should choose them.
• You can find instructions on Total Commander as a photo spread on our CHIP page.

This article applies to the Android operating system. Nevertheless, it is possible that individual apps are also available for other operating systems. If you have not yet decided on a NAS: We will show you how the two manufacturers QNAP and Synology do in a direct comparison.