File Viewer for Android vs Polaris Viewer Plus

File Viewer for Android combines a file viewer and file manager, opening more than 200 file types on Android devices. It covers PDFs, Office documents, eBooks, email files, audio and video, images, camera raw files, and archives. Its tools can convert documents to PDF, extract archives, view and install APKs, display metadata and checksums, and show source code with syntax highlighting. The file explorer browses, searches, and manages files on device storage and SD cards. FileInfo.com integration can show a file’s type, popularity, category, and developer. Files are opened locally rather than sent over the Internet for processing or rendering. The app is free and ad-supported; an optional Pro in-app purchase offers an ad-free experience and additional features, with no price listed. It requires Android 9.0 or later. It does not support every file type, and eBooks must be non-DRM protected. Sharpened Productions, based in Minneapolis, says it was founded in 2003.

Polaris Viewer Plus is a document viewer for viewing and annotating original files across Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. It offers pen-writing tools and tabbed viewing for keeping several documents open and switching between them. Listed formats include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, HWP, and PNG; additional template, macro, image, CSV, and text formats are supported for viewing only. The product lists Excel filters, slide notes, and bookmarks, and Palm Rejection separates pen from touch input. Its product page says document data is managed in volatile memory to prevent leakage. Viewer Plus is installed on the client and does not require an extra conversion server. It is described as compatible with groupware, electronic document management systems, and DRM solutions. Storage integration and logo insertion are available for workspace customization. Mobile requirements are iOS 15.0 or later and Android 10 or later. The page directs prospective customers to contact sales; no price is listed.