Comparison
WPIDE vs Filester: Two Free WordPress File Managers Compared
Filester is a completely free file manager. WPIDE's file manager and code editor are free too. Here is what each one does better.
Last checked October 29, 2026. Prices in US dollars, as listed by each vendor.
The short answer
Choose WPIDE if
- You edit PHP and want checks, automatic backups and a recovery wizard
- You want code snippets and a snippet library in the same plugin
- You may later want a database manager, image editor or conversion tracking
Choose Filester if
- You want everything free, with no paid version at all
- You need per-role file settings such as hidden folders and locked extensions
- You want image editing for free, through Photopea
WPIDE vs Filester, feature by feature
| Feature | WPIDE | Filester |
|---|---|---|
| On WordPress.org | ||
| Active installs | 40,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Rating | 4.8/5 (306 ratings) | 4.9/5 (155 ratings) |
| Paid version | Optional | None, fully free |
| Free features | ||
| File operations without FTP | Included | Included |
| Archives | Zip | ZIP, RAR, XZ, TAR, GZIP |
| Code editor | ACE, tabs, WordPress autocomplete | ACE, CodeMirror and others |
| PHP checked before saving, automatic backups | Included | Not listed |
| Recovery wizard for a broken site | Included | Not listed |
| Image editing | Paid plans | Photopea and TUI editor |
| Per-role file settings | Not included | Included |
| Search and replace inside files | In the editor | Included |
| Code snippets and 3,000+ snippet library | Included | Not included |
| Database manager | Paid plans | Not included |
"Not listed" means the vendor does not describe the feature on the pages we checked.
Pricing
| Feature | WPIDE | Filester |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Free | Free |
| Paid plans | Basic: $49 first year, then $99/year (1 site) | None |
WPIDE's prices are live from its pricing page; the other plugin's are as listed on its site on the date above.
Safety when you edit code
Filester gives you several editors to choose from. WPIDE focuses on one, with a safety net for PHP: it refuses to save code that would not run, backs up the file first, and offers the File Recovery Wizard if the site still breaks.
Where Filester is ahead
Filester is entirely free, includes image editing through Photopea and lets you set file rules per role: a root folder, hidden folders, locked file types and upload limits. If those are what you need, it is a strong choice.
How to switch from Filester to WPIDE
- Install the free WPIDE plugin from WordPress.org and activate it.
- Open WPIDE from the dashboard; it starts in wp-content.
- Deactivate the other file manager once you no longer need it.
WPIDE vs Filester: questions
Are WPIDE and Filester both free?
Yes. Filester has no paid version. WPIDE's file manager, code editor and code snippets are free, with optional paid plans for developer tools, tracking and AI.
Which is safer for editing PHP?
WPIDE checks PHP before saving, backs up each file and can restore it with the File Recovery Wizard. Filester does not list these features.
Sources
Checked on October 29, 2026. Filester and its logo are trademarks of their owner; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Get Started with WPIDE
Install the free plugin from WordPress.org, or try any paid plan free for 14 days.