Fileapp Pro vs. Goodreader – Which is Best?

The iPad is fantastic for proofreading Word docs, reading PDF files, organizing images, watching videos and listening to audio. But sadly, one thing it really lacks is a decent file management tool. Stepping in to fill this role are apps like Fileapp Pro and Goodreader. Both are affordable and well designed solutions that let you make folders, group items together and create a more desktop feel when working with documents on the iPad. And the price of both apps is extremely low, so you have no excuse for not having at least one of them on your device. But the question is which one?

Both apps support sending files through iTunes file sharing and through a wireless connection. Both support making folders and can launch external apps like Pages, Quickoffice and others. Both apps can view multiple document format types like Word, Excel, PDF, JPG, MP3, MP4 and regular text files. You can copy files, delete them, print them and email them. You can even unzip files and make slideshows of images. When you through the myriad of features it sounds like they have all the same capabilities right?

Well, not quite.

Goodreader nudges ahead and gets the tip of the hat for two reasons. One, it supports connecting to Dropbox so you can import your cloud files and store them in the iPad. Second, there is a built in browser so you can download files directly from the web and store them in Goodreader. Find an MP3 on the web? Goodreader will get it. Find a ZIP file with the documents you need? Goodreader will open it and store it. Comes across a PDF from a site link? Goodreader can open it.

These two functions push Goodreader to the top of the pile. It’s a great PDF reader, but it does so much more. It’s a great file management tool and is a great launch point for working with documents. You can store your text files, read your PDFs, download music and check out Word docs all from within the same app. Too bad the iPad doesn’t have Goodreader built in.