# Network Browser

> Browse network files with Network Browser!

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ape.apps.networkbrowser](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ape.apps.networkbrowser)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.ape.apps.networkbrowser`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Brandon Stecklein
- **Category:** TOOLS
- **Downloads:** 2,410,005
- **Rating:** 3.98 / 5 (20,371 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.8.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-21
- **First published:** 2013-11-11
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 36 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ape.apps.networkbrowser)
- **Website:** [https://apps.ape-apps.com/network-browser/](https://apps.ape-apps.com/network-browser/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://apps.ape-apps.com/network-browser/privacy.html](https://apps.ape-apps.com/network-browser/privacy.html)

## Description

**Network Browser** is a versatile Chrome extension designed to help users easily browse files on Windows or Samba network shares. It supports connections to Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX smb samba shared folders via IP address, allowing guest or authenticated access. Users can open files directly on their Android systems using default apps.

The extension supports streaming mp3 music and mp4/m4v videos, making it a powerful home media streaming solution, including compatibility with Android TV devices. Though uploading and saving files is not yet supported, the developer is open to feature requests, aiming to evolve Network Browser into a fully functional network file manager and Windows networking utility. Based on the JCIFS library, it offers seamless network file navigation and media playback across devices.

## Rankings

- #40,111 — Overall
- #28 — network

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_BASIC_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.android.vending.CHECK_LICENSE`
- `com.ape.apps.networkbrowser.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`

## Review summary

User reviews are mixed. Many praise the app for good Windows-network sharing and straightforward navigation, but the majority report serious downsides: persistent ads, crashes, and unreliable file transfers. Usability hurdles (blank screens, login prompts) and occasional connectivity issues exacerbate the experience. Overall, it can be effective for network browsing when it runs smoothly, but reliability and ad policy are major concerns.

### Pros

- Strong support for Windows shares and home networks with easy network discovery.
- Clear folder navigation and intuitive browsing of network resources.
- Generally fast performance when connections are stable.
- Useful ability to copy folders/files from network shares to the local device.

### Cons

- Intrusive, frequent ads (including full-screen/popup ads) even after paying for the app.
- Frequent crashes and instability during use or when uploading files.
- File transfer problems such as incomplete or corrupted copies from network shares.
- Usability and UX issues like blank screens, login prompts, and needing to know IP addresses to browse.
- Intermittent connection reliability requiring restarts.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ape.apps.networkbrowser)