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PureRef vs Solid Explorer

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

PureRef icon
PureRef
Solid Explorer icon
Solid Explorer

PureRef vs Solid Explorer: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

PureRef: PureRef is a free, lightweight application for Windows that helps artists and designers quickly view visual references without cluttering their workspace. It's useful for keeping photos, drawings, webpages, etc. easily accessible while working on graphics, illustrations, presentations, documents, and more.

Solid Explorer: Solid Explorer is a popular dual-pane file manager and explorer app for Android. It allows browsing files and folders on internal storage, SD cards, cloud storage services, and network locations. Key features include tabbed browsing, drag and drop support, archiving, hidden folders, and custom themes.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature PureRef Solid Explorer
Sugggest Score — —
Category Photos & Graphics File Management
Pricing Free —

Product Overview

PureRef
PureRef

Description: PureRef is a free, lightweight application for Windows that helps artists and designers quickly view visual references without cluttering their workspace. It's useful for keeping photos, drawings, webpages, etc. easily accessible while working on graphics, illustrations, presentations, documents, and more.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer

Description: Solid Explorer is a popular dual-pane file manager and explorer app for Android. It allows browsing files and folders on internal storage, SD cards, cloud storage services, and network locations. Key features include tabbed browsing, drag and drop support, archiving, hidden folders, and custom themes.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

PureRef
PureRef Features
  • Tabbed interface to organize references
  • Resizable panels
  • Zoom and pan images
  • Minimal UI
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Search references
  • Fullscreen mode
  • Portable app
  • Dark mode
Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer Features
  • Dual-pane file manager
  • Tabbed browsing
  • Drag and drop support
  • Archiving and extracting files
  • Hidden folders
  • Custom themes
  • Cloud storage integration
  • FTP, SFTP, WebDav support
  • SQLite database viewer
  • Batch rename tool

Pros & Cons Analysis

PureRef
PureRef

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Clean and simple interface
  • Easy to use
  • Good for quick reference viewing
  • Free with no ads or limitations

Cons

  • Limited features compared to full reference managers
  • No cloud sync
  • Windows only
Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer

Pros

  • Great UI and UX
  • Fast and smooth performance
  • Lots of customization options
  • Support for a wide range of cloud services
  • Advanced file management features

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • No support for exFAT drives
  • Pro features require unlocker purchase

Pricing Comparison

PureRef
PureRef
  • Free
Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

PureRef
PureRef
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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