If you're a solo user on Windows looking for a modern alternative to File Explorer, go with Files. It offers an intuitive design with features like tabs and dual panes, plus the added benefit of tags and column views. However, keep in mind it’s only available on Windows and might have some quirks since it's still in development.
On the other hand, if you need a robust solution for secure PDF processing across multiple platforms, choose Stirling-PDF. It’s well-suited for businesses handling a high volume of documents, but be aware that its paid model can become costly based on your usage. If mobile document management is crucial for you or you want a completely free tool, Stirling-PDF may not be the best fit.