Best File Folders
Top file folders ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Smead Manila File Folders 100-Pack
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Durable 11-point manila stock
- Durable 11-point manila stock
- Reinforced tab prevents tearing
Cons
- Plain manila offers no color coding
- Plain manila offers no color coding
- Standard weight bends with heavy contents
Don't buy this if…
- These are letter-size only — legal-size documents will extend beyond the folder edges.
- These are letter-size only — legal-size documents will extend beyond the folder edges.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 5-color coding system
- 5-color coding system
- Matching interior prevents misfiling
Cons
- Colors may vary between batches
- Colors may vary between batches
- Tabs are not reinforced
Don't buy this if…
- The dye on colored folders can transfer to documents in humid environments.
- The dye on colored folders can transfer to documents in humid environments.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Pre-printed monthly tabs
- Pre-printed monthly tabs
- Elastic flap closure
Cons
- Gets bulky when full
- Gets bulky when full
- Pockets can be hard to separate
Don't buy this if…
- Overstuffing individual pockets will warp the file and make it difficult to close.
- Overstuffing individual pockets will warp the file and make it difficult to close.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Budget-friendly bulk pack
- Budget-friendly bulk pack
- Repositionable clear tabs
Cons
- Thin stock wears with heavy use
- Thin stock wears with heavy use
- Green-only color option
Don't buy this if…
- The included plastic tab inserts are narrow — use a fine-tip pen to write legible labels.
- The included plastic tab inserts are narrow — use a fine-tip pen to write legible labels.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Reinforced steel hooks prevent slipping
- Reinforced steel hooks prevent slipping
- 2-inch expansion for bulky files
Cons
- Heavier than standard hanging folders
- Heavier than standard hanging folders
- Expansion may not fit tight cabinets
Don't buy this if…
- The 2-inch expansion reduces the number of folders that fit in a standard file drawer.
- The 2-inch expansion reduces the number of folders that fit in a standard file drawer.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Ultra-durable 25-point pressboard
- Ultra-durable 25-point pressboard
- Two built-in dividers
Cons
- Expensive per folder
- Expensive per folder
- Too bulky for standard filing systems
Don't buy this if…
- SafeSHIELD fasteners require a specific folding technique described in the included instructions.
- SafeSHIELD fasteners require a specific folding technique described in the included instructions.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Extra-large easy-read tabs
- Extra-large easy-read tabs
- Printable tab inserts
Cons
- Thin divider material
- Thin divider material
- Inserts can slide out of tabs
Don't buy this if…
- Tab inserts are not adhesive and can fall out if the binder is carried vertically.
- Tab inserts are not adhesive and can fall out if the binder is carried vertically.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 5 bright colors for coding
- 5 bright colors for coding
- Affordable 50-pack value
Cons
- 9-point stock is thinner than premium
- 9-point stock is thinner than premium
- Colors can fade in sunlight
Don't buy this if…
- Direct sunlight exposure will cause the folder colors to fade significantly within months.
- Direct sunlight exposure will cause the folder colors to fade significantly within months.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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