Even if you prefer Android, you have to agree that Apple’s AirDrop for transferring data between iOS devices and Macs is quite useful. You literally select the “Share” button, select “Airdrop” and transfer the data. In a few seconds, you transfer a document, picture, or something else to someone. Of course, it is up to you to assess which type of data you want to send (hopefully, not some sensitive data such as those related to your credit card, cryptocurrency wallet – whose funds you can use to gamble at online casinos that support such payment systems and can be found by the link – etc.). No need for USB cables, cloud software, and the like. All you need is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Nearby Share, a Google app, is an alternative, however, it currently only supports Android and Chrome OS. If you want to transfer data, say to a PC, then you need an additional application to do so. Check FileWhopper for more information. With these apps, we will mention in the text, you can send pictures, apps, videos, and more from one device to another. So, let’s see what is on offer…
1. ShareMe (free)
Xiaomi’s app is one of the most basic Android alternatives to AirDrop. To send a file to another device, that person must also have this application installed. To exchange data, it is enough to scan the QR code and use the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi network to send it. The web share option, meanwhile, creates a temporary hotspot. Then another device, including the PC, can receive the file. This method is a bit strange because a new SSID and password are generated each time, but it works quite solidly.
Also, you may need a password manager to keep your passwords safe. Besides helping you out when you forget your password, it can also be helpful when you need to transfer password to a new phone. If you want to know how to transfer password to a new iPhone, you can click here.
The easiest way to exchange mobile and PC data is via the “Share to PC” option. Let’s suppose your phone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network – you need to set up the FTP server you are accessing from your PC. It is not hard, but it takes a little effort to set everything up the first time.
2. Snapdrop (free)
Technically, Snapdrop should not fall into this list as it is not a native Android app. Instead, this is a web application that you can access through a web browser on any of your devices be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
As soon as you open the Snapdrop website, your device gets a name. Also, see all the other device names that are on the same network as you and have this app open. Click or tap another user’s icon to open the file browser. This opens a window where you can select the data you want to send to the other device. Then the user you are sending the file to can choose to download the file to his device or ignore it.
This is a very simple option that does not require additional applications, is open source, and has no ads.
3. Zapya WebShare (free)
Zapya WebShare allows you to share applications between your device and another device using a graphical interface in a web browser. From there, you can view images, play videos and audio, share your phone screen, and even remotely control your camera. What we like is the ability to see previews of the files before sending them to each other between devices. This is useful if you are looking for a specific image or video.
As a bonus, Zapya WebShare also has a “GIF maker”, video recording of mobile phones, and storage cleaner for your phone. You may not use any of it, but it is not bad to have these options. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove ads which is a shame because they can be very irritating and often pop up covering the entire screen. But, in any case, a useful application.
4. Easy Share (free)
To share files from one phone to another using this app, both persons that want to do so must have Easy Share running. One person must tap “Share”, and the other selects the “Send” option.
You can access Easy Share’s HTTP server using a web browser. The application gives you the IP address you enter in the browser. This allows you to access and view everything on your phone. It looks similar to the FTP browser of ShareMe, but with the added ability to transfer files.
Easy Share is not a particularly powerful application, but it is easy to use and the ads are unobtrusive. If they annoy you, an upgrade with a small fee will remove them.
5. PushBullet (free, but there is a subscription)
PushBullet creates a connection between your phone and computer, allowing you to not only share files but also access and send text messages. File sharing works through an interface similar to a messaging app.
The free version works well but limits some elements, such as the size of the files you can send and the total storage you get. Subscribing to PushBullet Pro significantly increases these restrictions, but it is not cheap. PushBullet also allows you to sign up for feed notifications that will send you news and announcements from various sources.
6. AirDroid (free, but there is a subscription)
AirDroid started as a way to transfer files from your phone to your desktop computer, but over time it has grown and includes many more features. Today it includes remote control capabilities, screen capture, screen mirroring, backups, and more.
Unlike most of the applications used here, you need to log in or create an account to be able to use it. AirDroid allows you to add up to two devices to your account. As for file transfers, the free version limits you to 30 MB. This increases to 1 GB for the premium version but is too expensive for what it offers. For smaller files, up to the aforementioned 30 MB, AirDroid is a great thing. Assuming the free version restrictions work for you, this is a great way to browse the contents of your phone on another device.
7. Sweech (free, but there is a subscription)
Sweech works similarly to WebShare and AirDroid. It creates an IP address that you type into a web browser on another device to open the Sweech interface. From there, you can view and download files or transfer data to your phone. The interface works on the drag-and-drop principle which is very useful and easy to use.
You can also send files directly to another phone. Sweech will generate a unique URL for this, as well as a QR code that other phone users can scan with their cameras. NFC and Android Beam also work here. The premium version adds some useful features, such as password protection and encryption, but even without that upgrade, Sweech has no ads and no limits on the file size you can share.
