Google is reportedly testing a new ‘Fast Share‘ which works similarly to Apple’s Airdrop. That’s it lets you share photos, text, and other files to nearby devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct without the Internet. But also allows cross-platform sharing between iPhones, Android smartphones, and more. Unfortuley, there’s no word on when Fast Share will be officially announced, so until then here are some of the alternatives for Airdrops and these work across all the platforms including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Best Airdrop Alternative
1. SHAREit
SHAREit has been the defacto choice for wireless file sharing. In fact, many of the users are unaware of the technology and they often confuse it with a feature like Bluetooth. The application is pretty popular, some of that credit goes to the fact that the app comes pre-installed on many of Lenovo’s Android devices.
SHAREit works by creating an invisible hotspot (WiFi direct) and then transfers the file by using the same. The users have to search for the receivers’ WiFi network and it also offers a QR scanning method that can be used to send files to PC. Availability– Windows, iOS, Android, macOS Verdict– I have used Shareit a gazillion times and it has worked fine. However, since the last few updates, the app has gone haywire and it has become pretty difficult to connect devices and transfer the files. That being said the Shareit still scores on the utilitarian front and is perhaps the most widely used wireless file transfer tool. Download SHAREit (Free, with ads)
2. Zapya
Zapya is also a quite famous file transfer app among mobile users. The app is apparently known for its seamless connectivity and the ease with which it can be used. Zapya works by creating a WiFi hotspot and allows users to share files without bothering about the internet connection. The app was initially launched for the Chinese market but it has now got some good traction in countries like Myanmar, Pakistan, and India.
Availability – Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Verdict – After having used Zapya a couple of times, I do find it a compelling AirDrop alternative. The ease of use coupled with the fast speed helps Zapya gain some brownie points. The best part is that users can create a group and transfer files across the entire group in a single go. Download Zapya (Free, with ads)
3. Xender
Xender is quite similar to the previous 2 apps i.e. SHAREit and Zapya. All 3 of them boast of over 100 million downloads and claim to be 200 times faster than the conventional Bluetooth connection.
The first time I used Xender was when it was bundled with Asus’ phone a couple of years ago. While the initial releases were full of bugs the app seems to have finally gained some pace and earned a place for itself. It supports data transfer between Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Xender also offers a group sharing feature that is pretty much similar to the one offered by Zapya and SHAREit. Availability– Xender has a dedicated app for Android and iOS. For PC and for macOS, you can use Xender Web. Verdict – Xender is easy to use and has a better UI compare to Zapya and SHAREit. Another cool thing (or should I say creepy?) about Xender is that both the sender and receiver can see the apps, videos, and music files on the other phone. Download Xender (Free, with ads)
4. Send Anywhere
While most apps in the list use WiFi for file transfer, Send Anywhere is a bit different. It uses the P2P file transfer protocol, meaning your files are sent over the Internet but without saving them on any server. So, you can send files not only to people connected to your WiFi but also to your friends in a different city. Though, this also means, Send Anywhere requires an internet connection to transfer files. Between Android devices, however, you can transfer files without an internet connection using Wi-Fi Direct mode.
Like most apps, both parties first need to install Send Anywhere app on their respective devices (or you can also use their website). Next, open the app, and drag and drop or locate the file, you want to be sent. Once the file is ready to share, Send Anywhere will generate a 6 code. Share that code with the recipient of the file. Now, the recipient has to open the app, click the Receive button, enter the six-digit code, and the file will start downloading. Available – Send Anywhere app is available for all platforms — Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome Extension. If the sender or recipient doesn’t want to install the app, they can still send and receive the files using the Send Anywhere website. Verdict – Send Anywhere is a good alternative to Airdrop, that not only offers some privacy but is also completely cross-platform. The app is completely free with no file transfer limit. Download SendAnywhere (Free)
5. Snap Share
Snap Share is a relatively lesser-known wireless file transfer app. However, this app is published by Cheetah Mobile, the same folks who have developed apps like Clean Master. Similar to the other apps, Snap Share can transfer photos, music, ringtones, apps, e-books, docs, and other file types across various devices. It doesn’t require an internet connection as the app creates its own hotspot. The publishers claim that Snap Share is 150x times faster than Bluetooth.
Availability – Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Verdict– Everything worked fine with Snap Share with no snags whatsoever. Sharing files is a breeze thanks to the drag and drop feature. The main highlight of Snap Share is that it can be used even when the devices are more than 500 ft apart and this is something that other file transfer apps struggle to achieve. Download Snap Share (Free)
6. File Pizza
Let us just agree no one likes to share their Pizzas but what if there is a Pizza that helps you share stuff! Confused? Don’t be. File Pizza is an open-source application that works by using WebRTC. The tool eliminates the need for an initial upload step that is usually used by other web-based file transferring services.
Availability – File Pizza doesn’t have a dedicated app, but as long as you have a web browser you can use it on any system whether if it’s Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, etc. Verdict – That being said this service is web-based and a “tempalink” will be created for recipients. I personally prefer File Pizza since it doesn’t store data on an intermediary server and is pretty fast, safe and reliable as well. Visit File Pizza (Free)
7. Instashare
Instashare is yet another file transferring service that works sans the need for the internet. The UI is pretty straightforward and Instashare can be used to share any type of files without any restrictions whatsoever. Thankfully, the app also works without the need to punch in the individual password and without any pairing.
Availability – Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Verdict – Instashare works flawlessly well while transferring files from my MacBook to Android smartphone. Why this needs a mention is that some of the file transfer apps struggle when it comes to devices of the different operating systems. Download Instashare (Free)
8. Snapdrop
Okay, the best one yet. Snapdrop is the closest you can get to Airdrop functionality on any non-Apple device. It works like this, open snapdrop.net on a web browser on both devices. The devices will be discovered automatically and then you can simply initiate the transfer. As it is just a website, you can access it on any platform.
Availability- Snapdrop is available for the web. Verdict- The only caveat with this method is the slow transfer speeds. I’ve used both AirDrop and Snapdrop simultaneously but AirDrop is significantly faster. However, if you are going to use it for just small files then it should be fine. Check out Snapdrop
Best AirDrop Alternative
The apps we have mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to check out some of the other apps like Dukto R6, Nitro Share, Feem, File drop, and Share drop. I would personally recommend using each app for a considerable amount of time before deciding on “the one”! While from the above lot I use SHAREit as it is the most trusted one currently.
