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The Best Android Apps That Can Replace AirDrop
The Best Android Apps That Can Replace AirDrop
Even if you're an Android fan, you have to admit that Apple's AirDrop is pretty handy, as it makes transferring files between iOS devices and Macs quick and easy. No USB cables or cloud software required – you just find other devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and transfer the data over.
Google has an alternative called Nearby Share , but it only supports Android and Chrome OS at the moment, so if you want to share data with your PC, you'll need a separate app to do the job.
With these Android apps, you can send photos, apps, videos, and more from one device to another easily.
This Xiaomi app is one of the most basic alternatives to AirDrop. To send files to another phone, the other person also needs to have the app installed. To exchange, just scan a QR code to share data via Bluetooth or Wifi.
ShareMe
The Webshare option creates a special hotspot that other devices, including PCs, can then access to receive files. It's a bit awkward since you have to create a new SSID and password every time, but it works fine.
The easiest way to share files with your PC is to use the Share to PC feature. Assuming your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, an FTP server will be set up from your PC's web browser. However, it doesn't let you view thumbnails or select multiple files at once, like some AirDrop-like apps for Android do.
Technically, Snapdrop doesn’t fit into this list, as it’s not actually an Android app. Instead, it’s a web app that you access from your device’s web browser.
Snapdrop
As soon as you open the Snapdrop website, your device will receive a name. You will also see the names of any other devices on your network while the page is open.
Tap or click another user's icon to open the file browser. This allows you to select what you want to send. The other user then has the option to ignore or download the file.
3. Zapya WebShare
WebShare lets you share apps between your phone and another device, using a graphical interface in your web browser.
From there, you can view photos, play video and audio, share your phone screen, and even control your camera remotely. You can preview files before transferring.
Zapya WebShare
Additionally, WebShare also includes a GIF maker, screen recording function, and phone memory cleaner.
Unfortunately, there is no way to remove ads in this application. This is a pity, because sometimes ads can be a bit annoying, appearing frequently and covering most of the screen.
4. Easy Share
To share files between two phones using this app, both must use the Easy Share app. One person taps Share; the other taps Send.
Easy Share
When used with a web browser, you can access Easy Share's HTTP server. The app provides you with an IP address that you enter into your browser. This allows you to access and browse everything on your phone.
It looks similar to ShareMe's FTP browser, but with the added ability to upload files.
Easy Share isn't a particularly powerful app, but it's easy to use and the ads aren't too intrusive. If the ads bother you, upgrading for a small fee will remove them.
5. Pushbullet
Pushbullet creates a link between your phone and PC, allowing you to not only share files, but also access and send text messages. File sharing works through an interface that looks like a messaging app.
Pushbullet
The free version works fine, but limits a few things, like the file size you can send and the total amount of data you receive. A Pushbullet Pro subscription removes those limits, but it’s not cheap.
Pushbullet also lets you subscribe to notification feeds, which will send you news and notifications from a variety of sources.
6. AirDroid
AirDroid started out as just a way to transfer files from your phone to your desktop, but over time it has grown to include more features. Today it includes remote control functionality, screen recording, screen mirroring, backup options, and more.
AirDroid
Unlike most of the apps here, you have to sign in to use it. AirDroid lets you add up to two devices to your account. As for file transfers, the free version is limited to 30MB. A yearly Pro subscription bumps that up to 1GB, but it's quite pricey.
If the free version suits your needs, this is a great way to browse your phone's content on another device.
7. Sweech
Sweech works just like WebShare and AirDroid. It creates an IP address that you enter into a web browser on another device to open the Sweech interface. From there, you can preview and download files or upload data to your phone. It's all drag and drop, so it's very easy to use.
Sweech
You can also send files directly to another phone. Sweech will generate a unique URL for this, as well as a QR code that the other phone's user can scan with their camera. NFC and Android Beam also work here.
The premium version adds some useful features, like password protection and encryption. But even without that upgrade, Sweech is ad-free and has no limits on how much you can share.