The function AirDrop AirDrop has marked a turning point in file transfers between devices in the Apple environment. However, Android users have always demanded an efficient and secure alternative, adapted to the most widely used operating system in the world. With the evolution of Android and the arrival of new technologies and applications, there are now multiple options that match and even surpass AirDrop's capabilities in some cases. In this comprehensive guide, we show you how to use AirDrop. The best alternatives to AirDrop on Android for 2025, taking an in-depth look at their advantages, limitations, compatibility, and how to get the most out of them, whether you want to transfer files between mobile phones, PCs, Macs, or even different operating systems.
What is AirDrop really and why is it so popular on Android?
AirDrop It is Apple's own system for wireless file transfer between iOS and macOS devices using Bluetooth and local Wi-Fi. The process is simple and secure, allowing you to share everything from photos, videos, and documents to contacts and notes, all encrypted end-to-end and without using mobile data or external internet. However, is limited to the Apple ecosystem: It is not possible to use it on Android phones, nor to send directly from iOS to Windows or Linux without external solutions.
Among its strong points is the data encryption and ease of use: transfer is immediate, no additional apps need to be installed, and it doesn't consume data rates. However, its biggest weakness is the lack of cross-platform compatibility, which has motivated the Android community and major manufacturers to seek to replicate this operation to offer the same experience.
Quick Share: the official, native alternative on Android
The joint development of Google and Samsung has led to QuickShare, the official alternative integrated into Android that incorporates the best of Nearby Share and Samsung's previous experience.
Quick Share is built into most recent Android devices and allows Send files, images, videos, apps and links quickly and wirelessly, combining Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ultra Wide Band technologies to ensure speed and security. Simply select your files, press the share button, and select Quick Share. The system will detect nearby compatible devices (phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows PCs with the app installed), displaying the recipient and sending the file in seconds.
- No need to install extra applications on Android.
- Works without internet connection: just activate Bluetooth y WiFi.
- Allows you to adjust the level of privacy and visibility (only your contacts, everyone, or only your own devices).
- Compatible with Windows (official app), Chromebooks and, unofficially, with Mac using alternative clients like NearDrop.
- Share option via unit’s QR code or link for convenience.
Quick Share is currently the option most similar to AirDrop In terms of speed, integration and ease of use, it is the recommended solution for most Android users.
How does Quick Share work step by step?
- Select the file to share and press Share.
- Choose QuickShare among the options.
- The system will search for compatible nearby devices.
- Select the recipient. They will receive a notification and can accept or reject the shipment.
- If you prefer, you can generate a unit’s QR code o link to share with non-Android devices.
Furthermore, Google and Samsung have confirmed continued improvements in the interface and experience, making it even more intuitive and simplified, allowing you to send and receive files from the same Quick Share screen, directly select documents, and manage visibility for contacts or devices.
Snapdrop: the cross-platform web-based option
snapdrop It is one of the most popular and simple alternatives to AirDrop when you need to send files between different platforms. It works through your site where, without registration or installation, you can share any file between mobile phones and computers, regardless of whether it's Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, or even iOS.
- Access both devices that will participate in the transfer.
- Both must be connected to the same WiFi network.
- Select the recipient that appears on the screen and choose the file to send.
- Pick up the file on the other device, with no size limits for small to medium files and no installation required.
Snapdrop stands out for its simplicity and speed. It's ideal for sharing images, videos, and documents up to 50-100MB quickly and between any system. It doesn't have advanced end-to-end encryption like other options, but it is one of the best for occasional and multiplatform useYou can add it as a shortcut on your phone to use it almost like an app.
Files by Google: Fast file transfer and cleanup
Google files It is an essential application on Android for file management, and it also includes an offline transfer function which uses WiFi Direct to send files without consuming mobile data.
- Both devices must have the app installed (available for free on Google Play).
- Works without external internet: creates a secure local point-to-point WiFi network.
- Allows you to send photos, videos, documents, apps, entire folders, or any type of file.
- It includes encryption during transfer and usually reaches speeds higher than those of Bluetooth.
- Ideal for users concerned about storage, as it incorporates intelligent cleaning and organization recommendations.
Files by Google requires both devices to have the app installed, the recipient to accept the file, and enable location for it to work properly. It's perfect for those who already use the app to manage storage and want a fast, reliable, and local shipping solution.
AirDroid: The most advanced option for complete transfers and remote control
AirDroid It is much more than a simple file transfer application: it is a complete Android device manager from your computer or even from other mobile devices, which includes tools to copy files, manage notifications, control the smartphone remotely, and even synchronize clipboards or messages between platforms.
- Available for Android, Windows, Mac, iOS and the web.
- Allows transfer files between Android and PC/Mac wireless and regardless of the operating system.
- Includes function Search, similar to AirDrop, to send files between devices of any platform on the same local network.
- Admits TLS encryption for a secure and private transfer.
- There are no practical size limits in the paid version; the free version may have certain restrictions.
AirDroid is ideal when you are looking for a professional and multiplatform solution, and is also perfect for those who need to transfer files even outside the local network (via remote connection), manage notifications or remotely access the phone.
Sweech: fast and without extra apps for the receiver
sweet It is a favorite for users looking for speed and simplicity, allowing them to transfer files of any size between an Android device and any device with a web browser (PC, Mac, tablet, etc.), without the recipient having to install anything.
- After installing Sweech, simply press start to get a local URL.
- The recipient enters the URL into any browser connected to the same WiFi network.
- There is no limit on devices or file size., running at full speed on the local network.
- Ideal for transferring large videos, entire folders or multimedia content quickly.
The only limitation is that when sharing the address via WhatsApp or other apps, it may not appear as an instant link, so you'll have to copy and paste it manually. This is an excellent option for quick and bulk local transfers.
Arc: Free, ad-free, cross-platform alternative
If you are looking for an app absolutely free, no ads, and cross-platform support (Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS), Arc stands out as one of the best options for 2025.
- Download it on all the devices you want to transfer files to.
- Link your devices using a unique name and QR code to connect and authorize shipping.
- Allows you to transfer all types of files, save shipping history, and define trusted devices for greater security and speed.
- Transfers use TLS encryption, ensuring privacy and security.
- It requires being on the same Wi-Fi network and is in beta, although it is fully functional and fast.
Other alternatives and popular apps for sharing files using AirDrop
- Xender: Although it includes ads, it's free and very fast. It supports batch transfers for photos, music, videos, and apps, and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Its website allows you to connect to computers without any additional installation.
- SHAREit: Popular for its speed, it allows you to share files of any size and between any platform. It comes with some ads, but it's one of the most long-standing and functional apps in the industry.
- Zapya: Free and compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and web clients. Unlimited size and sharing without requiring additional bandwidth.
- Send Anywhere: Specialized in sharing files globally using temporary links and codes. It allows you to send files between systems (Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux) and does not compress files.
- Instashare: A similar alternative to AirDrop, especially when connecting between a PC/Mac and mobile phone, it requires installing the app and, after the free trial, you have to pay.
- LocalSend: An open-source, cross-platform project for transferring files over your local network without external servers or ads.
Which solution should you choose according to your needs?
Choosing the ideal alternative to AirDrop on Android will depend on your specific needs:
- For users who only want to send files between Android or between Android and PC: QuickShare It is the fastest, most direct and simplest option.
- If you are looking for transfers between Android and Mac: Quick Share with clients like NearDrop or apps like Snapdrop or AirDroid offer the best compatibility.
- If you need cross-platform, free, ad-free streaming: Arc and LocalSend stand out for their simplicity and security.
- For large file volumes and advanced management: AirDroid is the most complete and professional solution.
- For one-time transfers between any system: Snapdrop and Send Anywhere allow maximum flexibility and speed without prior installation.
File sharing technology between Android devices and other operating systems continues to evolve. Google and Samsung have promised to continue improving. QuickShare to make it more intuitive and universal, including integration with more device types and faster transfer speeds. Additionally, the popularity of features like "People Nearby" in WhatsApp, which aims to bring fast, local, and encrypted transfers to the world's most used messaging app, could represent a significant leap for those looking to share files between different systems like iOS and Android.
For their part, the open source community and independent developers continue to release solutions like Arc, LocalSend, and improvements to Snapdrop, expanding compatibility, privacy, and cross-platform experience.
Today, the Wireless file transfer on Android has reached a level of maturity and flexibility It matches and sometimes surpasses the AirDrop experience on Apple, offering alternatives for all circumstances and needs. Whether for everyday use, business, school, or remote work, sending files securely, quickly, and intuitively on Android is not only possible, it's now a reality within everyone's reach.