Alternatives to Snapdrop

A browser-based tool for sending files and messages to nearby devices, inspired by AirDrop. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Snapdrop.

  • LocalSend

    Sends files between nearby devices over your own network, with no account, server or internet connection.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    LocalSend requires installing an app on each device instead of opening a web page, but it is open source and has native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

  • FilePizza

    An open-source web app for peer-to-peer file transfers directly between two browsers.

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    FilePizza also transfers files directly between two browsers with no install, and it works beyond one network, though the sender must keep the page open.

  • LANDrop

    A cross-platform app for sending files to other devices on the same local network.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    LANDrop replaces the browser page with installed apps for desktop, mobile and Android TV, and lets trusted devices skip approval prompts, but it is closed source.

  • Instant.io

    A browser-based WebTorrent tool for sharing and downloading files peer to peer.

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    Instant.io shares files from the browser through WebTorrent magnet links rather than nearby device discovery, and transfers have no end-to-end encryption.

  • Send Anywhere

    A cross-platform file sharing service that sends files between devices using one-time keys or links.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWeb

    Send Anywhere uses one-time keys or links across phones, computers and the browser, but it is closed source and runs through a hosted service.

  • Feem

    App for sending files directly between phones and computers over local Wi-Fi without internet.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Feem needs an installed app on each device and works over shared Wi-Fi without internet, with TLS 1.3 encryption, but it is proprietary freemium software.

  • Warpinator

    Linux Mint's app for sending and receiving files between computers on the same local network.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Warpinator is an installed Linux app maintained by the Linux Mint team for local network transfers, so it does not cover phones or browsers officially.

  • qrcp

    A command-line tool that transfers files over Wi-Fi to a phone by scanning a QR code.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    qrcp is run from a terminal on the computer and sends files to a phone by QR code, with no app needed on the phone side.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Snapdrop as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • NearDrop

    An unofficial macOS menu bar app that receives files from Android devices over Quick Share.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    Snapdrop works in any modern browser, so neither the Mac nor the Android phone needs an app, only the page open on both.

  • Quick Share

    Google's wireless file sharing between Android devices and Windows PCs.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsAndroid

    Snapdrop is an open-source browser tool that needs nothing installed, working on any device with a modern browser on the same network.

  • RQuickShare

    An open-source Quick Share client for Linux and macOS that exchanges files with Android devices.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOSLinux

    Snapdrop runs in a browser with nothing to install, replacing the Quick Share protocol with a web page open on both devices.

  • SHAREit

    A mobile app for transferring files between nearby devices, now bundled with entertainment content.

    FreeProprietaryAndroid

    Snapdrop is an open-source browser tool with nothing to install, needing only the page open on both devices on the same network.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.