NearDrop
An unofficial macOS menu bar app that receives files from Android devices over Quick Share.
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About NearDrop
NearDrop is a partial implementation of Google's Nearby Share, now Quick Share, for macOS. The app lives in the menu bar and saves files sent from an Android device to your Downloads folder. A share extension is included, and the protocol is documented separately in the repository.
It works over Wi-Fi LAN only, so the Android device and the Mac must be on the same network. It suits Mac owners with Android phones who want a quick way to move files across.
Strengths
- Simple menu bar app that saves to Downloads
- Public domain source code
- Protocol documentation published
Limitations
- Works over Wi-Fi LAN only
- Partial, unofficial implementation of Quick Share
- macOS only
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and released into the public domain under the Unlicense.
- License
- Unlicense
- Developer
- grishka
- Platforms
- macOS
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Mac users receiving files from Android phones
- Categories
- File sync
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to NearDrop
Compare allSoftware that can replace NearDrop for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
RQuickShare
An open-source Quick Share client for Linux and macOS that exchanges files with Android devices.
RQuickShare is an open-source Rust Quick Share client for macOS and Linux, also unofficial, offering prebuilt releases for both systems.
LocalSend
Sends files between nearby devices over your own network, with no account, server or internet connection.
LocalSend uses its own protocol, so the Android phone needs the LocalSend app, but it works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
LANDrop
A cross-platform app for sending files to other devices on the same local network.
LANDrop sends files between devices on the local network across desktop and mobile, though every device needs LANDrop installed and it is closed source.
Snapdrop
A browser-based tool for sending files and messages to nearby devices, inspired by AirDrop.
Snapdrop works in any modern browser, so neither the Mac nor the Android phone needs an app, only the page open on both.
Feem
App for sending files directly between phones and computers over local Wi-Fi without internet.
Feem transfers files over shared Wi-Fi with TLS 1.3 on all major platforms, requiring its freemium app on both devices.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Quick Share
Google's wireless file sharing between Android devices and Windows PCs.
AirDroid
A service for transferring files between Android phones and computers and controlling devices remotely.
Pushbullet
A service that links phones and computers for sending pushes, sharing files and mirroring SMS.
KDE Connect
Links a phone and a computer to share files, links, notifications and remote controls.
