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We deal with a topic that is continually addressed within the our group Telegram. In fact, there is often a need to transfer files between two devices. These may be gods Android, of the iPhone or computers with Windows, macOS or Linux.
In this article we will look for valid alternatives that work above all among all possible devices. If you own an iPhone, take this article as a list of alternatives to AirDrop!
One of the simplest and most well-known methods for transferring files online is WeTransfer of which we have already talked about with relatives alternatives to use. Such as free software Jirafeau, Framadrop or the commercial SwissTransfer.
Transfer files between two devices
But what to do if you want to transfer files between two devices without sending our documents to an external server? Let's see which applications come to our aid.
Snapdrop
Open source
available for all platforms
It only works on devices on the same network
This is one of the best known alternatives. AND Open source 1 and anyone can open aInstance for everyone to use or for himself. Neither we have already talked in the past with an ad hoc article. Snapdrop uses WebRTC and allows them peer-to-peer communications between two or more devices. It is well supported by all Browsers 2 but you may have problems with large files. You may also have problems if you have important settings for the privacy protection which often include the disabling WebRTC 3.
Snapdrop only works between devices that are connected to the same network.
If you have other instances to report to us in addition to this which is the main one, let us know and we will add them.
Open source
available for all platforms
It only works on devices on the same network
A very similar alternative to Snapdrop. This too is Open source 4 and allows you to transfer files between two devices as long as they are on the same network. Easy to use and, potentially, you can also create a server to use yourself by following the instructions present on GitHub.
Blaze
Open source
available for all platforms
works on any network
Other software Open source 5 to transfer files. Also in this case no registration is required and it is completely free.
Blaze uses WebTorrent or WebSockets for file sharing depending on the media WebRTC of the Browsers used.
Unlike Snapdrop you can also use this alternative on devices that are on different networks. All you need to do is create a username, invent the name of a room to create and invite whoever you want into this room. From this moment you can share files with ease.
Blymp
Open source
available for all platforms
works on any network
As well as the previous ones too Blymp And Open source 6. You can use it on all devices connected to any network. All you need to do is access the site and write down the random number that will be given to you. Give it to someone if you want to receive files or, if you need to send a file to someone, you can ask them to give you the code and enter it in the “ sectionSend“.
LocalSend
Open source
multiplatform
also for iOS
It only works in the local network
A good free and cross-platform application that allows you to send files to devices that are on the same network. The application is very simple to use and once opened you will be assigned a name and a random numeric code that you can use to recognize your device on the network. To send files, simply use your device's sharing system (go to your files and then share with LocalSend) or directly from the application in the appropriate section.
• • • • • •Instant.io
Open source
available for all platforms
works on any network
Instant.io harness the power of WebTorrent to share files. It's software Open source which you can use freely. It is very convenient, fast and practical for transferring files to any device.
And remember that if you have Brave you can download Torrent files without the need for any other external program!
Sharik
Open source
available for all platforms
app available on F-Droid
It only works on devices on the same network
Sharik is an application Open source 7 relatively recent and very interesting. It allows the exchange of files between devices in the same network without therefore passing through external services. It is available in many languages and can be installed on Android (F-Droid), iOS, Windows, Linux and soon also for macOS. It is not necessary for both devices to have the application installed but, if they do, you can transfer them even more easily because they will be detected automatically. Otherwise, just visit the indicated URL.
The developer is a young Ukrainian boy who developed the project during the war period and who won an award for “Youth Hacking 4 Freedom” 8.
FilePizza
Open source
available for all platforms
works on any network
Another free software ed Open source 9 which he uses only WebRTC. So, as for Snapdrop, it won't work on Browsers with many modifications for privacy.
The operation is very simple. Upload the file and you will be given a link and a QR code so you don't have to manually transcribe the link.
Croc
Open source
greater difficulty of installation on some platforms
app available on F-Droid
works on any network
More interesting software, always Open source 10. It is slightly more complex than the others to use, especially on Windows and macOS. It is not done through Browsers indeed but you will have to install Croc following the codes you find here.
However, we point it out because on Android there is an application available thanks to F-Droid. If you need to send files between two Androids then it can come in handy.
Open source
only available on desktop
does not work on smartphones
It only works on devices on the same network
This software Open source 11 it is more limited than the previous ones but can be useful in different situations.
It's cross-platform but desktop only, works fine on Windows, macOS And Linux but you will not be able to transfer files between smartphones.
SkyTransfer
open sourcesvg
available for all platforms
works on any network
Be careful because unlike the others you are placing your files on someone else's server.
Thanks to this software Open source 12 you can easily send a file from one device to another. Your files will be automatically encrypted and you will also receive a QR code to download it easily.
Unlike the others, however, in this case you will pass on someone else's server even if the files are still encrypted. In our opinion it is an alternative to be used only in case all the others fail.
Open source
available for all platforms
works on any network
usable on the Tor network
If you have to send important files and want to be really safe this is the service for you. To use it you must download a program available for Windows, Linux And macOS. The program is very simple to use, you just have to upload your files, press start sharing and send the link to the interested person. We have them too dedicated an article here.
In order for the other person to download the file will have to use necessarily Tor Browsers but it doesn't have to have too OnionShare installed. Why all this? Why OnionShare will create a real onion web server on your computer. It will generate a Random URL And impossible to predict. Sharing will stop when you close OnionShare or when you press the “stop sharing” button. The simplest way to send files using the Tor network.
- source code by Snapdrop[↩]
- WebRTC – Support[↩]
- WebRTC IP Leak Test – Is your IP address leaking?[↩]
- source code of ShareDrop[↩]
- source code by Blaze[↩]
- source code by Blymp[↩]
- source code by Sharik[↩]
- Thanks for the tip[↩]
- source code of FilePizza[↩]
- source code by Croc[↩]
- source code by NitroShare[↩]
- source code by SkyTransfer[↩]
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