We know that when we share some media with our friends, that is when Apple AirDrop works easily and magically. But when we want to share a massive 4GB video file to a Windows computer or an Android phone, AirDrop's magic completely disappears. Suddenly, we are struck by a tech headache, and that is when we look for another way, uploading things to the cloud or digging around for cables.
Now, you don't need to worry about it. You can actually set up your own private, open-source file sharing right on your home network. These digital tools act as a bridge, allowing you to quickly transfer files between literally any device, whether it is an iPhone, an Android, a Windows PC, a Mac, or a tablet. To make your life easier, here are three fantastic open-source tools you should definitely look into.
LocalSend
LocalSend is the best for sharing files across different devices. It is easy to install as an app on any device. This includes Windows PCs, Apple Macs, Linux computers, iPhones, and Android phones.
Instead of a website running inside a web browser, it is a real app installed on your device. Because it runs natively on your device, it gives you rock-solid reliability that won't glitch out or freeze midway through a transfer. It delivers top-tier, fast speeds to move massive files across your home Wi-Fi network without dropping the connection.
Snapdrop
Snapdrop is the easiest way to move files between different devices without installing any apps. Instead of downloading software to your phone, laptop, and tablet, Snapdrop does this directly through your internet browser.
To use it, you simply open the Snapdrop webpage on any two devices connected to the same home Wi-Fi network. The site recognizes both gadgets, and you can drag and drop your files right across the screen. It is easy; you can instantly send a photo from an iPhone to a Windows PC or a movie from an Android to a Mac in seconds.
PairDrop
If you like Apple's classic style but want the freedom to use any device, PairDrop is the best option for you. Just like Snapdrop, this tool runs inside your web browser, which means you never need to download or install a single app on your phone or computer.
The main difference here is the design and feel. The creators built PairDrop to look, feel, and function just like Apple’s file-sharing system, AirDrop. When you open the webpage on your devices, you get that same interface as Apple users. It gives you the exact same smooth, magical experience as AirDrop, but without forcing you to buy expensive Apple hardware. You can easily share files between an Android phone and a Windows PC while using PairDrop.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you don't need to be trapped in Apple's ecosystem just to move files around your own house. If you want a dedicated app installed on all your gear, LocalSend is the clear winner. But if you just need to quickly shoot a file over to a friend's phone without making them download anything, Snapdrop or PairDrop will get the job done in seconds. Give them a try. You will probably wonder why you ever put up with the hassle of cables and cloud uploads in the first place.
