Cross-Platform AirDrop Alternatives

Users recommend and compare open-source tools like LocalSend, Snapdrop, Pairdrop, and Wormhole as cross-platform alternatives to Apple's AirDrop for local file transfers between iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Open Source
3,871
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#9452
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

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Keywords

APK LeastAuthority XMPP ON UPNP apple.com LocalSend PC UX AirDrop file devices android transfer files phone ios alarm pc cross platform

Sample Comments

pault Mar 12, 2019 View on HN

You didn't say whether you are on iOS or Android, but if you are on iOS airdrop works very well.

bartvk May 7, 2024 View on HN

I use it to send photos and documents to and from my phone. These apps are cross platform, when Airdrop is not.

olly994 Nov 20, 2025 View on HN

Just use Wormhole for file transfer. Small and easy to use. I have put on all my computers, laptops and phones.

fmajid Nov 27, 2025 View on HN

I've ditched AirDrop for LocalSend, which is universally cross-platform (iOS, macOS, Linux, Android) and works very well. It's not a complete substitute, it doesn't work in the case of completely casual sharing between devices that are not connected to a shared WiFi network, however.

chakintosh Feb 15, 2024 View on HN

I've been using Snapdrop for years, it's basically AirDrop for any device.

magnio Jun 10, 2024 View on HN

I thought that's what AirDrop is for? Even Android can drag and drop files to Windows.

FireInsight Oct 6, 2025 View on HN

I prefer https://localsend.org/ nowadays. Nice cross-platform GUI, "just works". Requires being on the same lan, but discovery of other devices is automatic and there are no alphanumeric codes that have to be shared. It's a good QoL improvement to have "airdrop" between Android and Linux

dak1 Jun 28, 2017 View on HN

How does this compare to AirDrop (besides obviously being cross platform)?

KomoD Oct 19, 2024 View on HN

For local transfers (mainly between my phone, pc and laptop) I've been using LocalSend, works great.

ssenssei Nov 21, 2025 View on HN

I use this app called LocalSend between my Mac, my phone, and my Windows. It's genuinely a godsend, and I hope whoever reads it tries it