AirDrop

Apple's built-in way to send photos, files and links wirelessly between nearby Apple devices.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About AirDrop

AirDrop is the file sharing feature built into iPhone, iPad and Mac. It uses Bluetooth to find nearby devices and a direct Wi-Fi link to move the data, so transfers are fast and need no internet connection or account beyond each device's Apple setup. You choose who can see you: no one, contacts only, or everyone for ten minutes, and recipients accept or decline incoming items. On recent versions of iOS you can start a transfer by bringing two iPhones together, and large transfers can continue over the internet if you move out of range. It is free and needs no setup, which is why many people only look for alternatives when someone in the room has an Android phone or Windows PC. It only works between Apple devices, apart from Google's Quick Share on some Pixel phones, which recently added AirDrop compatibility. It also can't send to someone far away.

Best for: Sending files between nearby iPhones, iPads and Macs with zero setup.

What works

Built in, free and very fast
No internet or account setup needed
Contacts-only mode limits unwanted requests

Why people leave

Apple devices only for the most part
Only works between devices close to each other
No share links for remote recipients

Top AirDrop alternatives

See all 5

1
LocalSend
Free open-source app that also reaches Android, Windows and Linux devices.
66.5
2
Quick Share
Android and Windows counterpart for nearby sharing.
62.6
3
PairDrop
Browser-based nearby sharing that works on any device with no install.
59.6
4
Blip
Sends across the internet with no size limits and resume support.
55.3
5
iCloud Drive
Share links to files for people who aren't nearby.
48.9

Why people left AirDrop

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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AirDrop: common questions

Is AirDrop free?

Yes, AirDrop is free to use.

Is AirDrop open source?

No, AirDrop is not open source. Open-source alternatives include LocalSend and PairDrop.

What platforms does AirDrop run on?

AirDrop is available for iOS and macOS.

What are the best alternatives to AirDrop?

The highest-ranked AirDrop alternatives right now are LocalSend, Quick Share and PairDrop. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 AirDrop alternatives

AirDrop facts

3 of 3 verified

Works with: Nearby Apple devices; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “share and receive photos, documents, and more with nearby Apple devices.”
Requirements: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.”
Tap to share: iOS 17 or later; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “If both devices are on iOS 17 or later, try holding them together to share via AirDrop.”