Best file transfer tools
Tools for sending large files and moving data between devices: link-based transfer services, peer-to-peer and nearby sharing apps, FTP/SFTP clients and self-hosted share servers.
30 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All file transfer tools
- Alternatives to LocalSend
Free, open-source AirDrop alternative that sends files between any devices on the same network.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS - Alternatives to WeTransfer
The best-known way to send big files by link or email, with a capped free plan and paid tiers.
Free plan + paidWeb, macOS, iOS, Android - Alternatives to SwissTransfer
Free large-file transfer from Infomaniak, up to 50 GB per send, stored in Switzerland for up to 30 days.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Smash
French large-file transfer service with no size cap on free transfers and paid plans for faster, branded sending.
Free plan + paidWeb, macOS, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Wormhole
End-to-end encrypted file sharing in the browser, with links that expire after 24 hours.
FreeWeb - Alternatives to WinSCP
Free, open-source SFTP, SCP, S3 and FTP client for Windows, with scripting and folder sync.
Open sourceWindows - Alternatives to MASV
Fast large-file transfer for video and media teams, priced per gigabyte with a free monthly allowance.
PaidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to croc
Open-source command-line tool that sends files between any two computers with a code phrase, resuming if interrupted.
Open sourceSelf-hostableWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Files.com
Cloud managed file transfer platform combining SFTP/FTP servers, sharing and automation for businesses.
PaidWeb, Windows, macOS - Alternatives to Signiant Media Shuttle
Accelerated file transfer portals for media companies, keeping files in the storage you choose.
PaidWeb, iOS - Alternatives to Quick Share
Google's nearby sharing for Android phones, Chromebooks and Windows PCs, formerly Nearby Share.
FreeAndroid, Windows - Alternatives to PairDrop
Open-source browser tool for sending files between nearby or paired devices, with no app or sign-up.
Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted - Alternatives to AirDrop
Apple's built-in way to send photos, files and links wirelessly between nearby Apple devices.
FreeiOS, macOS - Alternatives to Cyberduck
Free, open-source file browser for servers and cloud storage on Mac and Windows, from FTP to S3.
Open sourcemacOS, Windows - Alternatives to Filemail
Large-file sending with free 5 GB transfers, desktop apps and business plans with managed transfer tools.
Free plan + paidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android - Alternatives to FileZilla
The long-running free, open-source FTP, FTPS and SFTP client for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Gokapi
Lightweight self-hosted file sharing server with expiring links, a spiritual successor to Firefox Send.
Open sourceSelf-hostableSelf-hosted - Alternatives to Blip
Desktop and mobile app for sending files of any size directly between devices, free for non-commercial use.
Free plan + paidmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android - Alternatives to FilePizza
Open-source, peer-to-peer file sharing in the browser: drop a file and share the link while the tab stays open.
Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted - Alternatives to IBM Aspera
Enterprise high-speed transfer built on IBM's FASP protocol for moving huge datasets across long distances.
PaidSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Erugo
Self-hosted, open-source file sharing platform with a polished interface, built on Laravel and Vue.
Open sourceSelf-hostableSelf-hosted, Web - Alternatives to Transmit
Panic's polished Mac file transfer app for FTP, SFTP, WebDAV and cloud services, sold for a one-time price.
PaidmacOS - Alternatives to Send
Community-maintained fork of Firefox Send for private, encrypted file sharing you can host yourself.
Open sourceSelf-hostableSelf-hosted, Web - Alternatives to TransferNow
French file transfer service with free 5 GB sends and paid plans up to 250 GB per transfer.
Free plan + paidWeb - Alternatives to KDE Connect
Open-source app that links your phone and computer for file sharing, clipboard and notification sync.
Open sourceLinux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS - Alternatives to PsiTransfer
Simple open-source, self-hosted file sharing with resumable uploads and no accounts.
Open sourceSelf-hostableSelf-hosted, Web - Alternatives to ToffeeShare
Free peer-to-peer file sharing from the Netherlands, with no size limits and nothing stored online.
FreeWeb - Alternatives to Magic Wormhole
Open-source command-line tool for sending files securely between computers using short human-readable codes.
Open sourceSelf-hostableLinux, macOS, Windows - Alternatives to Hightail
File sharing and creative review service from OpenText, aimed at agencies sending large creative files.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Feem
Offline Wi-Fi file sharing app for phones and computers, with no cloud or internet connection needed.
Free plan + paidAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
Our picks by need
Best for most people
LocalSendBest for a free option
WormholeBest for open source
WinSCPBest for self-hosting
crocBest for Mac
WeTransferBest for Windows
MASVBest for Linux
FilemailBest for iPhone and Android
SwissTransferPopular comparisons
Common questions
What are the best file transfer tools?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading file transfer tools right now are LocalSend, WeTransfer, SwissTransfer, Smash and Wormhole.
Are there free file transfer tools?
Yes. LocalSend (open source), WeTransfer (free plan + paid), SwissTransfer (free plan + paid), Smash (free plan + paid) and Wormhole (free) have a free option, out of 25 free or freemium apps we track.
Which file transfer tools are open source?
LocalSend, WinSCP, croc, PairDrop, Cyberduck and FileZilla, and 7 more.