19 Free and Open-Source Large File Transfer Apps Between Android and macOS
Transferring files between Android devices and macOS has long been a challenge, often requiring expensive apps or complex workarounds. Large files pose particular difficulties due to size limitations and slow transfer speeds. Many commercial solutions come with hefty price tags and restrictive features, leaving users frustrated and seeking alternatives.
Enter our curated list of five free and open-source file transfer applications. These innovative tools simplify the process and eliminate the need for costly subscriptions. They offer a range of benefits that make file sharing between Android and macOS devices effortless:
- Cross-platform compatibility: These apps work seamlessly across Android and macOS, ensuring smooth file transfers regardless of your device ecosystem.
- No size limitations: Unlike many commercial alternatives, these open-source solutions allow you to transfer files of any size without restrictions.
- Local network transfers: Most of these apps utilize your local Wi-Fi network, enabling rapid transfers without the need for an internet connection.
- User-friendly interfaces: Designed with simplicity in mind, these apps offer intuitive experiences that reduce friction in the file-sharing process.
- Enhanced privacy and security: By using peer-to-peer connections and local networks, these tools prioritize your data privacy and security.
- Customization options: Many of these open-source solutions allow for customization and self-hosting, giving you complete control over your file-sharing environment.
- Regular updates and community support: Being open-source, these apps benefit from continuous improvements and a supportive community of developers and users.
Hazem Abbas
Whether you need to transfer high-resolution photos, large video files, or important documents between your Android phone and MacBook, these free and open-source applications offer reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. By leveraging these tools, you can say goodbye to expensive subscriptions and hello to hassle-free file sharing across your devices.
Hazem Abbas
Embrace the power of open-source technology and discover a new world of seamless file transfers between Android and macOS. With these innovative solutions at your fingertips, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.
1- Flying Carpet
Flying Carpet is our favorite app, not only because it works offline, but also because it's compatible with Linux, Windows, macOS, and iOS.
Built with Flutter, it boasts dozens of useful features, including a super user-friendly interface.
spieglt2- OpenMTP
Written in JavaScript, this free app enables you to easily transfer large files between Android and iOS in no time. It is released under the open-source license (MIT License)
Feature of OpenMTP
- Open-source and free to use
- USB plug-and-play functionality
- Ability to transfer files larger than 4GB
- Dark mode and drag-and-drop support
- Split pane views for local and Android device
- Choice between grid and list views
- Keyboard shortcut navigation
- No collection of personally identifiable information.
Hazem Abbas
3- Android File Transfer For Linux, FreeBSD and macOS
Android File Transfer for Linux is an open-source MTP client that enables file transfers between Android devices and Linux systems.
It offers a user-friendly interface, command-line options, and batch transfers. The software also supports macOS and large file transfers.
Features
- Simple Qt UI with progress dialogs.
- FUSE wrapper (if you prefer mounting your device), supporting partial read/writes, allowing instant access to your files.
- No file size limits.
- Automatically renames album cover to make it visible from media player.
- Supports Zune and Zune HD.
- USB zerocopy support found in recent Linux kernels (no user/kernel data copying).
- No extra dependencies (e.g.
libptporlibmtp). - Available as a static/shared library.
- Command line tool
aft-mtp-cli. - Python bindings.
whoozle4- Destiny
Destiny is a secure file transfer app that prioritizes user privacy. It enables anonymous file sharing through end-to-end encryption, without requiring identity disclosure. Users simply select a file and share a generated code with the recipient for safe delivery—no sign-up needed.
Key features include identity-less transfers, peer-to-peer sharing when possible, and full-strength encryption keys. The app is based on the Magic Wormhole protocol and supports multiple platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
LeastAuthority5- foldie
Foldie is a simple, fast utility app for transferring files between your Android smartphone and Mac.
Developed using Flutter, it leverages adb to detect connected devices and facilitate file transfers.
Hazem Abbas
6- croc
croc is more than just another file transfer tool – it's a Swiss Army knife for digital file sharing. By combining security, flexibility, and ease of use, it addresses many of the pain points associated with traditional file transfer methods.
Features
- Universal Connectivity: croc allows data transfer between any two computers using a relay system, eliminating geographical constraints.
- Robust Security: It provides end-to-end encryption using PAKE (Password-Authenticated Key Exchange), ensuring your data remains confidential.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Easily transfer files across Windows, Linux, and Mac systems.
- Multiple File Transfers: Send multiple files in one go, streamlining your workflow.
- Resumable Transfers: Interrupted transfers can be resumed, saving time and bandwidth.
- No Local Server Required: Unlike many other tools, croc doesn't need a local server or port-forwarding setup.
- IPv6 Support: It prioritizes IPv6 with IPv4 fallback, future-proofing your file transfers.
- Proxy Compatibility: Can work with proxies like Tor, adding an extra layer of privacy if needed.
Install on macOS using Homebrew
brew install croc7- LocalSend
LocalSend: A free, open-source app for secure local file and message sharing without internet. Its features include cross-platform support, uses REST API and HTTPS encryption, no external servers required.
LocalSend uses a secure communication protocol that allows devices to communicate with each other using a REST API. All data is sent securely over HTTPS, and the TLS/SSL certificate is generated on the fly on each device, ensuring maximum security.
The app works on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and macOS.
localsend8- Photon
Photon is a versatile file-transfer app that works across different platforms. It allows you to share files between devices running Photon, using either a Wi-Fi hotspot or local network. The app doesn't require an internet connection or a Wi-Fi router, making it convenient for various situations.
Like many apps on this list, it is written using Flutter.
Security is a key feature of Photon. It uses a cryptographically secure secret code for authentication, ensuring that only intended recipients can access the shared files. This code is regenerated for each session, preventing unauthorized access through external browsers or by simply knowing the URL.
Despite operating on a local network, Photon maintains a high level of security for your file transfers.
abhi161809- LANDrop
Landrop is a free cross-platform file-sharing app that enables seamless transfers between devices on the same local network. Supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, it allows wireless file sharing without the need for an internet connection or cloud services.
Landrop's user-friendly interface features drag-and-drop functionality and handles large files with ease.
The app prioritizes security through encryption and offers a free, lightweight, and convenient solution for swift local file transfers.
10- Sharik
Sharik is an open-source, cross-platform solution for sharing files via Wi-Fi or Mobile Hotspot.
Features
- Cross-platform, works on Windows, Linux and macOS.
- You send any files to any device. The only requirement is the same network (for now, wink wink)
- Does not require Sharik installed on the recipient device
- Does not require an internet connection
- Simple minimalistic UI
- It is translated into many languages
marchellodev11- Snapdrop
Although not a desktop app, Snapdrop allows you to transfer large files between devices using web browsers. It's an open-source progressive web app that you can self-host and use on the web or your local network.
It is simple to Apple's Airdrop, but works directly from your browser.
SnapDrop12- PairDrop
This multi-platform, AirDrop-like application runs through your browser, supporting Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows. It allows you to send images, documents, or text via peer-to-peer connections to devices on the same local network. For internet transfers, you can join temporary public rooms to easily share files over the web.
you can effortlessly send files from your phone to your laptop, share photos in original quality with friends using Android and iOS, or securely transfer private files peer-to-peer between Linux systems. Whether you're looking to quickly share files locally or need a reliable method for internet transfers, this solution has you covered.
schlagmichdoch13- LanXchange
LanXchange is a simple, versatile file-sharing tool for spontaneous local network transfers. It supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices, requiring no setup.
Its features include automatic file detection, transfer of single files or folders, cross-platform compatibility, and high-speed transfers utilizing your home network's full capacity.
It runs on PCs with Java 7 and Android 4.0 or higher.
tfg1314- AnDrop
AnDrop is a free app that provides the simplest tool with the best user experience for transferring files from an Android phone to a MacBook via Wi-Fi. It requires no setup, offers quick device discovery, and ensures high transfer speeds.
Seamlessly integrated into the Android OS share menu, AnDrop operates with a minimal user interface, significantly reducing friction in the file-sharing process.
CanYumusak15- ezshare
ezshare is a free and open-source file server that enables easy sharing of large files like photos and videos with friends (or between your devices) over a local network without an internet connection. It launches an HTTP server that displays all files and directories from its starting location.
Anyone can then connect to the server and download files or automatically generated ZIPs of entire directories (similar to Google Drive).
Clients can also upload files to the server via their browser, and clipboards can be shared bidirectionally. For convenience, an automatic QR code is generated.
Features
- Local two-way transfers without going through the internet
- Send full quality photos and videos to others without needing a fast internet connection
- Handles really big files and directories
- Handles a LOT of files
- Auto ZIPs directories on-the-fly
- Two-way sharing of clipboard
- The web client works on all major platforms, including iOS and Android (server must run on a Mac/Windows/Linux computer)
mifi16- qrcp
This command-line free app allows you to transfer files over Wi-Fi from your computer to a mobile device by scanning a QR code without leaving the terminal.
It is written using Go, and runs on Linux, Windows and macOS.
Install using Homebrew:
brew install qrcp17- SuperFreight
Yet another hand tool that enables users to move and transfer files over the LAN between their different devices and operating systems. It supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Features
- Runs in web browser, opens on any modern device.
- Upload and download.
- Simple use. Run in a directory you want to share files from/to.
- Download and upload multiple files simultaneously.
- Large files no problem.
- No carrier data usage, runs over your local network.
Hazem Abbas
kasp118- MoveIt - File Transfer On Go 📡🔥
Simple app that allows you to share and transfer files using LocalHost.
debojyoti45219- YouTransfer
YouTransfer is a simple yet elegant self-hosted file transfer and sharing solution. It offers an alternative to paid services like Dropbox and WeTransfer, providing similar features without limitations, price plans, or lengthy privacy policies. With YouTransfer, you maintain complete control over your files.
YouTransfer
