Skip to content
ToolGPA

Alternatives · Utilities

PairDrop alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the best PairDrop alternative for most people is LocalSend (3.2 GPA), first in our ranking of desktop utilities. It's also the best free one.

PairDrop compared with 5 alternatives: LocalSend, Dropover, Dropshare, Yoink and Synergy.

PairDrop is free to use. 2 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
PairDropThis toolFreeFreeWeb
LocalSendFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
DropoverFree plan · from $7.99 one-timeYesmacOS
DropshareFree trial · from $39Trial onlymacOS, iOS, Android
YoinkFree trial · from $8.99 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
SynergyFree trial · from $15 one-timeTrial onlymacOS, Windows, Linux

How each one differs from PairDrop

  1. LocalSend

    Open-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud

    • LocalSend is free.
    • LocalSend also lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS apps.
    • LocalSend is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • LocalSend does not cover qR codes, which PairDrop does.

    Suits: Moving files between a phone and a computer on the same Wi-Fi

    LocalSend vs PairDropLocalSend pricing and details

  2. Dropover

    Mac shelf for collecting files before you drop them somewhere

    • Dropover starts at $7.99 one-time (Dropover Pro).
    • Dropover also lists a macOS app.
    • Dropover lists no web app, which PairDrop has.
    • Dropover can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Dropover also covers workflow automation, menu bar app and file management.

    Suits: Mac users who move many files between windows and apps

    Dropover vs PairDropDropover pricing and details

  3. Dropshare

    Upload files and screenshots from a Mac to your own storage

    • Dropshare starts at $39 one-off (Personal License, VAT included per the site).
    • Dropshare has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike PairDrop.
    • Dropshare also lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
    • Dropshare lists no web app, which PairDrop has.
    • Dropshare also covers screen recording, screenshots and menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users sharing screenshots from their own server or bucket

    Dropshare vs PairDropDropshare pricing and details

  4. Yoink

    Drag-and-drop shelf for files and snippets on the Mac

    • Yoink starts at $8.99 one-time purchase.
    • Yoink has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike PairDrop.
    • Yoink also lists a macOS app.
    • Yoink lists no web app, which PairDrop has.
    • Yoink can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who drag files between windows, spaces and full-screen apps

    Yoink vs PairDropYoink pricing and details

  5. Synergy

    Share one keyboard and mouse across Windows, Mac and Linux PCs

    • Synergy starts at $15 one-time payment (Synergy 3 Lite, personal use).
    • Synergy has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike PairDrop.
    • Synergy also lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
    • Synergy lists no web app, which PairDrop has.
    • Synergy can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Desks with a Windows PC, a Mac and a Linux machine side by side

    Synergy vs PairDropSynergy pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in PairDrop

  • Both devices must have PairDrop open in a browser for a transfer to start.
  • Devices outside your network behind a NAT connect through the project's TURN server.
  • The project says iOS and Android limit how files can be saved from a web page.
PairDrop pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to PairDrop?

The alternatives to PairDrop in this directory are LocalSend, Dropover, Dropshare, Yoink and Synergy. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with PairDrop.

Is there a free alternative to PairDrop?

Yes. LocalSend is free to use. Dropover has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which PairDrop alternatives work on Windows?

The PairDrop listing does not include a Windows app. LocalSend and Synergy list one.

Which PairDrop alternatives work on macOS?

The PairDrop listing does not include a macOS app. LocalSend, Dropover, Dropshare, Yoink and Synergy list one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

Keep reading

  • +2
    Best of

    The best Mac utilities in 2026

    Six utilities that make a Mac quicker to work on: two launchers, a window manager, a clipboard manager, a text expander and a subscription that bundles hundreds of apps. Each pick says what it does, what it costs and where else it runs.

    6 tools · Updated October 2026