If you own an iOS device, transferring files and photos from your Mac to your device, and vice versa, is a breeze. But what if you own an Android phone or tablet? You can use software like Android File Transfer to quickly and easily transfer files from your computer to your device (and vice versa).
Android File Transfer is free to use - so why might you want to look for an Android File Transfer alternative? Well, it’s not always the easiest software to use, and if things go wrong you may not always be able to access support. You also run the risk or the loss of corruption of your precious photos, videos, or other files. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best alternatives to Android File Transfer, and the pros and cons for each alternative to Android File Transfer.
Also please note that, as of May 2024, Google has removed the download link for the AFT app, so it is no longer available on the official site.
MacDroid is a transfer app that lets you connect Android phone to Mac - and transfer almost any kind of data you can think of. It’s a great Android file transfer alternative, so if you want to transfer contacts, calendars, important documents, music, videos, or photos, MacDroid can help. This professional transfer tool is designed specifically for Mac, and can be used with any Android device.
MacDroid is simple to use, and lets you mount your Android devices as a disk on Mac, so you can access all your files and folders and transfer them from Android to Mac and vice versa.
MacDroid offers a free seven-day trial where you can enjoy access to all the Pro features of the app for seven days. There’s also a free version, but this only allows you to transfer files from Android to Mac, not vice versa.
MacDroid’s Pro version is billed annually and includes the ability to transfer data both ways as well as the ability to edit files on Android right from Mac. The software can be used on up to five Macs (and unlimited Android tablets or phones). There is also the option to choose between Single-Operation Mode or Multi-Operation Mode - the latter allows for faster transfers, while the former is a quick and easy way to connect your devices and transfer files, ideal for beginners. Additionally, starting from version 2.0, MacDroid supports the ability to transfer files via Wi-Fi.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: May 23, 2024
Conclusion
MacDroid is one of the best alternatives to Android File Transfer around. It’s professional software, with regular updates and superior customer support, which means you can trust it to transfer your data quickly and reliably, without the risk of corruption or data loss. With annual, recurring billing, you never need to worry about losing access to the software, and it’s affordable too.
It’s easy to mount unlimited Android devices as a disk on Mac to edit and transfer files and folders, and you can use the software on up to five Macs, so you can transfer data at home, or at work. MacDroid is suitable for those new to using this type of software, who can select Single-Operation Mode, but also ideal for advanced users who have the option of choosing Multi-Operation mode for faster, more efficient transfers.
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Top features
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MacDroid
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dr.fone – Phone Manager
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TunesGo
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Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager
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MobiKin Assistant for Android
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OpenMTP
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Phone Mechanic
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Support for MTP-compatible devices
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Support for MTP-compatible devices
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Files' preview thumbnails when working with MTP devices
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Files' preview thumbnails when working with MTP devices
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File/Folder transfer
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File/Folder transfer
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partially
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partially
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partially
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Connect via Wi-Fi
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Connect via Wi-Fi
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Finder integration
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Finder integration
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On-the-phone file edit
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On-the-phone file edit
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Requires a module installed on Android
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Requires a module installed on Android
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Support for the latest Android versions
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Support for the latest Android versions
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Price
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$1.67/mo
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$39.95/year
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$39.95/year
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$39.95
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$29.95/year
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free
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$14.99/year
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ApowerManager is a professional phone manager for iOS and Android. This transfer application is an alternative to Android File Transfer Mac, and it offers you the ability to transfer data from iOS devices as well as Android to both Mac and Windows computers.
Transfer Android photos to Mac, move music, videos, and more - including contacts, messages, and call logs. You can quickly backup and restore data from your phone to your computer, and even mirror your phone screen on your PC. You can choose from a yearly or lifetime license, both of which include free updates, support, and ApowerRescue to recover lost data from your iPhone or iPad instantly.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: Jul 11, 2023
OS compatibility
Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Conclusion
Although we’d say APowerManager is a good alternative to the MacDroid transfer app - particularly if you are an iPhone or iPad user, its main disadvantage is that it can only be used on up to two computers. However, it is affordable and you can choose from a yearly or lifetime license, and you can use it on Windows computers as well as Macs.
There are versions of Phone Manager available for iOS and Android, but if you have both types of devices, you’ll need to buy both programs. The Android versions allows you to transfer pictures from Android to Mac and almost any type of data, from music, videos, and photos to contacts and even SMS messages, making it one of our favorite Android file transfer alternatives.
It’s easy to manage your data by deleting files, and a HEIC photo converter is included. With a ringtone maker, media file converter, and app management tool included, it’s easy to see why this software is so popular. Choose between a one-year license or a lifetime license (for up to five mobile devices and one PC), or a one-year business license for unlimited devices and as many PCs as you need.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: Aug 17, 2023
OS compatibility
Windows and Mac, but the software temporarily does not support transferring media files from Android to Mac.
Conclusion
Dr.fone Phone Manager software is ideal for those wanting to transfer almost any type of data from Android to Mac or Windows computers. Although it offers a wide range of features like a HEIC photo converter and media file converter, you are limited as you can only use it with up to 5 Android devices and on one computer if you purchase a personal license.
Wondershare TunesGo is a phone manager for iOS and Android devices.With versions available for Windows and Mac, you can take advantage of features like a GIF maker, Disk Mode, which lets you view all data on your mobile device, and efficient app management for bulk export and backup of all your apps.
Choose from an annual subscription, lifetime license, or family license - with the Android version starting at $29.95 per year for one PC. You can also choose to opt for the Suite version, which includes software for both iOS and Android devices.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: August 21, 2023
OS compatibility
Windows, Mac
Conclusion
Although you can only install Wondershare TunesGo on one PC with the standard annual subscription, it’s still good value for money. It also packs in a wealth of features for the price, with a GIF maker, app management tools, and Disk Mode, so you can access every corner of your phone to retrieve and copy files from Android to Mac. We also love that there’s a free trial available and a choice of an annual subscription, lifetime, or family license.
Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager is software that makes it easy to transfer everything from your Android device to your computer, including contacts, apps, multimedia files, SMS messages, and more. With a one-click backup and restore function, Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager is compatible with most Android devices - you can even use the software to send SMS to your phone contacts directly from your Mac, or preview files and folders on your Android and manage them from your Mac.
Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 email customer support, as well as free lifetime upgrades. It costs $39.95 for a lifetime license for Mac.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: Oct 25, 2017
OS compatibility
Windows and Mac.
Conclusion
Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable Android transfer app for Mac and an Android File Transfer alternative - however, the individual license is only suitable for one user. We’ve added it to our list as it includes a wide range of features and has a user-friendly interface.
iSkysoft MobileTrans Phone Transfer for Mac is a transfer, backup, and restore tool that works with Android, Xiaomi OS, iPhone, Blackberry, and Nokia Symbian devices. You can transfer almost any type of data including transferring WhatsApp data from an old to new phone, or backing it up to your Mac. It’s easy to backup and restore to your computer using this software, or transfer data between mobile devices.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee, lifetime updates, and live chat and email customer support, this software costs from $39.95/year for the phone transfer version or from $49.95 for a lifetime license.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: Dec 14, 2023
OS compatibility
Mac. Windows version also available separately.
Conclusion
iSkysoft MobileTrans Phone Transfer for Mac is a useful tool that lets you transfer almost any type of data not only between your phone and your Mac but also between Android, iPhone, Blackberry, and Nokia Symbian devices. Its affordable annual or lifetime license, WhatsApp data transfer feature, and easy backup and restore tool have ensured it a place on our list.
MobiKin Assistant for Android is a powerful tool that lets you transfer data from your Android device to a Mac computer or Windows PC. The software offers 1-click backup and restore, as well as selective data backup, and you can transfer almost any type of data from apps, texts, and contacts to call logs, photos, and music.
It’s also possible to modify your phone’s contacts list on Mac, as well as adding or deleting music playlists directly from your computer. MobiKin Assistant for Android offers a free trial and costs $29.95 for a one-year license, with recurring billing. You can connect and manage as many Android devices as you like with this software.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: May 30, 2022
OS compatibility
Mac, but there’s a Windows version too.
Conclusion
Android users looking for software to backup their device to Mac or Windows computers should consider MobiKin Assistant for Android. Although you can’t transfer data between Android devices, this software packs a lot of features for an affordable annual subscription and offers a free trial too.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Android File Transfer for Mac then Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac is worth considering. This software lets you transfer, manage, and edit various types of files from your Android device to your Mac.
Features include 1-click backup and restore, SMS Manager, that lets you send and reply to texts directly from your computer, and App Manager, which allows you to select and download apps to your Android device, uninstall apps, or back them up to your Mac.
Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac offers a free trial and there’s a 90-day money-back guarantee. You can choose between a one-year license (for one PC) at $29.95 or a lifetime license (for one PC) at $39.95 - there are also options available for five or ten PCs.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: Jan 14, 2022
OS compatibility
Mac, Windows version available.
Conclusion
As a MacDroid transfer app alternative, Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac works well but has its limitations - like email-only tech support and a license that only works on one Mac computer. However, it’s affordable and supports most Android devices, as well as offering a wide range of features.
Syncios Mobile Manager for Mac is an all-in-one file transfer tool that lets you transfer over 12 types of data from iOS or Android devices to Mac, including call logs, messages, and contacts. Share photos between devices, manage your music and video files without the need for iTunes, or backup, transfer, and restore apps directly from your Mac.
Disk Mode lets you thoroughly access the file system on your device and use your device as an external USB drive for storage.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: December 14, 2023
OS compatibility
Mac or Windows.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a free alternative to the MacDroid transfer app then Syncios Mobile Manager is our top pick. It’s free to use forever, has a clean, intuitive interface, and is packed with features to allow you to transfer files from Mac to Android or from iOS devices.
Another great, free addition to our list is OpenMTP. This open-source file transfer software for Mac is completely free, forever, and works with most Android devices. Just download the software and connect your device to your Mac via USB to get started. Android data transfer app files are sent quickly from your Android to your Mac - in fact, the rates are faster than many apps that only connect via Wi-Fi.
The simple drag ‘n drop file transfer feature makes it quick and easy to transfer all types of files, and you can choose between Grid and List view to easily see all your files. There are even handy keyboard shortcuts available to make the transfer process even simpler. OpenMTP is safe and reliable, with regular updates.
Pros
Cons
Latest update: Mar 17, 2023
OS compatibility
Mac only.
Conclusion
If a free, open-source Android transfer Mac tool is what you’re looking for, OpenMTP is an excellent choice. Although being open-source means there’s no support available, the software makes up for this by being incredibly user-friendly, with a simple drag ‘n drop file transfer system, fast transfer speeds, and a choice of Grid or List views to make viewing your files easier.
Android File Transfer is free file transfer software designed for Mac, that helps you transfer files from your Mac to your Android device, and vice versa. With Android File Transfer, your phone is mounted like an external USB drive, so you can easily view and transfer all files and folders.
Android File Transfer is compatible with most Android devices, so you can use it to transfer files from any device - such as your tablet or your phone, but you can only use it with Mac and Android, as there’s no version for iOS or Windows. When using the software you’ll need to select the files you want to transfer. If you encounter any problems, there’s limited support available through Google’s knowledgebase - so this isn’t an app that’s recommended for total beginners.
You also won’t be able to connect your phone to your Mac wirelessly, as Android File Transfer only supports USB connectivity, unlike some paid apps. It’s a quick, no-frills way to transfer files from Mac to Android and vice versa, but it is rather limited in terms of features compared to some paid apps, and if you encounter any issues, you may be unable to get support.
When it comes to choosing the best Android File Transfer Mac alternative, you want to select software you know is reliable and will help you transfer files from Android to Mac - and vice versa - quickly and easily. We’d recommend MacDroid as the best choice from the above alternative programs. Not only is it professional software, but you’ll also be able to access support when you need it, if things go wrong or you need advice.
