AirDrop is a file-sharing functionality that paves the way for file transfer between Apple-based devices and is exclusive to those devices, too. As a competition for AirDrop and for having a dedicated file-sharing function for Android & Google-based devices, Google developed Nearby Share. Both features are specific to different operating systems and have their attributes. But, there is no wonder if people on the internet want to compare Nearby Share Vs. AirDrop since both functions have the same motto: wirelessly sharing files.
Most users want to know which functionality performs better among Nearby Share Vs. AirDrop. Knowing this will help pick the best function for file sharing. But you can choose the apt one only after a detailed analysis and comparison of all their aspects.
That’s why I have come up with this article comparing different facets of Nearby Share & AirDrop. Go through each heading carefully, and you’ll get to know the best in Nearby Share Vs. AirDrop. If you can’t conclude, you’ll be guided by the decisive verdict.
Compatible Devices
Nearby Share
- Nearby Share is compatible with all Google devices and Android mobiles running version 6.0 and higher.
- Recently, Google even launched the Nearby Share Beta version for the Windows operating system, thus setting their foot to work on computers for the first time.
- However, the Nearby Share has to be downloaded as an app on Windows PCs and doesn’t come inbuilt now.
- The app supports Windows PCs with Windows 10 software and later versions. Also, the PC should have Bluetooth & WIFI options as necessary.
AirDrop
- AirDrop supports all Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You don’t have to download it from the App Store separately.
- The feature is available by default on all iPhones & iPads with iOS version 7 and later. It is available on Mac computers running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and later, except Mac Pro 2012.
- AirDrop is unavailable only on First iPhone, iPhone 3G & 3GS. That’s because these are the only models that didn’t get the iOS 7 software update.
- Apart from them, you can get AirDrop on all iPhones, from iPhone 4 to the latest iPhone 15 series, and use it as the default file-sharing application.
Verdict: So, in the case of compatibility, AirDrop is one step ahead of Nearby Share.
Supported File Formats
Nearby Share
- With Nearby Share, you can share/receive files, such as photos, music, videos & documents from your local storage to another Android device or Windows (with Nearby Share Beta).
- You can share apps from your Android mobile via Nearby Share only from the Files app from Google.
- You can also transfer supported files, links, and specific app content like QR codes directly from social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, etc.
AirDrop
- AirDrop supports sharing & receiving extensive file types. You can AirDrop videos, photos, documents, notes, music, and contacts from your Apple device storage.
- Notably, sharing any application on your iPhone/Mac to another Apple device via AirDrop is possible directly.
- It directly influences social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. It allows sharing media and lots of app-specific content such as QR codes, profile links, filters, posts, stories, and group links.
Verdict: So, the variants of files you share through AirDrop are much higher than Nearby Share.
Connectivity Range
Nearby Share
- The devices involved in sharing using Nearby Share should be placed closer within the range of 1 foot (30 cm).
AirDrop
- Both AirDrop devices must be within 13 meters (42 feet) of coverage.
Verdict: AirDrop covers more distance, obviously, and is easier to connect than Nearby Share.
Setup Process of Nearby Share and AirDrop
Nearby Share
- You don’t have to set up Nearby Share separately on mobiles. Once you link your Google account to your device, the Nearby Share will integrate automatically with it.
- Later, you can change your Google account and Nearby Share name whenever you want.
- But, Windows users must set up Nearby Share Beta by giving in their Google account and entering the required details within the app.
AirDrop
- AirDrop also doesn’t require any setup process initially.
- Once you set up your Apple device with the Apple ID and password, be it iPhone or Mac, AirDrop will merge with your respective Apple account and get set for functioning immediately.
- Afterward, you can change your AirDrop name according to your desire.
Verdict: On account of the setup process, both AirDrop and Nearby Share tie.
Working Style of Nearby Share and AirDrop
Nearby Share
- To receive a file through Nearby Share, turn on the Bluetooth & WIFI settings. Then, you have to enter the Nearby Share option and turn on Device Visibility.
- Even if you want to send any media or content, select it and click on the Nearby Share icon. You’ll be prompted to turn on WIFI and Bluetooth, after which you can share.
- While looking for devices, you can choose between contacts or everyone to locate your receiver faster.
- Nearby Share will ask whether to accept sharing with a device only for the first time.
AirDrop
- You have to turn on the Bluetooth & WIFI options for airdropping also. After that, you can select the AirDrop option from the Control Center/Mac Finder and set it as Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 minutes.
- To share a particular local media file, click the Share icon and select the AirDrop name. The same process applies to sharing content from social media.
- If you have not turned on WIFI & Bluetooth while sharing, you will be instructed to do so.
- You must accept sharing each time, even from devices from your contact list.
Verdict: The working style of both Nearby Share and AirDrop is quite similar.
User Interface & Features
Nearby Share
- The interface of Nearby Share holds a lot of details. Once it opens up, you will have the devices available for connection.
- You can long press on the device’s name to select and share files with multiple devices.
- On the receiving end, you can have the name of the source, data of the number of media files being received, and file name in list format.
- A preview of the photos and videos you accept can also be seen.
- Moreover, you can access the Nearby Share app as a standalone menu.
AirDrop
- AirDrop has a fundamental and easy-to-use interface. Since it is merged with the Share option on iOS & Mac systems, you can only see the details of how many files you receive in the prompt.
- While sharing, when you select the receiver’s AirDrop name and click Done, the selected files will be transferred within a fraction of a second. That’s it!
Verdict: Regarding user interface and features, Nearby Share has taken over AirDrop.
Transfer Speed & Device Limitations
Nearby Share
- Nearby Share has the capacity to transfer files at a speed of 20 MB/second maximum.
- Using Nearby Share, you can share files on 5 devices simultaneously.
AirDrop
- AirDrop has no file size limits and can transfer files at 1 GB per second, the fastest compared to Nearby Share and any other file-sharing application.
- AirDrop doesn’t have any device limitations while sharing. You can select any number of devices in the list and share files with them instantly.
Verdict: Without any doubt, AirDrop tops in transfer speed and the number of devices it can connect and share concurrently.
Latest Feature Additions
Nearby Share
- As mentioned, Nearby Share is now available for Windows, breaking the complexity barrier in file sharing between smartphones and computers.
- Apart from that, Self Share is its last feature introduced, which prevents you from confirming file transfer each time.
AirDrop
- On AirDrop, many exciting features are lined up, such as Proximity Sharing, Share Play, Transfer Over the Internet, and NameDrop.
- Proximity Sharing – Allows sharing files just by placing two iPhones together
- Share Play – Syncs and simultaneously play content such as music and videos on two iPhones.
- Transfer Over Internet – Once you start airdropping, you can complete the file transfer process via the Internet. So, you can AirDrop even if you move away from the connectivity range.
- NameDrop – Allows sharing contact information of two iPhones.
Verdict: Not to be harsh, Nearby Share is nowhere near the features AirDrop offers.
Data Safety
Nearby Share
- Since you have linked your Google account with Nearby Share, there is a high chance of tracking the data you transfer.
AirDrop
- Like Apple devices, known for data security, its sharing feature AirDrop also doesn’t breach your privacy.
- Apart from the Apple ID details, it doesn’t keep track of any of the data you share and receive.
Verdict: AirDrop ensures Z category-level security for your data and privacy, while with Nearby Share, it is still a question mark.
Final Verdict
Considering all the explanations of aspects and the short verdict on each heading, you might already have concluded. Yes! Undoubtedly, AirDrop stands out in each facet and crowns in the battle of Nearby Share Vs. AirDrop. It supports sharing various file formats and has the ability to transfer even the app specific content from social media platforms.
The only aspect in which Nearby Share overhauls AirDrop is the interface & its features. However, the transfer speed and connections tally it, which is unmatchable by Nearby Share. Thus, we recommend using AirDrop for transfering files.
FAQ
No, you don’t need the internet to AirDrop files from one Apple device to another.
Yes. Nearby Share is the file-sharing functionality on the latest Android & Google devices, just like AirDrop for Apple devices.
No, AirDrop stands taller and performs better than Nearby Share.
No, being an exclusive feature for Apple devices, you cannot AirDrop to Android smartphones or tablets.