Updated: October 18, 2021 
Best Android File Transfer Apps to Windows
1. Snapdrop
Snapdrop is the most easiest and minimal file transfer app. It works only within your Wi-Fi but provides fast transfer speeds. Snapdrop works on a peer-to-peer architecture. This basically means that the data is shared directly between your Android and Windows PC. There's no central or cloud server involved. Snapdrop is a cross-platform device and works on any device that has a browser. In fact, I use it to transfer files to my Android TV as well. The only drawback of Snapdrop is that it doesn't work on mobile data.
What's good?
- Works on P2P architecture
- Cross-platform
- Works on most of the browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc
- Snapdrop doesn't work on mobile network
2. AirDroid
The most obvious alternative to unlimited cross-platform file transfer is AirDroid. AirDroid makes use of Wi-Fi to transfer files. I have used it quite a lot back in the days for 2 major reasons.- You don't have to sign-in or install additional apps on the desktop.
- Secondly, there's absolutely no cap on the size and number of files you send.
In addition to the files, you can also share clipboard data, control your mobile camera, view files, take screenshots, etc. AirDroid seems like an ideal Pushbullet alternative if you resort only to the LAN. As soon as you move to a different Wi-Fi network, AirDroid caps the file transfer limit to 30 Mb and a daily transfer limit to 200 Mb.
AirDroid still makes use of a cloud server so it makes sense that there's a size cap but here's where it gets cheeky. If you use the barcode scanner to connect the devices on the LAN, AirDroid would always show a pop-up saying the connection is not encrypted and you need to sign-in. Once, you sign-in the connection drops back to remote mode even though it's on LAN. This way, your file size gets capped and AirDroid can push the premium variant.
What's good?
- The connection is pretty seamless
- Displays phone storage information and other statistics on the web app
- The free variant doesn't have an encrypted connection
- File transfer gets highly limited to 200 Mb in remote file transfer
- Highly capped transfer speed in the free variant.
- The Android app is full of shady app suggestions and ads
3. Xender
Xender is kind-of like AirDroid with similar functionalities but entirely different architecture and business model. First of all, Xender is free and doesn't have a paid pro variant. Next, you can either connect your PC and Android via the LAN or the Hotspot. The Hotspot feature really comes handy when you don't have a Wi-Fi network in place. Moreover, Xender provides significantly higher transfer speeds on the hotspot as compared to Wi-Fi. However, connecting your laptop to the mobile hotspot is a bit of a process. Apart from this, the Xender app is full of app promotions and ads. So, I wouldn't recommend using Xender for more than a one-off case.
What's good?
- Web app neatly categorizes phone data into photos, videos, music, apps, etc
- Multi-platform support
- Transfer speeds are significantly slower when connected via LAN
- Full-screen ads
4. Filezilla
FileZilla is one of the oldest and basic FTP client-server application for Android. In case you are not familiar with FTP, I would suggest giving this a pass. However, if you are well-versed with a few networking terminologies and command-line, FileZilla works like a charm. All you have to do is start the FTP server on Android via the FileZilla app. The app will show you the IP address and credentials to use while logging on to the FTP server. Next, open the cmd on Windows and connect to the FTP server on Android. Post that, you have to use the conventional get and put commands to download and upload files accordingly. The best thing about FTP is that it works without an Internet connection within the same Wi-Fi network. Now, the only caveat with FileZilla or rather FTP is Internet access or remote access. If you want to access your FTP server via the Internet, you would have to enable port forwarding and a couple of firewall settings on the router.
Read: 5 Best FTP Clients For Both Windows and macOS
What's good?
- Easy set up of FTP server on Android
- Since it works on cmd, you don't require additional app installation on PC
- No involvement of a cloud service and data stays private
- Huge amount of configuration on the router for Internet access
- No option to set up SFTP on Android
- App UI is fairly unintuitive for starters
5. Resilio Sync
Formerly known as BitTorrent Sync, Resilio Sync is the most intuitive file transfer app. Similar to Snapdrop, Resilio Sync functions on peer-to-peer network architecture. Once you have installed the app on both Android and Windows PC, choose the file you have to send. Next, the app creates a unique Link and QR code. Now, you just have to enter the connection link or scan the QR code on Android for the file transfer to begin. Apart from normal file transfer, Resilio provides a bunch of other options like folder sync, camera sync, and encrypted cloud sync. Resilio works seamlessly across the Internet and your local network. However, the free variant allows unlimited file sending and folder sync between 2 systems. If you manage a host of devices and want folders to be synced amongst them, you can upgrade to the pro variant at a one-time cost of $59.9.
What's good?
- Works both across the Internet and Wi-Fi
- Unlimited folder sync and file sending
- No involvement of cloud server
- Cross-platform apps for Linux, macOS, NAS, etc
- Couldn't find any
6. Portal
Similar to Resilio Sync, Portal also functions on the P2P transfer protocol. It is developed by the PushBullet team. Unlike, Pushbullet, Portal doesn't have any file sending limit. You have to download the Android app and visit "portal.pushbullet.com" on your Windows PC. Connect both the devices by scanning the QR code and now, you just have to drag and drop the files on the Windows Portal web app. Portal works seamlessly without any hassle. However, it has its own flaws. You can send files from your Windows PC to Android, however, it doesn't work vice-versa. Portal works on the same P2P protocol but you cannot send files over your mobile network. All these limitations are owing to 1 simple thing - use Pushbullet for the extra features.
What's good?
- Easiest of set up via QR code
- Uses P2P protocol rather than a cloud server
- Can save files to the SDCard as well
- Cannot send files from Android to Windows
- Doesn't work over mobile data
7. SyncThing
SyncThing is an open-source alternative for Resilio Sync. On contrary to Reselio's proprietary protocol, SyncThing uses open standard Block Exchange and replicates the same functionality. Having said that, SyncThing misses out on the most important feature - Direct file sharing. You have to go through the entire process of setting up a remote device and then copying the file in the shared folder. Next, SyncThing will sync the file from Windows to your Android device or vice-versa. I wouldn't recommend SyncThing for occasionally sending files. However, if you have a permanent use-case, you can back on SyncThing to keep your folders synced.In case SyncThing sync is stuck at 0%, you will have to approve the folder creation on the web GUI in the Android app.
What's good?
- Open source standard
- Auto-detection of peers in the same network
- Works on both mobile data and Wi-Fi
- No option to share files directly
