Reddit users pointed me to two solid AirDrop alternatives for Windows 11: Blip and LocalSend. A post by user Palunath in the r/Windows11 subreddit prompted several responses; I downloaded both apps and used them over the last week. Both stand out for different reasons: Blip as a fast, cross-network option and LocalSend as a privacy-focused local solution.
Blip: a top AirDrop alternative
Blip is my top pick because it feels familiar, is easy to use and is described as extremely fast. It works best when devices are on the same network but also supports transfers across different networks. Blip lets you send files and folders without any size limits — its website even says “99TB? Game on.” You do not have to zip folders before sending, which is useful for large photo files.
Blip is free for non-commercial use; business users or those who want priority speed can subscribe for $25 per user per month. Signing up requires entering your email and confirming a code sent to that address. Blip’s website provides download links for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux.
LocalSend: secure, offline sharing on the local network
LocalSend works through your local network so it can operate without internet access and can be incredibly fast when your Wi-Fi is quick. It does not require an account or login; devices on the same network simply appear in the app and you can mark favorites to streamline sharing. LocalSend is free, open-source, fully offline and peer-to-peer, and it supports sending files to a single recipient or multiple recipients, which makes it feel more like AirDrop.
The main limitation of LocalSend is that it is intended for local transfers only: if you need to send files between devices on different networks, LocalSend will not provide that functionality. You can download LocalSend from its website or use the service through that site.
Cloud options for syncing
For continuous syncing or backing up entire folders, apps like OneDrive or iCloud remain options, though in my experience they are slower at syncing and sending files than on-demand transfer tools. They are still useful for backups and syncing across devices.
Both Blip and LocalSend address common gaps when connecting an iPhone and a Windows PC: Blip for cross-network, account-based transfers with optional paid tiers, and LocalSend for local, account-free, privacy-focused sharing.
