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Dropbox VS AirDrop by Apple

Compare Dropbox VS AirDrop by Apple and see what are their differences

Dropbox logo Dropbox

Online Sync and File Sharing

AirDrop by Apple logo AirDrop by Apple

AirDrop is the simplest way to send files wirelessly to anyone around you.
  • Dropbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-05
  • AirDrop by Apple Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-03

Dropbox features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Dropbox offers a user-friendly interface that makes file sharing, syncing, and storage simple for users of any technical skill level.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Dropbox supports multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, making it accessible from almost any device.
  • Collaboration Features
    The service includes features like shared folders, file comments, and real-time collaboration on documents, which are ideal for team projects.
  • File Versioning
    Dropbox maintains previous versions of files, allowing users to recover older versions if needed, which is helpful in case of accidental deletions or edits.
  • Third-Party Integrations
    The platform integrates seamlessly with various third-party apps such as Microsoft Office, Slack, and Trello, enhancing its utility in workflow management.
  • Strong Security Measures
    Dropbox offers robust encryption both at rest and in transit, along with two-factor authentication to secure user data.

Possible disadvantages of Dropbox

  • Cost
    Dropbox can be expensive, especially for businesses or advanced individual users who require more storage than what is available in the free plan.
  • Privacy Concerns
    There have been concerns around Dropbox's privacy policies and data handling practices, which might not be ideal for users particularly concerned about privacy.
  • Storage Limits
    The free version of Dropbox offers limited storage capacity (only up to 2GB), which may not be sufficient for users with extensive storage needs.
  • Sync Performance Issues
    Some users have reported issues with the speed and reliability of file syncing, which can be disruptive, especially for large files or bulk uploads.
  • File Size Restrictions
    There are file size limitations for both free and certain paid plans, which may be inconvenient for users who need to store or share particularly large files.
  • Limited Offline Access
    While Dropbox allows files to be made available offline, the process is not always straightforward and can lead to accessibility issues when internet access is not available.

AirDrop by Apple features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    AirDrop offers a straightforward, user-friendly interface that allows users to share files with minimal steps, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy individuals.
  • Speed
    AirDrop uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer files, allowing for rapid data transmission especially over short distances.
  • No Internet Requirement
    AirDrop does not require an internet connection, making it ideal for transferring files in areas with limited or no connectivity.
  • Security
    Files sent via AirDrop are encrypted, ensuring that the data being transferred is secure and less susceptible to interception.
  • Cross-Device Compatibility
    AirDrop is compatible across Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, facilitating seamless file transfers within the Apple ecosystem.

Possible disadvantages of AirDrop by Apple

  • Apple Ecosystem Limitation
    AirDrop is only available on Apple devices, which means it cannot be used to transfer files to or from non-Apple devices.
  • Distance Limitation
    AirDrop requires both devices to be within a certain range, typically up to 30 feet (approximately 9 meters), limiting its use in larger spaces.
  • Potential Security Risks
    Although encrypted, AirDrop can pose potential security risks if not configured correctly, such as if visibility settings are set to 'Everyone,' making users susceptible to unsolicited file sharing.
  • Interference Issues
    AirDrop can experience interference from other wireless devices and networks, potentially impacting transfer speed and reliability.
  • Bandwidth Consumption
    AirDrop can consume significant Wi-Fi bandwidth, which may affect the performance of other apps and devices on the same network.

Analysis of AirDrop by Apple

Overall verdict

  • Overall, AirDrop is a highly effective and reliable file-sharing tool for Apple users, especially within the Apple ecosystem.

Why this product is good

  • AirDrop by Apple is considered good because it offers a seamless and efficient way to transfer files between Apple devices. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to enable fast and secure sharing of photos, documents, and other files without the need for additional software or internet connection. AirDrop is also praised for its ease of use, requiring minimal setup and allowing users to share files with just a few taps.

Recommended for

  • People who frequently transfer files between Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
  • Users looking for a quick and wireless method to share files locally without relying on the internet.
  • Individuals who prioritize privacy and security while sharing files, as AirDrop uses encryption to protect data during transfer.

Dropbox videos

Dropbox Update 2019 - Is it Worth It?

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Dropbox API / JavaScript ES6 Tutorial - Expense Organizer
  • Tutorial - How To Build With Dropbox Webinar October 2020 | Dropbox API | Dropbox
  • Review - Everything You Need to Know: The NEW Dropbox 📦
  • Review - Dropbox Paper: Full Review (2019)
  • Review - Dropbox Review: Best Cloud Storage for File Sharing?
  • Review - Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: The Ultimate Cloud Storage Showdown
  • Review - 2021 Best Cloud Storage | Dropbox vs OneDrive vs Google Drive vs iCloud vs Box vs Mega

AirDrop by Apple videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Dropbox and AirDrop by Apple)
Cloud Storage
96 96%
4% 4
File Sharing
94 94%
6% 6
Encrypted Cloud Storage
100 100%
0% 0
Secure File Sharing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Dropbox and AirDrop by Apple

Dropbox Reviews

  1. good cloud service

    It's much more convenient than GoogleDrive. I frequently use it to share my projects on freelance platforms. This is reliable cloud storage with many features

    🏁 Competitors: Google Drive
    👍 Pros:    Reliable|Convenient|Easy to use
    👎 Cons:    Found none

Best Free Cloud Storage for 2024: What Cloud Storage Providers Offer the Most Free Storage?
Another big problem with Dropbox is the lack of features on the free plan. You can see the full list in the table at the end of the article, but features like the vault, smart sync, Dropbox Transfer, e-signatures, unlimited devices and offline access are all either completely missing or severely limited. You can find out more about these features in our Dropbox review.
Best Cloud Storage Services for Linux
Koofr is a cloud storage provider that’s a good option for Linux because of its Linux GUI desktop client. They have an online version, desktop and mobile versions, browser extensions, and more. The best thing about Koofr is that you can connect Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive to your Koofr account and search through all files from all accounts from Koofr.
Source: linuxstans.com
Best Top 12 MEGA Alternatives in 2024
In the world of cloud storage, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best MEGA alternative for you depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Whether it's Google Drive's integration, Dropbox's simplicity, or OneDrive's security, you have plenty of options to choose from. Evaluate your needs and make an informed decision to ensure your digital life is...
13 WeTransfer Alternatives (Free) in 2022
Dropbox is a file hosting service providing personal cloud, file synchronization, cloud storage, and client software. It is designed to collaborate on your projects, whether you are working alone or in a team.
Source: www.guru99.com
Best alternatives to WeTransfer of 2022
Microsoft OneDrive works like the other well-known consumer cloud storage options, the likes of Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud: you specify the files and folders you want it to back up, and they get automatically synced with copies in the cloud, as well as all the other computers and devices where you've got OneDrive set up.

AirDrop by Apple Reviews

We have no reviews of AirDrop by Apple yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Dropbox seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 28 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Dropbox mentions (28)

  • Excel What if Analysis Issue
    Even better: upload an example Excel file to a file-sharing website (box.net/files, dropbox.com, onedrive.live.com, etc), and post a download link that does not require that we log in. Source: over 1 year ago
  • How to save data on Obsidian? Worried about data loss
    Note that Dropbox automatically backs up all your files. So if you delete a file, you can recover it on dropbox.com, even 6 months later. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • How long would a USB stick last in storage?
    Upload what is on that stick to a cloud based system that is not vulnerable to degradation of hardware, you can get a lot of storage for free on sites like dropbox.com, mega.nz, or icloud. You can also always make multiple backups. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Dropbox data gone
    Did you try logging into dropbox.com and checking there? Often the files remain online even if they are removed locallY. You have to log in with the same account you deleted Locally. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Author Resources: Tools and Software
    Dropbox: You absolutely NEED backups. Ideally, both physical and cloud backups, because if you only have one backup, you're not backed up. I can't even begin to tell you how many writers have lost days, weeks, or even entire novels worth of work because they failed to back up their work, then had their computer break or had some weird software snafu. Dropbox is my preferred cloud backup solution, because you can... Source: almost 2 years ago
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AirDrop by Apple mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of AirDrop by Apple yet. Tracking of AirDrop by Apple recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Dropbox and AirDrop by Apple, you can also consider the following products

Google Drive - Access and sync your files anywhere

ShareDrop - HTML5 clone of Apple's AirDrop - easy P2P file transfer powered by WebRTC

Mega - Secure File Storage and collaboration

SHAREit - SHAREit allows you to transfer files and data from your phone to another device without having to rely on WiFi or a data plan.

Box - Box offers secure content management and collaboration for individuals, teams and businesses, enabling secure file sharing and access to your files online.

NitroShare - Official status updates from https://t.co/Uiz47VKYD9. Email updates: https://t.co/zY8kOVT5CN