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Try the best Android file transfer software for Mac

Android file transfer solutions for Mac (Monterey compatible top-list)

Android to Mac file transfer | MacDroid
Top choice

MacDroid

4.7 Rank based on 556+ users, Reviews(439)

Naturally, Macs will work seamlessly with iPhones, but what if you have an Android? Finding a great Android File Transfer App for Mac OS is a vital.

There are some great options out there to sync and transfer files between Mac OS X and Android, you just have to find the right one. In this article we have reviewed what we think are the best apps for connecting your Android to your Mac.


Best Android file transfer apps for Mac OS X

  1. MacDroid
  2. SyncMate
  3. Android File Transfer for Mac by Google
  4. Alternative Android file transfer apps
  5. Tips and tricks on Mac Android file transfer

1. MacDroid

Mac Android file transfer | MacDroid

MacDroid


Requirements: macOS 10.13. 18.22MB free space. Version 1.8.160. (25 Aug, 2023). 4.7 Rank based on 556+ users, Reviews(439)
Category: Utilities

MacDroid is a compact Android file transfer application that works great on OS X Yosemite and later versions of Mac OS including Monterey.

While being small, this tool has all the power you need for a smooth and glitch-free file transfer between your computer and device.

MacDroid allows its users to easily connect their Androids and Macs to copy files, transfer music, videos, images and other types of media between them.

Android file transfer with MacDroid is as simple as the next 4 steps.

All that is needed is a USB cable - MacDroid doesn't need any extensions, drivers, or plugins.

How to transfer files between Mac and Android with MacDroid?

1 blank
Download MacDroid and install it on your Mac.
2 blank
Choose one of the available modes - Multi-Operation or Single-Operation Mode.
3 blank
Follow the instructions in the app to connect your device.
4 blank
Start transferring files!
Now, you can set up your sync settings according to your requirements. If you want everything to sync automatically, any time the two devices are in range of each other, select autosync. Otherwise, you can manually choose which files you want synced, which means that only these files will stay up to date with one another.
MacDroid

Briefly about MacDroid features:

  • • Possibility to mount both internal and external Android storages;
  • • Get access to your Android files in Finder;
  • • MacDroid app and a USB cable is all you need;
  • • All Android and MTP devices are supported.

The main feature of MacDroid is to transfer files from Android to Mac, however it doesn't stop there. It also allows file transfer between Mac and other devices that can be connected to a computer in Single-Operation Mode. Such devices include cameras, portable media players, etc. Given a user-friendly and straightforward interface of MacDroid, you'll find file transfer a pleasant experience.

MacDroid is offered in two versions - free and PRO. Free MacDroid allows an easy and efficient Android Mac file transfer. To get the advanced possibilities, you might want to consider MacDroid PRO. This advanced version offers two-way file transfer - from Android to Mac and from Mac to Android.

It also gives you a possibility to edit Android files in your favorite apps on Mac without actually saving them on computer - just open them through Finder, edit, and save the changes. Done! You can also create new, delete, duplicate, and rename Android folders directly on Mac.

MacDroid has two modes one can connect devices in - ADB and MTP. ADB is recommended as a fast and smooth way to transfer files between devices. MTP mode is an easy way to connect a variety of devices, including such devices as MP3 players or cameras.

icon pros Pros:

  • Has 7 day free PRO trial
  • Provides the ability to use up to five Mac computers and unlimited Android devices
  • Offers Single- or Multi-Operation Mode
  • Updates are provided regularly
  • Allows editing files directly on Android
  • Supports Android and MTP devices.

icon cons Cons:

  • If you prefer monthly billing, there is no such option
  • The free version supports only Android Mac file transfer, not vice versa
  • Not compatible with Windows and iOS devices.

Supported OS: Android, macOS.

When you’re choosing Android File Transfer alternative for transferring files between Mac and Android, you want to ensure the software you select has the features you need. Choose software that supports not only file transfer but media and folder transfer too - you want to be able to transfer everything from photos and music tracks to folders of documents.

MacDroid refers to the best Android file transfer alternative Mac, as it quickly transfers files and media content between devices in both directions. You can easily mount an unlimited number of Android devices as a disk on Mac for file editing and transferring.

Other features to look out for include full device compatibility, Finder integration, and options for transfer mode, as well as software that lets you access both external and internal storage on your Android device.

Best Android file transfer apps

Scroll to view more
Swipe tip
MacDroid
MacDroid
ApowerManager
dr.fone - Phone Manager
TunesGo
Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager
iSkysoft Phone transfer
MobiKin Assistant for Android
Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac
Syncios
Android File Transfer
OpenMTP
MTP mode
MTP mode
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ADB mode
ADB mode
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Folder transfer
Folder transfer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
File transfer
File transfer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media transfer
Media transfer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finder integration
Finder integration
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On-the-phone file edit
On-the-phone file edit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single Mac app
Single Mac app
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Device compatibility - Full
Device compatibility - Full
Vast  
Vast  
Vast  
Vast  
Vast  
Vast  
Vast  
Vast  
Connectivity issues  
Vast  
$1.67/mo
$1.67/mo
$39.95/year
$29.95/year
$29.95/year
$39.95
$39.95
$29.95
$29.95
$29.95
free
free
Try MacDroid file transfer app
7-days free trial

2. SyncMate

SyncMate is a feature packed solution that supports multiple devices and is fully compatible with Monterey. It allows you to freely sync files between Mac and Android and vice versa, keeping both devices updated automatically, without you having to move a finger. Simply click “Sync” and SyncMate makes data Android to Mac transfers. Simple, easy and fast!


Sync your Android with Mac in 5 simple steps.

How to use SyncMate as an Android file transfer Mac app?

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Download SyncMate and install it on your Mac.
2 blank
After installing and launching SyncMate, select the device you want to sync.
3 blank
To connect Android to Mac click “Add New” in the left panel and choose Android device.
4 blank
Connect your Android to your Mac using USB cable (in this case SyncMate Android module will be automatically installed on your device).
5 blank
When the device is connected, select the data to sync, set the sync options and click the Sync button to start the sync process.
SyncMate supports contacts and calendar syncing, as well as photos, music, playlists and folders. The main advantage of SyncMate is that it syncs data directly between apps on your Mac and Android.

icon pros Pros:

  • User friendly interface
  • Allows transferring SMS messages, contacts and calendars
  • Fully compatible with Mac
  • Can transfer almost any file type
  • Excellent file syncing speed
  • Supports transfer from Music to Android and vice versa
  • Excellent customer support.

icon cons Cons:

  • Extra features require the Expert version that costs $39,95.

Supported OS: Android, iOS, macOS.

Conclusion: SyncMate is an all-round solution based application automatically synchronising with your Mac apps so there is no need to use cloud sync. It makes Mac to Android file transfer easier offering great speed for syncing files. This is why it ranks best on our list of the best Android file transfer apps for Mac.

SyncMate is a powerful tool which serves as the best Android file transfer for Mac. With it, you can easily sync all your files and folders, personal data and bookmarks.

3. Android File Transfer for Mac by Google

Android File Transfer Mac by Google is the only native utility that could be rather helpful in file transfer, but unfortunately it has not been updated for several years and the interface is not easy to understand. Also it doesn't let you transfer more than one file at a time, so it may just take forever to get the job done. Fortunately, there is a wide range of Android file transfer for Mac apps on the market, from apps working in browsers to professional software that need to be downloaded.


Let’s look at Android File Transfer’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Transfer many files between Android and Mac
  • Can be mounted like an external USB drive

icon cons Cons:

  • Numerous errors may occur during connection or transfer
  • When transferring large files, time-outs may take place
  • There’s a limited list of Android devices for direct Android File Transfer
  • You won’t be able to manage the apps on the Android device
  • Unintuitive user interface for inexperienced users.

Supported OS: Android, macOS.

Conclusion: Android File Transfer is designed for Mac and helps to transfer files in both directions. Although the Android file transfer app is free, many people are looking for an alternative.

There are many reasons for this: it is not the easiest software to use and also provides limited support, syncing is quite difficult and slow, errors may occur during connection and transfer, which can facilitate the proper file transfer process between your Android and Mac computer. So it’s better to consider an alternative.

4. Alternative Android file transfer apps

Commander One

If you want dual-panel Android File Transfer and integration with the most popular cloud storage services, the ability to browse iOS files and work with archives and hidden system files amongst other things, then Commander One is for you.

Commander One allows you to plug and play your Android Device to Mac via USB cable and access everything via the Finder. Now you can work with your device just like any other local drive.

Commander One allows you to connect to the most popular cloud storage services, browse files on iPhones and iPads, work with archives and hidden system files, use Terminal Emulator and manage current system processes. In addition to being a dual-panel Android file transfer for Mac, its a real no-brainer!

Let’s look at Commander One’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Dual panel window enables to view two folders at the same time
  • Can manage cloud storages from a single place
  • Has a number of personalization options to edit the interface.

icon cons Cons:

  • Free version is limited to few features, Additional features are available in the paid version
  • Doesn’t support the option to sync Android files with your Mac.

Supported OS: Mac OS X, Android, iOS.

Conclusion: Mac users often choose Commander One for Android file transfer. It offers useful and efficient features and also has a clean dual-pane interface.

Not only that, Commander One also acts as a connection manager and lets connect various web servers and cloud storages to the Mac system, and also provides access to remote storages and network servers from one place. As you can see, the app comes with quite interesting and advanced functionality, so it's worth considering as a file transfer tool.

dr.fone - Transfer

Small and efficient Android File Transfer for Mac alternative that enables you to transfer all types of data between Android smartphones and tablets and Mac computers, dr.fone allows you to quickly transfer SMS messages, contacts, and music. Dr.Fone also allows you to easily manage the media on the Android device so you can export, delete, and add files and folders in batches.


Let’s look at dr_fone - Transfer’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Free version
  • Affordable license fee
  • Works with Windows and Mac
  • Supports transfer of almost any file type
  • Allows you to transfer contacts and SMS messages
  • HEIC photo converter
  • Supports transfer from iTunes > Android and vice versa.

icon cons Cons:

  • There have been complaints it doesn’t work
  • Poor support.

Supported OS: Mac, Windows.

Conclusion: If you’re looking for free file transfer software, give dr.fone Phone Manager a go. Compatible with Windows and Mac, you can transfer everything from files, folders, and videos to contacts and SMS messages. Get complete access to all files and folders on your Android device, enjoy HEIC photo conversion, and even transfer from iTunes to Android and vice versa.

Dr. fone is reasonably priced and support is great, but the data recovery feature can sometimes be a bit glitchy.

MobiKin Assistant for Android

The next Android File Transfer alternative we’re checking is the MobiKin Assistant for Android (Mac Version). Well, to be honest, this is more than just an alternative as not only that it supports transferring music, videos, photos, messages, contacts or books, but it also offers the function of backing up and restoring the data in your phone. No more worries about Android and macOS incompatibilities, MobiKin is here for the rescue!


Let’s look at MobiKin’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Free trial
  • Affordable pricing
  • 1-click backup and restore
  • Backup and edit contacts on your Mac
  • Transfer SMS, call logs, and almost any type of data.

icon cons Cons:

  • No free version
  • Free trial has very limited functionality.

Supported OS: Mac, Windows.

Conclusion: MobiKin is the complete transfer tool you need if you also want to backup and restore your device using one app. It offers a free trial, and you can transfer almost any type of data, from call logs and SMS to books, videos, and music.

The 1 click backup and restore feature is handy, and you can even backup your contacts to Mac, then edit them on your computer. The bad news is that there’s no free version, so you’ll need to pay for the Premium version if you want to keep using the software.

HandShaker

Wouldn’t it be nice if Mac and Android wouldn’t be in such a fierce competition and just shake hands? Well, that’s definitely the purpose with which HandShaker was created because this app enables high-speed file transfers between the two operating systems via Wi-Fi. Besides transferring all types of files, you can use this app to manage the contents on both devices and being a freeware app makes things even better!


Let’s look at HandShaker’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Free
  • Works with Mac and Android
  • High-speed transfer.

icon cons Cons:

  • No Windows version
  • Hasn’t been updated since 2017 so may be buggy
  • Users report it often fails to connect to device.

Supported OS: Mac, Android.

Conclusion: HandShaker is an excellent, free option for transferring files between Mac and Android. Its high-speed transfer allows you to transfer files Android to Mac quickly and easily, however it hasn’t been updated since 2017, and there have been reports of bugs that have still not been fixed in the app.


AirDroid

Using AirDroid you get a complete app to transfer any type of file from an Android device to a Mac. Not just that, AirDroid is compatible with Windows, iOS and the AirDroid Web operating system.

AirDroid Web allows you to manage and control your files on your phone through the browser directly. To access AirDroid Web you will need to sign in or scan QR code - just point the camera at the QR code displayed on your computer. No matter if it’s photos, documents, music, videos or APKs, the app will get the job done swiftly while also allowing you to transfer entire folders at once.


Let’s look at AirDroid’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Works with Windows and Mac
  • Free version
  • Affordable monthly subscription for premium
  • Fast and reliable
  • Transfer almost any type of data.

icon cons Cons:

  • Need the premium version for folder transfer
  • No yearly license fee, only monthly subscription
  • Support could be better.

Supported OS: Windows, Mac.

Conclusion: Thanks to its compatibility with multiple operating systems, ability to transfer almost any type of data, and option to upgrade to a premium account to enjoy additional features, AirDroid is one of our favorite solutions for transferring files from Mac to Android. You’ll need to upgrade to the Premium version to transfer folders, though.

File Transfer

File Transfer by Delite Studio is another Android transfer Mac solution that allows exchanging both files and folders between your Android and Mac. File Transfer is a cross-platform file sharing system that works out of the box. It’s quick and easy to use File Transfer, you don’t need to configure anything and connect devices with the USB cable, devices are automatically detected. The transfer is done over the local network.


Let’s look at File Transfer’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Drag and drop transfer
  • Transfer files through the local network
  • Does a good job as a file manager
  • There are mobile versions for iPad/iPhone and Android.

icon cons Cons:

  • The free version allows you to send up to 5 MB per once
  • Only sending is free, to be able to receive files from computer you should upgrade to the pro version.

Supported OS: Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Conclusion: File transfer is a handy app with a primary goal: to allow its users to exchange everything between their devices. It works cross-platform and sends files through the local network, which makes it a good choice. Additionally, you can configure some parameters within the application.

Android File Transfer Linux

Next on our list of Android Maс file transfer software is Android File Transfer Linux. It is a reliable MTP client with a simple user interface that transfers files and folders to and from Android phones and Ubuntu machines.

The app is built with Qt that greatly simplifies the transfer of files. Basically, Android File Transfer Linux can be called a twin of Google's Android File Transfer app for Mac. Despite the name, the app supports Mac OS X, so you can also exchange files between Mac and Android.


Let’s look at Android File Transfer Linux’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Allows downloading and uploading files and directories and supports drag and drop
  • Shows the progress of file transfer
  • Supports FUSE wrapper
  • There is a CLI tool for those who are terminal savvy.

icon cons Cons:

  • Sometimes downloading fails with USB timeout, then phone stops responding.

Supported OS: Mac, Android, Linux.

Conclusion: Android File Transfer Linux lets you mount Android devices as a disk in Linux distribution. Once installed, you will get an application with an intuitive graphical interface to transfer files between devices.

OpenMTP

OpenMTP, being listed among top Android File Transfer software, is an open-source app for Mac and Android. OpenMTP supports a dark theme mode, Plug and Play for easy connection, and allows you to drag-and-drop files. Once you've connected your phone, OpenMTP automatically launches and is ready to transfer files.

OpenMTP comes with a two-pane view of Mac's filesystem and Android device's data and allows you to copy, move, and delete files. If you don't like the two-pane view, you can customize the single-pane interface.


Let’s look at OpenMTP’s pros & cons

icon pros Pros:

  • Free and open source
  • Can transfer multiple files larger than 4 GB at a time
  • Two-panel interface that splits computer and Android device
  • Allows using keyboard shortcuts to navigate through files.

icon cons Cons:

  • Sometimes the app may work unstable with Xiaomi and OnePlus devices.

Supported OS: Mac.

Conclusion: OpenMTP is a good alternative for Google’s Android File Transfer. It is free and compatible with any Mac device running OS X 10.10 or higher and offers a simple interface with flexible settings.

5. Tips and tricks on Mac Android file transfer

How to fix Android File Transfer Mac if it is not working

For many, Android File Transfer is a convenient and easy way to transfer data and folders between Mac and devices running Android. The process can be tricky at times and the app can even stop working. What should one do in such cases and for what reasons is Android File Transfer not working as expected? There are some troubleshooting steps you can try to fix this issue.

How to transfer files from Android to PC

It’s an easy affair to transfer files from Android to PC. A few simple steps and you will get access to Android files from your Linux or Windows desktop. You don't even need to download a file sync app for this.

How to transfer files from Android to Chromebook

Need to transfer files from Android to Chromebook? Just like Windows and Mac, laptops running on Chrome OS support USB file transfer and the process is pretty simple too.

How to transfer data from Android to Mac using SD card

If you don’t want to install third-party apps for Android file transfer SD card comes in handy. Since all Android phones have the option to add an SD card, it is a popular and favorite way for storing and exchanging data between mobile devices and computers.

How to transfer photos from Android to Mac

Do you have devices running macOS and Android and you are interested in how to transfer photos from Android to Mac? It won't be as easy as exchanging files from Android to PC. Fortunately, there are photo transfer apps that simplify maintaining connections between devices with different OS.

How to transfer music to Android from Mac

While the process of moving songs is a snap for Android users on Windows PCs, it can seem a bit daunting when you are about to transfer music from Mac to Android. But thanks to special software the transfer process is quick and simple.

How to transfer videos from Android to Mac

For those who are wondering how to transfer videos from Android to Mac, there are apps that can take care of that process. No special cables and complicated fixes are required.

Final thoughts on the best Android File Transfer Software for Mac

With so many different programs available to transfer files from Android to Mac, how do you choose the one that’s best for you? First, think about the type of data you’d like to transfer: for example, perhaps you only want to transfer a few files, or maybe you need to transfer contacts, SMS messages, and entire folders.

It’s important to choose software that supports the type of data you need to transfer. Then, think about your budget. If you’re transferring small files less frequently, free software can get the job done, whereas if you’re regularly transferring sensitive data or entire folders, you may want to pay for reliable, secure software that offers support if anything goes wrong.

Take a look through our list, take time to read reviews for each program from users, and you’re sure to find the best software for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're using an iPhone or iPad, transferring files to and from your Mac computer is easy. When it comes to moving files between your Android and Mac, it’s not that simple. You can opt for cloud storage services like Dropbox or file transfer apps like MacDroid.

Using MacDroid, you can connect your Android device to Mac and transfer music, videos, images and even folders. It also allows you to open Android files through Finder and edit them directly on Mac. SD card is one more way to transfer files from Android to Mac, in case your phone supports it. For this, you need to insert an SD card into the SD card reader and connect it to Mac.

Android File Transfer is an official Google app that works on Mac computers and connects to Android phones and tablets using USB cable. To get Android File Transfer, you need to download the app and install it to your computer, then connect your phone, double click Android File Transfer. Done! Now you can browse the Android files and folders and transfer them to Mac.
A common problem why Android File Transfer may not work is that some software versions do not work together correctly. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly update Android and Mac to the latest version. To update your Mac, check what version is currently installed.
There are many ways that can be used to exchange files between Android phones. The easiest one is to use Bluetooth with which you can easily transfer pictures, videos, music, wirelessly and without any problem. Third party apps can be used as an alternative. Today, different apps are available that will also help you transfer files.