The most effective File Sharing Apps [Appbattle]

Something smartphones aren’t brilliant at? Sharing. They retain to themselves, hoard what they bring, and bristle at the concept of accessing and sharing files like an average computer. Thankfully, we now have these apps.

These apps will fall into one of two categories, and infrequently both. Some are cloud-based storage apps, and others focus more on local sharing, via USB or network. All are a way to an identical end: with the ability to access your computer’s files if you’re for your phone, and your phone’s files while your using the computer.

iOS

GOLD MEDAL: ReaddleDocs

ReaddleDocs’ devs seem to have set out to build a document reader, slipped into some form of ecstatic coding frenzy, and added features until their fingertips turned to pulp. Together with extensive document (primarily PDF) reading and file managing abilities, it acts as a network drive over Wi-Fi, supports two-way file sharing over 3G or EDGE, can hook up with quite often any major cloud storage service from Dropbox to MobileMe to Google Docs, has a phone-to-phone transfer feature and accepts any files sent to a singular ReaddleDocs email address. I’ve only scratched the outside, really. $5, iPhone and iPad

SILVER MEDAL: Dropbox

The official Dropbox app is by far the perfect implementation of the generally use and supported cloud storage service, earning its place not for an especially impressive feature list, but for ease of use and the strength of its parent service. Ponder it instead for having an accessible filesystem on your iOS device, with the bonus that it’s available everywhere. Free , iOS

BRONZE MEDAL: Box.net

Box.net is a distinctly Dropbox-y app, but with a specialty: Collaboration. Most cloud services and apps allow you to store and to some degree share files, but Box.net lets people comment and exchange notes on a given file. Free , iOS

OTHERS TESTED
• SugarSync : A cloud storage service with a generous free allocation, and a less than excellent app.
• MobileMe iDisk : You’d think Apple’s own cloud service and accompanying app would fare a piece better, but a mixture of service cost and an anemic feature list held it back from the leading pack.
• Goodreader : Another document reader with sharing abilities, Goodreader is at its best when the files to hand are all business: PDFs, Word docs etc.
• Air Sharing Pro : An old favorite supplanted by cheaper, snazzier upstarts. Still worth a look, though, if sharing over Wi-Fi is a priority.

Android

GOLD MEDAL: Dropbox

It really doesn’t get easier than Dropbox. With its Android app, possible view and edit all of your Dropbox files in a sweet and straightforward interface and even stream music and videos you’ve uploaded to Dropbox in its media player (or save for offline viewing). Plus you possibly can upload photos and videos taken from your Android phone straight to Dropbox too. The cherry on top is that Dropbox on Android works with a bunch of third-party apps and provides easy link sharing. Whenever you’re not using it already, there’s really no excuse not to take a look at it (especially since Dropbox grants 2GB of storage free of charge). Free, Android.

SILVER MEDAL: GoAruna Files

GoAruna is an identical service to Dropbox (free 2GB online storage) and its Android app can do a considerable number of similar things (like stream uploaded media) but it surely just not quite as easy to exploit (through some unnecessary pizazz). But! It does offer a bit more versatility than Dropbox, with GoAruna you could dig around your phone’s local directory and literally upload any file from your phone to GoAruna’s cloud. In the event you’re more excited about uploading files from your phone to the cloud (in preference to grabbing files from the cloud for your phone), GoAruna could be better suited to you. Free, Android.

BRONZE MEDAL: SwiFTP

In case you’re searching for an FTP server (and not cloud storage), SwiFTP is pretty much as good as it gets. It’s fast and straightforward, all you must do is create a username and password, set it to start out, and you’ll access your phone from any FTP client (or browser) within your network. Free, Android.

OTHERS TESTED:
• SugarSync: Another cloud storage/file sharing app that’s easy to take advantage of but not exactly the prettiest girl at the ball
• Zumodrive: Really straightforward UI but a little bit slower than Dropbox, also only promises 1GB free after you check in from your phone (ought to earn the alternative 1GB on the computer)
• Files Anywhere: Complicated UI and only 1GB of cloud storage but permits you to fax documents straight from the app.
• File Share: Basic solution to bring files from your PC onto your phone over your network. Annoying that there’s no method to exit the program.
• WebSharing File/Media Sync: Wonderful means to transfer files over Wi-Fi, just not worth 3 bucks

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This post is tagged: document reader, exchange notes, impressive feature, storage service, transfer feature