Synkbay is native to Apple silicon.
Android File Transfer is an Intel app, which Apple silicon Macs run through Rosetta, and Apple ends Rosetta after macOS 27. macOS already warns: "This version of Android File Transfer will not open in macOS 28." Everything Android File Transfer did, Synkbay does for free: browse your phone and copy files both ways over a USB cable. Pro is the upgrade, backing up your photos and folders every time you plug in.
| Android File Transfer | Synkbay | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free; Pro $19.99 once |
| Availability | Removed from Google's Android website in 2024 | Launching with version 1.0 |
| Apple silicon | Intel-only: runs through Rosetta, which Apple ends after macOS 27; macOS warns it won't open in macOS 28 | Native; macOS 14.0 or later |
| Updates | None since it was removed | Active; Pro includes every 1.x update |
| Connection | USB | USB |
| Files over 4 GB | Copied correctly in our test, but copying to the Mac, its progress bar stuck at 4 GB while the file carried on | A 6.6 GB video copied both ways, checksums identical, with progress to the end |
| Reliability | "Could not connect to device" is a common error; clashes with other apps that use the phone | Names the app holding the phone and offers to quit it |
| Unplug mid-transfer | The transfer fails | Pro Carries on by itself when you plug back in, restarting the file that was cut off. Free: click Retry |
| Working with Finder | A separate window | Drag and drop both ways with Finder, Quick Look, thumbnails, search |
| Photo backup | Drag by hand | Pro Copies only new photos and videos when you plug in |
| Folder copy | By hand | Pro Auto Folder Copy, one way, never deletes |
| Several phones | One at a time | Pro Several phones, a window each |
| Appearance | Dated | Follows macOS light and dark |
Synkbay is not affiliated with Google. What's said here about Android File Transfer is what's publicly reported, or what we saw with its last version, 1.0.12, on macOS 27. It may differ on your Mac.
There's nothing to move across: Android File Transfer keeps no library or settings. Your files stay on your phone and your Mac, exactly where they are.
Open the disk image and drag Synkbay to Applications. You can leave Android File Transfer where it is.
Unlock it and choose File transfer in the phone's USB notification.
If Android File Transfer has the phone, click Quit Android File Transfer. Synkbay connects at once.
Only one app at a time can use the phone. Where Android File Transfer just says it couldn't connect, Synkbay names the app holding the phone and offers to quit it, then connects as soon as the phone is free.
To stop Android File Transfer opening by itself whenever you plug in, drag it to the Trash, or remove Android File Transfer Agent in System Settings → General → Login Items.
Synkbay copies the photos, videos and folders that are new since last time, over the cable, every time the phone connects. Nothing to start by hand.
Pro is a one-time purchase that includes every 1.x update. No subscription. Yours for good. See the price.
No USB debugging, no developer options, no app to install and no account. Choose File transfer on the phone and that's it.
No account and no cloud. Even a Pro license is activated on your Mac, with no sign-in.
Browsing and copying are free, forever. Back Up Photos, Auto Folder Copy, resuming after unplugging and several phones are part of Pro: try each 3 times for free, with no payment details or account.
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