FTP Server (Free) vs SambaLite
Side-by-side comparison of two open source alternatives
FTP Server (Free)
This app can serve files over the internet but the most likely usage is to access files from another computer without needing a cable. The name Demo in the launcher just means that it corresponds to the free version on Google. The app is fully featured so instead of buying the "Full" version as a way of contributing you can donate via the Paypal link.
SambaLite
SambaLite is a lightweight, modern, and open-source Android client for SMB/CIFS shares (Samba). The goal is to provide a minimalist, reliable, and secure tool that allows users to access SMB shares on their local network - without any unnecessary features, ads, or bloat. The app is designed for tech-savvy users who are looking for a lean, transparent solution and value privacy and open source. Main features: • Network Discovery: Automatically scan for SMB servers on your local network • Manage connections: Enter SMB server (hostname or IP) and share/path, username, password, optional domain (workgroup) • Manage multiple connections with individual names • Connection testing with clear error messages • Automatic, secure storage of credentials (Android Keystore) • File browser: Navigate through the share directory tree, display of name, type, size, and modification date • Folder operations: Upload and download entire folders using ZIP compression • Multi-file operations: Select and transfer multiple files with progress tracking • Background transfers: Large file operations continue in the background • Enhanced search: Find files and folders with progress indicator and cancel option • Refresh view ("Pull-to-Refresh") • Sorting options (name, date, size) • File operations: Download, upload, delete, rename • Display file properties • Modern Material Design 3 interface with app logo colors • Dark/Light Mode (system default) Security & Privacy: • No telemetry or third-party connections • No unencrypted storage of sensitive data • Minimal permissions (only network and access to user-selected storage locations) SambaLite is the open-source Samba client for Android that many have wanted for years: Modern, lean, secure, without unnecessary features, but with everything needed for practical access to SMB shares. SambaLite is free and open source. If you find it useful, please consider supporting development: https://ko-fi.com/egdels
| Feature | FTP Server (Free) | SambaLite |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0-only | Apache-2.0 |
| Install sources | F-DroidGitHub | F-DroidGitHub |
| Categories | Cloud StorageMessaging | Cloud StorageMessaging |
| Features | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Website | ||
| Source code |