Comparisons & alternatives · Devices, syncing and sharing
Is Bridge better than emailing or messaging files to myself?
Short answer: For your own devices, usually yes. Bridge is a direct, end-to-end encrypted link with no server copy, shows the other device's folders in Finder and can share your clipboard. Email remains better for sending to other people.
For your own devices, usually — mainly because nothing goes through anyone else's servers. Bridge links your Mac directly to your other device with the free Storage Studio Bridge app (on Windows today). The connection is end-to-end encrypted, there's no cloud copy left behind, and it works on the same Wi-Fi or across the internet.
It also does things email can't:
- the other device's shared folders appear in Finder next to your cloud accounts;
- your clipboard can be shared both ways into the Junk Yard (passwords are never shared);
- a six-digit Tunnel Code on both screens confirms you're linked to the right device.
Email and messaging are still handy for sending something to other people; Bridge is for your own devices. See Bridge & your devices.