Comparisons & alternatives · Devices, syncing and sharing
Should I use Bridge or macOS File Sharing to share folders between two Macs?
Short answer: macOS File Sharing is built in and suits one network; Bridge pairs your own devices directly, works across different networks, keeps the link end-to-end encrypted and adds clipboard sharing.
Both share folders between Macs; File Sharing is built into macOS and works best on one home or office network, while Bridge pairs your own devices directly — also when they're on different networks — and adds clipboard sharing and Collab Sync.
- macOS File Sharing — turned on in System Settings; the other Mac connects with Finder's Connect to Server or the Network sidebar using an account and password on the sharing Mac.
- Bridge — pair the two Macs once with a code; shared folders then appear in the Storage Studio location in Finder, read-only unless you switch on Write. Links between paired devices are end-to-end encrypted.
For occasional sharing on one network, File Sharing is fine. If the Macs are often on different networks, or you also want clipboard sharing, Bridge is easier. See sharing a folder with another Mac.