SambaLite vs Spider
Side-by-side comparison of two open source alternatives
SambaLite
SambaLite is a lightweight, modern, and open-source Android client for SMB/CIFS shares (Samba). It is designed as a minimalist, reliable, and secure tool for accessing SMB shares on your local network – without ads, tracking, or unnecessary features. SambaLite is a file client, not a system-level filesystem. It focuses on accessing and transferring files, not on providing a mounted network drive. The app is intended for tech-savvy users who prefer a lean, transparent solution and value privacy and open source. Main features: • Manage connections: SMB server (hostname/IP), share/path, username, password, optional domain • Multiple connections with custom names • Connection testing with clear error messages • Secure credential storage (Android Keystore) • File browser with name, type, size, and modification date • Pull-to-refresh • Sorting (name, date, size) • File operations: download, upload, delete, rename • File properties • Dark/Light mode (system default) Compatibility: • Supports modern SMB2/SMB3 servers • SMB1 is not supported (deprecated and insecure) Security & Privacy: • No telemetry or third-party connections • No unencrypted storage of sensitive data • Credentials stored securely using the Android Keystore Permissions: SambaLite only requests the permissions required for its functionality: • Network access (SMB communication) • Access to user-selected storage locations (via Android system file picker) • Foreground service and notifications (for reliable background transfers and progress display) No data is collected or transmitted to third parties. SambaLite provides a modern, minimal, and privacy-friendly way to access SMB shares on Android – focused on reliability and transparency.
Spider
This application connects you to your SFTP server. As login methods you can use a password or your PEM private key. At the moment only PEM keys are supported, so check to have it in the correct format. With release 0.2.2 also encrypted PEM keys are supported. You can browse your files in the SFTP server and download them with a long press, or upload new ones using the '+' floating button. It also supports swipe down to refresh.
| Feature | SambaLite | Spider |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | GPL-3.0-only |
| 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 |