Comparison

PocketServer vs SMB Server

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PocketServer

Share files and folders across devices without cloud storage or cables. This app allows for cross-platform transfer and management of data, enabling users to run web servers and stream content directly from their iOS devices.

Highlights
  • Cross-platform file and folder sharing
  • No cloud or cable required
  • Two-way data transfer
  • Persistent background WebDAV servers
  • Local HTTP server for static websites
  • Run multiple servers simultaneously
Features
Read full description

Cross-Platform Files & Folders Sharing. No data upload required. No cloud or cables needed. Designed for developers, power users, and privacy enthusiasts. ■ Two-way files & folders transfer between your iOS and Windows, Linux, etc. devices. Seamlessly browse, stream, and manage iOS files and folders from Windows, Linux, macOS, etc. No additional software, drivers, cloud services, or cables required. ■ Launch persistent background WebDAV servers. Easily set up and run Class 1 WebDAV servers on iPhone & iPad, compatible with rclone, Cyberduck, Transmit, Finder, and others. ■ Run local HTTP servers to serve static HTML websites. ■ Run multiple servers at the same time and in the background. The Pro version is a one-time purchase; no subscriptions. Built for power users who need flexibility without complexity. Term of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

SMB Server

Features
Read full description

SMB Server turns your iPhone into an SMB (file sharing) server. From a Mac or Windows PC on the same Wi-Fi network, you can open your iPhone's Documents folder directly and copy, move, or delete files. No cables and no cloud required. [Great for] • Getting photos, documents, and music from your computer onto your iPhone without a cable • Quickly pulling files off your iPhone onto your computer • Moving files around at home without the cloud or an account • Handling files the familiar way, from Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows [Key Features] • File server supporting SMB2 (connect from Mac, Windows, Linux, and other SMB clients) • Start or stop the server with one tap • Bonjour support: appears automatically in the Network list in Mac Finder • Shows the IP address, port, and connection address (smb://...) you need, right on screen • Guest access, or set a password to restrict who can connect • Read-only mode (blocks writing and deleting from the computer) • Automatically start the server when the app launches • Keeps the screen from auto-locking while the server is running, so connections don't drop • View a log of connections, disconnections, and file operations • Shows the free space available in the shared folder • Open the same Documents folder from the Files app, too • Built-in guide for connecting, plus troubleshooting tips [How to Use] 1. Open the app, tap "Agree and Start", then tap "Start" (If asked to allow access to the local network, choose "Allow") 2. Enter the address shown on screen on your computer (YOUR_IP = the IP address shown in the app) • Mac: In Finder, choose Go, then Connect to Server, and enter smb://YOUR_IP:4455/Documents • Windows: Enter \\YOUR_IP@4455\Documents in the File Explorer address bar • Other SMB clients, such as Linux, can connect too 3. Sign in as a guest, or with the password you set Only this app's Documents folder is shared. The share name is fixed as "Documents". [Can't Connect?] • Make sure your iPhone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network • Keep the app's screen open on your iPhone • Include the share name (/Documents) and the port number (4455) in the address • Mac Finder keeps a window in its failed state after a sign-in failure. Close the Finder window, then choose "Connect to Server" again. If it still won't connect, delete the old password in Keychain Access [Privacy] • Never connects to the internet. Works only within your local network (Wi-Fi) • Does not collect or transmit personal information, usage data, or file contents • Uses no third-party SDKs of any kind, including ads, analytics, or crash reporting • No account registration or sign-in required • Your Documents folder is shared only while the server is running. When stopped, it cannot be accessed from outside [Notes] • The server runs only while the app's screen is open. Closing the app disconnects all connections • The SMB port number is 4455 (the standard port 445 is not available due to iOS restrictions). You need to specify the port when connecting • With guest access, anyone on the same network can connect. Use it on a trusted network, or set a password

Screenshots

PocketServer4 screens
SMB Server2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMB Server at none against PocketServer's 1. PocketServer's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PocketServer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SMB Server asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PocketServer ships an update every 6 days, SMB Server every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PocketServer versus SMB Server: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPocketServerSMB Server
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (21 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings21 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBao NguyenMaiji Saito

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PocketServer

One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$4.99
None

SMB Server

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PocketServer free?
PocketServer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SMB Server free?
SMB Server is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PocketServer or SMB Server have ads?
Neither PocketServer nor SMB Server shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PocketServer or SMB Server?
PocketServer ships an update every 6 days, and SMB Server every 3 weeks. Most recently, PocketServer was updated on October 14, 2026 and SMB Server on October 10, 2026.

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