A free InstallOnAir alternative for iOS and Android
BetaDrop is a free InstallOnAir alternative for sharing beta builds over the air. Upload an iOS .ipa or an Android .apk and you get an install link and QR code straight away — testers open it on their phone and install from the browser. No tester accounts, no App Store review, and no daily upload limit.
The practical difference from InstallOnAir — variously typed install on air, installair or install air — is platform coverage: it is an iOS OTA installer, while BetaDrop takes both .ipa and .apk from the same page, with the same link and QR flow. Teams shipping both platforms stop needing two tools.
BetaDrop vs InstallOnAir
| Feature | BetaDrop | InstallOnAir |
|---|---|---|
| iOS .ipa over-the-air install | Yes | Yes |
| Android .apk support | Yes | iOS only |
| Tester account required | No | No |
| Uploader account required | No — guest uploads work | No |
| Max file size | 500 MB | Varies by plan |
| QR code for install | Yes | Yes |
| Build metadata parsed (bundle ID, version) | Yes | Limited |
| Command-line upload (CLI) | Yes | No |
| MCP server for AI coding agents | Yes | No |
| Free tier | Yes | Limited |
Comparison reflects publicly documented behaviour at the time of writing. Check each service for current limits.
How to share a build over the air
- Open Upload IPA or Upload APK and drop in your build. Signing in is optional.
- BetaDrop parses the build and returns an install link plus a QR code. For iOS it generates the
itms-servicesmanifest that makes Safari install the app directly. - Send the link, or have testers scan the QR. They install from the phone's browser — no account, no invitation, no review wait.
An iOS build still has to be signed for the devices installing it — ad-hoc builds need each tester's UDID in the provisioning profile. The UDID checker collects those, and the provisioning profile decoder shows which devices a profile already covers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good free InstallOnAir alternative?
BetaDrop is a free InstallOnAir alternative for sharing iOS and Android beta builds. Upload an .ipa or .apk and you get an over-the-air install link and QR code immediately — no tester accounts, no upload limits per day, and Android APKs are supported alongside iOS.
Does BetaDrop support Android APKs as well as iOS IPAs?
Yes. BetaDrop handles both iOS .ipa and Android .apk files from the same page, with the same install link and QR flow. Teams shipping both platforms do not need two separate tools.
Do testers need to create an account to install a build?
No. Testers open the link on their phone and install directly from the browser. There is no signup, no invitation, and no app-store review wait. The person uploading does not need an account either — guest uploads work without signing in.
How long does a BetaDrop install link stay active?
A guest upload stays live for 24 hours. Signing in for a free account extends a build link considerably further, and the expiry is set per build so a link for a client demo can outlive one used for a quick internal check.
Is there a file size limit for uploads?
BetaDrop accepts builds up to 500 MB per file, which covers the great majority of iOS and Android beta builds including those with large asset bundles.
Can I install an IPA over the air without TestFlight?
Yes. BetaDrop generates an itms-services OTA manifest, so a signed ad-hoc or enterprise .ipa installs straight from Safari on the device. TestFlight is not involved, so there is no App Store review delay.
Comparing other tools too?
Most teams weigh a few options before they settle. Here is how BetaDrop stacks up against the rest.
