LocalSend

Free, open-source AirDrop alternative that sends files between any devices on the same network.

Verified facts: 5 of 5
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About LocalSend

LocalSend sends files, folders and text between nearby devices over your local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, with no internet connection, account or cloud server involved. Devices running the app find each other automatically, you pick a recipient, and the other side accepts; transfers are encrypted end to end over HTTPS. Because it runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, it fills the gap AirDrop and Quick Share leave when you mix ecosystems, such as sending photos from an iPhone to a Windows laptop or from Android to a Mac. It is open-source under the Apache 2.0 licence, has no ads or trackers, and is one of the most-starred file sharing projects on GitHub. The limits follow from the design: both devices must be on the same network (or a mesh network like Tailscale), and there is no link sharing for sending to someone far away. It is free with no paid tier.

Best for: Households and offices mixing Apple, Android, Windows and Linux devices on one network.

What works

Works across every major desktop and mobile OS
No account, internet or cloud server needed
Open-source with no ads or trackers

Why people leave

Both devices must be on the same network
No share links for remote recipients
Some routers and guest networks block device discovery

Top LocalSend alternatives

See all 6

1
PairDrop
Same nearby sharing but in the browser, with no app to install.
66.5
2
AirDrop
Built into Apple devices if everyone you share with uses iPhone or Mac.
62.6
3
Quick Share
Built into Android and available for Windows PCs.
59.6
4
KDE Connect
Adds clipboard, notification sync and remote input on top of file sharing.
57.2
5
croc
Sends across the internet with a code phrase when devices aren't on the same network.
55.3

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LocalSend: common questions

Is LocalSend free?

Yes. LocalSend is free, open-source software.

Is LocalSend open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at localsend/localsend.

What platforms does LocalSend run on?

LocalSend is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to LocalSend?

The highest-ranked LocalSend alternatives right now are PairDrop, AirDrop and Quick Share. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 LocalSend alternatives

LocalSend facts

5 of 5 verified

License: Apache-2.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: Apache-2.0 (Apache License 2.0).”
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS; Checked Oct 25, 2026localsend.org(opens source in a new tab); “Cross-platform LocalSend is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.”
Internet required: No; Checked Oct 25, 2026localsend.org(opens source in a new tab); “No Internet Required Works completely offline.”
Account: None needed; Checked Oct 25, 2026localsend.org(opens source in a new tab); “No account, no login, no servers.”
End-to-end encryption: Yes; Checked Oct 25, 2026localsend.org(opens source in a new tab); “Secure End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the recipient can access your files.”