Magic Wormhole

Open-source command-line tool for sending files securely between computers using short human-readable codes.

Open sourceSelf-hostableFile transfer tools

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Magic Wormhole

Magic Wormhole is a Python command-line tool and protocol for getting a file or folder from one computer to another safely. You run `wormhole send` with a file, it prints a short code like a number and two words, you read that code to the recipient, and they run `wormhole receive` and type it in. The two sides use a password-authenticated key exchange (PAKE), so the short code is enough to set up strong end-to-end encryption, and an attacker gets only one guess. Data goes directly between the machines when possible, falling back to an encrypted relay when both are behind NAT. It is free and MIT-licensed, installable with pip or most package managers, and its protocol is used by other apps, including the GNOME Warp app and Android clients. It is aimed at developers and terminal users; non-technical recipients will find a browser service easier.

Best for: Developers and admins moving files between machines from the terminal.

What works

Strong end-to-end encryption from a short spoken code
Direct transfers with relay fallback
Protocol reused by other apps

Why people leave

Command-line only in the reference version
Recipient needs the tool installed
Relies on project-run servers unless you host your own

Top Magic Wormhole alternatives

See all 4

1
croc
Single binary with resumable transfers and no Python dependency.
66.5
2
LocalSend
Graphical app for nearby devices, easier for non-technical people.
62.6
3
Wormhole
Browser-based encrypted sharing for recipients who won't use a terminal.
59.6
4
WinSCP
GUI transfers to servers you already have SSH access to.
57.2

Why people left Magic Wormhole

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Magic Wormhole: common questions

Is Magic Wormhole free?

Yes. Magic Wormhole is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is Magic Wormhole open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at magic-wormhole/magic-wormhole. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does Magic Wormhole run on?

Magic Wormhole is available for Linux, macOS and Windows.

What are the best alternatives to Magic Wormhole?

The highest-ranked Magic Wormhole alternatives right now are croc, LocalSend and Wormhole. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 Magic Wormhole alternatives

Magic Wormhole facts

3 of 3 verified

License: MIT; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: MIT (MIT License).”
Encryption: PAKE with human-sized codes; Checked Oct 25, 2026magic-wormhole.readthedocs.io(opens source in a new tab); “uses a PAKE construction to ensure high-security, end-to-end encryption with human-sized codes”
Connection: Peer-to-peer with relay fallback; Checked Oct 25, 2026magic-wormhole.readthedocs.io(opens source in a new tab); “is usually via a P2P connection, but can use a TURN-like relay”