LocalSend
LocalSend lets you send files between devices on the same local network.
Developer Tien Do Nam
Version 1.18.2 · Apache-2.0 · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to LocalSend?Compare Warpinator, Google Quick Share, ezshare, OnionShare.Compare alternativesLocalSend lets you send files between devices on the same local network. You do not need to create a mandatory cloud account. That's convenient to photos of your phone or transfer a document from another computer.
You open the app on both devices and choose the receiver. The receiving device must accept the transfer. This way, you keep an eye on where your files end up without first putting them in a shared online folder.
Download LocalSend
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
If your devices don't see each other
Check if both devices use the same local network and if the firewall allows LocalSend. A guest network can protect devices from each other, even if the Wi-Fi name seems the same. Have the receiver confirm the transfer and check the device name. Sharing without external cloud service does not mean accepting random requests from others.
Compare LocalSend with alternatives
For a one-time transfer, you especially want both devices to reach each other. Compare supported platforms, the same network requirements and whether the recipient needs an app. This is a different task than permanently synchronizing folders or maintaining a cloud backup. Accessibility and access are important for parts without a central storage service. On your own network you can send directly; via Tor, a recipient can open a temporary onion link. Those are different network routes, so choose where the receiver is and which software can use it.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| LocalSendYou are viewing this app | You send files between supported devices on your local network without a cloud account. On the participating devices you use LocalSend. | Windows, macOS, LinuxApache-2.0 |
| WarpinatorView this alternative | You exchange files between devices on your local network. Check the availability of compatible apps for the systems you want to connect. | LinuxOpen source |
| Google Quick ShareView this alternative | You share files between supported Android devices and Windows computers via Quick Share. Bluetooth and network conditions can influence discovery and transfer. | Windows, AndroidFree to use |
| ezshareView this alternative | You share a folder through a local web server, so another device can access files via the browser. You need to start and manage the server and accessibility yourself. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| OnionShareView this alternative | You share files via a temporary Tor service on your own computer. The receiver uses a suitable Tor environment to open the link; your computer must remain accessible. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
This is useful for photos of your phone, documents between laptop and desktop or files that do not need to be sent via email first. It fits with transfer in the same environment. For continuous synchronization or send to someone remotely you need a different method.
Getting started
Connect both devices to the same network and send a small test file first. Check the name of the receiving device.
Privacy
The transfer is done via the local network and encrypted. That does not remove the need to control the receiver. Do not accept unexpected files and do not open automatic reception on a shared network. Also think about the storage location on the receiving device, especially with sensitive documents.
Good to know
Guest networks and firewall settings can protect devices from each other. Both devices must be able to use the app and be accessible.
Please note
Firewalls and network isolation can block discovery. Just provide the necessary local network access and do not completely disable your security to get a transfer working. Keep both devices awake until the transfer is complete. You need to check a sent file for the destination before deleting the original.
Advantages
- You can send files without a cloud account between different devices.
- The local route avoids a detour via an online storage service.
- You decide which files go to which device per transfer.
Things to consider
- Both devices must be accessible within an appropriate network environment.
- You will not get an automatic version history or continuous synchronization.
- Firewall settings and receiving rights can delay a first transfer.
Download LocalSend
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · localsend.org
Version history
1.18.2
You can easily receive files via a browser and work better with older devices.
What’s new?
- You can drag files to the browser page for receiving them via a link.
- Your connection to devices on version 1.17.0 and older is back in the affected network situations.
- You can better drag a combination of files and folders.
- You will get system proxy corrections and resume the app.
Report a new version
Our verdict
LocalSend is useful if you want to send files directly between devices on the same local network. You don't need a cloud account for that. The simplicity is in choosing, sending and receiving, but the accessibility depends on your network. A guest network that protects devices from each other can prevent you from seeing the other phone or computer.
LocalSend is especially useful for a one-time transfer between devices you have on hand. For constantly constant folders, you need a synchronization process. Check that both devices are on a network that allows mutual contact. On a host network, the restriction may be in the network, even if the apps themselves are installed correctly.
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