LocalSend
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
LocalSend is a widely recommended free and open-source (FOSS) utility for transferring files and text across devices on a local network. It is highly valued for its privacy-centric approach, requiring no accounts or internet connection, though some users report reliability issues with large files and specific platform pairings.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no accounts, ads, or paid tiers.
- Extensive cross-platform support including Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck.
- Works over local Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots without consuming internet data.
- Capable of high transfer speeds (up to 50MB/s) on optimized local networks.
Cons
- Performance can be inconsistent, with reports of slow speeds when transferring from Mac to Android.
- Known to have issues with very large files (1GB+) and unusual file extensions.
- Requires the application to be actively open on the mobile device to receive files.
- Occasional reports of the PC client becoming buggy or unstable.
Caveats
- Transfer speeds are highly dependent on the quality of the local network or router connection.
- Unlike some competitors, it does not support transfers over the internet; devices must be on the same network.
Best for
- Privacy-conscious users who want to avoid cloud-based file sharing.
- Quickly moving files between different operating systems (e.g., PC to Android) without cables.
- Users in environments with limited or no internet access.
Avoid if
- You need to send files to a device that is not on your local Wi-Fi network.
- You frequently transfer massive datasets or backups with non-standard file extensions.
- You prefer a background service that doesn't require the app to be in the foreground.
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older (median age of ~314 days), which may affect the accuracy of performance claims for current versions of this app.
Sentiment
55 positive (81%) · 4 mixed (6%) · 9 negative (13%)
Trust + time weighted score: +69% · raw score 68%
What redditors said (10 of 68)
LocalSend
Localsend
if they're on the same wifi, https://localsend.org/
free and open source software (FOSS) like LocalSend already show how smooth cross-device compatibility can be when companies stop blocking it. LocalSend is like AirDrop which works to transfer files across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and even Linux.
AirDrop > LocalSend — it's fantastic and simple.
LocalSend is decent for file transfers between devices at least
AirDrop > LocalSend — it's fantastic and simple.
LocalSend is great at the first one and I use it constantly, but it genuinely cannot do the second, same network or nothing.
the only feature that I use is a combination of KDEConnect and LocalSend (for remote control and file sending).
I personally have only used LocalSend, but it's simple and doesn't have any tiers or transfer limits. The only downside is you can only transfer if your devices are on the same network.