LocalSend is an open-source file transfer tool that operates on your local network. It’s the solution to the common problem: “I just want to send this file to my device over there.”
It’s the best replacement for a “you wouldn’t have an empty usb stick somewhere, would you?”
What Sets it Apart
- Works across all platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
- No internet required
- No file size limits
- No accounts or setup
- No cloud storage costs
- Immediate transfers at network speed
Real-World Use Cases
Local Collaboration
- Share project files with teammates in the same office
- Transfer meeting recordings without uploading to cloud
- Exchange design assets between devices
Media Management
- Move photos from phone to computer
- Transfer video files between editing devices
- Share music libraries locally
Development Work
- Share builds with test devices
- Transfer datasets between machines
- Move VM images locally
Home Network
- Share downloaded files between devices
- Back up phone photos to computer
- Move documents between family devices
Why Choose LocalSend Over Cloud Storage
Speed
- Transfers at local network speed (100MB/s+)
- No upload/download waiting time
- No internet bandwidth used
Privacy
- Files never leave your network
- No third-party servers involved
- Complete control over your data
Simplicity
- Select files → pick device → send
- No syncing issues
- No storage management
- No subscription
Getting Started
- Download from your platform’s store or GitHub
- Install on your devices
- Ensure devices are on same WiFi
- Start sending files
Technical Notes
- Uses HTTP protocol for transfers
- TLS encryption for security
- mDNS for device discovery
- Works on both IPv4 and IPv6 networks
Common Questions
Q: Is it really free? A: Yes, completely free and open source.
Q: What’s the catch? A: Devices must be on the same network. That’s it.
Q: File size limits? A: None. Limited only by your device storage.
When to Use What
Use LocalSend when:
- Devices are nearby
- Files are large
- Speed is important
- Privacy is crucial
- Avoiding cloud storage costs
Stick to cloud storage when:
- Sharing with remote users
- Long-term file hosting needed
- Automatic syncing required
- Collaborative editing needed
Conclusion
LocalSend isn’t trying to replace all cloud storage - it’s solving one specific problem really well: moving files between your devices quickly and privately. For many daily file-sharing tasks, it’s simply the better tool for the job.
LocalSend is open source - check out the GitHub repository to learn more or contribute.