Last updated: July 2026
LocalSend is my first pick, but it is not the only good option — and depending on what you need, one of these might suit you better. Here are the strongest free, cross-platform file-transfer tools worth knowing.
LocalSend nails the local, offline, no-account transfer better than almost anything. Its one real limitation is that both devices must be on the same network, so if you ever need to send to someone in another city, you will want a tool that can also reach across the internet. Each alternative below solves a slightly different version of the problem, and the full write-ups compare them honestly — including where they beat LocalSend and where they fall short.
Transfers with a simple six-digit key that work both locally and across the internet, so you can send to a device that isn't on your network.
Read review →Browser-based local sharing with nothing to install — the open-source successor to Snapdrop. Great for quick, one-off transfers.
Read review →A long-running local Wi-Fi transfer app with a clean interface and cross-platform support, and a free tier that covers the basics.
Read review →The privacy-first open-source app against the ad-heavy veteran — a head-to-head on speed, safety and clutter.
Compare →Local-only privacy versus internet-capable convenience — which transfer model fits the way you actually share files.
Compare →Two open-source, privacy-friendly tools compared — installed app versus browser-based, and when each one wins.
Compare →Here is the short version if you just want to see how the main contenders line up on the things people care about most.
| App | Offline | Cross-internet | No account | Open source | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LocalSend | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Send Anywhere | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | Freemium |
| PairDrop | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Feem | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | Freemium |
If privacy and zero cost matter most and your devices share a network, LocalSend or PairDrop are the picks. If you regularly need to reach a device that is somewhere else entirely, Send Anywhere earns its place. Prefer to start with the original? Head back to the LocalSend download page.