This is the friendliest rivalry on the list, because both apps are on the same side — open source, ad-free, privacy-first, and beloved by the same crowd. The real question isn't which is more trustworthy (they both are) but which format suits you: a proper installed app, or a browser tab with nothing to set up.
If you're weighing the wider field, we also pit LocalSend against SHAREit and Send Anywhere. Here it's all about PairDrop, the open-source successor to Snapdrop.
Here's how the two line up. Because both are privacy-focused, most rows are green for each — the differences are about format and depth rather than trust.
| Feature | LocalSend | PairDrop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ads | None | None |
| Account required | No | No |
| Installed app | ✓ Native | ✕ Browser-based |
| Nothing to install | Requires app | ✓ |
| Local transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works across networks (rooms) | ✓ Same network | ✓ Pairing code |
| Encryption | ✓ TLS | ✓ |
| Files stay off servers | ✓ | Peer-to-peer |
| Android | ✓ App | ✓ Browser |
| iOS | ✓ App | ✓ Browser |
| Windows | ✓ Native | ✓ Browser |
| macOS | ✓ Native | ✓ Browser |
| Linux | ✓ Native | ✓ Browser |
| Send folders | ✓ | Files mainly |
| Send text/links | ✓ | ✓ |
| Background receiving | ✓ App | Tab must stay open |
| Self-hostable | — | ✓ |
| Best for one-off transfers | Good | Excellent |
| Best as a permanent tool | Excellent | Good |
Since trust isn't the deciding factor here, the pros and cons come down to convenience and depth.
This one's short and sweet: both are genuinely free with no strings attached.
| Cost factor | LocalSend | PairDrop |
|---|---|---|
| Download / use price | Free | Free |
| Ads | None | None |
| Paid tier | None | None |
| Privacy cost | Minimal | Minimal |
Neither app costs anything, shows ads, or locks features behind a paywall. You're choosing purely on format and features, not price — a refreshing change from most app comparisons.
Both are excellent and open source. LocalSend is a full installed app with native desktop support and folder transfers; PairDrop runs in a browser with nothing to install. Pick LocalSend as a permanent tool, PairDrop for quick one-offs.
No. PairDrop works entirely in a web browser, so there's nothing to install. LocalSend requires installing its app.
Yes. Both are free, open source, ad-free and privacy-focused.
Both are privacy-friendly and open source. LocalSend keeps transfers on your local network; PairDrop pairs devices peer-to-peer without accounts.
We recommend LocalSend as your everyday tool and PairDrop as your no-install backup. If you transfer files regularly, installing LocalSend once gives you background receiving, native desktop apps and folder support — it's the more capable long-term choice, and you'll appreciate having it always ready.
PairDrop shines in the moment you're on a device you don't control — a library PC, a friend's laptop — where installing anything isn't an option; just open the page and send. Honestly, having both covers every situation, and since both are free and open source, there's no downside to keeping PairDrop bookmarked. Start with the everyday option on the LocalSend download page, or read our full PairDrop review.
Written and reviewed by Rehan Shah · July 2026