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snapdrop#

• Address
  • Website: https://localsend.org/zh-CN/
  • GitHub: https://github.com/localsend/localsend
• Features
  • Snapdrop : Local file sharing in the browser. Inspired by Apple's Airdrop.
  • Share files between devices on the same network
  • Anonymous uploads and downloads
  • Free users can enjoy up to 40GB of storage

localsend#

• Address
  • Website: https://localsend.org/zh-CN/
  • GitHub: https://github.com/localsend/localsend

Features#

• Multi-platform support: Supports different platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
• Completely free with no ads, a simple and easy-to-use interface, no internet or account required
• Efficient transfer speeds and supports large file transfers (within 10GB)
• Open-source code: Anyone can contribute to the project.
• Security: End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the recipient can access your files.

Use Cases#

• Frequent cross-device transfers without relying on the internet, with certain privacy and security requirements.

User Experience#

• Advantages:
  • Outstanding privacy protection: Very friendly for users who prioritize data security (such as transferring work documents, private photos).
  • Seamless collaboration across devices: Performs excellently in mixed office environments (such as Win+Android, Mac+iOS), replacing traditional data cables/USB transfers.
  • Lightweight: Small installation package, low resource usage, can run smoothly on older devices.
  • No internet dependency: Clearly advantageous when offline or with poor network quality (such as at a conference site without external internet).
• Disadvantages:
  • Reliance on local network stability: If the router or connection between devices is unstable, there may be transmission interruptions or devices may not be discoverable.
  • Relatively limited functionality: Only supports file/text transfers, lacking extended features like clipboard synchronization or remote control (compared to SnapDrop or KDE Connect).
  • Large file compatibility: Some users report occasional failures when transferring very large files (like 10GB+), possibly related to device caching or protocol limitations.
  • Device discovery delay: Initial scanning of devices or when crossing subnets may require waiting a few seconds to tens of seconds.

LANDrop#

• Address
  • Official website: https://landrop.app/
  • GitHub: https://github.com/LANDrop/LANDrop

Features#

1. Completely open-source and privacy-focused
   • Open-source code (based on GPLv3 license), users can review or modify it themselves, with no risk of data upload.
   • End-to-end encryption (supported in some versions): File transfer encryption prevents interception by third parties on the local network (requires recipient to confirm the key).
2. Seamless cross-platform compatibility
   • Supports full platform coverage including iOS, with particularly good adaptation optimization for macOS and iOS (such as native notification pop-ups).
   • Provides CLI command-line tools (friendly for Linux users), suitable for developers or automation script integration.
3. Efficient transfer and protocol optimization
   • Uses QUIC protocol (based on UDP), maintaining high transfer stability even in complex network environments (such as high latency or packet loss).
   • Supports concurrent transfer of multiple files, with clear queue management, significantly improving efficiency when transferring large folders.
4. No internet dependency and multiple connection methods
   • Can transfer via Wi-Fi, hotspots, or even local networks without internet connection, adapting to environments without external internet.
   • Supports direct connection between devices (such as transferring directly between phone and computer via hotspot, without needing a router).
5. Strong functional extensibility
   • Clipboard synchronization: Copy text or links across devices (similar to Apple's "Universal Clipboard").
   • File preview: The receiving end can preview images, text, etc., before deciding whether to save.
6. Simple interface and user-friendly interaction
   • Desktop version adopts a Finder/explorer-like design, mobile version supports drag-and-drop operations (such as integration with iOS's "Files" app).
   • Automatic device discovery: Devices within the same local network are recognized in seconds, reducing manual configuration costs.

User Experience#

• Advantages:
  • High transfer stability: The QUIC protocol is strong against network fluctuations, with a higher success rate for transferring large files (like 20GB+ videos) compared to similar tools.
  • More comprehensive features: Clipboard synchronization and file preview enhance practicality, approaching the ecological experience of KDE Connect.
  • Well-optimized for Apple devices: Notification responses and file saving path management on iOS/macOS align better with user habits.
  • Developer-friendly: Provides API and CLI, suitable for custom workflows (such as automatically backing up phone screenshots to a computer).
• Disadvantages:
  • Slightly higher learning curve: Some advanced features (like CLI, encrypted transfer) may not be intuitive for average users.
  • Higher resource usage: Memory usage is slightly larger than LocalSend when running in the background (about 50-100MB).
  • Occasional device recognition delays: When crossing subnets or with complex firewall settings, manual IP address input may be required to connect.
  • iOS limitations: Due to system sandbox restrictions, file saving paths cannot be customized (can only be saved to the "LANDrop" folder).

send anywhere#

• Address
  • https://send-anywhere.com/product/basic

Features#

1. No local network restrictions, supports internet transfer
   • Core advantage: Achieves cross-network transfer through P2P direct connection technology, allowing files to be sent directly over the internet even if devices are not on the same local network (such as remote transfers), breaking the geographical limitations of traditional local network tools.
   • Hybrid transfer mode: If P2P connection fails, it automatically relays through a server (files are encrypted and stored, automatically deleted after 24 hours).
2. Extremely simple operation and multiple sharing methods
   • 6-digit numeric key: The sender generates a temporary key (like 123456), which the receiver can input to obtain the file, suitable for quick face-to-face transfers.
   • Link/QR code sharing: Generates a short link or QR code to share via social software, allowing the recipient to click the link to download directly (supports web-based downloads without client installation).
3. Full platform coverage and web support
   • Supports mainstream operating systems and provides a Web version (send-anywhere.com), allowing file reception without client installation (suitable for temporary transfers).
   • Deep integration of system sharing menus on mobile (such as iOS's "Share" menu directly calling Send Anywhere).
4. Large file transfer and no traffic limits
   • Free version single file limit of 10GB (unlimited for paid version), suitable for transferring large files like videos or design drafts.
   • Transfer speed depends on network bandwidth, with speeds approaching theoretical maximums in P2P mode (tested cross-country transfer of 1GB files in about 2-5 minutes).
5. Basic encryption and privacy protection
   • Uses AES 256 encryption during transfer, with files relayed through the server only temporarily stored for 24 hours, reducing the risk of data leakage.
   • Does not require user registration, offering strong anonymity (paid features require an account).
6. Additional practical features
   • File history: Paid version allows viewing transfer records from the past 30 days.
   • Cloud storage synchronization: Paid version supports binding to Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., for direct cloud file sending.

User Experience#

Advantages:

• Extremely adaptable to scenarios: Can quickly transfer regardless of whether devices are on the same network (such as sending large files to remote colleagues).
• Very low operational threshold: Key/link sharing methods are user-friendly for non-technical users, especially suitable for temporary sharing (like distributing PPTs at a conference).
• Web compatibility: Recipients do not need to install any software, just click the link to download (solving cross-platform barriers).
• Higher transfer success rate: Dual insurance of P2P and server relay ensures successful transfers even in complex network environments.

Disadvantages:

• Free version ad interference: The mobile free version has a bottom ad banner (can be removed with a paid subscription).
• Privacy concerns: Although files are encrypted, the server relay mode still requires trust in the vendor (compared to LocalSend/LANDrop's purely local transfers).
• High network dependency: If both parties' network NAT traversal fails (such as strict corporate firewalls), it may force server relay, significantly slowing down speed.
• No open-source endorsement: Closed-source software, unable to audit code, less attractive to privacy-sensitive users.

Applicable Scenarios#

1. Cross-regional transfer: Sending large design files or video materials to remote clients, avoiding cloud storage speed limits.
2. Temporary sharing: Quickly distributing materials via web links during meetings (avoiding the need to collect attendees' emails).
3. Direct transfer between mobile devices: Transferring photos/videos directly between phones and friends' devices via 4G/5G networks (no need to connect to the same Wi-Fi).
4. Receiving without client installation: When the other party has no software installed, they can download directly via a link (such as sending urgent files to a supervisor).