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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 and ad-free, with a simple and easy-to-use interface, no internet or account required
• Efficient transfer speed and supports large file transfers (within 10G)
• 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 cable/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:
  • Dependent on LAN stability: If the router or connection between devices is unstable, transmission interruptions or device discovery issues may occur.
  • Relatively limited functionality: Only supports file/text transfer, lacking extended features like clipboard synchronization, remote control (compared to SnapDrop or KDE Connect).
  • Large file compatibility: Some users report occasional failures when transferring very large files (such as 10GB+), possibly related to device caching or protocol limitations.
  • Device discovery delay: Initial scanning of devices or across 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. Fully 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 within the local network (requires recipient to confirm the key).
2. Seamless cross-platform compatibility
   • Supports full platform coverage including iOS, especially optimized 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, hotspot, or even a local network without internet, adapting to environments without external internet.
   • Supports direct device-to-device connection (such as direct transfer between phone and computer via hotspot, without needing a router).
5. Strong functionality 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 designed like Finder/File Explorer, 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 has strong resistance to network fluctuations, with a higher success rate for transferring large files (such as 20GB+ videos) compared to similar tools.
  • More comprehensive functionality: Clipboard synchronization and file preview enhance practicality, approaching the ecosystem experience of KDE Connect.
  • Well-optimized for Apple devices: Notification response and file save path management on iOS/macOS are more in line with user habits.
  • Developer-friendly: Provides API and CLI, suitable for custom workflows (such as automatically backing up phone screenshots to the computer).
• Disadvantages:
  • Slightly higher learning curve: Some advanced features (such as CLI, encrypted transfer) may not be intuitive for average users.
  • Higher resource usage: When running in the background, memory usage is slightly larger than LocalSend (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 save paths cannot be customized (can only be saved to the "LANDrop" folder).

send anywhere#

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

Features#

1. No LAN 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 LAN 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 (such as 123456), which the receiver can enter 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).
   • Deeply integrated with the system sharing menu on mobile (such as iOS's "Share" menu directly calling Send Anywhere).
4. Large file transfer and no traffic limits
   • The free version has a single file limit of 10GB (unlimited for the paid version), suitable for transferring large files like videos and design drafts.
   • Transfer speed depends on network bandwidth, with speeds approaching theoretical maximum values in P2P mode (actual tests show that transferring a 1GB file internationally takes about 2-5 minutes).
5. Basic encryption and privacy protection
   • Uses AES 256 encryption during transfer, with files temporarily stored on the server for only 24 hours, reducing the risk of data leakage.
   • Does not require user registration, providing strong anonymity (paid features require an account).
6. Additional practical features
   • File history: The paid version allows viewing transfer records from the past 30 days.
   • Cloud storage synchronization: The paid version supports binding to Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage, allowing direct sending of cloud files.

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: The key/link sharing method is user-friendly for non-technical users, especially suitable for temporary sharing (such as distributing PPTs at a conference).
• Web compatibility: Recipients do not need to install any software, simply clicking the link to download (solving cross-platform barriers).
• High transfer success rate: P2P and server relay provide double insurance, allowing transfers to be completed even in complex network environments.

Disadvantages:

• Free version ad interference: The mobile free version has bottom banner ads (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 pure local transfer).
• High network dependency: If both parties' network NAT traversal fails (such as strict corporate firewalls), it may force server relay, significantly reducing 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 through web links during meetings (avoiding collecting attendees' emails).
3. Direct transfer between mobile devices: Transferring photos/videos directly between phones and friends' devices over 4G/5G networks (without needing to connect to the same Wi-Fi).
4. Receiving without client installation: When the other party has no software installed, downloading directly via a link (such as sending urgent files to a manager).