LocalSend
Sends files between any two devices on the same network, whatever operating systems they run.
What it does
LocalSend discovers peers on the local network over multicast and transfers files directly between them over HTTPS with a self-signed certificate, no account and no internet round trip. Clients exist for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS, which is the entire point — AirDrop stops at the edge of Apple’s ecosystem.
Notes
- Both devices need to be on the same subnet, and client isolation on guest Wi-Fi will block discovery.
- Transfers are encrypted in flight, and nothing touches a third-party server.
- Add it to the firewall’s allowed incoming connections or discovery works one way only.
Alternative to
| Alternative | Type | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| AirDrop | Built in | Faster, but Apple devices only |
| PairDrop or Snapdrop | Open source | The same idea in a browser tab, nothing to install |
| Syncthing | Open source | Continuous sync rather than one-off sends |
| KDE Connect | Open source | Broader device integration, weaker on macOS |
Install
brew install --cask localsend