DropLinkDropLink vs LocalSend
LocalSend is an excellent open-source app for same-WiFi peer-to-peer file transfer between two devices that both have LocalSend installed. DropLink solves two cases LocalSend doesn't: cross-network transfers (different WiFi networks, different cities), and recipients who don't have any app installed at all — they just open a link in any browser.
The Quick Comparison
| Feature | LocalSend | DropLink |
|---|---|---|
| Network requirement | Same WiFi / LAN only | Same WiFi OR cross-network (over internet) |
| Recipient app install | Required (both sides install LocalSend) | None — any browser works |
| Cross-platform | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows (sender) + any browser (receiver) |
| Open source | Yes (MIT licensed) | Partial — relay protocol open, client app source available |
| Servers in the loop | None (pure P2P) | Relay nodes (Singapore + Germany) for cross-network; LAN goes direct without relays |
| Same-WiFi transfer speed | Router-limited (50+ MB/s) | Router-limited (switches to LAN on its own, 50+ MB/s) |
| Works offline (no internet) | Yes — same WiFi without internet still works | Needs brief internet to generate the share link |
| Multi-recipient (1 → many) | Per-device send | One link, many recipients can download in parallel |
| QR code share | Device list | QR code on share detail screen |
| File size limit | No limit | No limit |
| Account / signup | None | None |
| Price | Free, open source | Free |
When LocalSend Wins
Let's be honest — LocalSend is great at what it does:
- Pure same-WiFi P2P with no server in the loop. If you genuinely never need cross-network sharing, LocalSend gives you the cleanest topology: no relay, no signaling server, no SaaS provider involved at all.
- Fully open source under MIT. You can read the code, build it yourself, run it on a system you control. DropLink's client is similarly open but our relay infrastructure is a hosted service.
- Works without any internet. LocalSend works on a fully air-gapped LAN — say, a conference room WiFi with no internet access. DropLink needs a brief moment of internet at link-generation time (the actual file transfer can stay LAN).
- Tight cross-platform parity. LocalSend supports Linux out of the box (we're focused on macOS/Windows/iOS/Android first; Linux is a future build target for us).
When DropLink Wins
1. The recipient doesn't have LocalSend
This is the biggest one. LocalSend requires both sides to install LocalSend. If you're trying to send a file to your mom, your client, or a friend who's never heard of LocalSend, that's an awkward "first, install this app, then..." conversation. With DropLink, you copy a link, paste it in WeChat/SMS/email, and they click it. Any browser. Done.
2. The recipient is on a different network
LocalSend uses mDNS / device discovery on the LAN. Different networks = no discovery = no transfer. DropLink uses our relay infrastructure when same-WiFi isn't available, so it works city-to-city, country-to-country, between cellular and WiFi, whatever — same UX.
3. You want one link to many recipients
LocalSend's UX is target-a-device-then-send. If you want to share one file with five teammates, that's typically five send operations (or you wait for them to discover and pull). DropLink generates one link; post it in the team chat; all five can open it in parallel. Sender does one operation.
4. The recipient is on iOS or a browser-only device
LocalSend works on iOS but the receiver still needs the LocalSend iOS app. With DropLink, an iOS recipient just opens Safari on the link. Same for someone using a Chromebook, a work laptop where they can't install software, or a borrowed computer.
5. You want QR + link share, not device picking
LocalSend's "browse for nearby devices" works well when you're sitting next to the recipient — you literally see their phone in the list. DropLink's QR code + URL approach works better when the recipient is across the room, across the building, or across the world.
Can You Use Both?
Sure. Many people will. LocalSend is the right tool for "the laptop next to me on the same WiFi" — fast, fully offline, fully open. DropLink is the right tool for "the friend across town" or "the client who has no app and just wants to click a link". The two are complementary, not strictly competitive.
How DropLink Actually Works
- Install DropLink on the sender device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows).
- Pick the files. Multiple files, text snippets — all in one share.
- The app shows a link
https://idroplink.com/g/AbC123deand a QR code. The 8-character code uses an unambiguous alphabet (no 0/O/o/1/I/l look-alikes). - Share the link or QR via any channel.
- Recipient opens it in any browser. File list, click to download.
- Same WiFi triggers automatic LAN direct (peer-to-peer within the local network, no relay traffic) — so when you do have the LocalSend use case, you get LocalSend-class speed automatically.
- When done, tap Stop sharing. Link is invalidated.
Privacy
DropLink doesn't store files on servers — bytes stream through our relay nodes without writing to disk, and the link dies the moment you stop sharing. The app collects no telemetry, has no analytics SDK, no third-party trackers, and the iOS PrivacyInfo manifest declares zero data collection. See our Privacy Policy.
Add DropLink for the cases LocalSend doesn't cover
Cross-network shares. Recipients without an app. Any browser, any device. Same-WiFi speed when you're on the same network. All free.