Apple AirDrop

Best Self-hosted Alternatives to Apple AirDrop

A curated collection of the 8 best self hosted alternatives to Apple AirDrop.

Apple AirDrop is a built-in device-to-device file sharing feature in iOS and macOS that transfers files, photos, links and contacts between nearby iPhone, iPad and Mac devices using Bluetooth for discovery and peer-to-peer Wi‑Fi for transport.

Alternatives List

#1
LocalSend

LocalSend

LocalSend is a free, open-source app for fast, encrypted file and text sharing between nearby devices over a local network, available on desktop and mobile.

LocalSend screenshot

LocalSend is a free, open-source application that lets you securely share files and text with nearby devices over your local network using a REST API and HTTPS encryption. It requires no account or third-party servers and is designed for direct device-to-device transfers on the same LAN.

Key Features

  • Cross-platform clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, plus a browser-based web app.
  • Secure transfers over HTTPS with on-device TLS certificates; optional PIN verification for extra safety.
  • Zero-configuration discovery and workflow: automatic device discovery on the same network and simple tap-to-send UX.
  • Native Flutter client with Rust components (used via Rust bridge) to handle low-level transfer logic and performance-critical parts.
  • Multiple distribution channels and packaged builds (App Stores, Flathub, Homebrew, package formats and installers) for easy installation across platforms.

Use Cases

  • Quickly move photos, videos, and large documents between your phone and laptop without uploading to cloud storage.
  • Share a set of files with a coworker in a meeting room over the local Wi‑Fi network.
  • Use the web app on a device where installing the native client isn’t possible to receive or send files.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires devices to be on the same local network; some router settings (AP isolation, guest networks) or strict firewalls can block discovery or transfers.
  • Building from source requires specific tool versions (Flutter per .fvmrc and Rust) and may need additional platform dependencies; official builds are recommended for most users.

LocalSend provides a straightforward, privacy-focused alternative to cloud-based file sharing by keeping transfers local and encrypted. It is suited for users who need fast, private transfers across mixed operating systems without accounts or external servers.

75.5kstars
4kforks
View Details
#2
Snapdrop

Snapdrop

Snapdrop is a progressive web app for peer-to-peer local file sharing between nearby devices in the browser, inspired by AirDrop, with optional self-hosting.

Snapdrop screenshot

Snapdrop is a Progressive Web App (PWA) for transferring files and messages between devices on the same local network directly from a web browser. It uses peer-to-peer connectivity to send data between nearby devices and is commonly used as an AirDrop-like alternative across platforms.

Key Features

  • Peer-to-peer file transfer between nearby devices on the same network
  • Runs in the browser with a PWA-friendly experience (installable on supported devices)
  • Device discovery and transfer coordination via a lightweight signaling server
  • Supports sending files and simple text messages
  • Simple UI designed for quick ad-hoc sharing without accounts

Use Cases

  • Quickly transfer photos, videos, PDFs, or documents between phone and desktop
  • Share files between teammates in the same office or lab network
  • Run a private, self-hosted Snapdrop instance for internal networks

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires devices to be reachable for WebRTC; strict NAT/firewall rules can impact connectivity
  • Best suited for nearby/local-network sharing rather than long-distance transfers

Snapdrop is a lightweight, cross-platform way to move files between devices with minimal friction. Its classic open source version can be deployed privately while keeping the same browser-first workflow.

19.7kstars
1.9kforks
View Details
#3
FilePizza

FilePizza

Self-hostable web app for fast, private peer-to-peer file sharing in the browser using WebRTC, with optional passwords, multi-file ZIP downloads, and TURN/STUN support.

FilePizza screenshot

FilePizza is a web app for peer-to-peer file transfers directly between browsers using WebRTC. It avoids an initial upload to a central server, so files are not stored by the service and transfers can be fast and privacy-preserving.

Key Features

  • Direct browser-to-browser file transfer over WebRTC (DTLS-encrypted)
  • Shareable short/long links for recipients to download
  • Multi-file uploads delivered to recipients as a ZIP
  • Optional password protection for shared transfers
  • Uploader-side progress monitoring and the ability to stop transfers
  • Streaming downloads via a Service Worker
  • Optional Redis-backed server state for channel metadata
  • NAT traversal support via STUN and optional TURN (coturn)

Use Cases

  • Sending large files without uploading them to a third-party storage provider
  • Quick ad-hoc sharing of files between teammates or devices
  • Temporary, link-based distribution where the sender stays online during transfer

Limitations and Considerations

  • The uploader must keep the browser open until the transfer completes
  • Practical file size limits depend on browser/device memory and stability
  • Some networks/NAT setups may require TURN for reliable connectivity

FilePizza is well-suited for lightweight, ephemeral file sharing where you want direct peer-to-peer transfers and minimal server-side storage. It can be deployed as a hosted instance while keeping transfers end-to-end between participants.

9.9kstars
604forks
View Details
#4
PairDrop

PairDrop

AirDrop-like P2P file and text transfer in the browser with device pairing and temporary public rooms for internet transfers.

PairDrop screenshot

PairDrop is a web-based, cross-platform file sharing app inspired by Apple’s AirDrop and based on Snapdrop. It enables peer-to-peer transfers between devices on the same network, and also supports internet transfers via paired devices or temporary public rooms.

Key Features

  • Peer-to-peer file and text transfer between nearby devices using a modern web browser
  • Persistent device pairing using a 6-digit code or QR code to reconnect across networks
  • Temporary public rooms (code or QR) for quick sharing over the internet
  • Works across platforms (desktop and mobile) and can be installed as a Progressive Web App
  • Transfer acceptance flow, progress indicators, and automatic download behavior where supported
  • Multi-file transfers with optional ZIP bundling for downloads
  • Customizable display name and basic UI enhancements (previews, theming)

Use Cases

  • Quickly send photos, videos, documents, or links between phone and laptop without cables
  • Share files with friends or colleagues on public Wi-Fi or across different networks using rooms
  • Run a private, self-hosted local sharing page for households, teams, or labs

Limitations and Considerations

  • WebRTC connectivity can depend on network conditions; some scenarios may require TURN/STUN configuration for reliable traversal
  • Transfers require the recipient to be available and to accept the request; it is not designed for asynchronous “dropbox-style” sharing

PairDrop is a practical, lightweight alternative to native device sharing tools, offering an AirDrop-like experience directly in the browser. It fits well for fast, privacy-friendly, ad-hoc transfers both on local networks and across the internet.

9.8kstars
589forks
View Details
#5
Transfer.zip

Transfer.zip

Open-source, self-hostable file transfer service with resumable uploads, S3 or disk storage, transfer requests, and end-to-end encrypted WebRTC quick transfers.

Transfer.zip screenshot

Transfer.zip is an open-source file-sharing solution that can be self-hosted for reliable file delivery and simple sharing workflows. It supports both stored, resumable uploads as well as real-time, end-to-end encrypted peer-to-peer transfers in the browser.

Key Features

  • Resumable and reliable uploads using the tus protocol
  • Stored transfers with expiry and automatic deletion
  • Optional storage backends: local disk or S3-compatible object storage
  • Quick Transfers: browser-based peer-to-peer file sending via WebRTC with end-to-end encryption (AES-GCM)
  • Transfer requests to collect files from others via shareable upload links
  • Send transfers to recipients via email
  • Basic customization/branding for transfer pages and emails (with current S3 requirement)

Use Cases

  • Self-hosted alternative to WeTransfer-style “upload then share a link” workflows
  • Peer-to-peer sharing for sensitive files without server-side storage
  • Collecting files from clients or teammates using upload-request links

Limitations and Considerations

  • Quick Transfers require both parties to be online at the same time
  • Some browsers/devices may have issues with Quick Transfers (notably Safari and Firefox mobile)
  • Peer-to-peer connectivity can be impacted by restrictive networks; relaying may be used in some cases

Transfer.zip is a solid choice for teams and individuals who want a privacy-conscious file sharing service with both scalable stored uploads and encrypted real-time transfers. Its modern web stack and storage flexibility make it suitable for personal servers and larger deployments alike.

1.5kstars
90forks
View Details
#6
ClipCascade

ClipCascade

Lightweight clipboard sync tool for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android with end-to-end encryption, multi-user support, and optional self-hosted server or P2P mode.

ClipCascade screenshot

ClipCascade is a lightweight utility that syncs clipboard content across multiple devices automatically, without manual hotkeys. It supports encrypted syncing via a central server or direct peer-to-peer connections, with clients for major desktop platforms and Android.

Key Features

  • Automatic real-time clipboard sync without a key press
  • End-to-end encryption and authenticated access to protect clipboard data
  • Sync text, images, and files across supported devices
  • Dual modes: server-based sync or peer-to-peer sync for low latency
  • Multi-user support with per-user isolation
  • Web-based dashboard for managing users and activity
  • Self-hostable server via Docker image or standalone Java JAR

Use Cases

  • Keep clipboard contents consistent across a desktop workstation and laptop
  • Securely share snippets, images, or small files between personal devices
  • Run a private multi-user clipboard sync service for a team or household

Limitations and Considerations

  • Server deployment requires Java 21+ when running from the standalone JAR
  • Default admin credentials are provided and should be changed immediately after install

ClipCascade is well-suited for users who want seamless clipboard sharing across platforms while maintaining strong security controls. Its optional peer-to-peer mode and self-hostable server make it flexible for both personal and controlled environments.

1.5kstars
55forks
View Details
#7
FileSync

FileSync

Self-hosted web app for real-time, end-to-end encrypted file sharing from one device to many via peer-to-peer WebRTC transfers.

FileSync screenshot

FileSync is a self-hosted file sharing web application for sending files from one device to many recipients in real time. It uses peer-to-peer WebRTC transfers with end-to-end encryption so file contents are not relayed through an intermediate server.

Key Features

  • Real-time file transfer from a single sender to multiple receiving devices
  • Peer-to-peer transfers via WebRTC (data does not pass through the server)
  • End-to-end encryption with optional room password protection
  • Lightweight coordination server to help establish connections between peers
  • Simple web UI for sharing, monitoring progress, and downloading received files

Use Cases

  • Sharing large files across devices on the same network without uploading to a cloud drive
  • Securely distributing files to a group during meetings, classes, or workshops
  • Temporary, privacy-focused file transfer for teams and homelabs

Limitations and Considerations

  • WebRTC peer-to-peer connectivity can be impacted by restrictive NAT/firewalls, potentially requiring additional networking infrastructure for reliable connectivity

FileSync is a practical option when you want quick, browser-based file sharing with strong privacy properties. It’s especially useful for one-to-many distribution where you want transfers to remain directly between participants.

1.1kstars
103forks
View Details
#8
Local Content Share

Local Content Share

Self-hosted Go web app to share and store text snippets, files, links and a Markdown notepad over a local network with PWA support and configurable expirations.

Local Content Share is a lightweight self-hosted web application written in Go that provides a browser frontend and PWA for sharing and storing text snippets, files, and links on a local network. It uses a simple filesystem-backed data store and Server-Sent Events to keep clients synchronized in real time.

Key Features

  • Store and share plain text snippets with view, edit, rename, and delete operations
  • Upload and download files with multi-file drag-and-drop and clipboard paste support
  • Built-in Notepad with Markdown edit and preview, auto-save, and cross-device persistence
  • Link section for storing and sharing URLs in most-recent-first order
  • Configurable per-item expiration (Never, 1 hour, 4 hours, 1 day, or custom TTL)
  • Real-time client updates via Server-Sent Events (SSE)
  • PWA support and fully local assets so the app works without external dependencies
  • Files and metadata persisted to a local data directory (files/, text/, links.file, expiration.json)
  • Distributed as multi-arch Docker images and standalone Go binaries for easy homelab deployment

Use Cases

  • Quickly transfer screenshots, documents, or small files between devices on the same network
  • Temporary pastebin for sharing code snippets, notes, or short text with configurable expiry
  • Cross-device Markdown scratchpad for writing notes or drafts accessible from phone and desktop

Limitations and Considerations

  • No built-in authentication or access controls; intended for trusted local networks or behind an auth-enabled reverse proxy
  • Reverse proxies may interfere with upload progress visibility and can impose file size limits unless adjusted
  • Data is stored on the filesystem in plain form; no built-in encryption, multi-user separation, or audit logs
  • Not designed for public exposure or multi-tenant usage without added access control layers

Local Content Share is a pragmatic tool for easy, ephemeral content exchange within private networks and homelabs. It prioritizes simplicity, local-first operation, and minimal dependencies for quick deployment and use.

429stars
10forks
View Details

Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running