PairDrop

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to PairDrop

A curated collection of the 4 best self hosted alternatives to PairDrop.

Browser-based device-to-device file transfer service that uses a web interface and pairing codes to send files between phones and computers, operating locally on a network or routed via the internet.

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. (raw.githubusercontent.com)

Key Features

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

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. (github.com)
  • 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. (raw.githubusercontent.com)

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.

73.3kstars
3.9kforks
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#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
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#3
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.

1.4kstars
46forks
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#4
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.

402stars
10forks
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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