Snapdrop

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Snapdrop

A curated collection of the 3 best self hosted alternatives to Snapdrop.

Snapdrop is a browser-based, peer-to-peer local network file sharing tool that lets users quickly transfer files, links, and text between devices on the same Wi‑Fi without installing apps. It uses WebRTC and works across platforms and browsers.

Alternatives List

#1
LocalSend

LocalSend

Send files and text between nearby devices over your LAN—no cloud, no accounts. Works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

LocalSend screenshot

LocalSend is a cross-platform application for sharing files and text between devices on the same local network. It focuses on quick, ad‑hoc transfers without accounts, external servers, or cloud dependencies, making it useful for personal devices and small teams.

Key Features

  • Device discovery on the local network and direct device-to-device transfers
  • Cross-platform clients: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Send multiple files/folders and plain text (clipboard-style messages)
  • Works offline within a LAN (Wi‑Fi/Ethernet); no internet connection required
  • Optional security options such as transfer approval and encryption (to prevent unintended receipt)
  • Lightweight UI intended for fast, one-off sharing (AirDrop-style workflow)

Use Cases

  • Transfer photos/videos from a phone to a PC on the same Wi‑Fi
  • Share installers, documents, or notes between workstations in an office/LAN
  • Quickly send text snippets (links, passwords, commands) between devices

Limitations and Considerations

  • Designed for local networks; it is not a full sync solution (no continuous synchronization/history)
  • Discovery and transfers can be impacted by client isolation, VLAN segmentation, or restrictive firewalls

LocalSend is best suited for simple, fast LAN sharing across mixed operating systems. It fills the gap between cloud drives and heavier sync tools by providing a straightforward “send to nearby device” experience while keeping data transfers local.

72.9kstars
3.9kforks
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#2
PairDrop

PairDrop

Snapdrop-style cross-device file transfer with local network discovery and optional internet relay, running entirely in the browser.

PairDrop screenshot

PairDrop is a browser-based file and text sharing app designed for fast transfers between nearby devices. It focuses on simple “pick a device → send” sharing with local network discovery, and can also connect devices across networks using pairing/rooms when direct discovery isn’t possible.

Key Features

  • Peer-to-peer transfers between devices via browser (no client install required)
  • Local network discovery to find nearby devices automatically
  • Send files and text/clipboard snippets between devices
  • Pairing/room-based connections for cases where devices are not on the same LAN
  • Works across platforms (desktop and mobile) with a responsive web UI
  • Optional relay/signaling server component for discovery and connection setup

Use Cases

  • Quickly send photos, documents, or links between your phone and computer
  • Share files with someone on the same Wi‑Fi without using cloud storage
  • Ad-hoc sharing in offices/classrooms where installing apps is undesirable

Limitations and Considerations

  • Transfer performance and reliability depend on browser support and network conditions
  • NAT/firewall constraints may require pairing/relay modes rather than direct local discovery

PairDrop is a practical Snapdrop-like tool for lightweight, privacy-oriented sharing. It’s especially useful when you want quick transfers without accounts, sync clients, or external cloud drives.

9.6kstars
567forks
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#3
Drop

Drop

Open-source local file transfer app for sending files peer-to-peer via a room code, with optional end-to-end encryption and simple web-based UI.

Drop screenshot

Drop is a self-hostable web application for quick peer-to-peer file sharing, primarily designed for local networks. It lets users create or join a “drop” (room) and transfer files directly between devices with minimal setup, aiming for an experience similar to nearby-sharing tools.

Key Features

  • Room-based transfers: create/join a drop using a short code/link for quick pairing
  • Direct device-to-device sharing (peer-to-peer) optimized for LAN usage
  • Optional end-to-end encryption for transfers (sender/receiver negotiated)
  • Works in the browser with a lightweight web UI for cross-platform use
  • Simple server component to coordinate peers and sessions

Use Cases

  • Send photos/videos between phones and computers on the same Wi‑Fi
  • Quick ad-hoc file handoff in offices/classrooms without cloud accounts
  • Temporary file exchange for guests on an internal network

Limitations and Considerations

  • Best suited to local networks; NAT/firewall conditions may impact peer connectivity
  • Feature set focuses on ad-hoc transfers rather than long-term storage/sync

Drop provides a straightforward way to move files between devices without relying on third-party cloud storage. It is most useful when you want fast, ephemeral transfers in a trusted network with an optional encryption layer.

568stars
22forks
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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