Snapdrop

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.