I need a file transfer service that is peer-to-… | Parse
I need a file transfer service that is peer-to-peer and does not store files on a central server.
Data as of Sep 26, 2026 · Based on 298 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
For a general, secure desktop tool that connects devices directly with encrypted transfers and no central storage, use AltSendme. If you want quick browser-to-browser sharing with zero uploads, use ToffeeShare or File.pizza. For ongoing folder sync or fast large-file syncing without cloud servers, choose or .
Best for quick, browser-based one-off transfers where you want zero server storage and no size limits; very simple and private but relies on both parties using a browser session at transfer time.
If you want to transfer files directly from device-to-device without a central cloud server storing your data, WebRTC-based or local network tools are your best option. While a lightweight signaling server is typically used for the initial handshake to connect the two browsers or devices, the actual file data flows directly peer-to-peer and is never saved or cached on any remote server.
Here are the top tools that fit your criteria:
ToffeeShare uses peer-to-peer WebRTC technology to stream files straight from your device. There are no file size limits because nothing is ever uploaded to an intermediate cloud storage bucket, and data is encrypted end-to-end. You can check it out directly at ToffeeShare.
Snapdrop is an open-source, web-based local file-sharing tool inspired by Apple's AirDrop. If your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, it connects them peer-to-peer in the browser so files transfer locally without touching an external server. Try it out on Snapdrop.
Magic Wormhole allows you to safely transfer files between computers via a specialized command-line utility or web implementations. It assigns a special human-readable passphrase (like "7-correct-horse"), establishes a direct encrypted P2P TCP connection, and destroys the route as soon as the transfer finishes.
ShareDrop is another WebRTC-based clone inspired by Snapdrop that lets you send files directly peer-to-peer either locally or across the web via unique rooms without keeping copies in the cloud.
Would you prefer a browser-based tool that works across the internet, or a local network tool (like AirDrop/Snapdrop style) for devices in the same room?
Yes. If your requirement is “the file itself must never be uploaded to or stored on a central server,” there are several good options.
LocalSend — probably the simplest choice for devices on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. It is open source, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), requires no account, and transfers files directly between devices. The project states that files never leave your local network.
PairDrop — useful if you want a browser-based experience similar to AirDrop. It uses WebRTC for direct peer-to-peer transfers. On the same network, files aren't sent to a server; however, when peers are behind NAT, its TURN server can relay the traffic.
PeerDrop — another browser-based WebRTC option explicitly designed for direct transfer. Its site says the file is not uploaded to a cloud/server and is transferred directly to recipients.
If you mean absolutely no server involvement
That's a stricter requirement. LocalSend is the cleanest fit when both devices are on the same LAN. For transfers across the public Internet, WebRTC services commonly need a signaling server to establish the connection, and may fall back to a TURN relay when direct connectivity isn't possible. PairDrop documents this explicitly.
If you tell me whether you're transferring between devices on the same network or between people in different locations, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 choices.
Several services and utilities use WebRTC or specialized P2P protocols to stream files directly from device to device. These tools use a lightweight signaling server strictly to help the browsers or clients discover each other and shake hands—the actual files are never uploaded or stored on any central server.
Here are the best options depending on your workflow:
Browser-Based (No Install Required)
ToffeeShare : Uses direct browser-to-browser WebRTC connections. There are no file size limits because the data never touches a cloud storage backend. As long as your browser tab remains open, the file streams directly from your machine to the recipient with end-to-end encryption.
ShareDrop : An open-source web app inspired by Apple's AirDrop. If you are on the same local network, it connects devices directly. It also allows cross-network connections via a room system, ensuring files transfer directly peer-to-peer.
PairDrop : A popular, actively maintained fork/evolution of Snapdrop. It lets you securely share files, text, and media peer-to-peer across different devices and networks without central server storage.
Command-Line / Terminal-Based
Magic Wormhole : A fantastic utility if you like working from the command line. It generates a short, human-readable code (like 7-purple-ideal ). It uses a PAKE protocol for end-to-end encryption and streams data directly between the two endpoints (falling back to a relay only if a direct NAT traversal isn't possible).
Portal : Inspired by Magic Wormhole, this is a fast CLI file transfer tool written in Go. It defaults to parallel compression and attempts a direct local or wide-area network connection before utilizing any relay.
If you want to narrow this down, let me know:
Are you looking for a web-based UI or a command-line tool?
Are the devices on the same local Wi-Fi network or remote?
Yes. If your requirement is “the file itself must never be uploaded to a central storage server,” there are several good options:
localsend.org — probably the simplest choice for devices on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. It is open source, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), requires no account, and transfers files directly over the local network. The project states that files never leave your local network.
pairdrop.app — browser-based and convenient if you don't want to install software. It uses WebRTC for direct transfers. Important caveat: when peers can't establish a direct connection, PairDrop can use a TURN server to relay the data, so it isn't guaranteed to be strictly peer-to-peer over the Internet.
peerdrop.io — browser-based WebRTC transfer designed specifically around direct peer-to-peer transfers; its site says files aren't uploaded to a cloud/server.
Syncthing — worth considering if you want continuous peer-to-peer synchronization rather than one-off transfers. It can synchronize folders directly between your own devices without storing the data in a cloud service.
What I'd choose
If the two devices are on the same network, I'd use LocalSend. It's the cleanest match for “no central server”: install it on both devices, select the recipient, and transfer directly.
If the devices are in different locations, the distinction becomes important: many “P2P” services still use a signaling server, and some may use a TURN relay when a direct connection isn't possible. A signaling server doesn't necessarily see the file, whereas a relay can carry the encrypted file traffic.
If you tell me whether the two devices are on the same network or across the Internet, and which platforms they're running (e.g. iPhone → Windows), I can narrow it down to the most appropriate option.
If you want to send files directly from device to device without anything ever touching a third-party cloud server, you're looking for WebRTC-powered or local P2P tools . These services use a tiny "signaling" handshake to connect your browsers or devices, and then the actual file stream moves completely peer-to-peer and end-to-end encrypted.
The best options available for this setup depend on how you plan to share:
ToffeeShare is a great web-based choice if you are sending files across the internet to someone else . It has no file size limits because it doesn't store anything. You drop the file in, it streams straight from your machine, and the moment you close the tab, the link dies. Check it out on ToffeeShare.
PairDrop is the go-to if you are sharing between devices that are either on the same local network or connecting via a temporary public room. It's an open-source, web-based spiritual successor to AirDrop that works across different operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) without needing an install. You can use it via PairDrop.
FilePizza is an open-source, classic browser-based P2P file transfer tool. The sender keeps their browser tab open while acting as the "pizzeria" (the host seed), and the receiver downloads a slice directly from them in real-time.
Croc is a fantastic command-line tool if you prefer a terminal. It allows you to securely send files and folders straight from one computer to another using relay-assisted or direct end-to-end encrypted P2P phrases. You can look at the source code and instructions on the Croc GitHub Repository.
Note: Because these are true P2P services with no central storage, the sending device must stay online with the browser or app open until the receiving device finishes the download.
Are you trying to share files locally on the same Wi-Fi network or across the internet with someone far away , and do you prefer a web browser interface or a command-line/native app?
Yes. If your requirement is true peer-to-peer transfer with no file stored on a central server, there are a few good options:
localsend.org — Probably the simplest choice if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. It is open source, works on Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android, requires no account, and transfers files directly between devices. The project says files never leave your local network.
peerdrop.io — Browser-based WebRTC transfer. The project states that files aren't uploaded to a cloud/server and are transferred directly from sender to recipient. Both browser windows need to remain open during the transfer.
pairdrop.net — Similar to AirDrop but cross-platform and browser-based. On the same network, files go directly between peers. However, a TURN relay can be used when a direct WebRTC connection can't be established, so it doesn't strictly satisfy "never passes through a server" in every network configuration.
ZWormHole — An open-source desktop option designed specifically for direct P2P transfers without rendezvous, relay, or cloud servers. It can work across networks, although its internet mode depends on router capabilities and it currently lacks mobile apps.
My recommendation
If both devices are nearby, I'd use LocalSend. It's the cleanest fit: device → device, no cloud, no account, no internet required.
If you need device → device over the Internet, I'd look at ZWormHole or a self-hosted P2P solution rather than services such as Wormhole. For example, Wormhole's normal web service can store files on its servers for transfers up to 5 GB, so it doesn't meet your strict requirement.
If you tell me what devices you're transferring between (e.g. Windows → iPhone, Mac → Android, PC → PC) and whether they're on the same network or across the Internet, I can narrow it down to the best fit.
Yes. The key distinction is whether you mean no cloud storage or literally no third-party server involved at all.
Best options
github.com — Probably the closest match to your requirement. It uses direct device-to-device connections, has no cloud storage, no rendezvous server, no relay server, and says it never contacts an outside service. It works across networks using direct connectivity.
localsend.org — Excellent if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. It's open source, cross-platform, encrypted, works offline, and files never leave your local network.
wormhole.page — Very convenient for sending through a browser. Files aren't stored on the server, but the underlying Magic Wormhole protocol can use a relay when a direct P2P connection isn't possible.
floe.one — Browser/CLI-oriented P2P transfer. Files aren't stored server-side; direct connections send data straight between devices, while fallback relay connections transmit encrypted data without storing it.
My recommendation
If your requirement is strictly "the file must never pass through or be stored on someone else's server," I'd choose ZWormHole.
If you're transferring between devices on the same network, I'd choose LocalSend—it's simpler and very mature.
If you tell me your devices (e.g. Windows → iPhone, Mac → Android, or Windows → Linux over the Internet), I can narrow it down to the best option.
If you need to transfer files directly from device to device without anything ever touching a permanent cloud bucket or central storage server, browser-based WebRTC and local P2P tools are your best option.
(Note: While these services use a lightweight signaling or "matchmaking" server to help the two browsers find each other and shake hands, the actual file bytes stream directly peer-to-peer and are never saved or stored on that server.)
Top-tier, no-install options for true peer-to-peer transfers include:
ToffeeShare : A pure peer-to-peer file sharing web app. It transfers files directly from your device to the recipient's device in real-time . There are no file size limits because nothing is uploaded to a server first; if you close your browser tab, the transfer stops immediately. You can check it out on the ToffeeShare Website.
Snapdrop : Inspired by Apple’s AirDrop, this open-source tool lets you share files peer-to-peer. If both devices are on the same local Wi-Fi network, the data goes strictly local-network device-to-device with zero server involvement. You can use it via the Snapdrop Net Portal.
ShareDrop : Similar to Snapdrop, this lets you transfer files directly between devices. It works locally out-of-the-box or across different networks via a room/code connection feature. Access it via the ShareDrop Platform.
Sendfiles.dev : A straightforward browser-based tool built on WebRTC that encrypts files in-browser with a password you choose, streaming the encrypted data directly to the receiver. Try it out on Sendfiles.dev.
If you want to narrow this down, let me know:
Are the devices on the same local Wi-Fi network or remote networks?
Roughly how large are the files you plan to send?
I can pinpoint the exact tool that will give you the fastest connection speed.
If you need to transfer files directly between devices without storing them on a third-party cloud or central server, peer-to-peer (P2P) browser- and client-based tools use WebRTC or encrypted protocols to stream data directly from your device to the recipient.
Here are the best options available depending on your exact scenario:
OnionShare : Turns your computer into an anonymous, temporary web server that hosts files directly from your hard drive over the Tor network. It is completely serverless, highly secure, and leaves no footprint once you close the application or the recipient finishes downloading.
PairDrop : A progressive web app (and spiritual successor/fork of Snapdrop) that allows you to instantly share files and messages peer-to-peer. It works via WebRTC in any browser, and unlike local-only tools, it lets you securely pair and transfer files with devices outside your local Wi-Fi network using a temporary code.
LocalSend : A free, open-source, cross-platform tool that allows local peer-to-peer file sharing over your local network without any internet connection or external server involved at all. Data flows directly between the local IP addresses of your devices.
Magic Wormhole : A command-line utility that lets you safely send arbitrary-sized files and directories from one computer to another. It establishes a direct, password-protected P2P-encrypted transit flow using a short, human-readable "wormhole code" (e.g., 7-purple-frost).
Note for all P2P tools: Because there is no central server holding the file, both the sender and the receiver must be online at the same time for the transfer to complete.
If you can tell me whether you need a browser-based interface , a command-line tool , or whether you are sharing files locally vs. across the internet , I can recommend the exact setup that fits your workflow.
Yes. If your requirement is true peer-to-peer transfer with no central file storage, these are the strongest options:
localsend.org — best for devices on the same network. It transfers directly between devices over your LAN, requires no account or server, is open source, and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Files don't leave your local network.
pairdrop.app — best browser-based option. It uses WebRTC for direct peer-to-peer transfers. Its signaling server helps establish the connection but isn't involved in file transfer when a direct connection is possible. However, if WebRTC can't establish a direct path, a TURN server can relay the traffic.
wormhole.page — good for sending over the Internet. It uses Magic Wormhole and encrypts files client-side; the site says files aren't stored on its server. However, Magic Wormhole can use a relay when a direct connection isn't possible, so it isn't always a direct network connection.
My recommendation
If by “does not store files on a central server” you mean the server must never receive the file at all, I'd choose LocalSend for transfers between devices you control on the same Wi-Fi/LAN.
If you need device A and device B to be anywhere on the Internet, I'd choose PairDrop, preferably with your own self-hosted instance. That gives you considerably more control over the signaling/relay infrastructure, although avoiding relays entirely depends on the two networks' NAT/firewall situation.
I would not recommend ordinary cloud-transfer services for this requirement, even if they advertise end-to-end encryption, because your requirement is specifically that the file itself not be centrally stored.
ToffeeShare uses peer-to-peer WebRTC technology to stream files straight from your device. There are no file size limits because nothing is ever uploaded to an intermediate cloud storage bucket, and data is encrypted end-to-end. You can check it out directly at ToffeeShare.
