Alternatives to Instant.io

A browser-based WebTorrent tool for sharing and downloading files peer to peer. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Instant.io.

  • WebTorrent Desktop

    A desktop torrent app that streams video and audio while the files are still downloading.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    WebTorrent Desktop moves to a Windows, macOS or Linux app that connects to both BitTorrent and browser-based WebTorrent peers and streams media while downloading.

  • Webtor

    A web tool that streams or downloads the contents of torrents and magnet links in the browser.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWebBrowser extension

    Webtor also works in the browser but processes torrents on its own servers, giving HTTP download links and a video player, with speed limits on the free tier.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Instant.io as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • IPFS Desktop

    A desktop app that runs an IPFS node for sharing files over the peer-to-peer IPFS network.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Instant.io shares files peer to peer through WebTorrent in the browser with no install, but files are only shared while the tab stays open.

  • Seedr

    A web-based cloud service that fetches torrents and links to online storage for streaming.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Instant.io is open source and runs WebTorrent directly in the browser with no account, but files are only shared while the tab stays open.

  • sendme

    A command-line tool that sends files and folders directly between computers using iroh.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    Instant.io shares files peer to peer from a browser through WebTorrent magnet links, with no end-to-end encryption.

  • Snapdrop

    A browser-based tool for sending files and messages to nearby devices, inspired by AirDrop.

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    Instant.io shares files from the browser through WebTorrent magnet links rather than nearby device discovery, and transfers have no end-to-end encryption.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.