Alternatives to PairDrop

Browser-based device-to-device file transfer with no install or signup. 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 PairDrop.

  • croc

    Sends a file between any two computers with one command and a short code phrase, end-to-end encrypted.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWeb

    croc uses a command line tool or browser version with a code phrase and end-to-end PAKE encryption, and resumes interrupted transfers, but both ends need croc.

  • OnionShare

    Shares files, hosts sites and chats anonymously over Tor.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    OnionShare is a desktop app that shares files anonymously over Tor with no third-party server, but both sides need Tor and transfers are slow.

  • Send

    Self-hostable encrypted file sharing, continuing Firefox Send.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Send shares browser-encrypted links that expire by time or download count, so the devices do not need to be online at the same time.

  • Smash

    A web service and mobile app for sending large files of any size as a download link.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroidiOSWeb

    Smash is a closed-source freemium service storing files on its servers until downloaded, with iOS and Android apps and password protection.

Also worth comparing

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

  • ffsend

    A command-line client for sharing encrypted files through Send-compatible servers.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    PairDrop moves files between devices in the browser with no install or account, but both devices must have the page open at the same time.

  • MASV

    A hosted service for transferring very large files and media, used from the browser.

    PaidProprietaryWeb

    PairDrop is free and open source, sending files device to device in the browser, but both devices must be online with the page open at once.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.