Instant.io

A browser-based WebTorrent tool for sharing and downloading files peer to peer.

FreeOpen sourceWeb
Official websiteinstant.io

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About Instant.io

Instant.io uses WebTorrent to transfer files directly between browsers. To share, you drag and drop files onto the page and it starts seeding them. To receive, you paste a magnet link or info hash and the download streams into your browser.

Nothing needs to be installed, but seeding only lasts while the tab stays open. The page points to Wormhole, from the same creator, for transfers that need end-to-end encryption or links that keep working after the browser closes.

Strengths

  • No installation or account
  • Drag-and-drop sharing with a magnet link
  • Downloads stream as they arrive

Limitations

  • Files are only shared while the browser tab stays open
  • No end-to-end encryption

Details

Pricing
FreeFree to use; the source is published on GitHub.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
The WebTorrent contributors
Platforms
Web
How it runs
Web application
Account
Not required
Works offline
No
Best suited for
Quick peer-to-peer file sharing from a browser
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Instant.io

Compare all

Software that can replace Instant.io for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • 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.

Instant.io as an alternative

Listings that name Instant.io as an alternative.

  • 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 necessarily a direct replacement.

Report a wrong fact or a dead link on this listing