Magic Wormhole

A command-line tool that sends files between computers securely using short one-time codes.

FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line
Official websitegithub.com

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About Magic Wormhole

Magic Wormhole moves files, folders or text from one computer to another. The sender runs a command and gets a short code of a few words, which the receiver types in on the other machine. The two sides use that code to set up an encrypted connection, so nobody else can read the transfer.

It is written in Python and runs in a terminal. It suits people who need to pass a file to another machine or person without setting up accounts, shared folders or a file server.

Strengths

  • Short human-readable codes instead of links or keys
  • End-to-end encrypted transfers
  • Sends files, folders and text
  • Widely used and actively maintained

Limitations

  • Command-line only, no graphical interface
  • Both sides must have a compatible client installed

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source.
License
MIT
Developer
The Magic Wormhole contributors
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
How it runs
Downloadable app
Best suited for
Sending a file to another computer quickly and safely from the terminal
Categories
File sync, CLI tools
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Magic Wormhole

Compare all

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

  • sendme

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

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    sendme is also a command-line tool, using iroh to send whole directories across NAT with verified, resumable transfers, though it started as an example app.

  • LocalSend

    Sends files between nearby devices over your own network, with no account, server or internet connection.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    LocalSend adds graphical apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, but both devices must be on the same local network instead of connecting through short codes.

  • FilePizza

    An open-source web app for peer-to-peer file transfers directly between two browsers.

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    FilePizza moves transfers into the browser with no install or account, stays open source, but the sender must keep the page open during the transfer.

  • Send Anywhere

    A cross-platform file sharing service that sends files between devices using one-time keys or links.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWeb

    Send Anywhere also uses one-time keys, adds phone, desktop and browser apps, but is closed source and has no command-line tool listed.

  • Blip

    An app for sending files and folders of any size directly between devices and people.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Blip offers graphical apps on all major desktop and mobile platforms with resumable transfers and no size limits, but it is closed source and both sides need the app.

  • Wormhole

    A web tool for sharing files with end-to-end encryption and links that expire automatically.

    FreeProprietaryWeb

    Wormhole is a web tool with end-to-end encrypted links that expire automatically, needs no install, but caps transfers at 10 GB and depends on a hosted service.

  • Instant.io

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

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    Instant.io shares files peer to peer from a browser through WebTorrent magnet links, but it lacks end-to-end encryption and the tab must stay open.

  • qrcp

    A command-line tool that transfers files over Wi-Fi to a phone by scanning a QR code.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    qrcp is also a terminal tool but sends to a phone by QR code with no phone app needed, and it only works on the same local network.

Magic Wormhole as an alternative

Listings that name Magic Wormhole as an alternative.

  • Warpinator

    Linux Mint's app for sending and receiving files between computers on the same local network.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Magic Wormhole sends files and folders with short one-time codes and end-to-end encryption on Windows, macOS and Linux, but it is command-line only.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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