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HFS (HTTP File Server) vs PicoShare: catalog facts
HFS (HTTP File Server)	PicoShare
Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence.	Free Free to run on your own server.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted	Web, Self-hosted
No cloud upload; files come directly from your disk Virtual file system to choose exactly what is shared	Direct download links with no ads or sign-ups for recipients No file type or size restrictions
Sharing beyond the local network requires exposing your computer to the internet The computer must stay on for files to be available	Cannot sync writes across multiple instances Deliberately minimal feature set
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Self-hosted
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.