Compare software

Instant.io vs IPFS Desktop: catalog facts
Instant.io	IPFS Desktop
Free Free to use; the source is published on GitHub.	Free Free and open source.
Web	Windows, macOS, Linux
No installation or account Drag-and-drop sharing with a magnet link	Runs an IPFS node without command-line setup Available for Windows, macOS and Linux
Files are only shared while the browser tab stays open No end-to-end encryption	Files are only reachable while some node keeps serving them Built on Electron, so heavier than a native app
Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

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