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Instant.io vs Magic Wormhole: catalog facts
Instant.io	Magic Wormhole
Free Free to use; the source is published on GitHub.	Free Free and open source.
Web	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
No installation or account Drag-and-drop sharing with a magnet link	Short human-readable codes instead of links or keys End-to-end encrypted transfers
Files are only shared while the browser tab stays open No end-to-end encryption	Command-line only, no graphical interface Both sides must have a compatible client installed
Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
No account needed	Not stated if an account is 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 23, 2026

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