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LocalSend

LocalSend alternative for the internet

LocalSend is excellent for nearby devices on the same network. AltSendme keeps that frictionless feel across the internet, and adds Iroh/QUIC networking that can saturate gigabit links, plus a real CLI compatible with sendme.

LocalSend vs AltSendme

Network reach

  • AltSendme
    Internet + LAN
  • LocalSend
    LAN / same Wi-Fi

Transfer speed

  • AltSendme
    Can saturate gigabit (Iroh/QUIC)
  • LocalSend
    Fast on LAN

CLI support

  • AltSendme
    Yes, sendme-compatible CLI
  • LocalSend
    No dedicated CLI

License

  • AltSendme
    AGPL-3.0 (open source)
  • LocalSend
    Open source

Cost

  • AltSendme
    Free
  • LocalSend
    Free

Encryption

  • AltSendme
    QUIC + TLS 1.3 E2E
  • LocalSend
    HTTPS on local network

How peers connect

  • AltSendme
    Share a ticket
  • LocalSend
    Nearby discovery

Networking stack

  • AltSendme
    Iroh
  • LocalSend
    Local HTTPS

Trasferimenti riprendibili

  • AltSendme
    Sì
  • LocalSend
    Parziale

Piattaforme

  • AltSendme
    Sì
  • LocalSend
    Sì

When to use which

Choose LocalSend when

  • Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi or LAN
  • You want automatic nearby device discovery
  • You do not need internet-wide transfers

Choose AltSendme when

  • Devices are on different networks or across the internet
  • You want ticket-based sharing and Iroh speeds that can fill a gigabit pipe
  • You need CLI/sendme interop, resumable large folders, or a web app

FAQ

Does LocalSend work over the internet?

No. LocalSend is built for the same local network. It discovers nearby devices on your Wi-Fi or LAN and transfers directly between them. It does not support sending files to someone on a different network or across the internet. AltSendme fills that gap with Iroh tickets, NAT hole punching, and encrypted relays so peers can connect locally or worldwide.

Can LocalSend resume interrupted transfers?

Not yet. Resumable transfers are a long-standing LocalSend feature request but remain unshipped. If Wi-Fi drops or a transfer is interrupted, you start over from the beginning. AltSendme supports resumable transfers: large files and folders pick up where they left off, with BLAKE3 integrity verification on both ends.

Is AltSendme open source like LocalSend?

Yes. Both apps are free and open source with no accounts or upload limits. AltSendme is AGPL-3.0 and built on the Iroh networking stack; LocalSend is MIT-licensed. You can audit either codebase and run transfers without vendor lock-in.

How does device discovery compare?

LocalSend scans your local network and lists nearby devices automatically, ideal when everyone shares the same Wi-Fi. AltSendme uses shareable Iroh tickets: one peer generates a ticket, the other pastes or scans it. That works on the same LAN and across the internet, without relying on broadcast discovery.

Does AltSendme have a CLI?

Yes. AltSendme interoperates with the official Iroh sendme CLI. Tickets work across the GUI and terminal for scripting and automation. LocalSend offers desktop and mobile apps but no CLI or browser client. AltSendme also includes a web app alongside Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Which is better for large folders?

For multi-gigabyte folders on an unreliable connection, resumability matters. LocalSend does not resume failed transfers, so a drop near the end means re-sending everything. AltSendme streams folders with pause and resume, can saturate gigabit links on native apps via QUIC, and verifies integrity with BLAKE3, better suited for big payloads that may not finish in one session.

LocalSend Alternative for the Internet