LocalSend alternative
Everything you love about LocalSend — plus reach beyond your network
LocalSend is a great open-source way to send files between devices on the same Wi-Fi. BIShare does that too — instant and end-to-end encrypted across every platform — and then goes further: a browser link for anyone who isn't nearby, plus cloud storage and sync.
Where LocalSend stops
LocalSend is built for one job and does it well: direct transfers between devices on the same network. But that's also its boundary — if the other person is in another city, on mobile data, or behind a different router, there's no way to reach them, and there's no cloud to keep your files in sync between your own devices.
How BIShare picks up where LocalSend leaves off
The same instant local transfer
On the same Wi-Fi, BIShare sends device-to-device at local-network speed, end-to-end encrypted, across iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux — exactly the LocalSend use case, no cloud detour.
A link for anyone, anywhere
When the recipient isn't on your network, share a link or a short code they open in any browser — no app and no account on their end. This is the piece LocalSend doesn't have.
Cloud storage and sync when you want it
Folder sync across your own devices and rooms for group sharing — all optional, all end-to-end encrypted. Use it like LocalSend and ignore the cloud, or lean on it when you need continuity.
BIShare vs LocalSend vs Snapdrop
| LocalSend | Snapdrop | BIShare | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant local transfer across all platforms | |||
| End-to-end encrypted | |||
| Reach someone not on your network (link) | |||
| Recipient needs no app (opens in a browser) | |||
| Cloud storage & cross-device sync |
Frequently asked questions
Is BIShare open source like LocalSend?
LocalSend is fully open source; BIShare is free to use with an open, documented transfer protocol and end-to-end encryption. If open source is your only requirement, LocalSend is a great pick — if you also need link sharing and cloud sync, BIShare covers more ground.
Does BIShare work on the same network without the cloud, like LocalSend?
Yes. On the same Wi-Fi, transfers go straight device-to-device at local speed and never touch the cloud — the cloud features are entirely optional.
Can BIShare send to someone in a different location?
Yes — that's the main thing it adds over LocalSend. Share a link or short code and the recipient opens it in any browser, wherever they are, with no app or account.
Which platforms does BIShare support?
iPhone, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux and the web — the same broad platform coverage as LocalSend, plus a browser experience for recipients.
Is it free?
Yes — all of it. Sending and receiving are free, the recipient never needs an account, and links expire automatically. BIShare is open source (MIT) and has no paid tier.
Keep the local speed. Lose the network boundary.
Install BIShare free on every device. Instant on your network, a link for everyone else, end-to-end encrypted throughout.