FileShot vs LocalSend: Beyond Local WiFi Sharing
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | LocalSend | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Works Over Internet | No (local WiFi only) | Yes (any network) |
| Cloud Storage | No | Yes (50 GB free) |
| Persistent Shareable Links | No | Yes (1-90 day free, longer on paid) |
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | N/A (no cloud) | Yes (AES-256-GCM) |
| Encryption | TLS (in transit) | AES-256-GCM client-side + TLS |
| Password Protection | No | Yes |
| Expiration Control | N/A (no persistent storage) | 1 day to unlimited |
| Both Devices Must Be Online | Yes (simultaneously) | No (download anytime via link) |
| Requires App Install | Yes | No (browser-based, optional desktop app) |
| Built-in Tools | None | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner, and more |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes (encryption core) |
| Price | Free | Free (paid plans from $2/mo) |
What Is LocalSend?
LocalSend is an open-source, cross-platform application that enables file sharing between devices on the same local WiFi network. It works without an internet connection, requires no accounts, and uses TLS encryption for data in transit. Think of it as an open-source AirDrop that works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Different Tools for Different Needs
LocalSend and FileShot solve different problems. LocalSend is purpose-built for local network transfers: sending a file from your phone to your laptop when both are on the same WiFi. It does this well, with no cloud involvement and no internet dependency. But it cannot work across different networks, cannot generate shareable links, and requires both devices to be online at the same time on the same network.
FileShot works over any network. Files are encrypted in your browser with AES-256-GCM before they leave your device, stored in the cloud with zero-knowledge architecture, and shared via an encrypted link. The recipient can download from any device, on any network, at any time before the link expires. The server never has your decryption key.
When Local-Only Is Not Enough
LocalSend cannot handle scenarios that require internet connectivity: sharing with a colleague in another office, sending files to a client across the country, distributing documents to a group, or accessing your own uploads from a different location. There are no persistent links, no cloud backup, and no way to share with someone not on your network.
FileShot handles all of these while maintaining zero-knowledge security. Upload once, share the encrypted link, and anyone with the link can download — no app installation required on the recipient's side. Password protection, custom expiration, virus scanning, and QR code sharing come included free.
Security Architecture
LocalSend uses TLS to encrypt data in transit between devices. Since files never leave the local network or touch a cloud server, there is no at-rest encryption concern. This is a solid model for local transfers, but it provides protection only for the network hop between your devices.
FileShot provides end-to-end encryption at every stage. Files are encrypted with AES-256-GCM in the browser before upload. The encrypted ciphertext is stored on the server. The decryption key is embedded in the URL fragment and never transmitted to the server. Even FileShot cannot decrypt your files. This is zero-knowledge architecture — privacy guaranteed by cryptography.
No App Required
LocalSend requires installing a native application on every device involved in the transfer. FileShot works entirely in the browser — no installation needed. The recipient just opens the link. For users who want a native experience, FileShot also offers a desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux) and a Chrome browser extension, but they are optional.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If you exclusively transfer files between your own devices on the same WiFi network and never need cloud storage, persistent links, or cross-network sharing, LocalSend is a good fit. For sharing with others, sharing across networks, zero-knowledge encrypted storage, password protection, expiration control, and an integrated tool suite, FileShot is the comprehensive solution.
For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.