croc

Free plan AndroidLinuxMacSelf-hostedWebWindows

What croc is

croc is an open-source tool for transferring files and folders between computers. Its command-line client handles multiple files and folders and can resume interrupted transfers. Connections use peer-to-peer transfer with relay fallback, while a code phrase establishes password-authenticated key agreement for end-to-end encryption. The browser client sends and receives files with the CLI without installation. The CLI can send text and display a QR code that opens the browser receive page. Optional stored transfers upload client-side encrypted files and expire by selected lifetime or download count. Users can run their own relay and choose a self-hosted stored-transfer service. Supported transfer clients include Windows, Linux, Mac and browser, with community Android clients linked through F-Droid. Installation is documented through package tools including Homebrew, MacPorts, Scoop, Chocolatey, Nix, Alpine, Arch and Termux. When streaming support is unavailable, browser Blob storage is limited to 256 MiB. The listed plan is free.

Who it suits

croc suits people who want open-source transfers across command-line, browser and multiple operating-system clients. It also fits users needing resumable transfers, encryption or self-hosted relay and storage options.

What it does well

Open-source and listed as free
Peer-to-peer transfer with relay fallback
End-to-end encryption via code phrase
Browser client needs no installation
Supports resumable multi-file transfers

What to know first

No desktop app
Browser Blob fallback limited to 256 MiB
Stored transfers depend on server policy

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
croc	Open-source file transfer tool; browser client available without installation · Optional stored transfers are subject to server policy	Free

As getcroc.com lists them, read 5 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

croc provides cross-platform, encrypted file transfer through CLI and browser clients, with optional self-hosting. Its main constraints are the lack of a desktop app and the 256 MiB fallback limit when streaming is unavailable.

Facts from croc's own pages

Android apps: The README links to community Android clients available through F-Droid. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Browser client: The browser client can send and receive files with the CLI without installation. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Cross-platform: The project lists Windows, Linux, Mac, and browser as supported transfer clients. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Desktop app: No · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Encryption: The code phrase establishes password-authenticated key agreement for end-to-end encryption. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Integrations: The README documents installation through Homebrew, MacPorts, Scoop, Chocolatey, Nix, Alpine, Arch, Termux, and other package tools. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Limit: The browser stored-transfer fallback using a Blob is limited to 256 MiB when neither supported streaming method is available. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Purpose: croc transfers files and folders between computers. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Self-hosting: Users can run their own relay and select a self-hosted stored-transfer service. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Sharing: The CLI can send text and display a QR code that opens the browser receive page. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Support: The repository asks users to support the project through sponsorship. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Temporary storage: Opt-in stored transfers upload client-side encrypted files and expire by selected lifetime or download count, whichever comes first. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Transfer features: The CLI supports multiple files, folders, and resuming interrupted transfers. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Transfer paths: Transfers can use peer-to-peer connections with relay fallback. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026

Where croc stands on Freedom251

File transfer services#24 of 105