No. 20 of 105 ·File transfer services

PairDrop

Web · Self-hosted

Freedom report

Two barsScore 6.9

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

PairDrop is ranked #20 of 105 in file transfer services on Freedom251. It runs on Self-hosted, Web. There is a free plan.

PairDrop plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free Libre software · local-network and internet file sharing github.com · 5 Oct 2026

Compared on file transfer services

Free plan: Yes

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The record

What it does: PairDrop is a browser-based file-sharing app for sending images, documents, and text between devices.
Local transfers: Devices on the same local network can send files peer to peer.
Internet transfers: Users can transfer files between paired devices or through temporary public rooms.
Pairing: Devices can be paired using a six-digit code or QR code, and pairing persists when PairDrop is reopened.
Public rooms: Public rooms are joined with a five-letter code or QR code, and closing PairDrop leaves the room.
File handling: Multiple files can be transferred at once, and multiple downloads are packaged as a ZIP file.
Mobile sharing: On Android and iOS, users can download, share, or save received files to the gallery through the Share menu.
Integrations: The FAQ says files can be sent directly from Windows’ context menu, iOS and Android share menus, and a command-line interface.
Self-hosting: Users can host their own instance with Docker or Node.js and configure their own STUN/TURN servers.
Transfer privacy: The FAQ says same-network files are not sent to a server, PairDrop does not use a database, and WebRTC encrypts files in transit.
Connection caveat: For paired devices behind a NAT, the PairDrop TURN server may route files and messages; the FAQ says transfer speed decreases when traffic uses TURN.
Security caveat: The FAQ says users still have to trust the PairDrop server and describes zero-trust signaling and verification as a planned improvement.
Support: The project invites bug reports and feature requests through GitHub issues and says users can support it with donations.
Intended use: The FAQ says the project focuses narrowly on instant file transfer and may decline feature requests to preserve simplicity.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best File Transfer Services in 2026#20 of 105

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Sources

github.com/schlagmichdoch/PairDrop/blob/master/REA· checked 5 Oct 2026
github.com/schlagmichdoch/PairDrop/blob/master/doc· checked 5 Oct 2026