LocalSend is a free, open-source way to send files between Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices on the same local network. It does not need an internet connection or cloud account, but both devices need the app and must be able to reach each other over the network. It supports many platforms; it does not literally work with every device, and there is no evidence here that it is generally faster than AirDrop.
What LocalSend does—and what “works with everything” leaves out
LocalSend is a nearby-device file-transfer app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Its official site describes it as “Open source and cross-platform file sharing for everyone.” See LocalSend’s official site and its GitHub repository for the project’s current platform information.
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Unlike a cloud transfer workflow, LocalSend sends files over your local network. The project says, “Your data never leaves your local network.” That means the devices must be on a network that lets them communicate with one another; being on the same Wi-Fi name is not always enough if the router or device settings isolate them. No LocalSend account or internet connection is required for the transfer itself.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →LocalSend is an AirDrop alternative in the practical sense that it can move files between nearby devices, including combinations AirDrop does not cover, such as an Android phone and a Windows PC. It does not replace every part of Apple’s built-in sharing experience: both sides need LocalSend installed, and device discovery depends on local-network access.
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- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
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Which devices and operating-system versions are supported?
The project’s repository lists these minimum versions. They are release-sensitive, so check the current README before installing on an older device.
| Platform | Minimum version listed by the project |
|---|---|
| Android | Android 5.0 |
| iOS | iOS 12.0 |
| macOS | macOS 11 Big Sur |
| Windows | Windows 10 |
| Linux | Depends on desktop environment and required dependencies; see the project README |
The repository says v1.15.4 was the last version supporting Windows 7. That is a version-specific exception, not a sign that current releases support Windows 7. The current platform notes are in the LocalSend README.
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- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
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How to send a file
- Install LocalSend on both devices. Use an app store or package manager where available. The project recommends those routes because the app does not update itself.
- Connect both devices to a network that allows local communication. Internet access is not required, but a guest Wi-Fi network or router isolation setting may prevent discovery.
- Open LocalSend on both devices. Keep the app open while initiating the transfer so the recipient can appear as available.
- On the sending device, choose the files and select the recipient. The exact controls vary by platform, but the core flow is to select files, find the nearby device, and start sending.
- Accept the incoming transfer on the receiving device. Received files go to Downloads by default; the save location can be changed in settings.
The Ottawa PC Users’ Group review describes this flow for an Android phone sending to a Windows PC. LocalSend’s official site also identifies Downloads as the default save location. See the OPCUG review and the official site.
Is LocalSend faster than AirDrop?
There is no controlled, comparable benchmark in the cited sources establishing that LocalSend is faster than AirDrop. LocalSend’s transfer speed depends on the Wi-Fi network and the devices involved; the project’s troubleshooting notes suggest trying 5 GHz Wi-Fi for slow transfers and also list a known Android speed issue. A busy or slow network, device capability, and platform-specific behavior can all affect the result.
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- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
So “feels faster” may describe a particular transfer, but it is not a reliable general comparison. For a fair comparison, send the same files between the same devices under similar network conditions and compare elapsed time; results on one setup should not be treated as a universal speed ranking.
What security does LocalSend provide?
The project says transfers are encrypted using HTTPS and offers optional PIN verification. These are the project’s own descriptions, not findings from an independent security audit. PIN verification adds a check before accepting a transfer; it does not change the basic requirement that the devices be reachable on the local network. Read the project’s explanation on its official site.
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- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
If devices do not find each other
Discovery problems are usually about local-network access rather than cloud connectivity. Check the following, changing only settings you understand and trust:
- Firewall: Allow LocalSend incoming and outgoing TCP and UDP traffic. The repository identifies incoming port 53317.
- Router isolation: Check whether AP/client isolation is enabled; it can stop devices on the same Wi-Fi from communicating.
- Windows network profile: If appropriate for a trusted home or work network, make sure Windows treats it as a Private network rather than applying restrictive Public-network behavior.
- Apple local-network permission: On macOS or iOS, confirm LocalSend has permission to access the Local Network.
- Slow transfers: The project suggests trying 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Its README also notes a known Android speed issue, so a weak connection is not the only possible cause.
These troubleshooting details are in the project README. Avoid disabling a firewall wholesale; allow the app or the specified traffic instead.
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When LocalSend is a good fit
LocalSend is especially useful when you need to move files between different operating systems without uploading them to a cloud service—for example, from an Android phone to a Windows PC. It is less convenient when the recipient cannot install apps, the devices are on networks that block peer-to-peer traffic, or you need a transfer method that works across different networks without local setup.
In short, think of LocalSend as a broad, local-network sharing tool, not a universal or guaranteed faster replacement for AirDrop. The project reported 70k+ GitHub stars and 5M+ downloads on its official site when checked in 2026; those are dynamic project-reported figures, not counts of active users.
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