Side-by-side comparison
QuickBridge vs LocalSend
Short answer: LocalSend is one of the best tools available for frequent same-network transfers: fast, install it once and it works offline, auto-discovers all devices on the LAN, and has no file size limit. QuickBridge is built for everything LocalSend cannot do: transfers across different networks, install-free access from any device, and one-off sends to devices that don't have any app installed.
Free forever · No install · Works cross-network
Feature-by-feature comparison
Every LocalSend column entry below is sourced from the LocalSend GitHub README, the project's releases page, and localsend.org (see Sources at the bottom).
| Capability | QuickBridge | LocalSend |
|---|---|---|
| Works without installing an appQuickBridge runs entirely in a browser tab. LocalSend requires installing a native app on each device. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via the respective app stores or GitHub releases. | Yes | No |
| Transfers between devices on different networksQuickBridge uses STUN and TURN to connect across any networks. LocalSend uses mDNS for device discovery, which is local-network only. If the two devices are not on the same Wi-Fi or LAN, LocalSend cannot connect them. | Yes | No |
| Automatic device discovery (no QR scan needed)LocalSend automatically discovers all other LocalSend devices on the same local network via mDNS, similar to how AirDrop works on Apple devices. No code or scan required. QuickBridge always uses an explicit QR scan or PIN entry, which adds a step on the same network but gives a consistent flow across all distance scenarios. | No | Yes |
| Works completely offline (no internet connection at all)LocalSend operates entirely on the local network and requires no internet connection whatsoever. It works on isolated networks, air-gapped environments, and locations with no internet service. QuickBridge requires internet access for the initial signaling handshake, even when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi. | No | Yes |
| No file size limitLocalSend has no file size limit: transfers happen directly over the local network using the device's file system. QuickBridge limits files to 2 GB by default; on Chromium-based browsers with auto-save enabled, this extends to 10 GB via Service Worker streaming. | Different model | Yes |
| Platforms supportedLocalSend is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. QuickBridge runs in any modern browser, so it also covers all these platforms plus ChromeOS and any other device with a browser, without requiring an install. | Different model | Yes |
| No account requiredBoth tools are fully account-free. No sign-up, no cloud account, no vendor account needed. | Yes | Yes |
| Files never stored on a serverBoth tools transfer files directly between devices. LocalSend uses REST over the local network. QuickBridge uses WebRTC. Neither uploads file content to any external server. | Yes | Yes |
| Text and clipboard sharing alongside filesBoth tools support sending plain text messages in addition to files. QuickBridge includes auto-clipboard monitoring (opt-in, one-tap confirmation). LocalSend has a text message field that can send text to any discovered device. | Yes | Yes |
| Open sourceLocalSend is open source under the MIT license at github.com/localsend/localsend, with over 60,000 GitHub stars. QuickBridge is also open source on GitHub. | Yes | Yes |
The honest verdict
Choose QuickBridge when...
- The recipient doesn't have LocalSend installed and you can't ask them to install anything. Just send them to a URL.
- The two devices are on different networks: a colleague on a corporate network, a phone on mobile data, a device in another building.
- You're on a computer that doesn't allow installing software (work-managed PC, school computer).
- You want to send files cross-network without any server storing them.
Choose LocalSend when...
- You frequently transfer files between devices on the same network and want zero-friction LAN discovery (devices appear automatically).
- You need to transfer very large files with no size limit over a fast local network.
- You need to work completely offline with no internet connection at all.
- You're in a high-trust, air-gapped, or internet-restricted environment where even signaling servers must be avoided.
- You want a persistent native app rather than a browser tab.
Status note (May 2026)
LocalSend is actively maintained. The latest stable release is v1.17.0, published February 20, 2025, on the localsend/localsend GitHub repository, which has over 60,000 stars. The project is licensed under MIT. LocalSend is available from the Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, App Store (iOS), Google Play, and F-Droid, as well as direct binary downloads from GitHub Releases. It has been downloaded over 8 million times globally.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- LocalSend GitHub README (localsend/localsend) · verified 2026-05-16
- LocalSend Releases (v1.17.0, February 20, 2025) · verified 2026-05-16
- localsend.org (official website) · verified 2026-05-16
No install. Works anywhere, any network.
Open QuickBridge in a browser on any device, scan the QR with the other device, and the file moves directly. No app to install on either side.
Start a transfer