Is AlterSend like LocalSend?

Very much — both are free, open source, end-to-end encrypted, cross-platform, account-free, and have no size limit. The key difference: LocalSend only works between devices on the same local network, while AlterSend also works over the internet.

Does AlterSend work over the internet?

Yes. LocalSend needs both devices on the same Wi-Fi. AlterSend connects them whether they're on the same network or on opposite sides of the world.

Is it free and open source?

Yes — Apache-2.0 licensed and auditable, just like LocalSend.

Are my files private?

Yes. Files travel directly between devices, end-to-end encrypted, and are never stored on a server.

Is there a file size limit?

No — the same as LocalSend. You're transferring directly, not uploading, so any size works.

When should I use LocalSend instead?

If your devices are always on the same network and you want a purely local tool with no internet dependency at all, LocalSend is a great, simple choice. AlterSend is the better pick the moment your devices are on different networks.

AlterSendDownload

AlterSend vs LocalSend.

LocalSend is great — but only between devices on the same Wi-Fi. AlterSend does the same thing, encrypted and account-free, and also works over the internet, anywhere.

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AlterSend desktop app — a private, unlimited alternative to LocalSend

The difference, side by side

LocalSend

AlterSend

Works over the internet

No — same network only

Yes, anywhere

Same Wi-Fi required

Yes

End-to-end encrypted

Yes

No account

Yes

File size limit

None

Remembers paired devices

Re-discovers each time

Pair once, remembered

Open source

Yes

Why switch

Where AlterSend pulls ahead

Works over the internet

Send to any device anywhere. LocalSend only connects devices on the same Wi-Fi.

Pair once, remembered

AlterSend remembers your devices — no re-discovering the network every session.

Same privacy, no network limit

End-to-end encrypted with no cloud — like LocalSend, but not tied to one network.

Open source & cross-platform

Apache-2.0 on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android — same as LocalSend.

Send a file in seconds

01
Install on both devices
Free on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android.
02
Scan a code to pair
One QR scan connects them. Pair once — they remember each other.
03
Send, directly
Files go straight across, encrypted. Any size, no cloud.

AlterSend transferring files directly between a computer and a phone, end-to-end encrypted

Questions

Same simplicity, now over the internet.

Free, open source, and native on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android.

Download free Star on GitHub