Comparison
ShareText vs LocalSend
ShareText runs in the browser with no install. LocalSend is a native app for local network transfers.
ShareText
Browser-based. No installation. Works across any network. Pairing-code based.
LocalSend
Native app (Flutter). Open source. Local network discovery. Install required.
Feature Comparison
| Dimension | ShareText | LocalSend |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None — browser only | App download required |
| Platform support | Any browser (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS) | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Network model | Signaling server + WebRTC | Local network (mDNS) |
| Cross-network | Yes | No — same LAN only |
| Text transfer | Yes | No |
| File transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes (Flutter) |
| Self-hosting | Available | N/A (peer-to-peer) |
| Offline | No | Yes (local network) |
| Encryption | DTLS via WebRTC | HTTPS self-signed |
Where ShareText Is Useful
- No install needed — just open the browser
- Cross-network — devices in different locations
- Text transfer — links, code, notes
- Guest devices — works on any device with a browser
Where LocalSend Is Better
- Offline transfers — no internet needed
- Native app performance — optimized for file transfers
- Auto-discovery — finds devices on same network automatically
- No server dependency — pure peer-to-peer on local network
Choose ShareText if…
You can't install apps, need cross-network transfers, or want to send text between devices.
Choose LocalSend if…
Both devices are on the same network, you can install apps, and you want a native experience without internet dependency.