Like LocalSend, but it isn't limited to one Wi-Fi network
LocalSend sends files beautifully between devices on the same network — once the app is installed. pastehere works across different networks, in the browser, with no install.
LocalSend is a clean, open-source, account-free way to send files between devices on the same local network — an AirDrop-style tool that works across platforms. It's excellent for large files because it transfers peer-to-peer with no size cap, but it needs its app installed on each device and the devices have to share a network.
pastehere covers the cases LocalSend can't: devices on different networks (your phone on cellular, your laptop on Wi-Fi), and transfers from a device where you can't install anything. It runs in the browser, pairs with a six-digit code, and keeps a persistent room with history — at the cost of a 15 MB-per-file limit, since items are stored as ciphertext rather than streamed device-to-device.
pastehere vs LocalSend, side by side
| Feature | pastehere | LocalSend |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Browser only | App on each device |
| Account required | No | No |
| Works across different networks | Yes | Same network only |
| Persistent room + history | Yes | One-shot send |
| End-to-end encrypted | AES-256, stored as ciphertext | Encrypted in transit (HTTPS) |
| Large files | 15 MB/file, 100 MB/room | No fixed cap (peer-to-peer) |
| Open source / self-hostable | No | Yes |
| Share clipboard text | Yes | File-focused |
LocalSend facts last checked 2026-06-10. Features change — if something here is out of date, it's a mistake, not a dig.
When LocalSend is the better choice
If both devices are on the same network and you're moving a large file — a video, a disk image — LocalSend sends it directly between the two with no size cap and no server in the middle, which pastehere's 15 MB limit can't match.
If you want open-source software you can inspect or self-host, LocalSend is the better pick. pastehere is a hosted service.
When pastehere fits better
When the two devices aren't on the same network, same-network transfer doesn't apply and pastehere just works over the web. It also runs with nothing installed — handy on a device that isn't yours — and keeps a persistent, end-to-end-encrypted history rather than a single fire-and-forget send, plus it carries clipboard text, not just files.
Questions
Does pastehere work when devices aren't on the same Wi-Fi?
Yes — that's the main difference. pastehere always works across networks, while LocalSend requires both devices to be on the same local network.
Can pastehere send very large files like LocalSend?
Not as large. LocalSend streams files peer-to-peer with no fixed size cap; pastehere stores items as ciphertext for catch-up, so files are capped at 15 MB each and 100 MB per room. For a huge file on the same network, LocalSend is the better tool.
Does pastehere need an app like LocalSend?
No. pastehere runs in any browser with nothing to install, whereas LocalSend needs its app on each device. The trade is LocalSend's uncapped, server-free local transfers versus pastehere's cross-network, no-install convenience.