Is there really no file size limit? How does this compare to WeTransfer?

Unlike WeTransfer which caps free transfers at 2GB and charges $12/month for larger files, ButterShare has zero file size limits. Files stream directly between your device and the recipient's device with 100% privacy. Because zero bytes are stored on a cloud server, you can send 10GB, 50GB, 100GB, or even larger folders without paying a dime.

Do my files ever get uploaded to your servers?

Never. There is no cloud storage, no database caching, and no file hosting. Our connection broker is only used for a split-second handshake to connect the two browsers. Once the direct connection is open, bytes stream strictly device to device. Zero bytes are ever retained anywhere.

How secure is the transfer? Can anyone intercept my files?

ButterShare uses an encrypted browser connection between the paired devices. File bytes do not sit on ButterShare cloud storage, and the room server only helps the two devices find each other.

Does the recipient need to install an app or sign up?

No. The recipient simply visits ButterShare and enters your 6-character room code (or clicks your share link). The transfer initiates immediately inside their standard web browser on any phone, tablet, or computer. No accounts, no passwords, no app installs.

Can I transfer files wirelessly between any device (Windows, Android, iPhone, Mac)?

Yes, exactly. ButterShare brings seamless, wireless device-to-device file transfer to every operating system. You can send files directly between iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Mac, and Linux with zero cables, app installs, or cloud middleman.

Can I transfer whole folders without zipping them first?

Yes. Drag and drop any folder into ButterShare. It is automatically packaged in your browser and transferred intact with its full folder directory structure preserved.

What happens if someone closes their browser tab during a transfer?

Because files stream directly between devices in real time, both browser tabs must stay open until the transfer completes. If a connection drops, ButterShare alerts you immediately with instant reconnection options. Your original files never leave your device.

Why is ButterShare completely free? What's the catch?

Because ButterShare does not host or store your files on expensive cloud servers (like AWS or Google Cloud), our operating costs are negligible. We don't have massive storage bills to pay, so we never need to charge you subscription fees or limit your file sizes.

When should I use LocalSend instead of ButterShare?

If you are transferring files between your own personal devices on a private offline local network with no internet access at all, LocalSend is the best tool available. But if you need to send files to friends, clients, or on computers where installing third-party apps is restricted, ButterShare's zero-install browser link is unbeatable.

ButterShare vs LocalSend: Zero-Install vs Native App

Why ButterShare

A Simpler, Faster Way to Transfer Files

LocalSend is the gold standard for native open-source local file sharing. But its largest barrier is that every recipient must have the app installed. ButterShare gives you device-to-device sharing directly in the browser with zero installation.

Direct Browser Transfer

Encrypted Browser Transfer

Pure direct Architecture

Engineered for Maximum Speed & Privacy

No cloud storage middleman. Direct browser-to-browser streaming.

Zero Installation Friction

Works across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux in any web browser without downloads.

Disk-to-Disk Streaming

Streams incoming chunks straight to disk using the File System Access API without RAM crashes.

Zero Server Data Hosting

No intermediate cloud lockers. Files move through an encrypted direct browser connection.

Reliable Global Room setup

Cloudflare coordinates room setup, while ButterShare chooses the best available connection path.

Streamlined 3-Step Flow

How to Test ButterShare

Start transferring in seconds with zero software installation.

01Step 1

Select Files

Drop files of any size into ButterShare.

02Step 2

Connect Devices

Scan the room QR code or enter the 6-character room code.

03Step 3

Direct Transfer

Stream directly device-to-device with live speed & ETA metrics.

Detailed Comparison: ButterShare vs LocalSend

Honest comparison of limits, speeds, and privacy.

Key Features	ButterShare Direct	LocalSend
Installation Required	Zero (runs in browser)	Required on all sending and receiving devices
Recipient Experience	Instant 1-click web page	Must install app first
Cross-Network Sharing	Yes, when a secure connection is available	No (Local subnet only)
Works Completely Offline (No Internet)	Requires initial room setup ping	100% offline local multicast (Zero internet needed)

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers

Everything you need to know about buttershare vs localsend, transfer limits, and privacy.

Browse Platforms & Alternatives

Ready to Transfer Files Without Limits?

Drop any file or folder above to start an instant device-to-device stream. No accounts, no subscriptions, 100% free.

No 2GB File Limits

100% Private (0 Bytes Stored)

Every Device & Browser

ButterShare vs LocalSend,Share anything. No limits.

Drop any files or folders here