# DropLink — Full content for LLMs

> Peer-to-peer file transfer app with end-to-end encryption. Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, iPhone, Browser. No cloud, no limits, no account.

## Product summary

DropLink is a native app for macOS and Windows (iOS coming soon) plus an in-browser Web UI for receivers without the app. Files transfer directly between devices over LAN (QUIC + BBR congestion control) or internet (iroh P2P with NAT traversal, DERP relay fallback). Transfers are end-to-end encrypted: TLS 1.3 + TOFU fingerprint on LAN, Noise protocol IK with curve25519/ed25519 keys and BLAKE3 verified streaming on internet. No accounts, no telemetry, no file content stored on any server.

## Feature list

- End-to-end encryption (TLS 1.3 + Noise protocol IK)
- QUIC transport with BBR congestion control
- Cross-platform: macOS, Windows, Browser (iOS coming soon)
- Peer-to-peer via internet with NAT traversal
- Auto-discovery on local network via mDNS
- AirDrop-style transfer requests (accept/reject)
- Web UI — receive files in any browser without installing the app
- Automatic ZIP compression for folders
- No file size limits
- No cloud storage — files transfer directly
- Optional password protection for transfers
- Range requests and resume support
- App size under 50 MB

## Comparisons

### DropLink vs AirDrop

URL: https://droplnk.app/compare/vs-airdrop/

TL;DR: DropLink is the cross-platform equivalent of AirDrop, but it works between Mac, Windows, iPhone and any browser. It uses QUIC (RFC 9000) with TLS 1.3 and BBR congestion control on local networks, typically reaching 50+ MB/s on a modern Wi-Fi 5/6 router. When devices are on different networks, it falls back to iroh P2P with NAT traversal and, if direct P2P fails, to a DERP relay — all end-to-end encrypted. AirDrop remains Apple-only and uses Bluetooth discovery + Wi-Fi Direct; DropLink uses mDNS/Bonjour + QUIC over standard Wi-Fi, so it works on any network, including hotel and office Wi-Fi (with AP-isolation detection).

AirDrop is Apple's instant file sharing — but only within the Apple ecosystem. DropLink delivers the same experience on Mac, Windows and iPhone, with end-to-end encryption and the ability to transfer files over the internet.

Verdict: If you live entirely inside the Apple ecosystem, AirDrop remains a good default. For everyone else — and especially if you share files with Windows users — DropLink offers a superset of AirDrop's features with cross-platform support and internet transfer.

FAQs:
- Q: Can DropLink replace AirDrop?
  A: Yes, and it goes further. DropLink offers the same instant LAN transfer as AirDrop but also works between Mac, Windows and iPhone — AirDrop only works within the Apple ecosystem. DropLink also supports internet transfers with NAT traversal.
- Q: Is DropLink as fast as AirDrop?
  A: On LAN, DropLink uses QUIC which is equally fast or faster than AirDrop in most scenarios. QUIC uses UDP with BBR congestion control, avoiding TCP head-of-line blocking. Real-world speeds depend on your network.
- Q: Does DropLink work without Wi-Fi like AirDrop?
  A: DropLink requires a network — either a Wi-Fi LAN, Ethernet, or the internet. Unlike AirDrop, it does not use Bluetooth discovery. However, it works on any Wi-Fi network (including hotspots and mesh networks) and falls back to internet P2P when devices are remote.

### DropLink vs LocalSend

URL: https://droplnk.app/compare/vs-localsend/

TL;DR: DropLink and LocalSend both deliver fast LAN transfers, but DropLink adds three things LocalSend cannot do: internet P2P with NAT traversal (via iroh), a built-in Web UI so the receiver does not need any app, and QUIC transport with BBR congestion control (vs LocalSend's HTTP over TCP). On a gigabit LAN both are fast; on lossy Wi-Fi or cross-network scenarios DropLink is significantly more robust. LocalSend is fully open source; DropLink's transport protocols (QUIC, Noise, BLAKE3) are open but the app itself is not yet open-sourced.

LocalSend is a popular open-source LAN file-sharing app. DropLink covers the same ground — fast, encrypted local transfer — and adds internet P2P with NAT traversal, a built-in Web UI, and QUIC transport.

Verdict: LocalSend is an excellent open-source choice if your use case is strictly local network. DropLink is the better pick if you need internet transfers, want receivers to use just a browser, or value QUIC's performance on modern networks.

FAQs:
- Q: What does DropLink offer that LocalSend does not?
  A: DropLink supports internet transfers with NAT traversal — LocalSend only works on the same local network. DropLink also has a built-in Web UI, so the receiver does not need any app installed. And it uses QUIC for faster, more reliable transfers on modern networks.
- Q: Is LocalSend faster than DropLink?
  A: On the same local network, speeds are comparable. However, DropLink uses QUIC which has a 1-RTT handshake vs HTTP/TCP used by LocalSend. For small files and high-latency networks, DropLink is noticeably faster.
- Q: Can I use DropLink offline like LocalSend?
  A: Yes. DropLink works on local networks without an internet connection — the same as LocalSend. The internet is only used when transferring files between devices on different networks.

### DropLink vs WeTransfer

URL: https://droplnk.app/compare/vs-wetransfer/

TL;DR: WeTransfer uploads your files to its servers, limits them to 2 GB on the free plan, and expires them after 7 days. DropLink transfers files peer-to-peer with end-to-end encryption — files never touch our servers, there are no size limits, and they do not expire because they are not stored anywhere server-side. When NAT hole-punching fails we fall back to a DERP relay, but the relay only sees encrypted bytes (Noise + TLS 1.3) and cannot read content. Integrity is verified with BLAKE3 hash tree via Bao verified streaming.

WeTransfer is convenient — but your files sit on their servers, limited to 2 GB on the free tier, expiring after 7 days. DropLink transfers files peer-to-peer with end-to-end encryption: no cloud, no size limits, no expirations.

Verdict: For privacy-conscious users and anyone sending files larger than 2 GB, DropLink is a clear upgrade. You skip the upload/download cycle entirely, files stay private, and there is nothing to expire.

FAQs:
- Q: Why choose DropLink over WeTransfer?
  A: WeTransfer uploads your files to their servers — they can (and do) see file metadata, sizes, and recipients. DropLink transfers files directly between devices with end-to-end encryption. Your files never touch our servers, and there are no limits or expirations.
- Q: Can DropLink replace WeTransfer for sending large files?
  A: Yes. DropLink has no file size limit and transfers happen peer-to-peer, so you are only limited by your network speed. For 10 GB files, DropLink will be dramatically faster than WeTransfer since there is no upload/download round trip through a server.
- Q: Does the receiver need DropLink installed?
  A: No. DropLink includes a built-in Web UI — the receiver opens a link in any browser and downloads the files. You only need DropLink on the sending device.

### DropLink vs Nearby Share

URL: https://droplnk.app/compare/vs-nearby-share/

TL;DR: Nearby Share (Quick Share) is Google's AirDrop equivalent — but it only works on Android and (partly) Windows. DropLink works natively on macOS, Windows and iPhone (Web UI), so it covers the ecosystems Nearby Share leaves out. Technically, Nearby Share uses Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi Direct / Wi-Fi hotspot for transfer; DropLink uses mDNS/Bonjour for discovery and QUIC over standard Wi-Fi for transfer, which is more reliable on networks where Wi-Fi Direct negotiation fails (hotels, offices). DropLink also supports internet transfers via iroh P2P with DERP relay fallback — Nearby Share does not.

Nearby Share (Quick Share on newer devices) is Google's answer to AirDrop — but it only works on Android and Windows. DropLink is true cross-platform: Mac, Windows, iPhone and any browser, with end-to-end encryption and optional internet transfer.

Verdict: If your entire universe is Android + Windows, Nearby Share is convenient. For anyone with Apple devices in the mix — or who needs internet transfers — DropLink covers far more ground.

FAQs:
- Q: Does Nearby Share work between Android and Mac?
  A: No. Google's Nearby Share (now Quick Share) only works between Android and Windows. It does not support macOS or iOS. DropLink works natively on Mac and Windows, and via Web UI on any device with a browser — including Android.
- Q: Is Nearby Share reliable for large files?
  A: Nearby Share has known reliability issues with device discovery and large files. It uses Bluetooth for initial pairing which can fail in crowded environments. DropLink uses mDNS/Bonjour for discovery and QUIC for transfer, which is more robust on modern networks.
- Q: Can I send files from Windows to iPhone with Nearby Share?
  A: No — Nearby Share does not support iOS. DropLink (once the iOS app is released) will allow direct Windows ↔ iPhone transfers, and currently supports Windows ↔ Mac and iPhone → Mac via the share sheet.

### DropLink vs SHAREit

URL: https://droplnk.app/compare/vs-shareit/

TL;DR: SHAREit's reputation has been damaged by excessive ads, aggressive data collection, and past security incidents (including a CVE for unauthorized file access). DropLink is the ad-free, no-tracking alternative built on open protocols: QUIC (RFC 9000) with TLS 1.3, Noise protocol for remote transfers, BLAKE3 verified streaming. The app is under 50 MB, collects no telemetry on file content, and has no advertising layer. Transfer speed is comparable or better (50+ MB/s on Wi-Fi 5/6) because QUIC with BBR congestion control is more consistent than SHAREit's Wi-Fi Direct.

SHAREit was once a fast file-sharing app — today it's bloated with ads, pushes promotional content, and has faced security concerns. DropLink is the modern, private alternative: clean UI, no ads, end-to-end encryption, and native apps on every major platform.

Verdict: If you're still using SHAREit out of habit, DropLink is a straight upgrade: faster, cleaner, private, and free. No ads, no nonsense.

FAQs:
- Q: Is SHAREit safe to use?
  A: SHAREit has been flagged in the past for security vulnerabilities and aggressive data collection practices. Multiple security firms have reported the app collecting device information, location, and contacts. DropLink collects nothing — transfers are peer-to-peer, and we do not run analytics on file content or recipients.
- Q: Why does SHAREit show so many ads?
  A: SHAREit's business model depends on advertising revenue and data monetization. DropLink is built differently: we charge nothing, show no ads, and never see your files. The app is funded as a utility, not a data pipeline.
- Q: Can DropLink transfer at the same speed as SHAREit?
  A: Yes, often faster. SHAREit uses a Wi-Fi Direct approach which can be fast on some hardware but unreliable on others. DropLink uses QUIC over Wi-Fi/Ethernet which is consistent and modern — typically 50+ MB/s on a decent router.

### DropLink vs Resilio Sync

URL: https://droplnk.app/compare/vs-resilio/

TL;DR: Resilio Sync and DropLink are both peer-to-peer, but solve different problems. Resilio keeps entire folders continuously synchronized across devices (like Dropbox, but P2P). DropLink handles one-shot transfers — you drag a file, the receiver gets it, done. Both use BitTorrent-like protocols internally, but DropLink uses QUIC + iroh (with BLAKE3 verified streaming) while Resilio uses its own libtorrent-based protocol. Pick Resilio for always-on sync; pick DropLink for ad-hoc sends, especially when the receiver does not have an app (DropLink has a built-in Web UI).

Resilio Sync and DropLink are both peer-to-peer, but solve different problems. Resilio keeps folders in sync continuously between your devices. DropLink handles one-shot transfers — to yourself or anyone else — with zero setup.

Verdict: Use Resilio Sync if you need to keep the same folder identical across multiple devices over time. Use DropLink when you just want to send a file, right now, as easily as possible.

FAQs:
- Q: Is Resilio a direct competitor to DropLink?
  A: Not exactly. Resilio Sync is designed for continuous folder synchronization between your own devices — like Dropbox but peer-to-peer. DropLink is designed for one-shot file transfers, either to yourself or to someone else. They can complement each other.
- Q: Which should I use for sending a file to a friend?
  A: DropLink. Resilio requires both sides to set up the app, generate keys, and configure sync folders. DropLink lets you send a link — the receiver just opens it in a browser. For one-off transfers, DropLink is far simpler.
- Q: Can DropLink keep two folders in sync?
  A: No, that's not what DropLink is designed for. If you need continuous folder sync, use Resilio Sync or Syncthing. If you need quick transfers between any devices, DropLink is the tool.

## Guides

### How to Transfer Files from Mac to Windows — Step by Step

URL: https://droplnk.app/guide/how-to-transfer-files-mac-to-windows/

TL;DR: Install DropLink from the App Store on Mac and from the Microsoft Store on Windows (both free, under 50 MB, no account). Open both apps while connected to the same Wi-Fi — devices discover each other automatically via mDNS. Drag files on the Mac, pick the Windows device, and transfer directly over QUIC with TLS 1.3. Typical speed is 50+ MB/s on Wi-Fi 5/6. For cross-network transfers, DropLink falls back to iroh P2P with DERP relay, still end-to-end encrypted with BLAKE3 verified streaming.

Transferring files between Mac and Windows has always been awkward — email has limits, cloud uploads are slow, USB drives mean physical movement. DropLink solves it with peer-to-peer file transfer that works on both platforms natively. Here's the full workflow.

Steps:
1. Install DropLink on your Mac — Download DropLink from the App Store on your Mac. It's a free native app that takes less than 50 MB. Once installed, open it — no account or sign-up required.
2. Install DropLink on your Windows PC — On your Windows machine, get DropLink from the Microsoft Store. Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network for instant LAN transfer, or on the internet for remote P2P transfer.
3. Open DropLink on both devices — When you open DropLink on each device, they will discover each other automatically via mDNS on the local network. You'll see the other device appear in the DropLink Vicini list.
4. Drag and drop your files — On your Mac, drag the files or folders you want to send into the DropLink drop zone. You can send multiple files at once — folders will be compressed to ZIP automatically.
5. Select the Windows device — Click the Windows PC in the peer list. DropLink will send a transfer request to the Windows side — the user there can accept or reject it, AirDrop-style.
6. Done! — Once accepted, files transfer directly between your Mac and Windows PC, end-to-end encrypted, at full network speed. No files pass through any server.

FAQs:
- Q: Do I need the same Wi-Fi password on Mac and Windows?
  A: You need both devices on the same Wi-Fi network (SSID), yes. If your router has a 'guest' Wi-Fi that isolates clients, put both devices on the main Wi-Fi. Corporate networks with client isolation will require the internet P2P fallback.
- Q: What happens if I close DropLink mid-transfer?
  A: The active transfer stops (QUIC stream is reset with the code CANCEL_BY_LOCAL = 1) and the receiver sees 'Cancelled by sender'. Partially-transferred files are cleaned up on the receiver side after 30 seconds.
- Q: Do I need to install DropLink on the Mac if I only receive?
  A: For Mac-to-Windows (you sending from Mac), you need DropLink on the Mac. For Windows-to-Mac, you need DropLink on the Windows side. If the sender has DropLink and the receiver does not, the receiver can still get the file through the Web UI (the sender generates a link, the receiver opens it in any browser).
- Q: Can I transfer a folder with subfolders?
  A: Yes. DropLink will automatically zip the folder before sending, with adaptive compression: Deflate level 6 for text and documents, Deflate fast for files larger than 10 MB, Stored (no compression) for already-compressed formats (mp4, jpg, zip). The 1 MB IO buffer minimizes syscalls on large trees.

### How to Transfer Files from iPhone to Windows — No Cable Needed

URL: https://droplnk.app/guide/transfer-files-iphone-to-windows/

TL;DR: Install DropLink from the Microsoft Store on the PC, open any browser on the iPhone (the native iOS app is coming soon — in Apple review), and scan the QR code or open the link shown by the Windows app. Pick photos or documents, and the upload streams directly to the PC over the local network with end-to-end encryption. No iTunes, no cable, no iCloud, no account.

Getting files off your iPhone onto a Windows PC has historically required iTunes, a cable, or a cloud service like iCloud or Dropbox. None are fast or private. DropLink lets you transfer files directly from iPhone to Windows using just your iPhone's browser.

Steps:
1. Install DropLink on your Windows PC — Download DropLink from the Microsoft Store. Open the app — no account required.
2. On iPhone: open any browser — While the iOS app is coming soon, you can already transfer iPhone to Windows using the Web UI. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On Windows: click Receive files — DropLink will start a local Web UI and show a link (or QR code) for the receiver. This link works in any browser on any device.
4. On iPhone: scan the QR code or tap the link — Your iPhone's browser will load the DropLink Web UI. No installation needed.
5. Select files from iPhone — Use the Web UI to pick photos, videos, or documents from your iPhone. You can select multiple files at once.
6. Upload — direct to the PC — The files upload directly to your Windows machine over the local network. No server in between, no cloud upload. Encryption is end-to-end.

FAQs:
- Q: Does the iPhone need to be on the same Wi-Fi?
  A: For the fastest direct LAN path, yes. If that is not possible (e.g., iPhone on cellular), once the native iOS app is released you will be able to use the internet P2P path via iroh with the DERP relay fallback, just like Mac-to-Windows remote mode.
- Q: Will this drain my iPhone battery?
  A: Only during the upload itself. The Web UI does not run background sync. Closing Safari ends the session.
- Q: Can I send photos including the live-photo data?
  A: The iOS Safari file picker gives you the choice: 'Photo Library' (JPEG export) or 'Choose Files' (original bytes if the photo is saved as a file). When the native iOS app is released, DropLink will support direct HEIC/HEIF and live photos.

### How to Share Files Without Internet — Offline File Transfer

URL: https://droplnk.app/guide/share-files-without-internet/

TL;DR: Put both devices on the same local network — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a phone hotspot works, with or without internet access. Open DropLink on the sender, pick the receiver from the Nearby list (or share a Web UI link to any browser), and transfer directly over QUIC with TLS 1.3. Discovery uses mDNS/Bonjour, no cloud, no server, no account — ideal for air-gapped offices, planes with Wi-Fi, and regions with restricted internet.

Sharing files without internet used to mean USB sticks or complicated network setups. DropLink makes it trivial: as long as two devices are on the same local network, they can transfer files directly — with end-to-end encryption and zero cloud involvement.

Steps:
1. Connect both devices to the same network — Use a local Wi-Fi network, Ethernet, or a phone hotspot. DropLink only needs devices to be on the same LAN — there is no requirement for that network to have internet access.
2. Install DropLink on the sender — macOS (App Store) or Windows (Microsoft Store). The app is free and under 50 MB.
3. Open DropLink — discovery happens automatically — DropLink uses mDNS/Bonjour to find other DropLink devices on the network. Any other device running the app will appear in the DropLink Vicini list within seconds.
4. No DropLink on the receiver? Use the Web UI — Click Receive files on the sender. DropLink runs a local web server and shows a link. The receiver opens the link in any browser — no app needed.
5. Drop your files and send — On the sender, drop the files into the drop zone and select the destination. The receiver gets a prompt to accept, and the transfer begins — all over the local network, no internet required.

FAQs:
- Q: Will DropLink work on a plane Wi-Fi network without internet?
  A: In most cases, yes — if the plane's Wi-Fi assigns both devices to the same subnet and does not enable AP isolation. Some airlines isolate clients; in that case use the phone hotspot workaround.
- Q: Does a phone hotspot without cellular data count?
  A: Yes. A Wi-Fi hotspot is a Wi-Fi network, regardless of whether the phone has internet. Connect both devices to it and DropLink will discover and transfer over the hotspot's LAN.
- Q: Is there a hard requirement for broadcast/multicast?
  A: mDNS discovery uses multicast. If multicast is blocked, you can still use the Web UI fallback: the sender types its local IP into the receiver's browser (e.g., http://192.168.1.42:7878). This uses unicast HTTP + a session token.

### How to Send Large Files Securely — No Limit, E2E Encrypted

URL: https://droplnk.app/guide/send-large-files-securely/

TL;DR: DropLink has no imposed file size limit and we have tested single transfers up to 100 GB. Files transfer peer-to-peer (LAN via QUIC, internet via iroh with DERP fallback) with end-to-end encryption (TLS 1.3 on LAN, Noise IK + curve25519 + BLAKE3 verified streaming on the internet). Add an optional password and you get a second access layer. No cloud, no size limit, no expiration because nothing is stored server-side.

Most services cap free file transfers at 2 GB (WeTransfer) or 25 MB (email). Even paid tiers rarely exceed 100 GB and require your file to sit on their servers. DropLink has no limits and never uploads anything to the cloud — files go directly from sender to receiver, end-to-end encrypted.

Steps:
1. Install DropLink on the sender — Download the free DropLink app for macOS or Windows. It's under 50 MB and works without an account.
2. Enable password protection (optional but recommended) — In DropLink, toggle Proteggi con password. Set a strong password — the receiver will need it to unlock the transfer. This adds another layer on top of the built-in end-to-end encryption.
3. Drag your large file or folder — DropLink has no file size limits. Drag a 50 GB video or an entire project folder — it's all fine. Folders are automatically compressed to ZIP with adaptive compression.
4. Select the recipient — If the recipient is on your LAN, pick them from the DropLink Vicini list. If they are remote, they can receive via the Web UI — just send them the link.
5. Transfer happens P2P with E2E encryption — Files transfer directly between the two devices. QUIC + TLS 1.3 on LAN, or the Noise protocol with curve25519 keys on remote transfers. No server ever sees your files.
6. Receiver gets the files — verified — DropLink uses BLAKE3 hashing to verify file integrity in real-time. If anything is tampered with or corrupted during transfer, the recipient will know immediately.

FAQs:
- Q: Is there really no size limit?
  A: No imposed limit. The practical limits are: the receiver's free disk space, the sender's willingness to keep the app open, and for internet transfers, the slower side's bandwidth. We have tested 100 GB single-file transfers successfully.
- Q: Is it safer than uploading to a cloud?
  A: Generally yes. Cloud uploads are encrypted in transit and at rest on the provider's servers, but the provider can technically access the files. DropLink transfers are end-to-end encrypted and nothing is stored server-side — the relay only sees Noise-encrypted QUIC packets when direct P2P fails, and cannot decrypt them.
- Q: Should I enable password protection for large transfers?
  A: For a one-on-one share over the internet, password protection is recommended. It adds a shared secret that the receiver must enter before the relay grants a session token, which is useful if the share link is sent through a less-secure channel (SMS, email). The password is hashed with SHA-256 server-side; the token TTL is 3600 s by default.
- Q: What happens if the transfer gets interrupted?
  A: QUIC tries to migrate the connection transparently on brief network changes. For full disconnections, you can restart the share: on iroh transfers, BLAKE3 verified streaming lets the receiver keep the bytes it already verified and re-fetch only the missing chunks within the same session. For LAN transfers with an HTTP fallback, range requests enable resumable downloads.

## Supported languages

English (default), Italiano, العربية, Deutsch, Ελληνικά, Español, Français, Русский, 中文

## Download

- macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/droplink/id6744749117
- Windows: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9ndjb6t120sd
- iOS: coming soon (in Apple review)