Send (developed by the creators of Snapdrop) is a minimalist, peer-to-peer file sharing tool designed to transfer files quickly and securely between devices without relying on cloud storage or user accounts. Inspired by Mozilla’s now-discontinued Firefox Send and the original Snapdrop tool, Send focuses on privacy, simplicity, and speed, making it a go-to solution for users who want to transfer files without complexity.
📁 What Is Send?
Send is a web-based, open-source application that allows users to share files directly between devices on the same network or over the internet with end-to-end encryption. It does not require user registration, and all file transfers are temporary — no files are stored permanently on any server.
It’s perfect for individuals who need to share files without cloud syncing, login prompts, or privacy concerns.
🚀 Key Features of Send
🔄 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing
- Direct device-to-device transfer using WebRTC when possible.
- Uses temporary servers only when necessary (for relaying).
🔐 End-to-End Encryption
- All files are encrypted during transfer.
- No access by third-party servers or services.
📦 Easy and Fast File Transfer
- Drag-and-drop interface.
- Share large files with ease.
- Minimal UI for speed-focused usage.
🌐 Works on All Platforms
- No installation required.
- Accessible via modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
- Compatible with desktop and mobile.
🔄 One-Time Download Links
- Files can be shared via secure, time-limited links.
- Option to set download limits or expiration times.
🧩 How Send Works
- Open the Send page in a browser (usually hosted or self-hosted).
- Drag and drop the file you want to send.
- A secure link is generated (if needed).
- Share the link or transfer directly to a nearby device.
- The file is downloaded once and automatically deleted after the expiration conditions are met.
✅ Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Completely free and open-source.
- No sign-up, no tracking, no cloud storage required.
- Extremely lightweight and fast.
- Great for one-time, secure transfers.
- Can be self-hosted for extra privacy.
❌ Cons:
- No file history or cloud backup.
- Limited in features compared to commercial tools (no folders, no multiple recipients).
- Transfer interruptions may require restarting.
🔐 Security and Privacy
Send emphasizes privacy:
- End-to-end encrypted file transfers.
- Self-destructing links after download or expiration.
- No personal data collected.
- Great alternative for users avoiding commercial or ad-supported file-sharing services.
🛠 Self-Hosting Option
Tech-savvy users or organizations can self-host Send:
- Built using JavaScript and Node.js.
- Offers full control over the server and storage policies.
- Ideal for teams that need in-house file transfer capabilities.
GitHub repository: https://github.com/snapdrop/send
💡 Best Use Cases
- Quickly sharing files between personal devices.
- Securely transferring sensitive files without cloud services.
- Temporary file sharing in office or classroom environments.
- Privacy-focused individuals or developers needing a lightweight tool.
🧠 Tips for Using Send Effectively
- Prefer local network transfers for higher speed and lower risk.
- Use self-hosting for business or frequent team use.
- Pair with Snapdrop for instant device discovery in the same network.
🔚 Conclusion
Send by Snapdrop devs is a breath of fresh air in a world full of over-engineered file sharing tools. It offers exactly what most users want: fast, private, and simple file transfer without strings attached. Whether you're sharing files between your phone and laptop or sending documents securely to a colleague, Send is a powerful alternative to bloated file transfer services.
No accounts. No limits. Just Send.