LAN (Local Area Network) file sharing is a method of transferring files between devices that are connected to the same network. This can be done by creating a shared folder on one device and allowing other devices on the network to access it. Alternatively, it can be done by using a dedicated file-sharing program that is designed for use on a LAN.
Benefits of File Transfer through the LAN Network:
1- Privacy
One of the main benefits of using LAN file sharing is the privacy it offers. Since the files are transferred only between devices that are on the same network, there is no need to worry about the files being intercepted by someone outside the network.
2- No Internet Required
Another significant advantage of LAN file sharing is that it does not require an internet connection. This can be especially useful in situations where internet access is limited or unavailable.
3- Speed
File transfer through LAN networks is typically much faster than transferring files over the internet. This is because LAN networks are designed for high-speed data transfer between devices that are located within close proximity to one another.
In this post, we offer you the best open-source and free LAN file transfer tools and apps, that anyone can download, (and/or) modify, and use for free.
1- Ezshare
Ezshare is an open-source LAN file sharing software that allows users to share files between devices on the same network.
It is designed to be easy to use and configure, with a simple web-based interface that allows users to quickly create shared folders and manage access permissions. Users can also set up password protection for added security.
Ezshare is available as a free download on GitHub.
mifi2- LAN Share
LAN Share is another open-source LAN file sharing software that allows users to share files between devices on the same network. It is available to download on GitHub. Additionally, there is an AppImage available for download on the official LAN Share website. LAN Share is designed to be easy to use and offers many features such as drag and drop file sharing, file transfers without size limits, and end-to-end encryption for added security.
abdularis
abdularis
3- Node.js-LAN-File-Sharing
This is a small Node.js app designed for sharing files while on the same network. Especially useful when you are trying to get a file from a friend and their device has a single broken USB port.
Once installed, it creates a local web server that enables you to share files and access them from your network.
Its features include:
- Easy to use Drag and Drop file upload.
- Faster than uploading to a server then downloading since you are the server.
- Works with large files (tested with >2gb).
- The page opens fast due to being lightweight. (Native JS + Vue 2)
The main disadvantage of this app is that it requires technical skills to setup and use.
barissenkal4- LanXchange
LanXchange is a simple tool for spontaneous, local network file transfers. Supports Windows, macOS and Linux PCs and Android phones.
It is written in Java and work in portable mode. It also supports multiple file transfers, large file transfers and allows you to exchange, share and transfer files between different systems, platforms, and devices.
LanXchange is released under the GPL-3.0 License.
tfg135- Gocho - Local Network File Sharing
Gocho allows you to share a chosen directory with others on the same local network, without the need to setup Samba or OS-oriented settings. It provides a local dashboard which you can access through your browser, to discover what others are sharing without knowing other's IP addresses.
Gocho is written in Golang, and it is released under the MIT license.
Supported platforms
- GNU/Linux 32 bits
- GNU/Linux 64 bits
- macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
- Windows 32 bits
- Windows 64 bits
donkeysharp6- croc
croc is a simple yet powerful command-line tool that allows any two computers to simply and securely transfer files and folders.
Features
AFAIK, croc is the only CLI file-transfer tool that does all the o the following:
- Allows any two computers to transfer data (using a relay)
- Provides end-to-end encryption (using PAKE)
- Enables easy cross-platform transfers (Windows, Linux, Mac)
- Allows multiple file transfers
- Allows resuming transfers that are interrupted
- Local server or port-forwarding not needed
- ipv6-first with ipv4 fallback
- Can use proxy, like tor
Corc is an open-source free project that is released under the MIT license.
schollz7- ShareDrop
ShareDrop is a web application inspired by Apple AirDrop service. It allows you to transfer files directly between devices, without having to upload them to any server first. It uses WebRTC for secure peer-to-peer file transfer and Firebase for presence management and WebRTC signaling.
szimek8- ffsend
ffsend is a command-line terminal app that allow you to share files and directory easy. All files are always encrypted on the client, and secrets are never shared with the remote host.
An optional password may be specified, and a default file lifetime of 1 (up to 20) download or 24 hours is enforced to ensure your stuff does not remain online forever.
ffsend works on Windows, macOS, FreeBSD and Linux. It is also can be installed using Docker.
Features
- Fully featured and friendly command line tool
- Upload and download files and directories securely, always encrypted on the client
- Additional password protection, generation and configurable download limits
- File and directory archiving and extraction
- Built-in share URL shortener and QR code generator
- Supports Send v3 (current) and v2
- History tracking your files for easy management
- Ability to use your own Send hosts
- Inspect or delete shared files
- Accurate error reporting
- Streaming encryption and uploading/downloading, very low memory footprint
- Intended for use in scripts without interaction
This project is released under the GNU GPL-3.0 license.
timvisee9- Updog
Updog is a replacement for Python's SimpleHTTPServer. It allows uploading and downloading via HTTP/S, can set ad hoc SSL certificates and use HTTP basic auth.
sc0tfree10- Airshare
Airshare is a Python-based tool that transfers data between two machines in a local network using Multicast-DNS. It also provides a non-CLI HTTP gateway. The tool is completely offline and supports blazing fast content transfer within a local network. It lets you transfer plain text and files.
Additionally, it supports transfer of multiple files, directories and large files, and can be used as a module in other Python programs.
Airshare is cross-platform, working on Linux, Windows, and macOS, and also supports mobile devices. Furthermore, it uses Multicast-DNS service registration and discovery, making content easily accessible with human-readable codes.
KuroLabs11- Transmitic Beta
Transmitic is a secure program for sharing and transferring files directly between users. It is built with Rust, has no file size limit, and allows for download pause and resume.
You can add users and choose which files and folders to share with them. The goal is to simplify the process of transferring files between computers. If you have ever wanted to send files directly from one computer to another, Transmitic can help.
transmitic12- Hansip
Hansip is a robust and secure file-sharing server that provides users with an easy and effective way to share files with others. It is suitable for individuals who want to share personal files and small to medium organizations that need to share confidential documents.
One of the most significant features of Hansip is its End-to-End encryption, which ensures that only authorized users can access your files. This feature provides an added layer of security that is essential for anyone who values their privacy and wants to keep their files safe.
In addition to its security features, Hansip is extremely user-friendly. Its interface is simple and intuitive, enabling you to upload and share files with others quickly and easily.
Furthermore, Hansip is scalable, making it easy to adapt to your organization's growing needs. You can easily create new users and groups, set permissions, and manage your files from a central dashboard.
slaveofcode13- Sharing GUI
Sharing GUI is a simple tool that enables easy file sharing to multiple devices on the LAN or public network. With Sharing GUI, you can share files to multiple devices on the LAN or public network using only one client, while other devices can use the web. The client supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Sharing GUI allows you to download your files on other devices, accept files on other devices, and access your clipboard on other devices. It supports both LAN and public network, identity authentication, and ngrok for quickly sharing to the public network.
imyuanx14- ShareBox
Sharebox is a powerful web-based file management application designed to make file-sharing a breeze. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily share files from your host machine to any device on your local network or over the internet in just a few clicks.
What's more, Sharebox requires minimal or zero configuration, making it a great tool for users who are not tech-savvy. It comes bundled in a single executable file, which means you don't have to worry about downloading or installing multiple files.
For those looking to share files over the internet, Sharebox has got you covered. It comes with an integrated Vex client that eliminates the need for configuring firewalls or NAT on your local network. This means you can easily share files with friends, family, or colleagues without any hassle.
bleenco15- send-it
Yet another simple terminal app that allows you to share your files directly from your terminal. It supports drag and drop, and comes with a reactive progress bar.
filippofinke16- Dropzone
Dropzone is an innovative software that provides a range of features to facilitate communication and file sharing among friends and colleagues in a local area network (LAN). With Dropzone, users can easily share files, chat, and access remote terminals with others on the same network, making it an ideal tool for collaborative work environments. The software is designed to be extremely user-friendly, with zero-configuration required, making it accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy.
It is written in C# programming language, which ensures its compatibility with Windows platforms. Moreover, the software is constantly updated and improved to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
sontx17- localCloud
This simple app allows you to create a local cloud system for your local network. You can set admin username, password, token, upload and share files among computors in your network.
d4xn18- EZShare
EZShare is a simple Python-based app that allows you to share and exchange files between devices in your network.
xmcp19- Portal
Portal is a lightweight command-line file transfer utility for file transfer for the network and the web. It can be installed for Windows, Linux, Arch Linux, macOS.
Portal features include:
- End-to-end encryption using PAKE2
- Direct transfer of files if possible (e.g. sender and receiver are in the same local network)
- Fallback to relay server if sender and receiver cannot connect directly
- Parallel gzip compression of files for faster and more efficient transfers
- Hosting your own relay (we'd appreciate it if you plan to send a lot of data!)
- Configurability and shell completions
- A shiny UI ⭐✨ to gaze your eyes upon while you wait for your files
SpatiumPortae