A WeTransfer Alternative That Skips the Upload

WeTransfer is popular because it is simple: pick a file, enter an email address, and the recipient gets a download link. That simplicity hides a detail that matters when the two devices are both yours, or both in the same room: the file is first uploaded to WeTransfer’s servers, and only then downloaded by the recipient.

The usual problem

Sending through an upload service means the same data crosses the internet twice, once up and once down, so a large file can take a long time before the recipient sees anything. The file also sits on someone else’s servers for as long as the link stays active, free plans come with transfer size limits, and links expire, which is awkward if the other person opens the email a few days late. Using it to move a file between your own phone and laptop also means going through an email address and an inbox for no good reason.

How Nearsend solves it

Nearsend works differently. Open nearsend.app on both devices, pair them with a QR code, a PIN, or a spoken phrase, and the file streams directly from one device to the other over an encrypted WebRTC connection. There is no upload step, no link to expire, no email address needed, and nothing is stored on a server along the way. The recipient confirms the transfer on their screen and the file starts arriving immediately.

How to do it

Open Nearsend on both devices — Go to nearsend.app in any modern browser on the sending and receiving device — no app to install.
Pair them — Scan the animated QR code, enter the 6-digit PIN, or say the voice phrase to connect the two devices directly.
Send your files or folder — Drop files or a full folder onto the page, or pick them from the file browser. They stream straight to the other device.

Why it works well here

No app to install — runs in the browser on both devices
No account or sign-up required
Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS
Files stream directly device-to-device — nothing is stored on a server
No upload step and no expiring download link — the file goes straight to the other device
The recipient does not need an email address, only a browser and the pairing code

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nearsend a full replacement for WeTransfer?

For the common case of handing a file to someone who is online at the same time as you, yes. The one thing it cannot do is send to someone who is offline: both devices need to be connected while the transfer runs, whereas an upload service lets the recipient download later.

Do I need an account, like with some WeTransfer plans?

No. Nearsend needs no account, email address, or sign-up on either device.

Does Nearsend upload my file anywhere first?

No. The file is never uploaded to a server. It streams between the two devices, and Nearsend’s server only helps them find each other.

What about file size limits?

Nearsend does not impose a file size cap, because nothing is uploaded. In practice the limit is the receiving device’s memory, since the browser holds the file until it is saved, so very large files are best received on a computer.

Does the other person get a link?

No link is involved. They open Nearsend, pair using the code or QR code you show them, and accept the incoming transfer.

Can I send to several people at once?

Each transfer is between two paired devices. To reach several people you pair with each of them in turn.

Is it private?

Transfers use DTLS-encrypted WebRTC data channels and are never stored on a server. On networks that block direct connections, an encrypted relay may forward the data without being able to read it, and Nearsend tells you when that happens.

When is WeTransfer still the better choice?

When the recipient is not online at the same moment, or when you want to send something to many people by sharing one link. Nearsend is built for direct, same-time transfers.

Does it work on phones?

Yes. Nearsend runs in the browser on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks.

Can I send folders, not just single files?

Yes. A whole folder can be sent in one transfer with its structure preserved, and the receiver approves it once.