FilePizza alternatives (2026): browser P2P and quick-share tools

FilePizza made a simple idea popular: drop a file in your browser, share a link, and the recipient downloads it straight from you — no upload, no storage. If you are looking for FilePizza alternatives, you probably like that model but need something it doesn't do: whole folders, a QR code for a phone, a local-network mode, or a command-line tool. We compared the main options using each project's own site, FAQ or README.

Which FilePizza alternatives are worth trying?

As of 5 November 2026, from each project's own site, FAQ or README (sources at the end). "Not stated" means the project's own pages don't say.

What does FilePizza do well, and why look elsewhere?

FilePizza's README says the uploader must leave the browser window open until the transfer is complete, files can be as big as the browser can handle, several people can download from one link, and an optional password adds a layer of protection. It's open source and documents running it yourself with Docker.

People look for a FilePizza alternative for four reasons:

• Folders. FilePizza delivers several files as one ZIP and doesn't describe folder uploads.
• Phones. A QR code saves typing a long link from a computer into a phone.
• Same network. For a laptop and a phone on one Wi-Fi, an AirDrop-style tool is faster to use.
• Automation. Servers and scripts need a command-line tool, not a browser tab.

A direct comparison is in StrongFolder vs FilePizza.

Which FilePizza alternative is best for folders?

StrongFolder, if the recipient uses a browser. Folders are sent as folders: subfolders and file names are kept, nothing is zipped. Saving a whole folder with its structure uses the File System Access API: Chrome, Edge, Opera and other Chromium browsers on a computer. Other browsers can download the files one by one or as a ZIP. The recipient chooses a destination and the same subfolders and file names are written there, file by file — no archive to create or extract. See how to send a folder without zipping.

croc and Magic Wormhole, if both sides use a terminal. croc's README says it can transfer files and folders and resume interrupted transfers; Magic Wormhole's documentation says wormhole send accepts a file or a directory.

LocalSend, if both devices sit on the same network and have the app installed.

Which alternatives work like FilePizza in the browser?

StrongFolder is the closest match with extras: a link and a QR code for every transfer, several recipients from one link, the web app and a Chrome extension — see the Chrome extension. If a direct connection is impossible (strict corporate firewall, some mobile networks), the encrypted stream passes through a StrongFolder relay (TURN) server. The relay forwards the data and does not store it.

ToffeeShare says communication flows directly between two devices over WebRTC and that it stores nothing. Files stay available as long as you keep the tab open. It doesn't send folders directly.

PairDrop is a fork of Snapdrop built for devices on the same network, with 6-digit-code or QR pairing and temporary public rooms to reach devices elsewhere over its TURN server.

Wormhole is a hybrid: its FAQ says files up to 5 GB are stored on its servers for 24 hours, encrypted in the browser with AES-GCM, and larger files go directly from your browser with the page kept open.

Which FilePizza alternatives work from the command line?

croc (MIT license) describes end-to-end encryption using PAKE, peer-to-peer transfer with relay fallback, resume of interrupted transfers, and installs through Homebrew, Scoop, Chocolatey, apt and Docker. Both sides share a code phrase.

Magic Wormhole (MIT license) uses short, single-use, human-pronounceable codes and a PAKE (SPAKE2) to derive encryption keys. Clients try a direct connection first and fall back to a transit relay.

Both are excellent for admins and developers moving files between servers. For a client or a relative who just needs a link, a browser tool is easier.

Do FilePizza alternatives need the sender to stay online?

All true peer-to-peer tools do — that is the trade-off, not a bug. The file comes from the sender's device, so closing the tab or letting the laptop sleep stops the transfer. The link works while the sender keeps sharing. When the sender clicks Stop Sharing or closes the tab, the files are no longer available. See why the sender stays online.

Plug the laptop in and turn off sleep for long transfers. A 50 GB project over a 100 Mbit/s upload takes a little over an hour.

When is a cloud service better than any FilePizza alternative?

When you can't stay online. If you want to upload, close the laptop and let the recipient download tomorrow, pick a cloud site: SwissTransfer, Transfer.it or TransferNow, compared in free file transfer sites and WeTransfer alternatives.

Also choose differently when:

• you must self-host or audit the code — FilePizza itself, PairDrop or the classic Snapdrop are published under open licences;
• both devices are in the same room — LocalSend, PairDrop or your phone's built-in sharing are quicker than any link (see AirDrop alternatives for Windows and Android);
• you automate transfers — croc or Magic Wormhole.

Which FilePizza alternative should I pick?

Sources

Checked on 5 November 2026: FilePizza README · file.pizza · ToffeeShare FAQ · PairDrop README · Wormhole FAQ · croc README · Magic Wormhole documentation · LocalSend · LocalSend README · Send Anywhere help center · Transfer.it FAQ