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comparePage.shared.pairdrop

PairDrop alternative without browser limits

PairDrop makes quick browser-based sharing effortless, especially on the same Wi-Fi. DashBeam targets the same frictionless feel as native apps on Iroh/QUIC: resumable folders, no in-browser memory ceiling, gigabit-class throughput, and tickets that work across GUI, web, and sendme CLI.

PairDrop vs DashBeam

Network reach

  • DashBeam
    Internet + LAN
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Internet + LAN

Transfer speed

  • DashBeam
    Can saturate gigabit (Iroh/QUIC)
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Browser / WebRTC limited

CLI support

  • DashBeam
    Yes, sendme-compatible CLI
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Teilweise

License

  • DashBeam
    AGPL-3.0 (open source)
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Open source

Cost

  • DashBeam
    Free
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Free

Encryption

  • DashBeam
    QUIC + TLS 1.3 E2E
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    WebRTC / DTLS (SCTP)

How peers connect

  • DashBeam
    Share a ticket
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Page pairing / LAN scan

Networking stack

  • DashBeam
    Iroh
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    WebRTC/DTLS (SCTP)

Fortsetzbare Übertragungen

  • DashBeam
    Ja
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Nein

Unbegrenzte Dateigröße

  • DashBeam
    Ja
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Begrenzt durch Browser-Speicher

Plattformen

  • DashBeam
    CLI + Desktop + Mobil + Web
  • comparePage.shared.pairdrop
    Web/PWA + Android-App + CLI

When to use which

Choose PairDrop when

  • You want zero install: just open a browser tab and send
  • Files are small to medium and WebRTC speed limits are acceptable
  • Everyone is on the same LAN and nearby discovery is enough

Choose DashBeam when

  • You are moving large files or full folders that may not finish in one session
  • You need resumability and throughput beyond WebRTC/SCTP browser ceilings
  • You want desktop, Android, web, and sendme CLI sharing the same tickets

FAQ

How is DashBeam different from PairDrop?

PairDrop runs in the browser over WebRTC, great for quick shares, but capped by SCTP throughput and in-memory file handling. DashBeam is a native app on Iroh/QUIC with resumable folders, no browser RAM ceiling, gigabit-capable transfers on desktop and mobile, and sendme CLI interop.

Does PairDrop work over the internet?

PairDrop can connect across the internet via WebRTC ICE/STUN, but throughput and file size are limited by the browser stack. DashBeam uses Iroh tickets, QUIC hole punching, and encrypted relays, built for large internet transfers without loading the entire file into browser memory.

Can PairDrop send folders?

The browser PWA focuses on individual files; reliable folder sending often depends on the CLI fork or workarounds. DashBeam sends full folders natively in the GUI and CLI, with pause and resume if the connection drops.

Why are browser transfers slower than native apps?

WebRTC data channels use SCTP inside the browser, which rarely saturates a fast connection and buffers file data in memory. DashBeam streams directly over QUIC with native disk I/O, better for multi-gigabyte payloads on gigabit links.

Do I need to install DashBeam?

PairDrop's main advantage is no install: open a tab and go. DashBeam offers a web client, but the best experience is the native desktop or Android app: resumable transfers, unlimited practical file size, CLI automation, and much higher throughput than a browser tab.

Are both open source?

Yes. PairDrop is GPL-3.0; DashBeam is AGPL-3.0. Neither requires accounts. DashBeam adds auditable Iroh networking with self-hostable relays if you want full control over the infrastructure.