At a glance
| Shafle | PairDrop | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in browser | Yes | Yes |
| Account required | No | No |
| File stored on a server | Never | No (P2P) |
| Same-network auto-discovery | No (uses code/QR) | Yes |
| Cross-network transfer | Yes (code / QR) | Via pairing code / room |
| Password protection | Yes | No |
| Send a folder (auto-zip) | Yes | No |
| Share text/snippets | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free |
What PairDrop is
PairDrop is a free, open-source, browser-based tool for sending files between devices — AirDrop-style discovery when they’re on the same network, plus an option to pair across networks with a code or room. It’s the community-maintained successor to Snapdrop; after Snapdrop’s hosted version changed hands and moved away from a pure peer-to-peer model, PairDrop is the one that kept the original open-source, no-server approach — which is why this comparison focuses on it.
Choose Shafle if…
- The two devices are on different networks, and you want a single, deliberate code or QR to connect.
- You want a password on the transfer.
- You want folders to auto-zip or to share text snippets too.
Choose PairDrop if…
- Both devices are on the same local network and you want zero-typing auto-discovery.
- You specifically want an open-source, self-hostable tool you can run yourself.
Rule of thumb: same Wi-Fi, auto-discovery, self-host → PairDrop; any two devices via a code/QR, with a password and folder support → Shafle. Both keep files off a server.