Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Instant.io VS ShareDrop

Compare Instant.io VS ShareDrop and see what are their differences

Instant.io logo Instant.io

Instant drag & drop web torrent

ShareDrop logo ShareDrop

HTML5 clone of Apple's AirDrop - easy P2P file transfer powered by WebRTC
  • Instant.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13
  • ShareDrop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-08

Instant.io features and specs

  • Decentralized
    Instant.io leverages WebTorrent technology, which means that files are transferred directly between users without relying on a centralized server. This decentralization can enhance privacy and reduce the risk of data breaches.
  • No Registration Required
    Users can upload and share files without needing to create an account. This reduces friction and makes the service more accessible for quick, one-off transfers.
  • Browser-Based
    Since Instant.io operates entirely within the browser, there's no need to download or install additional software. This makes it convenient for users who need fast, on-the-go file transfers.
  • Open Source
    The platform is open-source, which means that anyone can inspect the codebase for security vulnerabilities or contribute to its development. This transparency can build trust among users.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Being browser-based ensures compatibility across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as long as a modern web browser is available.

Possible disadvantages of Instant.io

  • Peer Availability
    Since Instant.io relies on WebTorrent, the speed and success of transfers can depend heavily on peer availability. If there are not enough peers, transfers can be slow or altogether unachievable.
  • File Size Limitations
    Web browsers often impose limits on the size of files that can be transferred in a single session, which can be a constraint for users needing to share larger files.
  • Performance
    Being browser-based, Instant.io may not perform as efficiently as native applications, particularly for larger files or prolonged usage.
  • Not Suitable for Long-Term Storage
    Instant.io is designed for temporary file sharing and is not intended as a solution for long-term file storage. Users will need to seek other solutions for archive purposes.
  • Dependency on Web Technologies
    The performance and capabilities of Instant.io are limited by the current state of web technologies, which may lag behind native applications in terms of speed and features.

ShareDrop features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    ShareDrop offers a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to transfer files without needing to install special software or understand complex protocols.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The service works across different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, facilitating seamless file sharing regardless of the device being used.
  • No Account Required
    Users can share files without the need to create an account, enhancing privacy and reducing the barrier to entry.
  • Encryption
    ShareDrop uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that the files being shared are secure and can only be accessed by the intended recipient.
  • Peer-to-Peer Transfer
    Files are transmitted directly between devices (peer-to-peer), which can result in faster transfer speeds compared to cloud-based solutions.

Possible disadvantages of ShareDrop

  • Internet Connection Required
    Despite being a peer-to-peer service, an internet connection is still necessary to initiate the connection between devices.
  • Mobile Use Limitations
    While ShareDrop can be used on mobile browsers, the experience may not be as seamless or optimized as on desktop browsers, potentially leading to usability issues.
  • Size Limitations
    There may be limitations on the size of files that can be transferred, depending on browser capabilities and internet connection speed.
  • One-Time Use
    ShareDrop is designed for one-time file transfers and does not offer functionality for long-term storage or file history tracking.
  • Browser Dependence
    The service relies on browser capabilities and may not work optimally on older or less common browsers, limiting its accessibility.

Analysis of Instant.io

Overall verdict

  • Instant.io is generally considered a good service for those looking for a quick and straightforward way to share files without signing up for an account or installing extra applications. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a popular choice for many users.

Why this product is good

  • Instant.io is a free, web-based peer-to-peer file sharing service that utilizes WebTorrent technology to enable users to share files quickly and efficiently without the need to download additional software. It allows users to share large files directly from their browser and maintains privacy by using peer-to-peer connections.

Recommended for

  • Users needing to share large files directly from their browser.
  • Individuals seeking a simple, no-signup solution for file sharing.
  • People who prefer using a peer-to-peer file sharing method for privacy.

Analysis of ShareDrop

Overall verdict

  • ShareDrop is a good option for users looking for a simple, secure, and fast way to transfer files between devices over the same network. Its ease of use and lack of requirement for an account or software installation make it a convenient choice for many situations.

Why this product is good

  • ShareDrop is an open-source, browser-based application that facilitates the easy transfer of files between devices without the need for third-party software installation. It uses a peer-to-peer connection powered by WebRTC, ensuring that files are transferred securely and directly between devices, which can be particularly useful for users concerned about privacy.

Recommended for

    ShareDrop is recommended for individuals or teams who need to transfer files quickly and securely within a local network. It is especially useful for non-technical users who prefer a straightforward solution, and for those who prioritize privacy since it does not store files on external servers.

Instant.io videos

Seeding Encrypted Webtorrents using peerify, instant.io, bit.ly

ShareDrop videos

SupraTouch #4: ShareDrop (análisis app/web)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Instant.io and ShareDrop)
File Sharing
27 27%
73% 73
Cloud Storage
27 27%
73% 73
Secure File Sharing
19 19%
81% 81
Torrents
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

ShareDrop might be a bit more popular than Instant.io. We know about 25 links to it since March 2021 and only 23 links to Instant.io. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Instant.io mentions (23)

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ShareDrop mentions (25)

  • Which web browser (apart from Firefox) do you use and why?
    Can you check if sharedrop.io is working on Mull? On my device, it can see the other party but it can't save file. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • P2P File Transfer
    I googled about it, so im here to ask. Aren't there any APP that does P2P file sharing anymore? I found a website called sharedrop.io and it seems to work, but Im looking for alternatives. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How to setup Adguard Ad Blocker, Adguard DNS and Adguard VPN best to work together on Android?
    I've only added one extra blocklist into the blocker. I have added one application bypass: I've installed Samsung Internet and placed it in the app bypass list and ONLY access sharedrop.io with it. Sharedrop is a great quick and dirty (and local network only) transfer program that doesn't work while under the blocker, so I made a desktop and bookmark link that only goes to that page. Everything else stays... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Can i send files through email directly to my boox device instead of sending them through the BooxApp?
    If you are on the same network, you can try https://sharedrop.io. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Airdrop equivalent? How Did They Do This? Just moved from Mac to pc. It was soo easy to upload short video clips quickly with airdrop to my Mac. Now I have a rog m16 and Dropbox is too many steps/too slow Snapdrop was glitchy and also pretty slow. Please help!
    i've seen it go down from time to time, then use sharedrop.io. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Instant.io and ShareDrop, you can also consider the following products

SHAREit - SHAREit allows you to transfer files and data from your phone to another device without having to rely on WiFi or a data plan.

NitroShare - Official status updates from https://t.co/Uiz47VKYD9. Email updates: https://t.co/zY8kOVT5CN

Send Anywhere - Send whatever you want, wherever you want

Portal by Pushbullet - Simple WiFi file transfers

Snapdrop - An open source alternative to Alternative to AirDrop.

ToffeeShare - Send files of any size directly from your device, without ever storing anything online.