Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Instant.io VS Wormhole.app

Compare Instant.io VS Wormhole.app and see what are their differences

Instant.io logo Instant.io

Instant drag & drop web torrent

Wormhole.app logo Wormhole.app

Wormhole lets you share files with end-to-end encryption and a link that automatically expires.
  • Instant.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13
  • Wormhole.app Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-07-19

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.

Wormhole.app features and specs

  • End-to-End Encryption
    Wormhole.app uses strong end-to-end encryption (E2EE), ensuring that only the intended recipient can access the files. This provides a high level of security and privacy.
  • Fast Transfers
    The app leverages modern technology to enable quick file transfers. Files start downloading for the recipient as soon as they begin uploading, reducing wait times.
  • Easy to Use
    Wormhole.app offers a simple and intuitive user interface, making it accessible even for non-technical users. The drag-and-drop functionality further simplifies the file-sharing process.
  • Temporary Storage
    Files shared via Wormhole.app are automatically deleted after 24 hours, which helps in conserving storage space and maintaining privacy.
  • Large File Support
    Wormhole.app supports the sharing of large files up to 10GB, catering to users who need to transfer sizable amounts of data.

Possible disadvantages of Wormhole.app

  • 24-Hour Expiry
    While temporary storage is a pro for some, the 24-hour expiry time can be a limitation for users who need longer availability for their shared files.
  • No User Accounts
    The lack of user accounts means there is no way to track past transfers or retrieve links once they are lost, which could be inconvenient for some users.
  • Internet Dependency
    Wormhole.app requires a stable internet connection for both uploading and downloading files, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Browser-Based
    As a browser-based application, Wormhole.app might not offer the same level of integration and features as a dedicated desktop or mobile app.
  • File Size Limits
    Although the 10GB limit is generous, it may still be a constraint for users needing to transfer even larger files, such as extensive video projects or full datasets.

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 Wormhole.app

Overall verdict

  • Wormhole.app is a good choice for those who prioritize security and simplicity when transferring files. Its use of end-to-end encryption and temporary file links makes it a trustworthy option for privacy-conscious users.

Why this product is good

  • Wormhole.app is a secure file transfer service designed for ease of use and privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that files are shared securely. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, fast transfer speeds, and the ability to handle large files efficiently. Files are typically shared using a simple link, which expires after a certain period to enhance security.

Recommended for

  • Individuals looking to share files securely and privately.
  • Teams that need to transfer large files quickly and easily.
  • Users who prefer a simple and intuitive interface without sacrificing security.
  • Anyone who requires a file-sharing solution that doesn't require setting up an account.

Instant.io videos

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

Wormhole.app videos

No Wormhole.app videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Instant.io and Wormhole.app)
File Sharing
20 20%
80% 80
Cloud Storage
21 21%
79% 79
Secure File Sharing
8 8%
92% 92
Torrents
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Instant.io and Wormhole.app. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Wormhole.app should be more popular than Instant.io. It has been mentiond 102 times since March 2021. 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)

View more

Wormhole.app mentions (102)

  • Show HN: PinSend – Share text between devices using a PIN(P2P, no login)
    This is very nice and simple. A few areas for improvement, in my opinion: the URL should be easy to copy, paste, or type into another device. I'd suggest designing the route like pindsend.app/pin/CODEHERE. Also, for some reason, copying and pasting the URL didn't seem to work in its current form. I would also consider implementing a QR code to allow quick scanning and redirection on another device, especially a... - Source: Hacker News / 1 day ago
  • Peer-to-peer file transfers in the browser
    Https://wormhole.app/ has been spared and is pretty good. Encrypted, dl can start before up is finished, decenr size limit. Unrelated to the wormhole python cli tool and associated file sharong protocol. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Peer-to-peer file transfers in the browser
    There is: https://wormhole.app/ for the browser if one needs it. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Magic Wormhole: get things from one computer to another, safely
    How does this relate to https://wormhole.app/ ? - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Show HN: Easy file exchange between PC and phone
    For file transfers over the internet, https://wormhole.app/ and https://toffeeshare.com/ are often suggested. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

ShareDrop - HTML5 clone of Apple's AirDrop - easy P2P file transfer powered by WebRTC

WeTransfer - WeTransfer is a free service to send big or small files from A to B.

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.

FilePizza - Open source application used to transfer file via WebRTC and WebTorrent.

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

Snapdrop - An open source alternative to Alternative to AirDrop.