Software Alternatives & Startups

Rectangle VS LocalSend

Compare Rectangle VS LocalSend and see what are their differences

Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
LocalSend

An open source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Rectangle seems to be a lot more popular than LocalSend. While we know about 480 links to Rectangle, we've tracked only 24 mentions of LocalSend.

social mentions
480 vs 24
Mac Tools popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 181

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Rectangle
LocalSend
Website rectangleapp.com localsend.org
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Rectangle 5 features
LocalSend 5 features
  • Ease of Use
    Rectangle offers an intuitive user interface that makes window management straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can easily configure keyboard shortcuts to better suit their workflow, making window management faster and more efficient.
  • Free
    Rectangle is available for free, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a financial investment.
  • Frequent Updates
    The app receives regular updates, introducing new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
  • Lightweight
    Rectangle is a lightweight application that doesn't consume many system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older Macs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Rectangle lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid window management applications, such as multiple monitor support and more complex window arrangements.
  • MacOS Only
    Rectangle is only available for macOS, so users of other operating systems are unable to take advantage of its features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or unpredictable behavior, which might require troubleshooting or waiting for a future update.
  • Learning Curve for Shortcuts
    While customizable shortcuts are a benefit, there is an initial learning curve for users to memorize and effectively use these shortcuts.
  • Basic Aesthetic
    The app's design and aesthetic are quite basic, lacking the polish and visual appeal found in some other similar tools.
  • Privacy
    LocalSend allows for file transfers directly between devices without routing data through external servers, enhancing user privacy.
  • Speed
    Transfers can be much faster compared to cloud-based solutions since files are sent directly over a local network without internet lags.
  • No Internet Required
    LocalSend operates over a local network, meaning it doesn't need an active internet connection, making it ideal for offline file sharing.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    LocalSend supports multiple operating systems, which allows for seamless communication and file transfer between different devices.
  • Ease of Use
    Designed with a user-friendly interface, LocalSend simplifies the process of sending and receiving files between devices.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to Local Network
    Users must be on the same local network to transfer files, which can be restrictive compared to cloud services that function globally.
  • Dependent on Network Quality
    Transfer speeds and reliability are dependent on the quality and stability of the local network connection.
  • Initial Setup Requirements
    The initial setup might be complex for some users, especially those unfamiliar with network configurations.
  • Limited Documentation
    Compared to established tools, LocalSend might have limited documentation or community support, which can be a challenge for troubleshooting issues.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Rectangle
LocalSend

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rectangle is highly regarded for its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free and open-source. It provides essential functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who need efficient window management.

Why this product is good

  • Rectangle is a popular window management tool for macOS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to efficiently organize and resize application windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging windows into pre-defined areas of the screen. This can enhance productivity by minimizing the time spent arranging windows and improving multitasking capabilities.

Recommended for

    Rectangle is recommended for macOS users looking for a straightforward, lightweight solution to manage application windows. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with multiple applications at once, including developers, designers, and anyone who values a tidy and organized desktop environment.

Overall verdict

  • LocalSend is considered a good option for individuals or groups looking to share files locally with ease and security.

Why this product is good

  • LocalSend is designed for easy and fast file sharing within a local network. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports various file types, making it a convenient tool for transferring data without an internet connection. Additionally, it emphasizes privacy since the files don't need to be uploaded to external servers.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize privacy and wish to avoid cloud-based solutions.
  • Teams or households needing quick file sharing across devices within the same network.
  • Individuals with limited or unreliable internet access who still require file transfer capabilities.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Rectangle 3 videos + Add
LocalSend 3 videos + Add

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos

  • - Skywalker Rectangle Trampoline Review #1
  • - Marvin Malton 160 Rectangle Flying Hour Watch Review

Localsend: An Open Source Airdrop Alternative

More videos

  • - LocalSend: Effortless Cross-Platform File Transfer between Windows, iPad OS, iOS, Mac OS, Android
  • - Send Files Across Platforms | Android | Windows | Mac | Linux | #kluniversity #klu #localsend

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Rectangle
LocalSend
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Rectangle and LocalSend. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Rectangle no reviews yet
LocalSend no reviews yet
  • Best 6 Mac Window Managers
    mackeeper.com · Sep 2023

    Rectangle shows that you don’t need to dip into your bank account to get window resizer tools. This free Mac window manager lets you manage multiple windows using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or by dragging and...

  • Top 6 Window Manager Apps for Mac

    Most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor. Many window manager apps – such as BetterSnapTool, Magnet, and...

  • The 6 Best Mac Window Management Tools
    www.makeuseof.com · Apr 2023

    However, it might take some time for you to get used to the shortcuts in the Rectangle app since there are many. Furthermore, you can also add some of your apps to exceptions if you want to keep them away from...

We have no reviews of LocalSend yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Rectangle 480 mentions
LocalSend 24 mentions
  • Apple introduces M6 and M5 Ultra for a big leap in performance and AI compute
    Rectangle solved my macos window management annoyances. https://rectangleapp.com/ Not involved in dev of this, just a happy user. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Released
    As a both old Linux and now decade user of MacOS, after I got used to no middle-click paste and no focus-follows-mouse: 1. Keyboard shortcuts are Emacs, Ctrl-A: start of line, E: end of line, K: kill selected or to end of line, Y to... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    Every macOS user uses Rectangle.app — https://rectangleapp.com The ones who don't use it is because they don’t know it exists. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

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  • Google Hits 50% IPv6
    IPv6 doesn't solve the Airdrop problem. It'll only work at reasonably-fast speeds in the rare case that both people are connected to the same wifi network - but there's already tools like LocalSend[0] for that. Having a file go via... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Latest SteamOS Beta Now Includes Ntsync Kernel Driver
    Did you try loading the browser as a non-game application? To be honest, I primarily do my browsing offline, and I installed https://localsend.org using Flatpak to move files to/from the Steam Deck. It works amazingly well. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Android and iPhone users can now share files, starting with the Pixel 10 family
    Shoutout to https://localsend.org/ - it can even open a local webserver if needed. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago

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Alternatives to Rectangle and LocalSend

When comparing Rectangle and LocalSend, you can also consider the following products.