DuoDesk vs localsend
Nearby device sharing compared
DuoDesk connects computers and Android phones for shared screens, input, files, clipboard and phone features. localsend focuses on transferring files and messages between devices that can communicate on the same local network.
DuoDesk: Connect Computers and Phones as One Desk
DuoDesk is an Electron-based app that links Mac, Windows, Linux and Android devices for shared screens, apps, files, clipboard, input and phone features. Devices connect directly over a local network, USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, without accounts or cloud relay.
localsend: Share Files Between Nearby Devices
LocalSend transfers files and messages between nearby devices on the same local network, without internet access or third-party servers. It suits people who need a cross-platform alternative to cloud-based sharing or platform-specific transfer tools.
| DuoDesk | localsend | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | JavaScript | Dart |
| License | GPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 204 | 93.3k |
| Forks | 37 | 5.2k |
| Last analyzed | Nov 1, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- DuoDesk supports cross-device input, screen sharing and phone features; localsend is focused on file and message transfers.
- DuoDesk can connect over local network, USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct; localsend uses HTTPS over a local network and does not support internet-based transfers.
- DuoDesk is an Electron app with an Android companion, while localsend runs on desktop and mobile platforms including iOS and Fire OS.
- DuoDesk is written in JavaScript and licensed under GPL-3.0; localsend is written in Dart and licensed under Apache-2.0.
- DuoDesk is a fork of TwinDesk; localsend offers a command-line client for sending files or directories.
Choose DuoDesk if you…
- need shared screens, mouse and keyboard input, or access to Android phone features from a computer.
- want to connect devices using options such as USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
- work across multiple computers and can accept the current Mesh limitations.
Choose localsend if you…
- need to send files or messages between nearby devices on the same local network.
- want to transfer files across desktop and mobile platforms, including iOS or Fire OS.
- want to send files or directories using a command-line client.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.