GhostBeam streams a file directly browser-to-browser over WebRTC — end-to-end encrypted, no app, no signup — using a link instead of local discovery, so it works between any two devices anywhere.
Snapdrop is the tool people reach for when they want AirDrop without the Apple lock-in: open a page on two devices on the same network, they discover each other, and files move directly between them. It’s a lovely, minimal idea, and its open-source forks (like PairDrop) have kept it alive.
GhostBeam works on the same peer-to-peer principle — the bytes stream directly between the two browsers over WebRTC and never pass through our servers — but swaps local discovery for a link. That one change means it isn’t limited to devices sitting on the same Wi-Fi: send the link to someone across the office or across an ocean, and when they open it, a direct encrypted channel forms between your browsers. Windows to iPhone, Android to Mac, Linux to anything.
Snapdrop nailed the same-room use case. Devices on the same local network find each other automatically — no link, no typing, no pairing — which makes handing a photo from your phone to your laptop delightfully frictionless.
It’s also open source, so anyone can read the code or self-host their own instance, and community forks such as PairDrop have added refinements while keeping the original spirit. It’s free, runs in the browser, and requires no app or account. For transfers between your own devices on one Wi-Fi network, it remains an excellent tool.
Works across networks, not just the same Wi-Fi
Snapdrop is designed around devices discovering each other on the same local network. GhostBeam uses a shareable link, so the two browsers can be anywhere — different networks, different cities — and still connect peer-to-peer.
Still genuinely peer-to-peer
The file streams directly browser-to-browser over WebRTC. Our servers only relay a small encrypted connection-setup message so the two browsers can find each other — never the file itself.
End-to-end encrypted by design
The WebRTC data channel is end-to-end encrypted, so the bytes are unreadable in transit and never stored anywhere. There is no upload, so there is nothing to delete afterward.
Built-in chat while it transfers
Sender and recipient can exchange messages over the same encrypted channel while the file streams — handy for “that’s the wrong file” moments.
Room for real files
GhostBeam handles transfers up to 500 MB on desktop (250 MB on phones, where browser memory is tighter), streaming chunk by chunk rather than uploading first.
| Feature | GhostBeam | Snapdrop |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer path | Peer-to-peer over WebRTC | Peer-to-peer over WebRTC |
| Works across different networks | Yes — share a link | Designed for the same local network |
| How devices connect | Open a link | Automatic discovery nearby |
| File touches a server | No — only an encrypted setup message | No — peer-to-peer |
| App install or signup | None | None |
| File size | Up to 500 MB (250 MB on phones) | Varies by device and browser |
| Price | Free | Free, open source |
If both devices are in the same room on the same Wi-Fi — especially your own phone and laptop — Snapdrop’s automatic discovery is hard to beat: no link to copy, no message to send. That’s a genuinely better flow for the same-room case.
And if you want to self-host your own transfer service, Snapdrop and its forks are open source, which GhostBeam is not a substitute for. Choose the tool that fits the distance: same room, Snapdrop shines; different networks, GhostBeam is built for it.
Does GhostBeam work if we’re on different networks?
Yes — that’s the core difference from local-discovery tools. You share a link; when the recipient opens it, a direct WebRTC channel forms between your browsers regardless of which networks you’re each on.
Do my files pass through GhostX servers?
No. The file streams directly browser-to-browser. Our servers only relay a small encrypted connection-setup message so the two browsers can find each other — never the file bytes.
Do both people need to be online at the same time?
Yes — it’s a live peer-to-peer connection, so both browsers must have the page open during the transfer. For send-and-forget delivery, use GhostSend instead: it holds an encrypted copy behind a one-time link.
Is there a file-size limit?
Up to 500 MB on desktop and 250 MB on phones, where browser memory is tighter. There’s no upload step, so there’s no upload quota — the bytes stream directly.
Is the transfer encrypted?
Yes. WebRTC data channels are end-to-end encrypted, so the bytes are unreadable in transit — and since nothing is stored anywhere, there’s nothing at rest to protect.
Does it work between an iPhone and a Windows PC?
Yes — any two modern browsers: Windows to iPhone, Android to Mac, Linux to anything. No app to install on either side.
Peer-to-peer over WebRTC, end-to-end encrypted, never stored on a server. Free, no app, no signup.
Try GhostBeam freeMore comparisons