PeerWay vs the alternatives
Every option sends files. These are the differences that matter, including the alternative people use most.
| What you need | PeerWay | PairDrop | Cloud (Drive, Dropbox) | Download link (WeTransfer) | Email or messaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| You need to install something | Yes, on both devices | No, it opens in the browser | No | No | No |
| The file passes through a third-party server | Only on restrictive networks1 | Only to connect | Yes, it is stored | Yes, temporarily | Yes |
| Size limit per file | No fixed limit | Depends on the browser | Depends on your space | Limited by the service | Very limited |
| Works without internet on the same network | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Account required | No | No | Yes | Depends on the service | Yes |
| Speed in the same office | Your local network speed | Your local network speed | Your internet upload speed | Your internet upload speed | Your connection speed |
| Save a copy in the cloud (optional) | Yes, 5 GB included | No | Yes, it is mandatory | Only while the link lasts | In the history |
1 Normally the file goes directly from one device to another. If the network prevents it (a firewall or a corporate network), PeerWay routes it through its server, encrypted and without storing it. The only thing stored is what you upload to the optional cloud.
None is best for everything
These are the cases where each option makes sense.
PeerWay
Large files between two devices, especially if you do it often. It goes direct and needs no account.
PairDrop
A quick transfer from the browser with nothing to install.
The cloud
The file has to stay stored and be available on several devices.
Download link
You send to someone who does not have the app and will not need the file again.
Email or messaging
Text and small files, when the other person is already there.