NearBeam vs Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere is one of the oldest cross-platform file transfer apps. It works, but its design choices — cloud relay, 6-digit codes, optional account — give it a very different feel from NearBeam.
Short verdict
Choose Send Anywhere if you regularly need to send files between devices that are not on the same network, and you're OK with your file going through their cloud relay.
Choose NearBeam if your devices are on the same Wi-Fi most of the time, you want zero friction (no codes to type), and you want the guarantee that your file never leaves your local network.
At a glance
| NearBeam | Send Anywhere | |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-platform | Android, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows | Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Web |
| Pairing method | Automatic discovery on local Wi-Fi | 6-digit key or QR code, manual entry |
| Cloud relay | Never — local network only | Used when devices are not on same network |
| Account required | No — install and use | Optional, but needed for some features |
| File size limit (free) | No limit | 10 GB per transfer on free tier (varies) |
| Screen sharing | Yes — WebRTC, ~50 ms latency | No |
| System Share menu | Yes — every platform | Partial — better on mobile than desktop |
| Ads in the free app | None | Yes |
| Price | Free, no ads | Free with ads, paid Pro tier |
The privacy difference is real
Send Anywhere can route your file through their cloud relay when the two devices aren't on the same network. That's convenient — but it also means the file leaves your network and passes through a third-party server. They say it's encrypted in transit and deleted quickly. You're still trusting their infrastructure.
NearBeam doesn't do that. There is no NearBeam server. Transfers go peer-to-peer over your local Wi-Fi only. If the two devices aren't on the same network, NearBeam simply won't connect — and that's by design.
The friction difference is real too
To send something with Send Anywhere, you generate a 6-digit code, you type or scan it on the receiving side, then the transfer starts. On the same Wi-Fi, NearBeam shows you the receiving device automatically and you just tap it.
And on the sender side, NearBeam doesn't need its app open. Hit Share from Photos, Files, gallery, the file manager — NearBeam appears, pick the device, done.
Ads
Send Anywhere shows ads in the free version. NearBeam shows no ads, ever, and has no plan to add them. The future revenue model is a Pro tier with extra modules, not ads on the file transfer flow.
When to pick which
- Send Anywhere if you specifically need cross-network transfers (two devices in different cities, for example) and you're OK with a cloud relay.
- NearBeam if your devices share a Wi-Fi network most of the time and you want the simplest possible flow, no codes to type, no ads, no cloud, no account.