Handrive is a peer-to-peer file sharing application designed for transferring files directly between devices without relying on cloud storage or intermediaries. It addresses the challenge of sharing files that are too large for email or traditional cloud-based services, offering no size limits and enabling transfers at full network speed. The tool operates similarly to operating system network sharing, but works over the internet, allowing users to share folders directly from their machines so that contacts can browse and download files without any uploads to third-party servers.
Security and privacy are central to Handrive’s approach. Files are encrypted on the sender’s machine and decrypted only on the recipient’s device, ensuring that no one else—including the service provider—can access the contents. Both parties must consent before any file transfer occurs; permissions are managed by adding contacts via email, and access is granted only to specific individuals. There are no shared links or public URLs, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. The system uses an open source signaling server for authentication and connection setup, but file data never passes through it.
rpm, and CLI distributions). It also offers a command-line interface, a REST API, and integration with over 40 MCP tools for AI assistants. The platform supports headless operation on servers and ARM64 Linux devices, making it suitable for always-on file access and scalable deployments. Users can log in on unlimited devices, with automatic synchronization of shares, contacts, and metadata. Features like transfer resume at byte offset allow interrupted large transfers to continue without restarting.
The tool is positioned as essential software for professionals such as freelance video editors, indie filmmakers, game developers, musicians, photographers, small studios, motion designers, and remote collaborators—anyone who encounters file size limits or seeks a private, direct sharing solution. Handrive is free to use, with no egress fees or paid tiers, and includes a built-in plane shooting game for use during large transfers.
In the File storage & sync space, Handrive takes a focused approach. It focuses on sharing large files securely and directly between devices without relying on cloud storage or size limits. Handrive is a consumer product aimed at individuals and teams needing secure, direct file transfers. Handrive costs nothing to use. It runs on the command line, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Handrive first shipped in 2026. Across PulseGate's embedding index, Handrive has few near neighbours, marking it as relatively distinct. Among its 7 catalogued features are P2P file sharing, end-to-end encryption, and no cloud storage.
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