Linx vs ProjectSend
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted file sync & storage options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
ProjectSend
Self-hosted client-oriented file sharing
| Feature | Linx | ProjectSend |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 18 · At risk | 85 · Excellent |
| Category | File Sync & Storage | File Sync & Storage |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Language | Go | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | docker, binary | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,582 | ★ 2,022 |
| First released | 2015 | 2012 |
| Replaces | WeTransfer, Imgur | Dropbox, WeTransfer |
What are Linx and ProjectSend?
Linx
Linx is a self-hosted file and code-paste sharing server with a clean interface. It supports expiring uploads, file deletion keys, an API, and torrent download generation.
- Expiring uploads
- Code syntax highlighting
- Torrent download support
ProjectSend
ProjectSend is a self-hosted application for sharing files with clients in a private, organized way with per-client access. It targets freelancers and agencies delivering files to customers. It is deployed via a PHP stack or Docker.
- Per-client file delivery
- Group and permission management
- Email notifications
- Branding options
Linx vs ProjectSend: key differences
Linx is written in Go, while ProjectSend is built with PHP. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for Linx versus GPL-2.0 for ProjectSend. Linx is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 256 MB for ProjectSend. ProjectSend is the more established project (first released 2012), while Linx arrived in 2015.
Why pick each one
Choose Linx if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Active community (1.6k GitHub stars)
Choose ProjectSend if…
- Great for client deliverables
- Simple to operate
- Clear access control
Watch out for
- Not a general sync tool
- Dated interface
Frequently asked questions
Is Linx or ProjectSend better?
Neither is universally better. ProjectSend has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are Linx and ProjectSend free and open-source?
Yes. Linx is licensed under GPL-3.0 and ProjectSend under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Linx and ProjectSend with Docker?
Linx: yes. ProjectSend: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, Linx or ProjectSend?
Linx has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for ProjectSend. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.