PicoShare 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.
PicoShare
Minimalist file sharing for permanent direct links
VS
ProjectSend
Self-hosted client-oriented file sharing
| Feature | PicoShare | ProjectSend |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 86 · Excellent | 85 · Excellent |
| Category | File Sync & Storage | File Sync & Storage |
| License | AGPL-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 | ★ 3,039 | ★ 2,022 |
| First released | 2021 | 2012 |
| Replaces | Dropbox, WeTransfer | Dropbox, WeTransfer |
What are PicoShare and ProjectSend?
PicoShare
PicoShare is a minimal file-sharing app that makes it easy to share files with simple, permanent URLs. It is designed to be a single-binary deployment with no external dependencies.
- Permanent shareable links
- SQLite-backed storage
- Single-binary deployment
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
PicoShare vs ProjectSend: key differences
PicoShare is written in Go, while ProjectSend is built with PHP. Licensing differs — AGPL-3.0 for PicoShare versus GPL-2.0 for ProjectSend. PicoShare 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 PicoShare arrived in 2021.
Why pick each one
Choose PicoShare if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Active community (3k 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 PicoShare or ProjectSend better?
Neither is universally better. PicoShare has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are PicoShare and ProjectSend free and open-source?
Yes. PicoShare is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and ProjectSend under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run PicoShare and ProjectSend with Docker?
PicoShare: yes. ProjectSend: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, PicoShare or ProjectSend?
PicoShare 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.