ProjectSend vs PsiTransfer
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
VS
PsiTransfer
Simple open-source file sharing solution
| Feature | ProjectSend | PsiTransfer |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 85 · Excellent | 76 · Good |
| Category | File Sync & Storage | File Sync & Storage |
| License | GPL-2.0 | MIT |
| Language | PHP | JavaScript |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal | docker, binary |
| GitHub stars | ★ 2,022 | ★ 1,951 |
| First released | 2012 | 2017 |
| Replaces | Dropbox, WeTransfer | WeTransfer |
What are ProjectSend and PsiTransfer?
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
PsiTransfer
PsiTransfer is a self-hosted file sharing application with a drag-and-drop web interface. It supports resumable uploads, file expiration, and password protection.
- Resumable uploads
- Password-protected buckets
- Drag-and-drop interface
ProjectSend vs PsiTransfer: key differences
ProjectSend is written in PHP, while PsiTransfer is built with JavaScript. Licensing differs — GPL-2.0 for ProjectSend versus MIT for PsiTransfer. PsiTransfer is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 256 MB for ProjectSend. ProjectSend is the more established project (first released 2012), while PsiTransfer arrived in 2017.
Why pick each one
Choose ProjectSend if…
- Great for client deliverables
- Simple to operate
- Clear access control
Watch out for
- Not a general sync tool
- Dated interface
Choose PsiTransfer if…
- Released under the MIT license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Active community (2k GitHub stars)
Frequently asked questions
Is ProjectSend or PsiTransfer 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 ProjectSend and PsiTransfer free and open-source?
Yes. ProjectSend is licensed under GPL-2.0 and PsiTransfer under MIT. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run ProjectSend and PsiTransfer with Docker?
ProjectSend: yes. PsiTransfer: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, ProjectSend or PsiTransfer?
PsiTransfer has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for ProjectSend. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.