ProjectSend vs Updog
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
Updog
Replacement for Python SimpleHTTPServer with uploads
| Feature | ProjectSend | Updog |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 85 · Excellent | 54 · Fair |
| Category | File Sync & Storage | File Sync & Storage |
| License | GPL-2.0 | MIT |
| Language | PHP | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 32 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal | binary |
| GitHub stars | ★ 2,022 | ★ 3,412 |
| First released | 2012 | 2019 |
| Replaces | Dropbox, WeTransfer | WeTransfer |
What are ProjectSend and Updog?
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
Updog
Updog is a small Python utility that improves upon SimpleHTTPServer by adding upload capability, HTTPS, and optional password protection. It is useful for quick file transfers.
- Upload support over HTTP
- Optional HTTPS and auth
- Simple drop-in replacement
ProjectSend vs Updog: key differences
ProjectSend is written in PHP, while Updog is built with Python. Licensing differs — GPL-2.0 for ProjectSend versus MIT for Updog. Updog is the lighter option, starting around 32 MB of RAM against 256 MB for ProjectSend. ProjectSend is the more established project (first released 2012), while Updog arrived in 2019. ProjectSend lists first-class Docker deployment; Updog does not.
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 Updog if…
- Released under the MIT license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Active community (3.4k GitHub stars)
- Written in Python
Frequently asked questions
Is ProjectSend or Updog better?
Neither is universally better. Updog has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are ProjectSend and Updog free and open-source?
Yes. ProjectSend is licensed under GPL-2.0 and Updog under MIT. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run ProjectSend and Updog with Docker?
ProjectSend: yes. Updog: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, ProjectSend or Updog?
Updog has the smaller minimum footprint at 32 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for ProjectSend. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.