PsiTransfer 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.
PsiTransfer
Simple open-source file sharing solution
VS
Updog
Replacement for Python SimpleHTTPServer with uploads
| Feature | PsiTransfer | Updog |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 76 · Good | 54 · Fair |
| Category | File Sync & Storage | File Sync & Storage |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Language | JavaScript | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 32 MB |
| Deployment | docker, binary | binary |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,951 | ★ 3,412 |
| First released | 2017 | 2019 |
| Replaces | WeTransfer | WeTransfer |
What are PsiTransfer and Updog?
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
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
PsiTransfer vs Updog: key differences
PsiTransfer is written in JavaScript, while Updog is built with Python. Updog is the lighter option, starting around 32 MB of RAM against 128 MB for PsiTransfer. PsiTransfer is the more established project (first released 2017), while Updog arrived in 2019. PsiTransfer lists first-class Docker deployment; Updog does not.
Why pick each one
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)
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 PsiTransfer 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 PsiTransfer and Updog free and open-source?
Yes. PsiTransfer is licensed under MIT and Updog under MIT. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run PsiTransfer and Updog with Docker?
PsiTransfer: yes. Updog: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, PsiTransfer or Updog?
Updog has the smaller minimum footprint at 32 MB of RAM, compared to about 128 MB for PsiTransfer. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.