DashBeam — Peer-to-Peer Encrypted File Transfer Without the Cloud

Introduction

DashBeam is an open-source file transfer tool that sends files directly from one device to another without uploading to any cloud server. All transfers are end-to-end encrypted and require no user accounts. It supports desktop, mobile, CLI, and web interfaces.

What DashBeam Does

• Transfers files peer-to-peer with no cloud intermediary or file size limits
• Encrypts all data end-to-end using TLS 1.3 over the QUIC protocol
• Verifies file integrity with BLAKE3 hashing
• Supports resumable transfers that survive network interruptions
• Works across desktop, mobile, CLI, and web clients

Architecture Overview

DashBeam uses a relay server for signaling and NAT traversal, but file data flows directly between peers whenever possible. The transport layer is built on QUIC for multiplexed, low-latency streaming. Each transfer session generates a unique code; both sender and receiver derive encryption keys from a shared secret tied to that code. The relay only sees encrypted traffic.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Download the desktop app from dashbeam.app or install CLI via pip
• Optionally self-host a relay server using the provided Docker image
• Configure relay URL in client settings if using a self-hosted relay
• No accounts, registration, or API keys required
• Supports proxy and firewall-friendly fallback through the relay

Key Features

• Zero-knowledge architecture: relay servers cannot read transferred data
• Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web
• Resumable transfers with progress tracking
• No file size limits or bandwidth throttling
• Folder transfer with directory structure preservation

Comparison with Similar Tools

• croc — CLI-only P2P transfer; DashBeam adds desktop, mobile, and web clients
• Magic Wormhole — Python-based P2P transfer; DashBeam uses QUIC for better performance
• Send (Firefox Send) — uploads to a server; DashBeam is direct peer-to-peer
• LocalSend — LAN-only transfer; DashBeam works across the internet
• Tailscale/WireGuard — VPN tunnels; DashBeam is purpose-built for one-off file sends

FAQ

Q: Do both parties need the app installed? A: The receiver can use the web interface at dashbeam.app without installing anything. Desktop and mobile apps are available for heavier use.

Q: Is there a file size limit? A: No. DashBeam streams data directly between peers, so transfer size is limited only by disk space.

Q: What happens if my connection drops mid-transfer? A: Transfers are resumable. Reconnect and the transfer picks up where it left off.

Q: Can I self-host the relay server? A: Yes. A Docker image is provided. Point your clients at your relay URL.

Sources

• https://github.com/tonyantony300/dashbeam
• https://dashbeam.app