Introduction

As a data scientist and data strategist, I rely on tools that are efficient, reliable, easy to use and that I can own. That means no subscription. The best tools save time, minimize frustration, and get the job done without unnecessary complexity. On the flip side, I avoid tools that are bloated, slow, or require you to jump through hoops just to access basic features.

This article highlights tools I personally recommend—tools that help digital professionals like me stay productive and solve real problems.

My Recommendations

Storage and Moving Data Around

LocalSend

Website: localsend.org
License: Open-source (Apache-2.0)

File transfers between devices should be simple, but it’s often far from that. For example, connecting an Android device to a Mac can feel unnecessarily complicated. You end up fiddling with USB debugging settings or relying on third-party apps that don’t always work as expected.

While there are alternatives, many of them are slow, full of ads, or locked behind subscriptions. They’re often more trouble than they’re worth.

That’s why I use LocalSend. It’s quick to set up and works flawlessly. In just two minutes, I had it installed on both my MacBook and Android device, and I was able to transfer a 200MB file over Wi-Fi without a single issue. No cables, no cloud services, and no unnecessary steps.

The real strength of LocalSend is its peer-to-peer design. Your files stay under your control, there’s no reliance on internet connectivity, and it’s secure by default. As an open-source, cross-platform solution, it works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It’s a straightforward solution that simply works, and I can’t recommend it enough for professionals who value efficiency and privacy.