When KDE Connect is the right answer
We'll do this section first, because it's real. KDE Connect costs nothing, its source is open, and nothing you copy passes through anyone's server — devices talk peer-to-peer over your local network. On Linux and Android, where it started, it's at its best: clipboard sync, file sharing, and a stack of extras. If that describes your setup and your devices share a Wi-Fi network, use it. It's a good project and it deserves its reputation.
Where it gets awkward
- Same network only. Peer-to-peer means both devices must see each other on the local network. Travelling, tethering, office VLANs, a machine at home and one at work — none of that works.
- Windows and macOS lag. Ports exist, but at the time of writing they trail the Linux build. iOS support is limited.
- No history. It moves your current clipboard; there's no record to go back to.
- No third parties. There's no link you can hand to someone who isn't on your network with the app installed.
What MoveMyWork adds
MoveMyWork routes through a server, which is the trade: your clips are stored (encrypted at rest, and you can delete or export them), and in exchange it works between any two networks on earth. Sign in and you're done — no pairing, no firewall spelunking. The Windows tray app syncs copies automatically; Mac, Linux and phones use the web app. You get a searchable history, files up to 250 MB free, and share links with a passphrase and expiry you can hand to anyone — see the guide to moving files between phone and laptop for the everyday flow.
Side by side
| KDE Connect | MoveMyWork | |
|---|---|---|
| Price / licence | Free, open source | Free plan; Pro optional; closed source |
| Works across networks | No — same Wi-Fi only | Yes |
| Clipboard history | No | Yes, searchable |
| Windows support | Port, lags Linux | Native tray app |
| Share links to anyone | No | Yes, free |
KDE Connect described as at the time of writing (August 2026).
Picking between them
It comes down to two questions. Are your devices always on the same network? And do you want a record of what you copied, or just a relay? Same network + relay-only: KDE Connect, and keep your money (there's none to spend). Different networks, a Windows-centred setup, or a need for history and shareable links: that's us. If your interest in KDE Connect was really about quick nearby transfers, Snapdrop and LocalSend are worth a look too — and if it was notification mirroring, see Pushbullet.
Frequently asked
Is there a KDE Connect for Windows?
There is a Windows port, but at the time of writing it lags behind the Linux version, as does the macOS port. If Windows is your main desktop, that gap is the reason many people look elsewhere. MoveMyWork's Windows tray app is its primary native client.
Does MoveMyWork work when my devices are on different networks?
Yes — that's the core difference. MoveMyWork syncs through a server over the internet, so your laptop on hotel Wi-Fi and your PC at home still share a clipboard. KDE Connect is peer-to-peer and needs every device on the same local network.
Is MoveMyWork open source?
No. It's a hosted service with a free plan. If open source and peer-to-peer are hard requirements for you, KDE Connect or LocalSend are the honest recommendation. You're not locked in with us, though — Settings has an export that downloads all your clips and files as a zip.
Does KDE Connect keep a clipboard history?
No — it relays your current clipboard between paired devices, and that's it. MoveMyWork keeps a searchable history of everything you've copied from every signed-in device, so you can pull back the thing you copied an hour ago.