You have probably already experienced your email service blocking the sending of files that are too large. Are you looking for a simple way to send large files over the Internet? Fortunately, there are easy solutions that allow you to send large files for free, without having to compress them or split them into multiple parts.
WeTransfer, SwissTransfer, Smash, TransferNow, and OWL Transfer are platforms that let you share documents via a download link or email delivery. However, their capacities, features, and terms of use are not the same.
Discover our selection of 5 large file transfer services, along with their advantages and limitations.
1. WeTransfer: the benchmark file transfer service
When it comes to sending large files, the first name that usually comes to mind is WeTransfer. Founded in Amsterdam in 2009, the platform offers a free plan that allows you to transfer files of up to 2 GB.
Pros
- Very easy to use: an intuitive interface that is accessible even for occasional users.
- Flexible sharing: send files directly by email or generate a downloadable link.
- Available on mobile: apps are available for iOS and Android.
- Transfer protection: password protection is available, including for free accounts.
Cons
- Limited free quota: 3 GB in total over 30 days, which can quickly become insufficient for regular use.
- Short availability period: files remain accessible for up to 3 days on the free plan.
- Subscription required: higher capacities and additional features require a paid plan.
2. SwissTransfer: up to 50 GB per transfer
Offered by hosting provider Infomaniak, SwissTransfer leaves little doubt about its origins. The service is completely free and requires no registration. It offers two ways to share files: by email or through a shareable download link.
Pros
- Up to 50 GB per transfer: an impressive capacity for a free service.
- No registration required: sharing is available directly from your browser.
- Swiss hosting: files are stored within Infomaniak’s infrastructure.
- Password protection: restrict access to transfers.
- Customizable retention period: up to 30 days under certain conditions.
- Download control: set a maximum number of downloads.
Cons
- Conditional retention period: for transfers configured for 30 days, email confirmation may be required to maintain availability beyond the fifteenth day.
- Temporary transfer service: SwissTransfer is not intended as a permanent storage or backup solution.
3. Smash: send large files without a strict size limit
Created in Lyon in 2017, Smash is a 100% French file transfer service. Several plans are available, including paid versions, but no subscription is required to use the platform. In theory, you can transfer as much data as you want, a major advantage compared to the much better-known WeTransfer.
Pros
- No strict size limit: send files larger than 2 GB for free.
- Intuitive interface: simply drag and drop files to prepare a transfer.
- No registration required: immediate access to the service.
- Password protection: better control over file access.
- Download notifications: track when recipients retrieve your files.
Cons
- Queue for files over 2 GB: larger transfers may require additional processing time before becoming available.
- Limited availability: files are kept for up to 7 days with the free plan.
- Priority processing reserved for paid plans: frequent users or those in a hurry may need a subscription.
4. TransferNow: a French service with some limitations
Despite its English-sounding name, TransferNow is a French file transfer platform created in Paris in 2013. It offers several plans, including a completely free version that can be used without prior registration.
TransferNow allows you to generate a download link or send files directly by email. Most shared files can also be previewed, enabling recipients to view PDFs and images or stream audio and video content.
Pros
- Up to 5 GB per free transfer: sufficient for many common needs.
- No registration required: send files quickly and easily.
- Password protection: restrict access to shared documents.
- File preview: useful for reviewing documents, images, or media.
- Encrypted transfers: the platform uses security mechanisms such as TLS and AES-256 encryption.
Cons
- 5 GB limit on the free plan: may be insufficient for particularly large projects.
- Maximum retention of 7 days: files must be downloaded before expiration.
- Advanced features require a subscription: higher capacities, customization, and management options are available only with a paid plan.
5. OWL Transfer: privacy-focused file sharing
Do you want to send large files while maintaining greater control over access? Developed in France, OWL Transfer offers a free plan without registration, as well as paid options for larger file sizes and advanced encryption needs. The platform places a strong emphasis on privacy for both personal and professional exchanges.
Pros
- Easy to use: drag and drop files or folders into your browser, then enter recipient details to start the transfer.
- Strong file protection: TLS encryption during transfer and AES-256 encryption during storage. Password protection is also available. For additional privacy, OWL Transfer offers optional end-to-end private encryption (PGP), where each user has their own private key.
- OneTimeView mode: recipients can view a PDF or video directly in their browser. Once viewed, the link becomes unusable, helping to limit the distribution of sensitive content.
- Generous free quotas: 5 GB over 30 days without an account, or 10 GB with a free account.
Cons
- Files are stored for only 7 days on free plans.
- OneTimeView requires an account and is limited to one transfer every 30 days with the free plan.
