Over 25 awesome alternatives to WeTransfer

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the vast world of file transfer programs, moving beyond the well-known WeTransfer. WeTransfer is a popular file sharing service known for its simple interface and free 2GB file transfer limit. However, WeTransfer has faced bans in some countries like India in the past. This prompted the search for alternatives that offer similar ease of use. This post has been substantially updated in February 2024.

Background: Motivation for writing this post

This post was prompted by the decision of Government of India to ban WeTransfer in 2020. While that issue has been long resolved, it nonetheless set me in the search of alternatives. Below is an updated version of that list. Note that the focus of this post is on Web browser based file transfer services. There may be several other such services, some may have apps for Windows, Mac or mobile phones, others may use proprietory programs.

Reaction to the temporary Ban on WeTransfer (mid 2020)

Many publications quickly came up with click-bait type articles like “3 alternatives to WeTransfer”. But these posts mostly cited the usual suspects: Google Drive and Dropbox, with only one real alternative each, Firefox send (now discontinued) and Smash. When we take a look at services similar to Wetransfer, we realize that the list is much bigger. Update Feb ’24: Below list is published in no particular order. Between June and September 2020, I had started creating the below list. In February ’23, I ran a cursory check to determine how many of these services were still up and running. To my (positive) surprise, a majority of them indeed are still operational! Some services like Firefox Send and get.tt are longer active. I have moved them towards the end of this post.

Sendgb file transfer service

Overview of WeTransfer

WeTransfer, founded in 2009, is used by millions globally to send large files up to 2GB for free. Its key features include:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Customizable background images
• Optional password protection and link expiration
• Focus on creative professionals

However, the 2GB free transfer limit can be restrictive for sharing larger files. Paid plans offer 20GB transfers but are more expensive. This has led many to seek alternatives. WeTransfer, known for its convenience and speed, is a popular choice for business and personal use. Its key features included the ability to send large video files, various file formats, and shareable links. However, the ban highlighted the importance of having a wide range of options for file transfer solutions.  

Filetransfer.io service is a good alternative to WeTransfer

Online File Transfer services similar to WeTransfer

Most of these services follow a freemium business model, offering basic services for free with premium plans for advanced features. These features may include increased storage, faster transfer speeds, and the ability to send larger individual file sizes.

A Note on the List

This list includes services that offer file transfers as part of their broader offerings. For instance, pCloud and Dropbox are cloud storage services that also allow file sharing and transfers. They can’t be considered direct alternatives to WeTransfer. Also, features like encryption and file sharing size may change as services evolve and providers shift towards premium services. Always check the provider’s website for the most current feature set.

Original List of Alternatives to WeTransfer

Below features are for free tier unless specified.

Bayfiles also has interface in Hindi

More alternatives to WeTransfer services

In 2021 and early 2022, I created another the list, with some more names. Here’s an updated table with descriptions, file transfer limits, and advanced features for the additional file transfer services:

How to choose alternatives to Wetransfer ?

Choice of a file transfer program is subjective and depends on individual file size, transfer speeds, file formats (like video files), and whether you need an email address for use. As you start to explore these alternatives, you may find that what works best for “me” might not be your cup of tea. But with well-informed decisions, you are equipped to discover the perfect fit for your digital journey. Remember, when choosing a service, consider your needs in terms of file size, transfer speed, and data privacy. And always keep an eye out for the maximum file size, storage limits, and whether the service offers a desktop app or mobile apps.

Self hosted file storage and transfer services similar to WhatsApp

Self Hosted Services

Here are some potential self-hosted alternatives to WeTransfer to consider. They include file hosting and sharing services.

FileRun

FileRun is a self-hosted file transfer and sharing solution. It allows sending large files with optional password protection, link expiration, etc. FileRun has clients for desktop and mobile devices.

Nextcloud

Nextcloud is an open source, self-hosted file sharing and communication platform. With the File Drop app, you can get WeTransfer-like capabilities for sharing files that expire after a set time.

Pydio

Pydio Cells offers secure and private file sharing from the browser or mobile apps. An on-premise version is available for self-hosting. It includes password-protected public links, private encrypted links, link expiration, etc.

Seafile

Seafile is an open source cloud storage system that allows file sharing by public link. It offers password protection, expiration, etc. for shared links.

Filepizza

Filepizza is a simple, self-hosted file transfer service comparable to WeTransfer. It focuses specifically on easy and quick file transfers. The choice comes down to your specific needs and technical capabilities. But all these open source, self-hosted options can provide secure file transfer and sharing functionality similar to WeTransfer.

Filepizza is a peer to peer file transfer service

Sinosend

Alternatives to cloud file transfer services

Peer to Peer or p2p sharing

One such alternative is the peer to peer or P2P file sharing service. These services offer a platform for users to share files directly between systems without the need for a central server. This method ensures data privacy and often comes with encryption protocols that meet the highest encryption standards.

Cloud file storage

This is another viable alternative. These services offer storage limits that often exceed those of WeTransfer, with some even offering unlimited storage. They also provide desktop apps for ease of use and mobile apps for those on the go. Icedrive has been recommended by some people I know, but I have not used it personally. This service combines WeTransfer’s interface with the benefits of cloud storage and backup.

Encrypted file sharing services

For those concerned about the security of their confidential files, many of these alternatives offer file encryption and password protection. Some even allow users to set a link expiration date, adding an extra layer of security.

Thunderbird Add-Ons for File Sharing

In September 2020, while sending large files as email attachments using the Thunderbird email client, I discovered Thunderbird Filelink. This feature allows you to send large files using various cloud storage providers directly from Thunderbird.

Command Line Tools

Transfer.sh is a simple command-line file sharing service supporting transfers up to 10GB. Magic Wormhole is another command-line tool that uses the Tor network for secure and private file transfer.

Messaging Apps

Telegram deserves a mention here as it allows you to send files up to 1.5GB. In May 2023, I had a productive exchange with the folks at Telegram, who reminded me of their app’s file transfer feature.

Specialized Online File Transfer Services

Plik File Transfer offers unique features like commenting and manual file removal from the server post-upload. Onionshare uses the TOR service for anonymous and encrypted file sharing, with apps available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Blackhole is a blockchain-based file transfer service offering unlimited bandwidth and storage in its free tier. SafeNote provides encrypted messaging and file transfer, allowing you to generate time-bound or single-use links for files up to 20MB.

Discontinued File Transfer Services similar to Wetransfer

Firefox Send

Firefox Send has been discontinued as on Sept 17, 2020. Read the announcement from Mozilla.

Ezybox

Ezybox was a free service that offered transfer of files via web browser and an Android app. As per the product description when the site was up and running, it proposed “Using AES-256 encryption, Ezybox encrypts the files. Maximum file size is 5 GB, and you can upload or share multiple files. The files are stores for 7 days. Signing in offers greater control, such as showing past links, adding or removing files, and customizing the logo for download page.”

ge.tt

Update July 2021: This service seems to be no longer active. ge.tt was a cloud-based file sharing service that enabled users to share files up to 2GB with password protection and link expiration.

ge.tt file transfer service as one of the alternatives to (now discontinued)

Luffy

Luffy was a simple file sharing service. Supports file uploads up to 5GB with optional password protection and link expiration. This service was discontinued when I checked for all the active services in June 2023.

KPN Transfer

This was a File transfer service by KPN, a Dutch telecommunications company. Provides secure transfers up to 2GB with link expiration. File size limit was 2GB.

pTransfer

This was a Secure and anonymous file transfer service. Allowed transfers up to 2GB with optional password protection and link expiration. File size limit was 2GB.

Conclusion

While WeTransfer remains popular in 2024, many viable alternatives exist like pCloud Transfer, Send Anywhere, MASV, and Sync. The needs of specific users and use cases determine which file transfer service works best. Evaluating aspects like free transfer limits, security protections, transfer speeds, collaborative features, and ease of use is important to find the right fit. The myth of a single “best” solution persists. But by learning about the strengths of different services, you can make an informed decision tailored to your file sharing needs.

Original Post: Reason for exploring services like WeTransfer

On May 31, 2020, news broke out that ISPs in India had started to block the file sharing service WeTransfer, following an order from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The order was issued in the interest of “national security and public interest,” leading to the question, “What are the alternative file sharing services like WeTransfer?” Despite the ban, WeTransfer was still accessible on some internet networks as of June 2, 2020. While VPNs allow unrestricted access, not everyone has access to these, and the ban might have long-term implications. In the wake of the temporary ban on WeTransfer in India in mid-2020, many businesses, freelancers, and individuals found themselves in a bind. The need for reliable file transfer software became evident, and the search for alternatives to WeTransfer intensified.The lifting of the ban on WeTransfer does not diminish the value of these alternatives. They remain as valid options for file transfer, offering a range of features to suit different needs. In conclusion, while the ban on WeTransfer may have caused initial disruption, it has opened up a world of alternatives. Whether you prefer P2P file sharing or cloud storage, there is a file transfer solution out there that will meet your needs.

This post was compiled from various sources, including Wikipedia, Twitter, Yunohost, GitHub, Reddit, and ProductHunt. I developed the list by researching resources like SimilarWeb, AlternativeTo, and Capterra. In the 2024 update, the active services were manually verified to the possible extent, automation tools were used to check for discontinued services.  

Some of the above services may be discontinued with time