The Best Ways to Transfer Large Files Online

Gone are the days when sending or sharing files to others instantly was considered troublesome. The gift of tech has given us so many apps and services for file sharing these recent years, that you’ll get confused as which one to choose.

I’ve filtered out some of the best file-sharing platforms for both mobile and desktop to transfer large files online. These apps and services have been rated based on the ease of usage and features they offer that come with them. So, let’s dig into the list to know more about these apps.

1. WeTransfer

WeTransfer has become one of the leading file-sharing mobile apps to date. One of the main reasons why you should use this app is due to the simplicity of its file sharing/sending procedure. Yes, as soon as you get to the official site, you can start sending files to your friends without even registering.

However, remember that the file you send will be available for a week. Also, there is a 20gb file size limitation per transfer, which is actually quite enough.

But if you need more expiration time and sending file capacity, you can purchase the plus version which lets you choose your own expiration time for the file you send. The file limitation? Unlimited!

As for the receiver, they will get an email notification which will direct them to the main site to get the file. Yes, as easy as that. It is available for Android, as well as iOS phones.

WeTransfer is also ‘kind’ on your phone because the size of the app is small, and it doesn’t even take much RAM when you are using it. To get a better idea, do take a look at our full review on WeTransfer.

• Easy to use, no need to register
• Also very easy for the receiver to download the file
• Big size limitation (even for the free user)
• The size of mobile app is small
• Attractive background and sound during downloading and uploading

Cons

• There is a time expiration (7 days) for the free users before the file can be downloaded by the receiver.

2. Pibox

Pibox is one of the most unique file-sending platforms out there. Aside from the ability to share or send files, this app lets you chat with your friends in a messenger-like mode. So, if you are a great fan of chatting, you will definitely love Pibox.

However, you have to register first before you can start sending files or chatting with your friends. Also, you have to invite your friends using their phone numbers to start chatting and sharing files.

Anyway, after registering, you will be given a free 3 GB storage to use. You can keep increasing the storage up to 1000 GB by inviting your friends to register in Pibox.

So far, there is no paid version for Pibox, so every user is treated the same here. Pibox is currently available for Android and desktop. The developers of the app say that the iOS version will be developed soon.

Pros

• No quality loss upon sharing files between users
• 3 GB free cloud storage after registering for the first time. You can increase it up to 1000 GB by inviting your friends to join Pibox
• You can chat with your friends in a private or group chatroom
• Fast uploading speed
• The app is free for everybody, means that everybody gets the same services
• You can change your profile picture as you prefer

Cons

• No browser bookmarklet available yet
• You can only invite your friends via their phone number
• Currently, Pibox is only available for Android users

3. Filemail

Filemail is quite similar to WeTransfer in term of sharing/sending simplicity. You can stay as a free user if you want, and don’t even need to register to start sending files to your friends.

However, unlike WeTransfer, Filemail offers 30 GB size limitation for file sending. The receiver has 7 days time limit to download the file you send before it’s gone forever.

However, the pro and business version lets you send unlimited file size as well as controlling the time expiration for the file you send.

Filemail also has other awesome extensions to use for free, i.e., Filemail downloader and receiver (to increase download speed) and Filemail API (for developers). This app is available for Desktop, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux.

Pros

• Very easy to use for both the sender and receiver
• No registration needed (if you are a free user)
• The files shared maintain their original quality
• 30 GB size limit to send files if you are a free user, and it’s unlimited if you buy the pro/business version
• Supports almost any major platforms, such as Android, iOS, Mac, Windows and even Linux
• Fast-response and helpful customer service
• There is free Filemail Downloader and Receiver extension to make your uploading or downloading process faster
• Filemail API is also available for developers

Cons

• The uploading speed is rather slow compared to the other file-sharing program
• There is a bug that says ‘no mobile data allowed, rescheduling transfer’ before you send files via mobile app. Filemail team hasn’t done anything to fix the bug or even answered the complaints from mobile users
• Upon uploading, if you close the page, means your process will be lost and you have to start over
• There is a 7 days time expiration for the free user

4. Send Anywhere

Send Anywhere takes an easy, quick, and unlimited approach to file sharing. And after trying it myself, I guess it is not an exaggerated statement. You can actually send any files easily to others in really simple steps. There is one important point which you have to underline about Send Anywhere, which is the 6 digits code system.

So, if you want to try the app without registering, you simply have to go to the official site and upload the files you want to send. After that, you will receive 6 digits code. If the receiver has Send Anywhere installed in their phone or computer, then they should insert the code to download the files you sent earlier. Otherwise, you simply need to give them the link to download page.

Most sending/transferring files programs ask you to provide the email or phone number of the receiver, but with Send Anywhere, you don’t have to, and that is the strongest point of this program.

Another good thing is that you can upload or receive as many files as you want, and there is no paid or pro version, so everyone gets the same service. However, the receiver has to wait 60 seconds before downloading the file.

Pros

• You don’t have to insert your email or phone number of the receiver
• Privacy both sender and receiver is secure
• The service is totally free. There’s no paid or pro version

Cons

• When you send download code to receiver, they need to wait for 60 seconds before able to download the file