There are some ways to transfer large files online. If you use a dedicated collaboration tool like Jumpshare and Droplr, you can simply create a shared folder and put the files you want to transfer right there so that your teammates can download them. The same thing applies to Dropbox, Google Drive and other cloud storage services.
However, the above methods are not the best option if you want to transfer large files to someone who is not your team member. Instead, you can use a tool designed specifically for such a need, which we will mention shortly below. After all, tools like Dropbox, Google Drive, to Jumpshare are not designed to be a file transfer tool. Rather, they are designed to be a file sharing tool. Sharing and transferring are two different things.
All the tools on the list below allow you to transfer large files — 2 GB or larger — without storing them. They will delete your files days after your files are sent. Here is the list.
Tools to Transfer Large Files Online
1. Filemail
The first tool you can use to transfer your large files online without storing them is Filemail. The tool allows you to send a large file with the size of up to 5GB. The tool is great to send file types like footage and RAW photos which typically have large size. To send a file using Filemail is extremely easy. You just need to add your files to the available form. You can send the files directly to an email address or share the link instead. You can also write a message to tell the recipient about the files.
Filemail automatically delete your files after 7 days from the time it sent. You can use it for free, but the pro version is also available with more advanced features. Such as longer file availability, password protection, and file tracking.
Key features of Filemail:
- Maximum file allowed: 5GB
- File availability: 7 days
- Free version: Yes
2. WeTransfer
Same as Filemail, WeTransfer also allows you to send large files without needing to create an account. You can directly send your files by adding them to the provided form. You can send the files directly via email or using a link instead in case you want to use another communication tool. The maximum file size that WeTransfer allows is 2GB for free account. While the duration of file expiration is 7 days, same as Filemail.
If you prefer using a link to transfer your files, you can protect the link with a password to prevent unauthorized parties to download the files. However, you need to use the pro version to use the feature. Other features you can unlock on the pro version include custom page, personalized emails, custom expiration date, and so on.
Key features of WeTransfer:
- Maximum file allowed: 2GB
- File availability: 7 days
- Free version: Yes
3. pCloud Transfer
pCloud is a cloud storage service much like Dropbox. It has an extra service — called pCloud Transfer — that allows you to transfer large files without needing to create an account. The service allows you to transfer files with the maximum size of 5GB. pCloud Transfer is completely free of charge to use.
Same as Filemail and WeTransfer, pCloud Transfer also offers two options to transfer your large files. First, you can send them directly to email address. You can add up to 10 recipients if you use this method. Second, you can share the link of the files. This method is better suited if you have a dedicated communication tool to work with you team such as Slack and the similar tools.
The best part about pCloud Transfer is that you can protect your files with a password despite the service is free.
Key features of pCloud Transfer:
- Maximum file allowed: 5GB
- File availability: 7 days
- Free version: Yes
4. MyAirBridge
MyAirBridge is another great tool to transfer large files online without needing to create an account. You can use the tool to send large files with the maximum size of 20GB! There are also two options you can choose to transfer your files: by sending them directly to email and by sharing the link of the files. MyAirBridge only stores your files for 3 days after sending day. Longer options are available on the pro version.
Key features of MyAirBridge:
- Maximum file allowed: 20GB
- File availability: 3 days
- Free version: Yes
5. PlusTransfer
PlusTransfer has a very simple interface. You can start transferring your files by clicking the plus button. A simple form will appear right after you click the button. You need to add your email address as well as the email address of the recipient before sending the file. No registration is required, though. PlusTransfer allows you to send up to 5GB files. By default, it stores your files for 7 days, but you can change the duration up to 14 days if you want to.
The only minor thing about PlusTransfer is that it displays a banner ad on its main screen, which is a bit annoying. If you are okay with this, then PlusTransfer is worth trying.
Key features of PlusTransfer:
- Maximum file allowed: 5GB
- File availability: 7 days
- Free version: Yes
6. Smash
Smash is another worth trying tool to transfer large files online instantly without storing them. You can use the tool for free to send up to 2GB of files. You can either send your files directly to an email address or via a link. Password protection is available on the free version to add extra protection to your files. Smash stores your files for 7 days.
Key features of Smash:
- Maximum file allowed: 2GB
- File availability: 7 days
- Free version: Yes
The Bottom Line
You can definitely use Dropbox, Google Drive, and the similar tools to transfer large files online for free. However, these tools are not designed specifically for such a need. There are more specific tools out there that are designed to transfer large files, which we have just covered above. Unlike cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, the tools on the list above don’t permanently store your files. More importantly, they don’t require you to make a registration unless you want to unlock more advanced features.
