WeTransfer alternatives

WeTransfer is a classic, easy-to-use cloud sharing service. But it’s far from the only option available to share large files. Plenty of different alternatives to WeTransfer are available. Below you’ll find our top selection, a brief overview of technical features, and an in-depth exploration of their advantages and disadvantages.

The table below provides an overview of the strengths, weaknesses and special features of WeTransfer and its alternatives:

Last updated: February 2022

WeTransfer wasn’t exactly the first cloud sharing service, but when it launched it had a decisive advantage over existing solutions: it was simple to use. Using WeTransfer does not require the sender or recipient to register an account. The service works through the browser and users don’t need to install any local client software. To send a file, you simply select one or more files to upload and enter your email address and that of the recipient. Once uploaded, the recipient receives an email with a link to download the files.

For unregistered users, the upload limit is 2GB. When using the paid Pro subscription, the limit increases to 1 TB; in the Premium subscription, there is no size limit. WeTransfer is particularly popular with photographers who use it to share high quality photos with clients.

The WeTransfer alternatives presented below all enable file sharing. Most file sharing services limit the maximum size of files sent, although this may differ depending on registration or subscription plans. Some services let you sync your files between multiple devices. Find out how these cloud services compare in our Digital Guide. Since WeTransfer does not include a synchronization function, this is not a decisive criterion for our comparison of WeTransfer alternatives.

Wikisend is a free alternative to WeTransfer. Using the service requires neither an installation of the cloud software nor registration. Wikisend is easy to use much like WeTransfer.

• Upload up to 100 MB
• Downloads are password-protected
• No installation or registration required to upload/download

Unfortunately, the service has a couple of disadvantages. For example, individual file size limits for uploads are 100 MB which is significantly less than other alternatives or WeTransfer. In our tests, we also noticed that the Wikisend website does not automatically redirect to HTTPS when the HTTP address is accessed. When connecting via HTTP, uploaded files are transferred without encryption. That’s a serious issue, because cloud services should always be secure to use.

Sendanywhere is an interesting alternative to WeTransfer. In addition to download links, innovative direct transfers are available. The application generates a six-digit numerical code that uniquely identifies an uploaded file. If the recipient enters the numerical code, the download begins.

• Direct transfer via numerical code
• No registration required
• Software available

Sendanywhere can be used from the browser, and no login is required. Furthermore, cloud apps for Android, iOS, and desktop operating systems are available. These are handy if you want to send files from several devices. When using the free service, note that share links become invalid after 48 hours. You should point this out to the recipient when sending the link.

The WeTransfer alternative ZetaUploader has been developed and distributed by a German company. The software is a file-sharing solution integrated into a company’s own infrastructure. It’s based on a Windows server and is controlled via a web interface. The sender uploads a file and specifies the email addresses of the recipients. Each recipient receives an email with a link to download the file.

• Suitable for companies
• Server software self-hosted
• Cloud option available

The advantage of ZetaUploader is that the software can be operated from a company’s own infrastructure. This eliminates security and privacy concerns for businesses. And large files can be shared more efficiently across the company. The biggest drawback of ZetaUploader is its price. The provider charges more than 7,000€ (around $7,700) for a server license. The similar WeTransfer alternative costs 450€ (around $50) per month.

Terashare is a free file sharing service that combines traditional cloud storage with peer-to-peer (P2P) functionality. It is based on the BitTorrent protocol. When a user selects a file larger than 10 GB for upload, the file remains on the sender’s device. The Terashare client starts sharing the file via the BitTorrent protocol. On the recipient’s device, the download takes place via the same path.

• Combination of cloud and P2P
• Requires software installation
• No upload limit

Terashare is an interesting technology with future potential. That’s because when data is shared via P2P functionality, a network effect comes into play: the more people have a file on their system, the faster its downloads will be in the future. Unlike WeTransfer and its alternatives, Terashare requires client software to be installed on the computers of sender and recipient. In return, the service supports unlimited files, in principle.

Google Drive is a traditional cloud storage rather than a true alternative to WeTransfer. Originally launched as a document repository for the Google ecosystem, a sync client was added later. Uploaded files can be shared with others via a download link.

• integrated with the various Google services
• synchronization software available
• 15 GB storage space

A Google account is required to upload files. Users get 15 GB of storage for free, shared across Gmail and other Google services. Due to the company’s headquarters in the USA, there are some data privacy concerns with Google services.

Dropbox is a classic among file synchronization tools. Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the most widely used providers of cloud storage. Initially specialized in file synchronization, Dropbox is now used as a viable alternative to WeTransfer. Senders need to sign up for an account and can then share uploaded files via download links.

• cloud storage with synchronization function
• registration required
• more storage gained as reward for recruiting new users

Files uploaded to Dropbox do not automatically expire. A free Dropbox comes with 2 GB of storage space. The service rewards recruitment of new users, expanding the storage space to a total of 16 GB free space. Paid plans are available for private users and teams.