There are dozens of file transfer services. Most make similar promises. Here’s what actually differs between them and what matters for your use case.
What We’re Comparing
This comparison covers dedicated file transfer services, not cloud storage platforms. The focus: sending files to someone else, not storing them long-term.
Services included:
- Smash - Design-focused transfers
- Filemail - Business-oriented transfers
- SendAnywhere - Device-to-device transfers
- pCloud Transfer - From the cloud storage company
- SwissTransfer - Privacy-focused European service
- TransferNow - French alternative
- Firefox Send (discontinued) - What replaced it
- FileGrab - Link-first file sharing
Free Tier Comparison
| Service | Max File Size | Storage Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smash | No limit (throttled) | 14 days | Password protection |
| Filemail | 5 GB | 7 days | Basic tracking |
| SendAnywhere | 10 GB | 48 hours | Direct P2P option |
| pCloud Transfer | 5 GB | 7 days | 10 recipient limit |
| SwissTransfer | 50 GB | 30 days | Password, 500 recipients |
| TransferNow | 5 GB | 7 days | Basic features |
| FileGrab | 2 GB | 7 days | Media previews, real-time |
Free tiers vary dramatically. SwissTransfer leads on generosity. FileGrab focuses on the recipient experience over raw size limits.
Paid Plans
Smash Pro ($10/month)
- Priority bandwidth
- Custom branding
- Download tracking
- 1 TB storage
Filemail Business ($15/user/month)
- 30 GB per transfer
- Custom subdomain
- SMTP integration
- Audit logs
SendAnywhere Plus ($6/month)
- 50 GB transfers
- No ads
- Extended history
- Direct links
pCloud Transfer (via pCloud subscription)
- Bundled with cloud storage
- 2 TB storage for $99/year
- Integrated with pCloud drive
FileGrab Pro (from $5/month)
- 2 GB files
- Configurable storage from 100 GB through 2 TB
- Transcription available through separate credits
- HLS streaming
- Password protection
- Custom expiry
Feature Breakdown
Upload Experience
Smash has the cleanest interface. Drag files, get a link. No clutter.
SendAnywhere offers direct device-to-device transfers using 6-digit codes. Fast when both parties are online.
FileGrab shows upload progress with immediate link availability. Files appear as they upload, not after.
Recipient Experience
Most services: Click link, see file list, download.
FileGrab: Click link, preview files inline. Videos play, audio shows waveforms, documents display as PDFs. Download what you need.
SendAnywhere: Enter code, download starts. Simple but requires sender to be active.
Mobile Apps
| Service | iOS | Android | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smash | Yes | Yes | Good |
| Filemail | Yes | Yes | Functional |
| SendAnywhere | Yes | Yes | Excellent |
| pCloud Transfer | Via pCloud app | Via pCloud app | Good |
| FileGrab | Coming soon | Coming soon | - |
SendAnywhere excels on mobile with its code-based transfer system.
Privacy and Security
SwissTransfer stores data in Switzerland with strong privacy laws. End-to-end encryption available.
Filemail offers enterprise security features: SSO, audit logs, data residency options.
FileGrab uses Cloudflare’s global network with ClamAV malware scanning. Files stored on Cloudflare R2.
SendAnywhere offers direct transfers that skip servers entirely when both devices are online.
What Firefox Send Users Should Know
Mozilla discontinued Firefox Send in 2020 after abuse issues. If you used it, here’s what’s similar:
- SwissTransfer - Closest in privacy focus
- FileGrab - Similar simplicity, better previews
- Smash - Clean interface, generous free tier
Use Case Recommendations
Sending Large Video Files
Winner: Smash No file size limits on free tier. Bandwidth is throttled but workable for occasional large sends.
Quick Device-to-Device
Winner: SendAnywhere 6-digit codes and direct P2P transfers. Perfect for moving files between your own devices.
Business/Enterprise
Winner: Filemail Audit logs, SSO, custom domains. Built for organizations with compliance needs.
Creative Collaboration
Winner: FileGrab Recipients preview videos, images, and audio without downloading. Ideal when sharing work for review.
Maximum Privacy
Winner: SwissTransfer Swiss data protection, end-to-end encryption option, 50 GB free transfers.
Already Using Cloud Storage
Winner: pCloud Transfer If you pay for pCloud, transfers are included. No extra cost.
Pricing Reality Check
Monthly costs add up. Annual plans typically save 15-30%.
| Service | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smash Pro | $10 | $8.33 | 17% |
| FileGrab Pro | From $5 | Monthly only | Configurable storage |
| SendAnywhere Plus | $5.99 | $4.99 | 17% |
| Filemail Lite | $10 | $8.25 | 18% |
The Bottom Line
No single service wins every category.
For occasional personal use: SwissTransfer’s free tier is hard to beat.
For regular creative work: FileGrab’s preview system saves time when sharing media.
For business transfers: Filemail has the compliance features enterprises need.
For mobile-first users: SendAnywhere’s app experience leads.
Try the free tier of whichever matches your primary use case. Upgrade when limits become friction.