WeTransfer’s recent changes have pushed a lot of users to look elsewhere. After their 2024 acquisition, the free tier dropped to just 10 transfers or 3GB per month. Combined with ads on download pages and a 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating, it’s no surprise people are switching.
Here are seven alternatives that actually work better.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Free Limit | Retention | Encryption | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FileGrab | 500MB | 7 days | E2E (Pro) | Real-time sharing |
| SwissTransfer | 50GB | 30 days | No | Massive files |
| Wormhole | 10GB | 24 hours | E2E | Privacy focus |
| Smash | Unlimited | 7 days | No | No size limits |
| TransferNow | 5GB | 7 days | No | Simple replacement |
| pCloud Transfer | 5GB | 7 days | Yes | Cloud ecosystem |
| SendGB | 5GB | 1 year | No | Long retention |
1. FileGrab - Share Before You Upload
FileGrab works differently than every other service on this list. You get your shareable link immediately, before uploading anything.
Here’s why that matters: you’re on a call, someone needs a file, and instead of saying “I’ll send it when it uploads,” you paste the link right away. They open it and watch files appear as you add them.
What you get:
- Link-first sharing (no waiting for uploads)
- Real-time sync (recipients see files appear live)
- No ads on any tier
- End-to-end encryption on Pro
- Two-way uploads for collaboration
Limits: 500MB free, 10GB on Pro ($10/month)
Try it: filegrab.link
2. SwissTransfer - 50GB Transfers
If your main problem is file size, SwissTransfer handles up to 50GB per transfer. That’s 25x what WeTransfer allows on free.
Files stick around for 30 days, and Swiss privacy laws apply. No encryption though, so don’t use it for sensitive documents.
Best for: Sending massive files when privacy isn’t critical.
3. Wormhole - Firefox Send Reborn
Wormhole picked up where Firefox Send left off. It’s end-to-end encrypted, works peer-to-peer when possible, and handles up to 10GB.
The catch: links only last 24 hours. But for sensitive one-off transfers, that’s often a feature, not a bug.
Best for: Privacy-first transfers where you want files to disappear.
4. Smash - No File Size Limits
Smash claims unlimited file sizes and faster upload speeds than WeTransfer. That’s a bold promise, but users report it holds up.
The free tier shows ads, and files expire after 7 days. Pro removes ads and extends retention.
Best for: Video editors and anyone sending massive single files.
5. TransferNow - The Straightforward Swap
TransferNow feels like WeTransfer used to. Simple interface, 5GB per transfer, no monthly cap.
It won’t change your workflow. That’s the point.
Best for: Users who just want WeTransfer with better limits.
6. pCloud Transfer - Built-in Encryption
pCloud Transfer comes from the pCloud ecosystem. You get 5GB transfers with client-side encryption, no account required.
If you already use pCloud for storage, this slots right in.
Best for: pCloud users who want encrypted transfers.
7. SendGB - Year-Long Retention
Most services delete files after a week or two. SendGB keeps them for up to a year.
Transfer limits are smaller (5GB), but if you need links that last, this is the one.
Best for: Archives, portfolios, or anything you’ll reference later.
Signup and Ads Comparison
One of the biggest frustrations with file sharing services is what recipients have to deal with. Here’s how the major options compare:
| Feature | FileGrab | WeTransfer | Dropbox Transfer | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recipient signup required | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ads on free plan | No | Yes | N/A | No |
| Download speed limits | No | Free tier limits | No | No |
| Account required to upload | Owner only | Sender only | Yes | Yes |
WeTransfer’s free tier shows ads on every download page. Your client or collaborator opens a link and the first thing they see is a full-screen ad before they can get to the files. FileGrab never shows ads on any tier — the download page is clean, with nothing between your recipient and the files they need.
Why FileGrab is Different
Most alternatives just give you bigger limits on the same model: upload files, wait, get link, share.
FileGrab changes the order. The link exists first. You can share it while still deciding which files to include, or while they’re still uploading. Recipients see everything appear in real-time. And they never need to sign up, log in, or sit through ads to access your files.
For collaboration, Pro plans let both parties upload to the same link. It turns file sharing from a one-way transfer into a shared workspace.
Which One Should You Pick?
Pick FileGrab if you want the fastest workflow and real-time collaboration.
Pick SwissTransfer if you’re sending files over 10GB and don’t need encryption.
Pick Wormhole if privacy is non-negotiable and you’re fine with 24-hour links.
Pick Smash if you regularly send 100GB+ files.
Pick TransferNow if you just want WeTransfer without the restrictions.
The Bottom Line
WeTransfer’s free tier isn’t what it used to be. Any of these alternatives will give you a better experience, whether you prioritize size limits, privacy, or a completely different approach to sharing.
Try FileGrab - Get your link in seconds, add files whenever you’re ready.