What are the best WeTransfer alternatives? 6 solutions compared

WeTransfer is a classic choice when it comes to easy-to-use cloud sharing services. Today though, users have many different services they can choose from. We’ll take a look at six different alternatives to WeTransfer and explore their advantages and disadvantages.

WeTransfer and alternatives to WeTransfer at a glance

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

Last updated: February 2024

Why is WeTransfer so popular?

When WeTransfer was launched, it had a decisive advantage over other solutions available at the time: its simplicity. With WeTransfer, you don’t need to sign up to use the service and it’s operated entirely via the browser, which means you don’t need to install any software on your computer. To send a file, you select one or more files to upload and enter your own email address as well as the email address of the person you want to send the file(s) to. Once uploaded, the recipient receives an email with a link to download the files.

For users without an account, the upload limit is 2GB. When using the paid Pro plan, the limit increases to 200 GB. In the Premium plan, there is no size limit. WeTransfer is particularly popular with photographers who use it to share high quality photos.

Comparison of WeTransfer alternatives

All the WeTransfer alternatives presented below make file sharing possible. Most file sharing services place a limit on the number of files you can send. The maximum limit can vary though, depending on whether you have an account and the type of account you have. Some services let you sync your files between multiple devices.

Wikisend

Wikisend is a free alternative to WeTransfer. You don’t need to sign up or install cloud software in order to use the service. Wikisend is easy to use, much like WeTransfer.

• Upload up to 100 MB
• Password-protected downloads
• No installation or registration required to upload/download

Unfortunately, the service has a major drawback: The maximum upload file size for individual files is 100 MB. This is significantly less than WeTransfer and other alternatives.

Send Anywhere

Send Anywhere is an interesting alternative to WeTransfer. In addition to download links, innovative direct transfers are also possible. The application generates a six-digit code that uniquely identifies an uploaded file. The recipient simply has to enter the numerical code to begin the download.

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

You can use Send Anywhere in your browser, although you need to log in to do this. It has cloud apps for Android, iOS and all current desktop operating systems. These come in handy if you want to send files from several devices. When using the free service, note that share links expire after 48 hours.

ZetaUploader

The WeTransfer alternative ZetaUploader is a German file-sharing solution that can be integrated into a company’s infrastructure. It’s based on Windows Server and can be used via a web interface. The sender uploads a file and enters the email addresses of the recipients. Each recipient receives an email with a link that they can use to download the file.

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

The advantage of ZetaUploader is that companies can use the software within their own infrastructure. This eliminates security and privacy concerns for businesses and allows large files to 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. Similar WeTransfer alternatives cost €450 (around $500) per month.

Terashare

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. The download takes place via the same path on the recipient’s device.

• 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 the P2P protocol, a network effect comes into play. The more people that have a file on their system, the faster it will download in the future.

Unlike WeTransfer and its alternatives, Terashare requires client software to be installed on the sender and recipient’s computers. In return, the service makes it possible for users to share files of any size (as long as their computer is on).

Google Drive

Google Drive is a traditional cloud storage service, not necessarily an 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 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, which is spread across Gmail and other Google services. Due to the company’s headquarters in the U.S., there are some data privacy concerns when it comes to using Google services.

Dropbox

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

• Cloud storage with synchronization functionality
• Account required
• More storage as a reward for recruiting new users

Dropbox links for sharing files expire automatically after seven days. The free plan only includes 2 GB of storage space. The service, however, rewards users who recruit new users by giving them more storage space, expanding the total amount of free storage space to 16 GB. Paid plans are available for private users and teams.