File uploader
How to Choose a File Transfer Service?
Have you ever tried to attach large photos, videos, PDFs, Word, or Excel files to an email only to find that "the file is too large to send"?
In such cases, a convenient option is to use a file transfer service that allows you to upload the file to the web and send the generated URL to the recipient.
As of 2026, various services such as "Firestorage," "WeTransfer," "SwissTransfer," "TransferNow," and "Smash" are available.
However, the maximum free transfer capacity, storage duration, necessity of registration, password protection, and presence of ads can vary greatly among services.
This time, we will compare file transfer services focusing on user-friendly free options.
File Transfer Service Comparison Table for 2026
First, let's take a look at the main differences in a table format.
| Service | Free Capacity Estimate | Storage Duration | Registration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GigaFile | 1 file 300GB | Up to 100 days | Not required | For large capacity |
| Firestorage | Up to 300GiB | Up to 7-14 days, etc. | Can use without registration | Large capacity, storage function |
| Data便 | Up to 2GB-5GB | 7 days, etc. | Depends on the plan | Supports business use |
| WeTransfer | 3GB | 3 days | Required for sender | Well-known overseas |
| SwissTransfer | 50GB | Up to 30 days | Generally not required | For large file transfers overseas |
| TransferNow | 5GB | 7 days | Can use without registration | User-friendly overseas service |
| Smash | Prioritized up to 2GB | 7 days | Not required | Files over 2GB can still be sent in a pending process |
| Filemail | 5GB | 7 days | Depends on the plan | Supports app and corporate use |
| UploadF | 200MB/file | Configurable & extendable | Not required | Easy sharing for lightweight files |
※ The capacities and storage durations are estimates primarily based on free plans. Service specifications may change, so please check the official website for the latest information before using.
Especially notable differences arise in the “sendable volume” and “storage duration”.
For example, GigaFile supports 300GB per file, while SwissTransfer supports up to 50GB, whereas the free plan for WeTransfer is limited to 3GB.
If You Want to Send Very Large Files
When sending video materials, a large number of photos, game data, backup files, etc., that are several GB or more in size, it is necessary to choose services with substantial capacity even among free options.
GigaFile and Firestorage support large transfers. GigaFile allows for files up to 300GB, while Firestorage also offers up to 300GiB for unregistered users.
If you're looking at overseas services, SwissTransfer is also a candidate. SwissTransfer supports a maximum of 50GB per file, with a public file duration of up to 30 days.
If you want to "send a video of several tens of GB," such large-capacity services are the way to go.
If a Few GB is Enough, Overseas Services are Also Options
If you don’t need 300GB, but email attachment is too large, overseas services can be considered as options.
TransferNow allows up to 5GB for free per transfer, and the public file duration is up to 7 days. Recipients can download without creating an account.
Filemail also offers up to 5GB for free, and files can be used for a maximum of 7 days. HTTPS communication and virus protection are also provided.
Additionally, WeTransfer is a highly recognized overseas file transfer service. As of 2026, the free plan allows sending up to 3GB per transfer, with a maximum of 10 transfers within a rolling period of 30 days, and transfer links can be used for up to 3 days. A free account is required for sending, but the recipient can download without creating an account.
If You Exceed 2GB, Smash is Also Interesting
One overseas service with slightly different features is Smash.
In the free version, transfers up to 2GB are prioritized, and files over 2GB can also be sent. However, transfers over 2GB enter a waiting queue.
The maximum public file duration in the free version is 7 days, and it supports password protection. The lack of a requirement for membership registration is also a feature.
Thus, for cases like "the file slightly exceeds 2GB, but there’s no urgent need to send it," it becomes a candidate.
Checklist for Choosing a File Transfer Service
When selecting a service, it’s not enough to just choose "the service with the largest maximum capacity."
- Does it accommodate the size of the file you want to send?
- Is the storage duration suitable for your purpose?
- Can it be used without registration?
- Can the recipient download without registration?
- Is it possible to set a password?
- Is it possible to send multiple files at once?
- Can it be used from a smartphone?
- Is it acceptable if ads or service notices are displayed?
- If used for work, does it meet the terms of use and security requirements?
One frequently overlooked criterion is the storage duration.
Even if you think, "It's okay as long as I can upload," if the storage duration is short, the link may expire before the recipient can download it.
The suitable service varies depending on whether the recipient plans to download immediately or possibly a few days later.
What If You Want to Use it Without Registration?
If you only want to send a file once, the requirement for registration is also critical.
For example, GigaFile, Firestorage, TransferNow, Smash, and others offer free services that can be used without registration.
Conversely, the current free plan of WeTransfer requires the sender to have a free account, but the recipient does not need to register to download.
If you want to "send a file just this once," choosing a service that doesn’t require registration can reduce hassle.
If You Want to Keep Files Rather Than Sending Them Temporarily
File transfer services and online storage may seem similar, but their purposes are slightly different.
File transfer services are primarily suitable for temporary file sharing: "upload the file → give the URL to the other person → have them download it."
On the other hand, online storage solutions like Google Drive and OneDrive are suitable for continuously storing your files or sharing folders.
Firestorage also has storage features, allowing for long-term storage and URL issuance of files.
Thus, if you think, "It's done once I send it," choose a file transfer service; if you want to keep, edit, and share files in the future, opt for online storage.
UploadF is Convenient for Small Files
Many services introduced so far are strong for transferring large files ranging from several GB to hundreds of GB.
However, there are often situations where "I want to quickly pass someone a file that's a few MB to several hundred MB without registration."
For such purposes, UploadF is also an option.
UploadF is a free file uploader that can be used without registering or entering personal information. It works not only on PCs but also on smartphones, and it supports drag-and-drop uploads.
You can upload up to 100 files at once, accommodating a wide range of file formats including PDFs, office files, images, music, videos, and ZIPs.
Moreover, it supports setting storage duration, password configuration, and individual deletion of uploaded files.
It's more suited for those who want to "quickly upload a file and share the URL" rather than just sending humongous files.
Additionally, if you upload an image, you can also utilize web tools for editing the image, OCR, and color code extraction.
For instance, being able to resize images, trim unwanted parts, or add mosaics in a browser before handing them to someone is convenient.
Selecting a File Transfer Service by Purpose
| Purpose | Candidates | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Want to send extremely large files | GigaFile / Firestorage | Supports files up to several hundred GB |
| Want to use overseas services | SwissTransfer / TransferNow | Overseas services compatible with large capacities |
| Want to send over 2GB for free | Smash | Can send over 2GB, although in a waiting process |
| Want to easily send a few GB | TransferNow / Filemail | Supports up to about 5GB |
| Want to use a well-known overseas service | WeTransfer | Widely used overseas |
| Want to send small to medium files without registration | UploadF | No registration required, free, supports multiple files |
| Want to keep files for a long time | Online storage | Suitable for continuous storage and sharing |
Points to Note When Using File Transfer Services
While free file transfer services are extremely convenient, be wary of services that allow anyone who knows the URL to access it.
When sending work documents or personal information, use features like password protection and consider communicating the password through a different method as necessary.
Additionally, if using in a company, it’s important to not choose solely for the reason that it’s a free service but check your company's information security regulations and available services.
Especially when dealing with customer information, contracts, personal information, etc., it may be necessary to use corporate file transfer services or online storage.
Choose a File Transfer Service Based on Use in 2026
As of 2026, there are many file transfer service options available.
However, "the service with the largest maximum capacity" does not necessarily mean it is convenient for everyone.
If you want to send several hundred GB of video, GigaFile or Firestorage would be suitable, while services like SwissTransfer are good for larger files sent easily overseas, and for larger files sent conveniently with TransferNow.
Conversely, if you want to "upload and share a file of around several hundred MB without registering immediately," you do not need to choose a service that accommodates several hundred GB.
For such purposes, using a simple file uploader like UploadF can be a practical approach.
Confirm not just "how many GB can I send," but also "is registration necessary," "how long will it be stored," "can I set a password," and "can the other party easily receive it" to choose a service that suits your needs.
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