If you’ve ever tried to send large files for free via email, you know it can be troublesome because of file-size limitations.
Some file-sharing services put a size limit on the file being transferred, making it impossible to share a movie clip with friends or present a sample of your work to a client.
And still, others require you to sign up for an account, which can be a hassle.
In this article, we offer seven tools through you can send large files for free.
These tools can be used either when using a phone (apps) or a web browser on your PC.
1. WeTransfer
WeTransfer is one of the most used file-sharing solutions and offers one of the easiest and most straightforward ways to share your files.
WeTransfer lets the users share large files of almost any format.
You can share files up to 2GB over WeTransfer at a time, which is way more than most of the traditional email attachment size.
It’s free, you don’t need to register, you can upload and send files as often as you like, and with to up to 20 people at a time.
Along with the simplicity of usage, WeTransfer file download link is sent via email, and valid for seven days.
You can sign up for WeTransfer here. (The video shows how the use the software)
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2. Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere is one of the newest file-sharing services and it works in your web browser and you can also download an app on your phone.
It’s compatible with all operating systems, meaning you can use Send Anywhere to share files securely between iOS and Android devices, and PCs and Macs.
Send Anywhere uses a peer-to-peer approach to file sharing, which means you aren’t leaving any files in the cloud that could be spied by prying eyes.
To send a file (up to 4GB) in a web browser, it’s as simple as putting in your email address and the recipients, a subject and optional message, and hitting Send.
If you use the Chrome extension or Outlook plugin the limit is 10GB, while it’s 20GB on Android /iOS and unlimited if you use the Windows app.
Both the file sender and recipient don’t have to sign up to use the web version, so it is easier to use.
Access Send Anywhere here.
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3. pCloud Transfer
With pCloud Transfer, you can send large files up to 5GB up to 10 people. You don’t have to undergo any registration process.
You can also send encrypted files so the transfer is even more secure. You just have to provide the password to the user you are sending it to.
You also get notified every time the recipients download your link, which is pretty neat. The encryption option and the 5GB limit per transfer blow out most similar wannabe service out there.
Access pCloud Transfer here.
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4. Mail Drop
Another to send large files for free for those using Macs is by using the Mail Drop application.
Mail Drop uses iCloud to upload a file to the web and then generates a link that the recipient can use to download and access the file.
Even if the recipient doesn’t use Mail or even if they don’t use a Mac at all, they’ll still be able to access the file.
If the recipient does use Mail, though, the file will automatically be downloaded as an attachment on the email.
Read more about Mail Drop here.
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5. Dropbox
Dropbox is probably the best-known cloud service of the lot. It’s an online storage service through which you can share files whether or not the recipient is a member.
Dropbox Basic users are given 2GB of free storage space and get up to 16GB free with referrals. Paid plans are also available for businesses.
It works with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
See: How to recall a mistakenly sent email on Gmail
Dropbox’s apps offer an automatic photo uploading feature, allowing users to automatically upload photos or videos from cameras, tablets, SD cards, or smartphones to a dedicated “Camera Uploads” folder in their Dropbox.
Users are given 500MB of extra space for uploading their first photo and are given up to 3GB of extra space if users continue using the method for more photos.
You can sign up for Dropbox here
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6. OneDrive
OneDrive (previously SkyDrive) is similar to Dropbox and Google Drive basing on its functionality.
OneDrive offers you up to 15GB of file storage using Microsoft’s cloud service, and if you want more you can get it through referrals. You can also link the app to your phone’s Gallery app.
See: How to spot a fake email and avoid getting conned
But more importantly, you can use OneDrive to share files for free. Any file that is stored in OneDrive can be sent to a friend quickly and easily just by pressing the Share button.
Access OneDrive here.
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7. Google Drive
Google Drive is similar to Dropbox and OneDrive. Google Drive gives you space to store files on the web so you can access them from anywhere.
Google Drive allows users to store files on their servers, synchronize files across devices, and share files.
GoogleDrive offers apps with offline capabilities for Windows and MacOS computers, and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
See: Google Drive set to upgrade to Google 1
Google Drive offers users 15GB of free storage linked to your Google account. which is shared across files in Google Drive, messages and attachments in Gmail, and pictures and videos in Google Photos.
Google Drive has a website that allows users to see their files from any Internet-connected computer, without the need to download an app.
You can sign up for Google Drive here
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