Tips and tricks
15 Free File Transfer Solutions Tested in 2025
12 min read
Sending large files for free can be frustrating when you discover WeTransfer's limits of only 2 GB. Did you know that some alternatives allow you to send up to 50 GB without spending a penny? As regular users of file transfer services, we have tested numerous solutions to find the most efficient ones in 2025. Transferring large files is now possible without constraints thanks to alternatives like Smash, which offers unlimited transfers, or SwissTransfer, which allows you to send up to 50 GB for free. However, our preference goes to Drime, a French solution for free large file transfers that offers 100 GB of transfer at no cost through its platform transfers.drime.cloud. If you're looking for a reliable free WeTransfer alternative, this comparative guide is for you. We have analyzed in detail 15 free file transfer services, considering their limits, ease of use, and security features. Notably, some like Tresorit Send offer end-to-end encryption, while others like 4Shared keep your files for 180 days, much longer than WeTransfer's 7-day retention period. First, we'll explore Drime, our preferred solution, before introducing you to the 14 other alternatives that could meet your specific needs for sharing large files.
Drime
Among the numerous free large file transfer solutions, Drime stands out as a particularly powerful French alternative. Unlike other services that drastically limit their free features, Drime adopts a generous approach that deserves our attention.
Why Drime is the Best Free Solution
Drime outperforms competitors with its exceptional free file transfer capacity of up to 100 GB at no cost. This limit far exceeds that of WeTransfer (2 GB) or TransferNow (5 GB). Moreover, recipients don't need to create an account to access shared files. Drime also offers 20 GB of free cloud storage, allowing you not only to send files but also to store them securely.
Drime for Large File Transfers
For sending large files, Drime particularly excels. The platform enables you to quickly upload large videos and documents exceeding 100 GB, then share them instantly via a simple link. A remarkable feature is the ability to preview and edit these files directly in the cloud without prior downloading. This proves especially useful for high-resolution videos or complex design files.
Security and Signature Features
When it comes to security, Drime makes no compromises. All files benefit from military-grade encryption during transfer (TLS) and are stored in secure data centers in France. The platform offers seven distinct permission levels to precisely control who can access your files.
Additionally, Drime integrates an advanced electronic signature feature. Drime Sign enables you to obtain legally binding electronic signatures compliant with eIDAS regulation. You can thus secure your important contracts and protect your intellectual property directly from the platform.
Drime's Pricing and Free Plan
Drime's free plan includes 20 GB of encrypted cloud storage and the ability to transfer files up to 100 GB. For those needing more capacity, Drime offers several paid plans:
Starter at $2.99/month: 500 GB storage
Essentials at $5.50/month: 2 TB storage
Professional at $10.99/month: 3 TB storage
Advanced at $19.99/month: 6 TB storage
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free. Additionally, Drime provides 24/7 customer support to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Tips and tricks
Tips and tricks
15 Free File Transfer Solutions Tested in 2025
12 min read
12 min read
Sending large files for free can be frustrating when you discover WeTransfer's limits of only 2 GB. Did you know that some alternatives allow you to send up to 50 GB without spending a penny? As regular users of file transfer services, we have tested numerous solutions to find the most efficient ones in 2025. Transferring large files is now possible without constraints thanks to alternatives like Smash, which offers unlimited transfers, or SwissTransfer, which allows you to send up to 50 GB for free. However, our preference goes to Drime, a French solution for free large file transfers that offers 100 GB of transfer at no cost through its platform transfers.drime.cloud. If you're looking for a reliable free WeTransfer alternative, this comparative guide is for you. We have analyzed in detail 15 free file transfer services, considering their limits, ease of use, and security features. Notably, some like Tresorit Send offer end-to-end encryption, while others like 4Shared keep your files for 180 days, much longer than WeTransfer's 7-day retention period. First, we'll explore Drime, our preferred solution, before introducing you to the 14 other alternatives that could meet your specific needs for sharing large files.
Drime
Among the numerous free large file transfer solutions, Drime stands out as a particularly powerful French alternative. Unlike other services that drastically limit their free features, Drime adopts a generous approach that deserves our attention.
Why Drime is the Best Free Solution
Drime outperforms competitors with its exceptional free file transfer capacity of up to 100 GB at no cost. This limit far exceeds that of WeTransfer (2 GB) or TransferNow (5 GB). Moreover, recipients don't need to create an account to access shared files. Drime also offers 20 GB of free cloud storage, allowing you not only to send files but also to store them securely.
Drime for Large File Transfers
For sending large files, Drime particularly excels. The platform enables you to quickly upload large videos and documents exceeding 100 GB, then share them instantly via a simple link. A remarkable feature is the ability to preview and edit these files directly in the cloud without prior downloading. This proves especially useful for high-resolution videos or complex design files.
Security and Signature Features
When it comes to security, Drime makes no compromises. All files benefit from military-grade encryption during transfer (TLS) and are stored in secure data centers in France. The platform offers seven distinct permission levels to precisely control who can access your files.
Additionally, Drime integrates an advanced electronic signature feature. Drime Sign enables you to obtain legally binding electronic signatures compliant with eIDAS regulation. You can thus secure your important contracts and protect your intellectual property directly from the platform.
Drime's Pricing and Free Plan
Drime's free plan includes 20 GB of encrypted cloud storage and the ability to transfer files up to 100 GB. For those needing more capacity, Drime offers several paid plans:
Starter at $2.99/month: 500 GB storage
Essentials at $5.50/month: 2 TB storage
Professional at $10.99/month: 3 TB storage
Advanced at $19.99/month: 6 TB storage
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free. Additionally, Drime provides 24/7 customer support to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Smash
Smash distinguishes itself among free file transfer services with its approach of having no theoretical size limit. This French solution, based in Lyon, offers an interesting alternative for sending large files.
Unlimited Transfer with Smash
Unlike other platforms, Smash imposes no theoretical limit on file sizes for transfer, even in its free version. You can send files as large as your internet connection allows, without requiring registration. However, it's important to note that while large file transfer is unlimited, files remain available for only 7 days in the free version. This duration is significantly shorter than the permanent 20 GB storage offered by Drime.
Transfer Speed and Queue
However, the free version of Smash has a significant limitation: files exceeding 2 GB are placed in a queue. Specifically, during a large transfer, the upload process proceeds normally, but server-side optimization is delayed, which slows down availability for recipients. For instance, a 20 GB transfer may upload quickly but will remain pending before becoming available to your recipients. Thus, Smash prioritizes transfers from premium users, while Drime offers 100 GB of transfer without any queuing system.
Customization of Smash Links
Smash enables file sharing either directly through email or via an automatically generated link. The free version also includes the ability to protect your transfers with a password. Additionally, recipients can preview certain file types (images, videos, audio) before downloading them. However, complete customization of links and download pages with logos and wallpapers is exclusively available in paid plans.
Smash Pricing
Smash's pricing structure is divided into several offerings:
Free: Up to 2 GB per priority transfer (queuing system for larger files), 7-day availability
Pro: €5/month, up to 250 GB per transfer, 1 TB storage, 30-day availability
Team: For 10 users, up to 500 GB per transfer, 2 TB storage
Enterprise: Custom solution with unlimited users
In comparison, Drime offers a more generous free plan with 100 GB of transfer without queuing and 20 GB of permanent storage, making it a more advantageous alternative for regular large transfers.
Developed by the Swiss company Infomaniak, SwissTransfer stands as a free file transfer solution that emphasizes security and user-friendliness, although its size limit is half that of Drime.
Transfer up to 50 GB with SwissTransfer
SwissTransfer enables users to send large files up to 50 GB, significantly surpassing WeTransfer's 2 GB limit. Files remain accessible for 30 days, compared to WeTransfer's 7-day retention period. This extended duration provides greater flexibility for recipients. However, Drime maintains its advantage with a transfer limit of 100 GB without any queuing system. Additionally, SwissTransfer allows up to 500 transfers per day, potentially enabling users to transmit up to 25 TB of data daily.
Security and Swiss Hosting
One of the key strengths of this service lies in its Swiss hosting, a country renowned for its stringent data protection laws. The files are stored in Tier 3+ certified data centers located in Geneva, ensuring a high level of confidentiality. SwissTransfer employs AES-128 encryption to secure data and implements TLS protocol during transfers. However, unlike Drime which offers military-grade encryption, SwissTransfer does not provide end-to-end encryption.
Use Without Registration
SwissTransfer requires no prior registration, making the platform particularly accessible. Its intuitive interface works through simple drag-and-drop functionality, and the service is available in five different languages. To enhance transfer security, several options are offered: setting an access password, customizing link validity duration, and limiting the number of authorized downloads. By default, each file can be downloaded up to 1000 times.
To facilitate usage, extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox browsers, and the service can be accessed via web, iOS, and Android platforms. However, some users report relatively slow transfer speeds, ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 MB/s even with a good internet connection.
Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere offers a distinctive approach to free file transfer with its real-time sharing system. This solution, launched in 2012, stands out for its unique method of exchanging large files, although its limitations are lower compared to Drime.
Real-time Transfer with Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere particularly distinguishes itself through its direct "1-to-1" real-time transfer functionality. This system enables instant file exchange between two devices without storing them on an intermediate server. For direct transfers, there is no size limit, unlike Drime's 100 GB offering. However, for transfers via sharing links, a 10 GB restriction applies to free users. Three transfer methods are available: direct transfer with a key, link sharing, and direct sending to a specific device.
6-Digit Security Key
The security system primarily relies on a unique 6-digit key generated for each transfer. This key functions as a temporary password that the recipient must enter to access the files. Additionally, each transfer is encrypted to ensure data confidentiality. This code ensures that only the intended recipient can receive the files, adding an extra layer of protection. I particularly appreciate this system for confidential transfers, though Drime offers more security options with its military-grade encryption.
Limited Availability Duration
The main limitation of Send Anywhere relates to file availability duration. For transfers using 6-digit keys, files remain accessible for only 10 minutes. Once this time elapses, the key automatically expires and transfer becomes impossible. For link-based sharing, files stay available for 48 hours, which is significantly less than permanent solutions like Drime that offers 20 GB of free storage without time restrictions. Additionally, the instant transfer mode automatically destroys the link after 10 minutes, regardless of whether the file has been downloaded or not.
Although Send Anywhere offers a premium version called Sendy PRO allowing transfers up to 50 GB, its free version remains limited compared to Drime, which freely offers double that amount through its transfers.drime.cloud service.
TransferNow
TransferNow provides a French solution for free large file transfer with particular emphasis on security and simplicity. While its free limits are modest compared to Drime, its features are suitable for basic sharing needs.
Secure Transfer with TransferNow
TransferNow takes security seriously by implementing data encryption during transfer via SSL/TLS protocol, as well as at rest using the advanced encryption standard AES-256 bits. To enhance confidentiality, each encryption key is itself encrypted with a set of regularly rotating master keys. Password protection is available even in the free version, restricting access to authorized individuals only. However, unlike the end-to-end encryption offered by Drime, if you lose the password associated with a transfer, it becomes technically impossible to recover the stored files.
File Reception Features
For receiving files, TransferNow offers multiple options: requesting files via email by sending a secure link to senders, or generating a shareable upload link. Free users can receive files through simple requests, but advanced features like customizable web forms are reserved for paid versions. A notification is sent as soon as a new file becomes available. Moreover, unlike Drime which offers 20 GB of permanent storage, TransferNow does not provide any storage in its free plan.
Pricing and Advanced Options
TransferNow's free plan limits transfers to 5 GB per send with only 7 days of availability, far below the 100 GB offered by Drime through its transfers.drime.cloud platform. For additional features, TransferNow offers:
Premium Plan: €8/month, 250 GB per transfer, extended availability to 365 days, 500 GB storage
Team Plan: €24/month, 500 GB per transfer, 2000 GB shared storage
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing with tailored options
The dashboard in paid versions allows real-time monitoring of transfer activity with download notifications. Interface customization with company logo and colors is also available. Ultimately, while TransferNow offers interesting features for professionals, its free limitations remain considerably lower than solutions like Drime, which offers twenty times more free capacity.
FileMail
Filemail emphasizes simplicity with its no-account-required file transfer approach, though its free limits are more modest compared to Drime. This solution offers an appealing alternative for users seeking a no-commitment option.
No-Account Transfers with FileMail
FileMail enables sending large files up to 5 GB for free via shared links or email. This capacity is significantly lower than the 100 GB offered by Drime on transfers.drime.cloud. However, no registration is required to use this service, streamlining the user experience. Recipients also enjoy download access without creating an account. Regarding security, FileMail implements password protection, end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and antivirus scanning. Nevertheless, without Drime's AES 256-bit encryption, this protection remains less robust.
Available Applications and Plugins
FileMail's ecosystem includes several native applications to facilitate free large file transfers:
Desktop applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux with UDP acceleration enabling transfer speeds superior to standard TCP protocol
Mobile applications for iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android
Microsoft Outlook plugin allowing direct sending from the email client
These applications provide additional features like resuming interrupted transfers and automatic downloading. Indeed, the UDP acceleration technology used in desktop applications enables faster transfer rates compared to traditional web-based solutions. However, unlike Drime which offers eIDAS-compliant PDF editing and electronic signatures, FileMail is limited to transfer functions only.
Transfer Tracking
FileMail provides detailed tracking capabilities for shared files. Users receive email notifications when recipients download their files. The system also allows monitoring of who has accessed shared files, along with the approximate physical location of downloads. This transparency helps identify individuals who haven't responded to file requests.
Files sent through FileMail remain available for only 7 days, compared to SwissTransfer's 30-day retention and Drime's permanent 20 GB storage offering. For professional needs, FileMail offers a $10 monthly subscription that includes all advanced features. For those seeking a more comprehensive solution, Drime remains more advantageous with its collaboration features and Starter plan at just €2.99 per month.
Tresorit Send
Focused on maximum security, Tresorit Send offers a free file transfer solution where data protection is the absolute priority, although its capabilities remain inferior to those of Drime. This Swiss service particularly stands out for its advanced encryption technologies.
End-to-End Encryption
Tresorit Send employs end-to-end encryption that encrypts files directly on your device before transmission. This approach ensures documents remain protected from the moment they are sent until they reach the recipient. The technology utilizes a combination of AES-256 algorithms for symmetric encryption and RSA-4096 for asymmetric encryption. Furthermore, Tresorit adopts a "zero-knowledge" architecture, meaning even their own employees cannot access your files. However, Drime also offers AES-256-bit encryption while providing 20 GB of free storage compared to just 5 GB for Tresorit Send.
Password Protection
To enhance transfer security, Tresorit Send allows users to easily add password protection to shared links. This additional safeguard prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing files. However, an important precaution: never lose the password you set, as it isn't stored on Tresorit's servers and therefore cannot be recovered. For optimal security, it's recommended to send the link and password through separate communication channels. While this feature is available for free, Drime offers similar options with significantly higher transfer capacity (100 GB versus 5 GB).
Download Notifications
Regarding tracking, Tresorit Send offers particularly useful notification features. You can receive an email whenever a recipient opens the sharing link. This system not only lets you know when your files are accessed but also allows you to monitor any potentially unauthorized access. Additionally, access logs are available for 90 days after a link expires or is revoked. These traceability features provide additional control over shared files, although Drime offers similar capabilities through its transfers.drime.cloud service while providing a transfer limit twenty times higher.
Files shared through Tresorit Send remain available for 7 days, which matches FileMail's duration but falls significantly short of SwissTransfer's 30-day retention period or Drime's permanent storage option.
BlueFiles
BlueFiles positions itself as a French secure message and document exchange solution (MFT) specifically designed for professionals seeking to comply with regulatory standards. However, its free tier limitations remain notably lower than Drime's offering.
BlueFiles Regulatory Compliance
Regarding compliance, BlueFiles strictly adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The platform streamlines GDPR rule implementation across all business exchanges, thereby reducing processing time and costs. Moreover, BlueFiles is among the few solutions recognized at the European level and exclusively utilizes European infrastructure, ensuring complete digital sovereignty. The solution has obtained the ANSSI Security Visa, and its hosting provider holds SecNumCloud and HDS (Health Data Hosting) certifications, guaranteeing optimal protection for sensitive data. As for traceability, the system automatically maintains a comprehensive history of all sharing activities.
Strong Authentication and Security
BlueFiles employs end-to-end encryption that safeguards data before transmission. The "BluePass" service ensures robust user authentication, with the option to enable two-factor authentication via TOTP. Passwords are protected using a secure hashing algorithm (SCRYPT), unlike unsalted systems used by other platforms. This means you maintain control over your files even after sharing by managing access rights in real-time. In comparison, Drime also offers AES 256-bit encryption but with significantly higher transfer capacity.
BlueFiles Pricing
BlueFiles' free plan comes with substantial limitations: transfers up to only 25 MB, 10 monthly transfers, and 5-day availability. In contrast, Drime offers free transfers up to 100 GB through its transfers.drime.cloud platform. For user licenses, BlueFiles charges €5.75 per month per user, allowing transfers between 2 to 4 GB. Site licenses with capacities ranging from 2 to 8 GB are also available upon request. An On-Premises solution is offered for those who wish to host the service on their own servers. For advanced professional needs, Drime's Starter plan at €2.99/month with 500 GB storage presents a more economical and generous alternative.
pCloud Transfer
pCloud Transfer offers a lightweight free file transfer solution with modest limitations but a hassle-free approach. However, its restrictions are considerably stricter than those of Drime, particularly regarding file size limitations.
Transfer Without Registration
pCloud Transfer enables users to send files up to 5 GB for free without any prior registration. This capacity remains significantly lower than the 100 GB offered by Drime through transfers.drime.cloud. Additionally, pCloud Transfer imposes a 200 MB limit per individual file, which can be restrictive for large videos or presentations. File sharing is accomplished either through link generation or direct email transmission. Unlike services such as SwissTransfer, which retains files for 30 days, pCloud Transfer links remain active for only 7 days, while Drime provides 20 GB of permanent storage.
Password Protection
Regarding security, pCloud Transfer implements data encryption. This encryption option serves as effective protection against hackers and malicious software. When this feature is activated, your messages are also encrypted, adding an extra layer of confidentiality. However, it's important to note that password protection for shared links is exclusively available to premium users, whereas Drime offers this functionality even in its free plan.
User-Friendly Interface
pCloud Transfer's interface stands out for its ease of use. With no account creation or software installation required, the service is entirely web-based. I particularly appreciate the drag-and-drop functionality that allows for quick file additions. This intuitive design makes large file sharing accessible to users of all technical skill levels.
To use this service, I only need a valid email address. After adding my email, I receive a link that I can forward to my recipient. For sensitive files, SJCL (Stanford JavaScript Crypto Library) technology helps secure transfers with password protection. However, this solution remains limited compared to Drime, which offers not only AES 256-bit encryption but also advanced features like PDF editing and eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures.
FileVert
FileVert takes a unique approach in the world of free file transfer by positioning itself as an eco-responsible and virtuous solution. This French platform promises reduced environmental impact, unlike Drime which prioritizes capacity with its 100 GB of free transfer.
Low Carbon Transfer
FileVert distinguishes itself through its ecological commitment by offering a file transfer service designed to minimize digital carbon footprint. The platform uses French servers powered 100% by renewable energy, with an innovative and energy-efficient cooling system. Additionally, files are kept only for a short duration before being securely deleted, thus reducing resource consumption. This ephemeral data approach contrasts with Drime's 20 GB permanent storage offering, which focuses more on long-term file availability.
Environmental Impact Tracking
FileVert's truly distinctive feature lies in its transparency regarding environmental impact. With each transfer, I receive the exact number of kWh consumed along with the associated carbon footprint. This functionality helps raise awareness about often-overlooked digital pollution. Furthermore, FileVert fully compensates for the generated carbon emissions through its partnership with the GoodPlanet Foundation. For every ton of CO2 reached, the platform makes a donation to support environmental projects. Additionally, FileVert is recognized by the Institute of Responsible Digital and certified by the Green Web Foundation, ensuring its commitment to sustainable development.
Responsible Pricing
While FileVert's free offering is notably more limited than Drime's, it still provides a no-cost service including 2 GB per transfer, 3 daily transfers, 5 downloads per transfer, and 48-hour availability. In comparison, Drime offers free transfers of up to 100 GB through transfers.drime.cloud, which is fifty times more. For greater needs, FileVert offers paid "solidarity" and "PRO" subscriptions, while Drime remains more competitive with its Starter plan at just €2.99 per month, including 500 GB of storage, compared to €6.25 monthly for FileVert's SOLO version (20 GB).
Despite these limitations, FileVert remains a wise choice for users wanting to combine technological convenience with ecological responsibility, particularly for those who prioritize digital sobriety over maximizing transfer capabilities.
Google Drive
Unlike Drime, American tech giant Google offers a cloud storage solution called Drive that limits its free offering to 15 GB. Nevertheless, this option remains popular for free file transfers due to its seamless integration with the Google ecosystem.
Free Storage up to 15 GB
Google Drive provides 15 GB of free storage space that is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. This limit falls short of the 20 GB offered free by Drime. Moreover, since June 2021, even documents created with Google's office suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) count against this quota. A simple modification to an existing document now factors into the storage space calculation. To manage this limited space, Google offers several tools for cleanup, particularly for emptying the trash or removing unwanted emails.
Collaborative Sharing with Google Drive
Google Drive's major strength lies in its collaborative features. I can easily share files or folders by granting read, comment, or edit permissions. To share a file, I simply select the item, click "Share," and enter the recipient's email address. The real-time collaboration enables multiple users to work simultaneously on the same document. In comparison, Drime offers similar capabilities but with seven different permission levels, providing more precise control over file access.
Progressive Pricing
To increase available space beyond the free 15 GB, Google offers a service called Google One with several plans:
Basic: 100 GB of space for Photos, Drive, and Gmail
Premium: 2 TB of storage space
AI Premium: 2 TB + Gemini Advanced
These plans allow sharing storage space with up to five people. However, in terms of value for money, Drime proves more generous with its Starter plan at just €2.99/month for 500 GB, compared to €1.99/month for 100 GB with Google One. Additionally, Drime includes advanced features like PDF editing and eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures in its plans, while Google charges separately for these options.
Dropbox Transfer
Dropbox Transfer provides an integrated file sharing solution within the Dropbox ecosystem, with significant limitations in its free version compared to Drime. This service enables users to send files without requiring collaboration, making it ideal for sharing finalized contracts or completed deliverables.
Download Notifications
Dropbox Transfer includes a tracking system that sends alerts when recipients download your transfers. This feature not only informs you when your files have been received but also shows you the exact number of times your link has been accessed. Additionally, I can easily monitor who has accessed my files, ensuring that my important documents reach their intended recipients. In comparison, Drime offers similar functionality but with more comprehensive sharing options and detailed access analytics.
Free Version Limitations
The free version of Dropbox Transfer (Dropbox Basic) comes with substantial restrictions:
Limited to only 2 GB per transfer, compared to Drime's 100 GB via transfers.drime.cloud
Files are available for just 7 days, unlike Drime's permanent 20 GB storage
No password protection or customization features
After expiration, transfers remain recoverable for 30 days before permanent deletion, while Drime offers permanent storage with no expiration date. Furthermore, some sources indicate an even more restrictive limit of 100 MB for the free version, although Dropbox's official information states 2 GB.
Integration with Dropbox
The main advantage of this service lies in its native integration with the Dropbox ecosystem. Users can create transfers through the dropbox.com website, desktop application, or iOS mobile app. This integration allows direct addition of files stored in your Dropbox account without requiring prior downloads. However, unlike Drime which offers PDF editing and eIDAS-compliant electronic signature features, Dropbox Transfer focuses solely on file sharing.
Drime significantly outperforms Dropbox Transfer for free large file transfers with an uncompromising offer: 100 GB transfer capacity and 20 GB permanent storage, compared to just 2 GB temporary storage with Dropbox. For professionals seeking a more generous free wetransfer alternative, Drime therefore represents a clearly superior option.
Hightail
Designed for creative teams, Hightail focuses on visual content collaboration, offering more specialized features than Drime but with more restrictive limitations regarding free file transfers.
Collaborative Platform for Creatives
Hightail targets creative professionals by providing tools to streamline approval processes and centralize feedback. The platform enables collecting comments and resources in one place, facilitating exchanges between team members. Unlike Drime, which offers a comprehensive solution with 100 GB free transfer and 20 GB permanent storage, Hightail significantly limits its free version. Additionally, users can assign tasks with deadlines and track project progress. However, this visual project management remains less flexible than Drime's approach, which also integrates PDF editing and electronic signatures in a unified interface.
File Preview
Hightail's main strength lies in its ability to preview numerous file formats without requiring prior downloads. The platform supports an extensive range of formats: images, documents, animated GIFs, HTML, presentations, Photoshop files, PDFs, videos, audio files, and even CAD files. Notably, these high-resolution previews are accessible even for recipients who don't have a Hightail account. For collaborators wishing to comment directly on creations, Hightail enables adding precise and contextualized annotations. Additionally, the side-by-side comparison feature makes it easy to identify changes between two versions of the same file.
Team Pricing
Hightail's limitations become evident in its pricing structure. The LITE (free) version drastically restricts transfers to only 100 MB per file, far below the 100 GB offered by Drime through transfers.drime.cloud. As for paid plans:
Teams: $24.99/user/month for up to 30 users, transfers limited to 50 GB
Business: $36.99/user/month for 3+ users, transfers up to 500 GB
These rates are significantly higher than Drime's Starter plan at $2.99/month, which includes 500 GB of storage. Moreover, while Hightail's paid plans include creative collaboration and project management features, they lack PDF editing and eIDAS-compliant electronic signature capabilities that Drime offers.
Wormhole
Wormhole approaches free file transfer from the perspective of ephemerality and absolute discretion. Unlike Drime, which prioritizes space (100 GB) and persistence, Wormhole focuses entirely on temporary confidentiality and ease of use.
Ephemeral and Secure Transfer
Wormhole distinguishes itself through its temporary sharing philosophy. Links generated for file access automatically expire after just 24 hours or immediately once the recipient downloads the file. This approach significantly reduces data exposure on the internet and prevents any unwanted prolonged access. In comparison, Drime offers 20 GB of permanent storage, enabling long-term access when needed. Additionally, Wormhole caps transfers at 10 GB, considerably below the 100 GB offered by Drime through its transfers.drime.cloud platform.
A notable advantage of Wormhole lies in its sharing speed. Recipients can begin downloading files before the sender's upload process is complete. However, this feature becomes less beneficial for larger files where the 10 GB limit quickly becomes restrictive.
End-to-End Encryption
Security stands as Wormhole's strongest feature with robust end-to-end encryption. Files are encrypted upon sending, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the data. Technically, Wormhole employs 128-bit AES-GCM encryption, while Drime provides superior protection with its 256-bit AES encryption.
Notably, the encryption key never leaves your computer, ensuring that neither Wormhole nor your internet service provider can access your transfer contents. This level of privacy surpasses many competitors like WeTransfer.
Account-Free Usage
Accessibility represents a major advantage of Wormhole. The service requires no registration or account creation, allowing immediate, friction-free usage. The intuitive interface works through simple drag-and-drop, instantly generating a shareable link. Available across all web browsers and as software for Windows and macOS, the service remains accessible regardless of your platform.
However, unlike Drime, which combines this ease of use with advanced features such as PDF editing and eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures, Wormhole focuses solely on secure ephemeral transfers.
MediaFire
MediaFire stands as one of the pioneering platforms for free file transfer, offering a service that, while less generous than Drime, maintains its popularity in 2025. This solution enables easy storage and sharing of photos, videos, and documents online, though its limitations become apparent when compared to Drime's 100 GB transfer allowance.
Free Cloud Storage
MediaFire provides a free storage space of 10 GB that can be expanded to 50 GB by completing specific actions such as downloading the mobile application or referring friends. However, this volume falls short of Drime's free 20 GB offering. Additionally, individual files are restricted to 4 GB in the free version, which can prove limiting for high-definition videos or large creative projects.
The platform distinguishes itself through its ability to store various file types (photos, videos, audio, documents) and provide access from any device. I particularly appreciate that deleted files remain recoverable for 21 days, providing additional protection against accidental deletions.
Quick File Sharing
Regarding sharing capabilities, MediaFire enables easy generation of links for files or entire folders. I can share through email, social media, or via a simple link. The "One-Time Link" feature proves especially valuable for sensitive documents, as it prevents recipients from forwarding the link to others.
However, unlike Drime which provides seven different permission levels, MediaFire's access control options remain restricted in its free version. Furthermore, free downloads include advertisements, which can detract from the user experience.
Premium Features
To access advanced capabilities, MediaFire offers two paid subscriptions:
Pro at $6.99 monthly: 1 TB storage, ad-free experience, complete folder downloads, password protection, and one-time links
Business at $50 monthly: 2 TB storage for 100 users, custom branding, and detailed security logging.
These premium tiers address many limitations of the free version, though they represent a significant investment compared to other cloud storage solutions.
In comparison, Drime's Starter plan at just $2.99/month with 500 GB proves far more economical. Moreover, unlike MediaFire which focuses solely on storage and sharing, Drime integrates PDF editing, eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures, and an AI assistant within a unified interface secured by AES 256-bit encryption.
Conclusion
After our comprehensive analysis of 15 free file transfer solutions in 2025, Drime undoubtedly stands out as the optimal choice for sending large files. Indeed, no other service matches its generous 100 GB free transfer limit combined with 20 GB of permanent storage. While platforms like Smash theoretically offer unlimited transfers, their practical limitations such as queuing systems or restricted retention periods make them less advantageous for daily use.
Furthermore, security represents a decisive criterion in our comparison. While Tresorit Send and BlueFiles offer impressive end-to-end encryption, Drime makes no compromises with its military-grade AES-256 bit encryption. This robust protection, coupled with seven distinct permission levels, ensures complete control over your sensitive data.
Beyond simple file transfer, Drime also distinguishes itself through its advanced features. Unlike SwissTransfer or pCloud Transfer which are limited to basic sharing, Drime enables you to edit PDFs, preview files before downloading, obtain detailed statistics on your shares, and even electronically sign documents in compliance with eIDAS regulations. All these capabilities are accessible from a unified and intuitive interface.
Ultimately, our comparison reveals that Drime offers the best value for money in the market. While WeTransfer limits free users to just 2 GB and FileVert offers only 5 GB, Drime revolutionizes standards with its free 100 GB offering via transfers.drime.cloud. For more substantial professional needs, its Starter plan at $2.99/month also proves more economical than alternatives like Google One or Dropbox. I therefore encourage you to try Drime today and discover for yourself why this French solution surpasses all market alternatives in 2025.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best free solution for transferring large files in 2025?
Drime emerges as the leading free solution, providing up to 100 GB of transfer capacity and 20 GB of permanent storage at no cost. It outperforms other options in terms of both capacity and features.
Q2. How can I send files larger than 2 GB for free?
Several services enable free transfers of files exceeding 2 GB. Drime offers up to 100 GB, SwissTransfer provides up to 50 GB, and Smash offers theoretically unlimited transfers, though subject to practical limitations.
Q3. What security options are available for transferring confidential files?
Multiple solutions provide advanced security features. Drime implements AES-256 bit encryption, Tresorit Send and Wormhole offer end-to-end encryption, while others like pCloud Transfer enable password protection for shared links.
Q4. Are there any environmentally conscious file transfer solutions?
Yes, FileVert positions itself as an eco-friendly solution, operating servers powered entirely by renewable energy and providing tracking of the ecological impact for each transfer.
Q5. What advanced features can be found in modern file transfer services?
Modern services like Drime offer sophisticated features including PDF editing, eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures, file preview capabilities, and detailed sharing analytics. Other platforms, such as Hightail, provide collaboration tools designed for creative teams.
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