7 free file sharing services

File sharing services let you share large files via a download link. They’re particularly convenient for users looking to share multiple files or large files that cannot be shared as email attachments. We'll show you the best free file sharing services.

Updated: November 2022

In traditional filesharing, files are shared in a decentralised peer-to-peer network. In most cases, the files are located on the users’ computers, and software is required for the exchange.

File share programs which allow users to share files via a download link using a browser are secure and easy to use. These filehosters (also sharehosters) offer encryption and password protection even in the free version. Downloads tend to be available for a few days before they’re automatically deleted.

A growing number of file sharing services combine their services with cloud storage and paid subscriptions for sharing larger files.

Which file sharing service is the right one for you depends on your individual requirements:

• Data size: The most important criterion when choosing the right file sharing service is the average size of the files to upload. Ensure that the maximum upload size is sufficient for your purposes.
• Frequency of use: If you frequently use a document sharing platform, it’s worthwhile to use a cloud storage service to share your files directly from your storage. If you only want to generate a link to share a file once in a while, it may be more convenient to use a service without registration.
• Data protection: When sending sensitive files, consider choosing a file sharing provider that complies with strict data protection guidelines.
• Security standards: When uploading and downloading, the IP address of users who don’t use a VPN can be publicly visible and vulnerable. A secure file sharing provider protects these operations, for example, through encryption.

Below are some of the top free file sharing services suitable for sharing files that cannot be sent as email attachments. Cloud storage providers like Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud or Box are excluded. While these do include file-sharing tools, they’re mainly suitable for backing up photos, documents, music files, and videos. However, a growing number of file sharers are also offering cloud storage features.

With HiDrive Share you can upload files up to 2 GB free of charge, securely and without registration. Just send the generated download link by email or messenger to selected users. You can select as many users as you want. Downloading files is possible as often as needed. After seven days the download link expires, and all uploaded data is deleted completely. HiDrive Share offers high cloud security standards through protected UK GDPR compliant servers.

With File.io you can upload files of up to 2 GB free of charge and without registration. You share a download link with selected users by email or messenger. They can then download the files once before the files are auto deleted. For $25 (around £20) a month, users can share files up to 10 GB in size with unlimited file downloads and optional auto-delete. File.io also acts as cloud storage with 2 TB storage volume. If you need even higher data volumes, you can upgrade to the premium package and share files up 100 GB in size.

Swiss Transfer is a service provided by Swiss web hosting company Infomaniak. Users can share up to 50 GB in files for free. Swiss Transfer adheres to Swiss data protection standards. Files can be shared using a download link valid for a maximum of 30 days or via email. Downloads are protected using a password.

WeTransfer is among the best-known file or cloud-sharing services and can be used without installation or registration. Without registration, you can share up to 2 GB of files for free. A Pro subscription increases the upload volume to 1 TB. The process is simple. Just enter your email address and that of your recipient. Once the upload is finished, the recipient receives a download link. Password protection and customised length of link validity are only available in the Pro subscription.

Filemail was founded in Norway and offers the convenient option of sending large files via email for free. It’s a cloud-based service that can be used on a browser or via the app. The recipient receives a download link. When using Filemail for free, you can specify whether the download should be available for one or seven days. If you register, you get access to free storage and a download volume of 5 GB and benefit from virus checks and encryption. In the Pro variant, download availability can be extended.

TransferNow is a convenient and registration-free file sharing service to send files up to 5 GB in size. For a higher upload volume, you can increase it to 100 GB by subscribing for €8.33 (around £7) a month. The premium version provides 1 TB of storage, turning TransferNow into cloud storage. Each file transfer is HTTPS-protected.

Dropbox Transfer has the advantage that many people are already familiar with Dropbox. The file hosting service is one of the market leaders among cloud storage services, alongside Google Drive and OneDrive. But Dropbox alternatives also make for plenty of competition. With Dropbox Transfer, you can send up to 100 MB for free using a download link. To do this, register for free or log in with your existing Dropbox account.