SharingCastBest Free WeTransfer Alternatives
Options for when you need to send a large file without WeTransfer's limits or wait
In this guide
Why people look for a WeTransfer alternative
For years WeTransfer was the default way to send a big file: upload it, get a link, send the link. It is still a simple service, but its free plan has become much tighter. Many people now hit the limit halfway through a project, or find that a link has expired before the client got round to downloading it.
The right replacement depends on what you need. Sometimes you need a link the other person can open later. Sometimes you are both available right now and simply want the file on their device as quickly as possible. This guide covers both.
WeTransfer free limits in 2026
At the time of writing (October 2026), WeTransfer’s free plan allows 10 transfers or 3 GB in total in any rolling 30-day period, whichever comes first, and free transfers stay available for up to 3 days. Sending requires a free account. The free plan used to allow 2 GB per transfer with no monthly cap, so people who sent files regularly notice the change most.
In practice, one 3 GB video uses your whole allowance for the month. Plans and limits change, so check WeTransfer’s own pricing page for the latest details.
The main alternatives
1. Direct peer-to-peer transfer (SharingCast)
Instead of uploading to a server, SharingCast connects your browser directly to the receiver’s. There is no size limit, no monthly quota, no expiry date and no account. The receiver starts getting the file as soon as you start sending. The trade-off is that both of you need to be online at the same time with the page open.
Best for: large files, frequent transfers, private material, and situations where you can coordinate with the receiver, such as on a call.
2. Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox
If you already pay for cloud storage, sharing a link from it is often the easiest option. The file stays available until you delete it. Free tiers come with limited storage, and the receiver may be asked to sign in for some sharing settings.
Best for: files you also want to keep, and sharing with people who will download later.
3. Other upload-and-link services
Services such as Smash, TransferNow and Send Anywhere work like WeTransfer, each with its own size limits, expiry times and paid tiers. They are worth comparing if you specifically need a link that waits for the receiver.
Best for: one-off sends to people who are not online at the same time.
4. Messaging apps
WhatsApp, Telegram and similar apps are fine for quick photos, but they often compress images and video and have their own file size limits.
Best for: small, casual files where perfect quality does not matter.
Side-by-side comparison
| WeTransfer Free | SharingCast | Cloud drive link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size limit | 3 GB per 30 days | None | Storage quota |
| Transfers per month | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Link expiry | Up to 3 days | No link; live transfer | Until you delete it |
| Account to send | Yes | No | Yes |
| Receiver can download later | Yes | No, must be online | Yes |
| Copy kept on a server | Yes, until expiry | No | Yes |
How to choose
- The receiver is available now: use a direct transfer. It is faster because there is no upload step, and nothing is left online.
- The receiver will download tomorrow: use a cloud link or an upload service so the file can wait for them.
- The file is very large (10 GB+): a direct transfer avoids quotas entirely; a paid cloud plan also works.
- The file is confidential: a direct transfer with a password keeps it off third-party servers.
Many people end up using two tools: a cloud drive for files that need to wait, and SharingCast for everything that can go straight across.
Try SharingCast free →A practical workflow for sending large files to clients
Photographers, video editors and designers often need to deliver large files to clients. Here is a simple approach that avoids hitting monthly limits while still giving clients flexibility:
- Send live when you can. If the client is on a call with you or replying to messages, send the files with SharingCast straight away. They receive the originals at full quality, with no quota used and no link that might be forwarded.
- Protect it with a password. Share the code in your chat and say the password on the call, so the two never travel together.
- Use a cloud link as the fallback. If the client cannot be online at the same time, share a link from your own cloud storage, where you control how long it stays available.
- Keep your own master copy. A transfer is not a backup. Keep the originals on your own drive or backup service until the project is closed.
This approach also helps with privacy commitments. Some clients prefer that unreleased work is not left on third-party servers, and a direct transfer is an easy way to show you take that seriously.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free WeTransfer alternative with no size limit?
Yes. Direct transfer tools like SharingCast have no size limit because the file is not stored on a server.
Does the receiver need an account?
Not with SharingCast. Neither the sender nor the receiver signs up.
Why can’t SharingCast give me a link that works tomorrow?
Because it never stores your file. That is what makes it private and unlimited, but it means both people must be online together.
Can I protect a transfer with a password?
Yes. Set a password in the Send tab before you start sharing.