# File transfer tools compared

Source: https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/
Updated: 2026-11-05

> These pages compare free file transfer tools on the facts that decide a send: the free size limit, how long files are kept, whether you need an account, folder support, and whether files go peer-to-peer or through cloud storage. Every competitor number is taken from the vendor's own pricing or help pages and dated.

Choosing a way to send files usually comes down to five questions: how big is it, does it
have to arrive as a folder, can I stay online while it downloads, does the recipient need an
account, and where do the files sit in the meantime. The pages below compare the popular
tools on exactly those points.

We make StrongFolder, a free browser tool that sends files and whole folders directly from
one device to another over WebRTC. That is why we hold these pages to strict rules:

- **Vendor sources only.** Every limit, retention period and account rule for another
  service comes from that vendor's own pricing or help page, checked on the date shown.
  Sources are linked at the end of each page.
- **"See current plan" instead of guesses.** If a vendor doesn't state something clearly,
  we say so.
- **When the other tool is better, we say it.** Peer-to-peer has a real trade-off — the
  sender's tab must stay open — and cloud services win in many situations.

## Which file transfer tools do these pages cover?

Free plans as of 2026-11-05, taken from each vendor's own pages. Limits change often —
check the vendor before a large send.

| Tool | How it works | Free size limit | Files kept for | Compared in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **StrongFolder** | P2P in the browser (WebRTC) | None set by the service | Not stored; available while you share | all pages |
| WeTransfer | Cloud | 3 GB total, up to 10 transfers per rolling 30 days | 3 days | [vs WeTransfer](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-wetransfer/) |
| Smash | Cloud | 2 GB with priority; larger free transfers are queued | Up to 7 days | [vs Smash](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-smash/) |
| TransferNow | Cloud | 5 GB per transfer | 7 days | [vs TransferNow](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-transfernow/) |
| Filemail | Cloud | 5 GB per transfer | 7 days | [vs Filemail](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-filemail/) |
| SwissTransfer | Cloud | 50 GB per transfer | Up to 30 days | [vs SwissTransfer](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-swisstransfer/) |
| Send Anywhere | Real-time key or cloud link | Link: 10 GB | Link: 48 hours | [vs Send Anywhere](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-send-anywhere/) |
| Google Drive | Cloud storage | 15 GB storage, shared with Gmail and Photos | Until deleted | [vs Google Drive](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-google-drive/) |
| Dropbox Transfer | Cloud | 2 GB per transfer (Basic) | 7 days (Basic) | [vs Dropbox](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-dropbox/) |
| Tresorit Send | End-to-end encrypted cloud | 5 GB, up to 100 files | 7 days or 10 downloads | [vs Tresorit Send](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-tresorit-send/) |
| Wormhole | E2E encrypted; P2P above 5 GB | Up to 10 GB | 24 hours (files up to 5 GB) | [vs Wormhole](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-wormhole/) |
| FilePizza | P2P in the browser | "As big as your browser can handle" | Not stored | [vs FilePizza](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-filepizza/) |
| ToffeeShare | P2P in the browser | None in Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Not stored | [vs ToffeeShare](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-toffeeshare/) |
| ShareDrop, Snapdrop, PairDrop | P2P in the browser, mostly local network | see current plan | Not stored | [vs PairDrop & Snapdrop](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-pairdrop/) |
| LocalSend | App, local Wi-Fi only | see current plan | Not stored | [vs LocalSend](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/compare/strongfolder-vs-localsend/) |

Want to understand the difference between the two models first? Read [P2P vs cloud file
transfer](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/guides/p2p-vs-cloud-file-transfer/) and [why the sender stays
online](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/guides/why-sender-stays-online/).

## All comparisons

## FAQ

### Which free file transfer service has the biggest size limit?

Among cloud services we checked, SwissTransfer allows the largest free transfer: 50 GB per transfer, as of 2026-11-05. Peer-to-peer tools such as StrongFolder and FilePizza set no size limit of their own, because files stream from the sender's device instead of being stored.

### What is the difference between P2P and cloud file transfer?

A cloud service uploads your files to its servers first and the recipient downloads them later, so you can go offline. A peer-to-peer tool streams files directly from your device to the recipient's, so nothing is stored, but your device must stay online until the transfer ends. See [P2P vs cloud file transfer](/guides/p2p-vs-cloud-file-transfer/).

### How do you check the competitor facts on these pages?

We read each vendor's own pricing page or help center on the date shown on the page and link those sources at the bottom of every comparison. Where a vendor does not state a fact clearly, we write "see current plan" instead of guessing.

### Is StrongFolder always the best choice?

No. StrongFolder is best when you can keep your browser tab open while the recipient downloads. If you need to send and go offline, or people must browse files for weeks, a cloud service such as WeTransfer, SwissTransfer or Google Drive fits better — every comparison says when.