Send Anywhere is one of the oldest names in device-to-device file transfer, known for its 6-digit key and its phone apps. StrongFolder also sends files directly between devices, but from the browser and with a link. This StrongFolder vs Send Anywhere comparison shows how the two differ on size, link lifetime, apps and folders — and when Send Anywhere is the better choice.
How do StrongFolder and Send Anywhere compare?
Send Anywhere facts as of 5 November 2026, from its own help center (sources at the end). "Not stated" means Send Anywhere's pages don't say.
| StrongFolder | Send Anywhere — 6-digit key | Send Anywhere — share link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Direct browser-to-browser (WebRTC) | Real-time device-to-device | Upload to server, download later |
| Free size limit | None set by the service | see current plan | Up to 10 GB (free member) |
| How long it's available | While you keep sharing | 10 minutes, one use | Up to 48 hours by default |
| Files stored on a server | Never (metadata only) | No | Yes, until expiry |
| Sender online during download | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Folders for the recipient | Same folder tree, no ZIP | From the app's File tab | Not stated |
| Several recipients | Yes, one link; QR code | Not stated | Not stated |
| Ways to use | Web app, Chrome extension | Website, apps, extension | Website, apps, extension |
What is the main difference between StrongFolder and Send Anywhere?
Send Anywhere gives you two tools; StrongFolder gives you one, built for links.
Send Anywhere's 6-digit key is a live handshake: the sender gets a short code, the recipient types it within 10 minutes, and the files go across in real time. Send Anywhere says that if either side stops the transfer, it is cancelled. This is great when both people are at their devices right now — read a code across the room or over the phone.
Send Anywhere's share link is cloud-style: the files are uploaded and kept on its server for up to 48 hours by default, so the recipient can download later.
StrongFolder sits between the two. Like the key, it streams files directly with nothing stored. Like a link, you send it by chat or e-mail and the recipient opens it whenever they are ready — as long as your tab is still open. The sender's browser tab must stay open and online until the recipient finishes downloading — files come from the sender's device, not from a server. See P2P file transfer explained.
Which can send bigger files for free?
For Send Anywhere share links, the help center lists up to 10 GB for free members. A 2023 notice also introduced a 10 GB monthly download allowance per free account for links, which applies to the account that created them. Key transfers are described differently across Send Anywhere's help articles — check the current plan for the exact figure.
StrongFolder sets no size limit. No size limit set by StrongFolder. The practical limits are free disk space on the recipient's device, connection speed, and how long both devices stay online. For example, 100 GB over a 50 Mbit/s upload takes roughly 4.5 hours. See limits and how to send large files.
Apps or browser: which is more convenient?
Send Anywhere has native apps. Its help center lists Android, iOS, Windows and macOS, and there's a browser extension and a website. Apps are handy for regular phone-to-computer transfers.
StrongFolder runs in the browser: the web app at strongfolder.com and the free Chrome extension. Nobody installs anything to receive — the recipient just opens the link. That matters when you send to clients or relatives who won't install an app. Every link also has a QR code, handy for sending from a computer to a phone.
Which is better for sending a folder?
StrongFolder sends folders as folders. The recipient chooses a destination and the same subfolders and file names are written there, with no ZIP. Saving a whole folder with its structure uses the File System Access API: Chrome, Edge, Opera and other Chromium browsers on a computer. Other browsers can download the files one by one or as a ZIP.
Send Anywhere's help center describes sending a folder by selecting it in the app's File tab. Its pages don't say how a folder sent from the website arrives. If structure matters, test a small folder first. More in how to send a folder without zipping.
Which is more private?
With the 6-digit key, Send Anywhere says files are sent instantly to the recipient instead of being stored. With a share link, files sit on its server until the link expires or you delete it.
StrongFolder never stores files on a server. To create the link, the service keeps transfer metadata: file and folder names, sizes and the number of files. WebRTC encrypts every data channel with DTLS, so the file stream is encrypted in transit on every connection. If a direct connection is impossible (strict corporate firewall, some mobile networks), the encrypted stream passes through a StrongFolder relay (TURN) server. The relay forwards the data and does not store it. See security.
When is Send Anywhere the better choice?
Choose Send Anywhere when:
- you move files between your own phone and computer often — its apps are built for that;
- both people are together right now and a 6-digit code is quicker than sending a link;
- you need to send and go offline, and the recipient will download within 48 hours (share link, up to 10 GB free).
When is StrongFolder the better choice?
Choose StrongFolder when:
- the recipient is somewhere else and you want to send a link by chat or e-mail, not dictate a code within 10 minutes;
- the files are larger than 10 GB and you don't want to move them through a server;
- it's a folder that should arrive with its structure and no ZIP;
- nobody should need to install anything — it all runs in the browser;
- several people need the same files — One link can be opened by several recipients; each downloads directly from the sender.
Keep your computer awake and the tab open until everyone finishes.
Free · in your browser · no sign-up
Summary
Send Anywhere is a versatile app-first tool: a 6-digit key for live transfers between nearby people, and 48-hour share links up to 10 GB for free members. StrongFolder is browser-first: one link that streams files and whole folders directly, with no size limit set by the service and nothing stored, for as long as your tab stays open. For phone-to-computer at home, Send Anywhere's apps are hard to beat; for large folders to someone far away, StrongFolder is simpler. Compare more tools in best P2P file transfer tools.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026: File size that can be transferred at one time · How long files are kept on the server · What is 6-digit Key Transfer · Notice of Policy Change for Free Users (2023) · Can I send a folder? · On what devices can I use Send Anywhere?