StrongFolder vs Smash

Smash is a popular free transfer service, often recommended for big video files because it doesn't block large transfers on its free plan. StrongFolder takes a different route and sends files directly from your browser. This StrongFolder vs Smash comparison covers size, speed of delivery, folders, privacy — and when Smash is the better pick.

How do StrongFolder and Smash compare?

Smash free plan as of 5 November 2026, from Smash's own pricing page and homepage (sources at the end). "Not stated" means Smash's pages don't say.

What is the main difference between StrongFolder and Smash?

Smash holds your files for you; StrongFolder hands them over directly.

With Smash, you upload first. Smash stores the transfer on servers close to you — its homepage mentions data centers in nine regions — and the recipient downloads whenever they like within the validity period. Once your upload finishes, you can go offline.

With StrongFolder there is no upload step and no storage. The recipient opens your link, their browser connects to yours, and the files stream over an encrypted WebRTC connection. 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.

What does the Smash queue mean for large files?

Smash's pricing page lists 2 GB per transfer on the free plan and adds that beyond 2 GB, transfers join a queue behind Pro transfers. In other words, a 20 GB video can still go through for free, but it is not prioritized — paid users go first.

StrongFolder has no queue, because there's nothing to process on a server. The transfer runs at the speed of the slower connection — usually your upload. The practical limits are the recipient's free disk space, connection speed and both devices staying online. For video specifically, see how to send large video files.

Which is better for sending a folder?

Both accept a folder in the browser. The difference is what arrives.

StrongFolder recreates the folder on the recipient's disk: same subfolders, same file names, written file by file, no archive to extract. 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.

Smash's pages say you can share folders, but don't say how a folder is delivered to the recipient. If the structure matters, test with a small folder first. More in how to send a folder without zipping.

Which is more private?

Smash says all files are encrypted in transit and at rest, and keeps them on its servers for the validity period.

StrongFolder doesn't keep files at all. Files are never uploaded to or stored on a StrongFolder 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 for the details.

When is Smash the better choice?

Choose Smash when:

• you can't stay online — you want to upload and close your laptop;
• the recipient will download later, any time within the validity period;
• several people will download at different times over a few days;
• the transfer is under 2 GB and you want it prioritized without staying online;
• you want paid extras such as longer availability or receiving files from others via drop links (Smash says drop links are reserved for paid subscribers).

That's the core strength of the cloud model, and peer-to-peer can't match it.

When is StrongFolder the better choice?

Choose StrongFolder when:

• the files are large and you don't want to wait in a queue or for an upload;
• it's a folder that should arrive with its structure and no ZIP;
• you'd rather not leave a copy on a third-party server, even encrypted;
• the recipient is ready now — the download starts the moment they open the link;
• several recipients should get the same files from one link.

Keep your computer awake and the StrongFolder tab open until everyone finishes. Plug in your laptop.

Can I use Smash and StrongFolder together?

Yes, and it often makes sense. Use Smash for small files you want to fire off before leaving the office, and StrongFolder for the heavy deliveries — final video masters, RAW photo shoots, project folders — when you can leave your computer on. A simple rule: if you'll be online while the recipient downloads, send directly; if not, use the cloud. More in P2P vs cloud file transfer.

How do I send with StrongFolder instead of Smash?

1. Open strongfolder.com or click the StrongFolder Chrome extension.
2. Choose files or a whole folder — nothing is uploaded.
3. Copy the link or show the QR code and send it.
4. Keep the tab open; click Stop Sharing when everyone has finished.

The recipient needs no account and no app. To save a whole folder with its structure, Chrome, Edge or Opera on a computer works best. See how it works and why the sender stays online.

Summary

Smash is a cloud transfer service that accepts large free transfers, keeps them for 7 days and lets you go offline — with priority only up to 2 GB. StrongFolder is a direct transfer: no queue, no upload, no size limit set by the service, folders kept as folders, nothing stored — as long as your tab stays open. Use Smash to send and leave; use StrongFolder when you can stay and want it there now.

Sources

Checked on 5 November 2026: Smash pricing · Smash homepage