SwissTransfer, run by the Swiss cloud provider Infomaniak, has one of the most generous free plans of any cloud transfer service: 50 GB per transfer, up to 30 days, no account. That makes it a natural benchmark for StrongFolder, which takes a different route and doesn't store files at all. This StrongFolder vs SwissTransfer comparison covers size, folders, privacy and convenience — and when SwissTransfer is the better choice.
How do StrongFolder and SwissTransfer compare?
SwissTransfer free service as of 5 November 2026, from SwissTransfer's website and Infomaniak's help center (sources at the end).
| StrongFolder | SwissTransfer (free) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Direct browser-to-browser (WebRTC, P2P) | Upload to Infomaniak's cloud, recipient downloads later |
| Free size limit | None set by the service | 50 GB per transfer, all files combined |
| How long files are available | While you keep sharing | Up to 30 days |
| Downloads per link | Several recipients from one link | Up to 250 |
| Account to send | No | No |
| Account to receive | No | No |
| Folders for the recipient | Same folder tree, no ZIP | ZIP via "Download all"; above 10 GB, file by file |
| Files stored on a server | Never (metadata only) | Yes, in Switzerland, until expiry |
| Sender online during download | Yes | No |
| Upload wait before sharing | None | Full upload first |
| Price | Free, no paid plans | Free service; paid plans |
What is the main difference between StrongFolder and SwissTransfer?
Who keeps the files while the recipient downloads.
With SwissTransfer, you upload everything to Infomaniak's servers first. Then you send a link or let SwissTransfer e-mail it, and the recipient downloads within the validity period you chose. Once the upload finishes, you can turn your computer off.
With StrongFolder, nothing is uploaded first. You choose files or a folder, copy the link and send it. When the recipient opens it, their browser connects to yours and the data flows directly 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.
The two models are compared in P2P vs cloud file transfer.
Which is better for files larger than 50 GB?
SwissTransfer's 50 GB covers most everyday transfers, and it's free. Above that you need one of Infomaniak's paid offers — check its current plans — or another tool.
StrongFolder sets no size limit, because nothing is stored: the file streams from your disk. The practical limits are the recipient's free disk space, your upload speed and how long both devices stay online. A 150 GB folder of 8K footage over a 300 Mbit/s fibre upload takes a little over an hour. See how to send a 100 GB file free and limits.
There is also the upload wait. Even within 50 GB, SwissTransfer has to receive the whole transfer before anyone can download it, so every byte crosses the internet twice. With StrongFolder the recipient starts receiving as soon as they open the link.
Which is better for sending a folder?
SwissTransfer accepts folders in your selection. On the receiving side, Infomaniak's help center says the "Download all" button builds a ZIP, and if that archive would exceed 10 GB, the recipient has to download the files one by one. For a folder of thousands of files, that means either a large archive to extract or a long list of separate downloads.
StrongFolder sends a folder as a folder. The recipient picks a destination and the same subfolders and file names appear there, written file by file — no archive, no splitting. 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. Details in how to send a folder without zipping.
Which is more private?
Both take privacy seriously, in different ways. SwissTransfer says files are stored exclusively in Switzerland, in Infomaniak's data centers, are protected during transfer and encrypted once they reach the server; SwissTransfer's own page notes this is not end-to-end encryption. Transfers can be protected with a password.
StrongFolder never stores files on a server, so there is no copy to protect or delete later. 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. We don't claim end-to-end encryption with your own key — DTLS protects the stream in transit. See security and secure file sharing.
When is SwissTransfer the better choice?
Choose SwissTransfer when:
- you can't stay online — upload, close the laptop, leave;
- the recipient will download later, possibly weeks later — validity runs up to 30 days;
- many people will download at different times — up to 250 downloads per transfer;
- the files fit in 50 GB and a few days of Swiss storage is acceptable;
- you want a password on the transfer.
That is the honest trade-off of peer-to-peer: it can't replace "upload once, download whenever". For that, SwissTransfer is one of the strongest free options — see our list of WeTransfer alternatives.
When is StrongFolder the better choice?
Choose StrongFolder when:
- the transfer is bigger than 50 GB — a full project archive, raw footage, a dataset;
- it's a folder that should arrive with its structure, not as a ZIP or one file at a time;
- you'd rather not leave a copy on any server, even a Swiss one;
- the recipient is waiting now — no upload wait before the download starts;
- several people need it now — 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. Plug in your laptop.
Free · in your browser · no sign-up
Is StrongFolder a good SwissTransfer alternative?
It's a complement more than a replacement. SwissTransfer is excellent when you need to send and go offline. StrongFolder is the SwissTransfer alternative for what doesn't fit its free plan: more than 50 GB, big folders that should stay folders, and cases where you don't want the files stored anywhere. If you mostly send video, see how to send large video files.
How do I switch from SwissTransfer to StrongFolder?
- Open strongfolder.com or click the StrongFolder Chrome extension.
- Choose files or a whole folder. Nothing is uploaded.
- Copy the link or show the QR code and send it.
- Keep the tab open while the recipient downloads; click Stop Sharing when done.
The recipient needs only the link and a modern browser — no account and no app. See how it works.
Summary
SwissTransfer is a cloud transfer service with a generous free plan: 50 GB per transfer, up to 30 days, no account, files stored in Switzerland. StrongFolder is a direct pipe: no size limit set by the service, folders kept as folders, nothing stored — as long as your tab stays open. Use SwissTransfer to send and go offline, StrongFolder for very large or folder-heavy transfers when the recipient is ready now.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026: SwissTransfer · Infomaniak: current SwissTransfer limits · Infomaniak: SwissTransfer getting started guide