TransferNow is a file transfer service that many people use as a WeTransfer replacement: no account, a link or an e-mail, files kept for a week. StrongFolder solves the same problem — "get these files to that person" — without storing anything. This StrongFolder vs TransferNow comparison explains the difference in size, folders, privacy and convenience, and when TransferNow is the better choice.
How do StrongFolder and TransferNow compare?
TransferNow free plan as of 5 November 2026, from TransferNow's own website and help center (sources at the end).
| StrongFolder | TransferNow (free) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Direct browser-to-browser (WebRTC, P2P) | Upload to TransferNow's cloud, recipient downloads later |
| Free size limit | None set by the service | 5 GB per transfer |
| How long files are available | While you keep sharing | Up to 7 days |
| Account to send | No | No |
| Account to receive | No | No |
| Folders | Sent as folders, structure kept, no ZIP | Hierarchy and file names kept |
| Files stored on a server | Never (metadata only) | Yes, until expiry |
| Sender online during download | Yes | No |
| Upload wait before sharing | None | Full upload first |
| Recipients | Several from one link; QR code | Link, or up to 10 recipients per e-mail transfer |
| Price | Free, no paid plans | Free plan; paid plans |
What is the main difference between StrongFolder and TransferNow?
Whether the files sit on a server while the recipient downloads.
With TransferNow, you upload the files first. TransferNow's help center notes that upload speed depends on your internet connection, so a 5 GB transfer on a slow home upload can take a while. When it finishes, you get a link or TransferNow e-mails the recipients, and they download from TransferNow's servers within the retention period. You can shut down your computer as soon as the upload is done.
With StrongFolder, nothing is uploaded first. You pick 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 model is explained in P2P vs cloud file transfer.
Which is better for files larger than 5 GB?
TransferNow's free plan caps each transfer at 5 GB. Bigger transfers need one of its paid plans, which TransferNow lists with much higher limits — check its current plans.
StrongFolder sets no size limit, because there is no storage to fill: the file is read from your disk while it's sent. The practical limits are the recipient's free disk space, your upload speed and how long both devices stay online. A 40 GB camera card over a 100 Mbit/s upload is roughly an hour of transfer. See limits and requirements and how to send a 100 GB file free.
Which is better for sending a folder?
Both handle folders well, which is not true of every transfer service. TransferNow says that when you send a folder, subfolders, hierarchy and file names are kept on download, and the recipient can take the whole folder or only some files.
StrongFolder also sends a folder as a folder. The recipient chooses a destination and the same subfolders and file names are written there, file by file — no ZIP to create or 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.
The difference is size: on TransferNow's free plan the whole folder must fit in 5 GB; with StrongFolder a 200 GB project folder goes the same way as a 2 GB one. More in how to send a folder without zipping.
Which is more private?
TransferNow stores your files on its servers for the retention period. It lists SSL/TLS and AES 256-bit encryption and antivirus scanning on the free plan, and its help center says that expired transfers are permanently deleted and can't be recovered.
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. 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 TransferNow the better choice?
Choose TransferNow when:
- you can't stay online — you want to upload, close the laptop and leave;
- the recipient will download later, any time within the next week;
- the files fit in 5 GB and you're happy with a cloud copy for a few days;
- you want a password on the link — TransferNow offers it on the free plan;
- you need paid extras such as longer retention or larger transfers on its paid plans.
That is the honest trade-off of peer-to-peer: it can't replace "upload once, download whenever". If that's what you need, use TransferNow or another cloud service from our list of WeTransfer alternatives.
When is StrongFolder the better choice?
Choose StrongFolder when:
- the transfer is bigger than 5 GB — tens or hundreds of gigabytes;
- you'd rather not leave a copy on someone else's server, even for a week;
- the recipient is waiting now — the download starts at once, with no upload wait;
- it's a large folder that should arrive with its structure, whatever its size;
- 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. Plug in your laptop.
Free · in your browser · no sign-up
Is StrongFolder a good TransferNow alternative?
It is a good TransferNow alternative for one specific job: big, immediate transfers. For small files you send and forget, TransferNow's cloud model is more convenient. For a 20 GB video export, a full photo shoot or a project folder that the other person needs today, StrongFolder avoids the free size limit and the upload wait. See how to send large video files for a worked example.
How do I switch from TransferNow 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 and why the sender stays online.
Summary
TransferNow is a cloud locker with a generous no-account free plan: up to 5 GB per transfer, kept up to 7 days, folders kept intact. 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 TransferNow when you need to send and go offline, StrongFolder when the files are big and the recipient is ready now.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026: TransferNow free plan · TransferNow: send files over 5 GB · TransferNow: share a complete folder · TransferNow help center: send files