WeTransfer and StrongFolder both turn files into a link you can send to anyone. Under the hood they work in opposite ways: WeTransfer stores your files in its cloud for a few days, StrongFolder streams them straight from your browser to the recipient's. This StrongFolder vs WeTransfer comparison shows what that means for size, folders, privacy and convenience — and when WeTransfer is the better choice.
How do StrongFolder and WeTransfer compare?
WeTransfer free plan as of 5 November 2026, from WeTransfer's own help center and resource pages (sources at the end).
| StrongFolder | WeTransfer (free) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Direct browser-to-browser (WebRTC, P2P) | Upload to WeTransfer's cloud, recipient downloads later |
| Free size limit | None set by the service | 3 GB total or 10 transfers per rolling 30 days |
| Link lifetime | While you keep sharing | 3 days |
| Account to send | No | Free account |
| Account to receive | No | No |
| Folders | Sent as folders, structure kept, no ZIP | Accepted; zip first to keep structure |
| 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 | Up to 10 recipients per e-mail transfer |
| Ways to use | Web app, Chrome extension | Website, apps |
| Price | Free, no paid plans | Free plan; paid plans |
What is the main difference between StrongFolder and WeTransfer?
Where the files are while the recipient downloads.
With WeTransfer, you upload the files first. When the upload finishes, WeTransfer e-mails a link (or gives you one), and the recipient downloads from WeTransfer's servers within the expiry window. You can close your laptop as soon as the upload is done.
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.
Read the details in P2P vs cloud file transfer.
Which has the bigger free size limit?
WeTransfer's help center lists the free plan as up to 10 transfers or 3 GB total in any rolling 30-day window. Paid plans raise that limit.
StrongFolder sets no size limit: there's no storage to fill, because the file comes from your disk. The practical limits are the recipient's free disk space, your upload speed and how long both devices stay online. A 50 GB video project over a 100 Mbit/s upload takes a little over an hour. See limits and requirements and how to send large files.
Which is better for sending a folder?
StrongFolder 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.
WeTransfer accepts folders dragged into the browser, but its help center advises zipping a folder before uploading if you need its structure kept. For project folders with thousands of files that is extra time and disk space on both sides. More in how to send a folder without zipping.
Which is more private?
WeTransfer stores your files on its servers until the link expires; WeTransfer says expired free transfers are permanently removed.
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 WeTransfer the better choice?
Choose WeTransfer when:
- you can't stay online — you want to upload, close the laptop and leave;
- the recipient will download later, within the next three days, at a time that suits them;
- the files are small and fit comfortably in the free allowance;
- you need paid extras WeTransfer offers, such as custom expiry and password protection on its paid plans.
That is the honest trade-off of peer-to-peer: it cannot replace "upload once, download whenever". If that is what you need, use a cloud service — WeTransfer or one of the WeTransfer alternatives with bigger free limits.
When is StrongFolder the better choice?
Choose StrongFolder when:
- the files are bigger than the free allowance — tens or hundreds of gigabytes;
- it is a folder that should arrive with its structure, without a ZIP;
- you'd rather not leave a copy on someone else's server;
- you don't want an account on either side;
- the recipient is waiting now — the download starts at once, with no upload wait;
- several people need the same files — they can all open one link.
Keep your computer awake and the tab open until everyone finishes. Plug in your laptop.
Free · in your browser · no sign-up
How do I switch from WeTransfer 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. To save a whole folder with its structure, Chrome, Edge or Opera on a computer works best. See how it works.
Summary
WeTransfer is a cloud locker: convenient when you want to send and go offline, limited on the free plan to 3 GB total per 30 days and three-day links. 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. Many people use both: WeTransfer for small sends on the go, StrongFolder for big files and folders.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026: WeTransfer plan limits · WeTransfer free plan · WeTransfer: sending a transfer · WeTransfer: expired transfers