Best Site for Sending Large Files
Summary
The best site for sending large files is Smash if you need genuine unlimited file size, Tuta Send if you want true end-to-end encryption with a privacy-first provider, and Filebin if you want zero account and short-lived links. WeTransfer remains the brand most people know, but its post-acquisition terms-of-service changes — particularly around AI training rights — make alternatives more attractive for anyone sending professional or sensitive files. We rank by what happens to your file after it leaves your machine.
Top 5 at a glance
| # | Site | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smash | Unlimited file size on the free tier | Free with no file size cap; paid tiers add longer link life and customization |
| 2 | Tuta Send | End-to-end encrypted file transfer from a privacy-first provider | Free with file size limits; paid via Tuta Mail subscription |
| 3 | Filebin | Zero-account, ephemeral file drops | Free, donation-supported |
| 4 | Send (Tuta family, formerly Firefox Send) | Spiritual successor to the discontinued Firefox Send | Free with size limits |
| 5 | WeTransfer | Brand familiarity for sending to non-technical recipients | Free up to 2GB; paid tiers from a low monthly fee |
Detailed rankings
Smash
Unlimited file size on the free tier
The right default if you need to move a huge file once and don't want to pay or sign up. The TTL trade is acceptable for one-shot transfers.
Pros
- No file size limit on the free tier — genuinely unlimited
- France-based, GDPR compliant
- Clean web interface with no signup for sending
- Branded link customization on paid tiers
Cons
- Free links expire after a short window unless upgraded
- Download speeds can throttle on the free tier
- No native end-to-end encryption with user-held key
Price: Free with no file size cap; paid tiers add longer link life and customization
Sources: fromsmash.com
Tuta Send
End-to-end encrypted file transfer from a privacy-first provider
Best when the content matters more than the file size. The end-to-end encryption with sender-set passphrase is the right model for sensitive material.
Pros
- End-to-end encrypted by default with a passphrase
- From the same team as Tuta Mail — strong privacy track record
- Germany-based, EU privacy law
Cons
- File size limits tighter than Smash on the free tier
- Requires a Tuta account on the sender side for some features
- Less polished sender UX than the big consumer brands
Price: Free with file size limits; paid via Tuta Mail subscription
Sources: tuta.com
Filebin
Zero-account, ephemeral file drops
The right pick when you need to drop a file fast and never see it again. Self-host if uptime matters.
Pros
- No account, no email, no anything
- Files auto-delete after a configurable window
- Open-source server you can self-host
Cons
- Public URLs by default — security is by obscurity unless you add a passphrase manually
- Free service depends on donations — uptime is not guaranteed
- No fancy features like resumable uploads
Price: Free, donation-supported
Sources: filebin.net
Send (Tuta family, formerly Firefox Send)
Spiritual successor to the discontinued Firefox Send
Great for users who liked Firefox Send and want a clean, encrypted, no-account flow at modest file sizes.
Pros
- End-to-end encrypted
- No account required for basic use
- Continuation of the Firefox Send design that many users missed
Cons
- File size limits on the free tier
- Recipient needs the encryption key from the URL fragment — common gotcha
Price: Free with size limits
Sources: send.tuta.com
WeTransfer
Brand familiarity for sending to non-technical recipients
The familiar name, but the post-acquisition terms-of-service direction is concerning. Use it only for non-sensitive content, and re-check the current terms each time you upload.
Pros
- Recognizable brand — recipients know it's not spam
- Polished sender and recipient experience
- Mobile apps and desktop integrations
Cons
- Acquired by Bending Spoons in 2024 — terms of service evolution warrants attention
- A 2025 terms update around content use, including AI training, generated significant backlash and was partially reversed — read the current terms before sending professional or sensitive content
- Free tier capped at 2GB
Price: Free up to 2GB; paid tiers from a low monthly fee
Sources: wetransfer.com
How we chose
- Free-tier file size limit — what is the largest single transfer allowed without paying?
- Link TTL — how long does the file stay available, and can you control it?
- Encryption — end-to-end for content, with passphrase or key not held by the provider.
- Terms of service around how the provider may use the files — AI training, content scanning, advertising.
- Operating jurisdiction and applicable data law.
- Sender accountability — does the recipient see your real email or just a link?
Frequently asked questions
What changed with WeTransfer in 2025?
A terms-of-service update appeared to grant WeTransfer a broad license to use uploaded files, including for AI training. Public backlash led to a partial reversal, but the episode highlighted the post-acquisition direction. Always re-check current terms before uploading professional content.
How big a file can I actually send for free?
Smash has no file size limit. Tuta Send and Filebin have moderate caps. WeTransfer caps at 2GB on the free tier. For very large files, Smash is the default.
Are these services secure?
Security varies. Tuta Send and the post-Firefox Send service are end-to-end encrypted. Smash and WeTransfer encrypt in transit and at rest but the provider can access content. Filebin is by-obscurity unless you add a passphrase manually.
How long do the download links last?
Filebin lets you choose. Smash free links are short-lived, paid links last longer. WeTransfer free links last about a week. Tuta Send varies by plan. Check the specific link expiry before sending if timing matters.
Can I send to multiple recipients at once?
Yes — most services let you email a link to multiple addresses or simply share the URL. For private group transfers, end-to-end encrypted services let everyone with the URL and passphrase access the content.