How to Send Large Files to Others in Internet?

Internet exists with the purpose of getting information and communicating with others. Nowadays, getting information is quite easier with the help of search engines. Communicating with others is also easy over social platforms. However, the difficulty comes when you want to send documents and files. For smaller files, you can still use chat and emails. But, you have limited options when you want to send large files on the internet. In this article, we will explain various available options for sending large files to your friends and colleagues.

Related: Transfer files from Windows PC to Android and vice versa.

Options for Sending Files

• Sending over emails
• Sharing with family from cloud storage
• Professional services for sending larger files

Sending Files Over Email

Most email services allow you to send up to 25MB file size in a single email as an attachment. For example, Gmail limits the maximum file size as 25MB while that of Microsoft Outlook and Apple’s iCloud email limits at 20MB. Although emails have free storage, you cannot send one large file at once. Also, the general standard set by various other email servers for attaching compressed files is up to a 10MB limit. In addition, if your email size exceeds the receiver email  capacity, the email will not be delivered. Simply put, you cannot rely on emails for sending large files even when compressed.

Family Sharing with OneDrive and iCloud

Microsoft offers free OneDrive cloud storage of 1TB size with the purchase of Office package. Otherwise also you will get 5GB free storage space. Similarly, you can get 5GB free storage with Apple’s iCloud and you can purchase up to 2TB storage space. Many users confuse OneDrive and iCloud as file sharing options. The purpose of these cloud storage platforms is to store your own data in the cloud and access across all your device with single sign on. In addition, you have family sharing options to share the same storage space with your family members.

You can use this family sharing option for sharing larger files only to your family member and not to any other person who do not have access to your account.

How to Send Files Above 25MB Online?

Now the question is – how can you send a large file without compromising its quality over internet? Fortunately, there are multiple free, quick, and simple options available. You can consider using file transfer services or file transfer clients. However, they are not all viable depending on the number of recipients, content privacy, the location you are sending from, and the file size. Also, files sent are available for download for a specified period, after which the files will be deleted.

Here are the top websites from where you can send your large file(s) to your friends and colleagues. They range from free to paid versions depending on the user preferences.

Related: 4 ways to transfer files from iPhone to Mac.

1. WeTransfer

WeTransfer offers you the platform to send files of up to 2GB free and up to 20GB on the paid option. If registering accounts pisses you off, then WeTransfer is the option for you. Open WeTransfer and agree to terms. Click the “Add your files” button to upload the files. Input your email, and the receiver’s email to send the download link. The receiver will get an email with a download link on the WeTransfer server.

Alternatively, you can input your email and copy the download link to send it separately. The file will be available for download for a week for the free version or up to forever for the premium users. The premium version allows you to track downloads, manage file transfers, encrypt the file, and the duration you need the file to be available for download.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive is suitable for personal and enterprise use under the GSuite Essentials option. To use Google Drive and access the free 15GB storage option, you need to sign up. You can easily search for your file, share the link to friends, access files from all devices, and the ability to group files into folders. The GSuite Enterprise option supports offline file access and meeting recording seamlessly.

Unlike other File transfer options, Google Drive offers permanent storage space for your files with support of up to 100 file formats. Also, you can share files with non-account users through a sharable link. Its integration with cloud applications makes it easy to view and edit online without changing the file format. However, shared files are not encrypted, but overall it is an excellent option to consider.

3. pCloud Transfer

Looking for the TSS or SSL encryption for your files? pCloud guarantees privacy for your files from your machine to the server. To upload files, click the “Click here to add files” option or drag and drop. Same as WeTransfer, sending files does not require you to sign up. You can send the download link to up to 50 recipients at a go, making it very convenient.

Besides, it offers secure cloud storage, easy sharing, and easy access to your files. Before sending, you can include a message for your recipients supporting up to 500 characters. pCloud is available for individual and business use. It comes with a 15-day free plan and a 30-day paid plan. Premium users can choose from the 500GB, 2TB yearly plans, or a lifetime plan.  

4. Box

Box prides itself on its almost none cons. It has an interface similar to Google Drive with simplified, more integrated features and secure transfer of files. Besides, it’s accessible from any device and from anywhere. Data security is guaranteed from your machine, during upload, and on the server with end-to-end data protection. Being a collaboration platform, users can work on uploaded files from their respective accounts.

Box is integrated with up to 1400 apps, including O365, Slack, and GSuite, making sharing of files easy. To send files, easily add files to your Box storage and copy the link or share. However, you have to sign-up to add the files. It is free for trial on an individual, business, and enterprise user with monthly and yearly plans. Therefore, if you are looking for a paid enterprise plan with outstanding features, try out Box.

5. Smash

Smash claims to be a free forever file transfer server. If you are up for a one-time file transfer of a large file, Smash has no file limit. You can send and track the file activity with an expiration of the download link at up-to 365 days on the pro plan. Its interface allows you to drag and drop the file or click to upload with no need for registration.

However, you need a premium plan to access the advanced features. Smash is equipped with 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS protection to ensure your file is secure. You can opt to receive real-time delivery and download notifications on your email. Users can also send the files through email, copy the link, or through slack integrated with the server.

Related: How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac?

Comparison of Top File Transfer Services

File transfer options on the internet are inexhaustible. However, the services they offer determine their effectiveness. Here is a comparison table with the summary of the five services we have explained above. It will help you select the best option to send files, whether free or paid.

Transfer Service	Price	File Size Limit	File Encryption	Accessibility	Supported platforms	Pros
WeTransfer	Free & $12/month	20 GB	Yes	No sign up required	Web	No sign up required
Google Drive	Free & $1.99/month	None	No	Sign up required	Web, Desktop & Mobile	Free storage
pCloud	Free & $4.99/month	2 TB	Yes	No sign up required	Web & Desktop	Highly encrypted
Box	Free & $10/month	None	Yes	Sign up required	Web, Desktop & Mobile	Over 1500 apps integration
Smash	Free	None	Yes	No sign up required	Web	No sign up required