Email attachment limits (often 25–50 MB) make it tough to send high-res videos, ZIP archives, or big project files. This guide shows the best free ways to share large files online, with step-by-step instructions, a comparison table, security tips, and references.
Why not email attachments?
- Strict size caps: Most providers cap attachments at 25–50 MB.
- No delivery control: You can’t revoke or safely update attachments after sending.
- Security risks: Attachments are easier to forward or leak.
Better approach: Upload once to a trusted service, create a share link, and control access (view/edit, password, expiry).
Best free methods (with steps)
1) Google Drive 15 GB free
- Upload your file to Google Drive.
- Right-click → Get link. Choose permissions (Viewer/Commenter/Editor).
- Copy and share the link via email, chat, or your CMS.
Best for: Ongoing collaboration, Docs/Sheets/Slides, long-lived links.
- Integrates with Gmail & Workspace.
- Version history & easy revocation.
- Add-ons for approvals and tracking.
2) Dropbox 2 GB free
- Upload to Dropbox.
- Click Share → Copy link. Adjust who can view or comment.
- Send the link. Remove access anytime from the file’s share panel.
Best for: Professional teams, reliable syncing, polished link sharing.
3) WeTransfer 2 GB/transfer
- Go to WeTransfer (no account needed).
- Upload files (up to 2 GB) → send via email or get a share link.
- Free links typically expire after 7 days.
Best for: One-off deliveries to clients, fast and frictionless.
4) OneDrive 5 GB free
- Upload to OneDrive.
- Right-click → Share. Set Anyone with the link or restrict by email.
- Optionally add link expiration (paid features vary by plan).
Best for: Windows/Office users, Outlook calendar and Teams workflows.
5) SendAnywhere Up to ~10 GB free
- Open SendAnywhere.
- Upload → receive a 6-digit code or link for the recipient.
- Transfers are time-limited; device-to-device is simple and fast.
Best for: Direct transfers without accounts, quick ad-hoc sends.
6) pCloud Transfer 5 GB/transfer
- Visit pCloud Transfer.
- Upload files, add recipient emails, and optionally set a password.
- Recipients receive a secure link; files typically expire after 7 days.
Best for: Simple, secure link-based shares with optional password.
Comparison table
| Service | Free Limit | Link Expiry (Free) | Account Needed | Notable Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | 15 GB | No (until you revoke) | Yes | Workspace integration, versioning | Team collaboration |
| Dropbox | 2 GB | No (until you revoke) | Yes | Fast sync, polished sharing | Professional use |
| WeTransfer | 2 GB / transfer | ~7 days | No | Zero-account, super simple | One-time sends |
| OneDrive | 5 GB | No (until you revoke) | Yes | Office integration, Windows native | Microsoft users |
| SendAnywhere | Up to ~10 GB | Time-limited | No | 6-digit code, device-to-device | Quick direct transfers |
| pCloud Transfer | 5 GB / transfer | ~7 days | No | Optional password on free | Secure ad-hoc shares |
Security & privacy tips
- Password-protect archives (ZIP/7z) before uploading sensitive files.
- Use HTTPS links only; avoid public Wi-Fi for uploads.
- Set expirations or revoke links after the transfer completes.
- Double-check recipients and permission levels (Viewer vs. Editor).
- Compress first: ZIP/7z to shrink size and bundle multiple files.
Quick recipes (pick your scenario)
🔹 One-time send under 2 GB
- Open WeTransfer → upload file.
- Generate link → send. Done.
Link will expire automatically—good for privacy.
🔹 Ongoing client folder
- Create a project folder in Google Drive.
- Share with Viewer (or Editor if needed).
- Upload new files to the same folder.
Clients always have the latest version via one link.
🔹 Direct device-to-device
- Open SendAnywhere on both devices.
- Sender uploads → share 6-digit code.
- Receiver enters code to download.
🔹 Large video to a Windows team
- Upload to OneDrive.
- Create Anyone with the link → copy URL.
- Share in Teams/Outlook.
FAQs
How big of a file can I send for free?
Typical free limits range from 2 GB per transfer (WeTransfer) to 15 GB storage (Google Drive). For bigger files, split archives (e.g., ZIP parts) or upgrade plans.
Will recipients need an account?
Not for WeTransfer, pCloud Transfer, or most “anyone with the link” shares. Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive may require sign-in if you restrict access by email.
How do I protect confidential documents?
Use password-protected ZIP/7z archives and share the password separately. Where available, add link passwords and expiry dates.
References (official help & docs)
- Google Drive Help — Share files & folders
- Dropbox Help — Share files & folders
- WeTransfer — Help Center
- Microsoft OneDrive — Support
- SendAnywhere — Web Guide
- pCloud Transfer — Free file transfer
Disclaimer: Free plan limits and policies can change. Always check the provider’s latest terms.