Free WeTransfer alternative: size, expiry and branding
Six free WeTransfer alternatives compared by free size, link expiry and branding, each with one real limit.
The right free WeTransfer alternative depends on what stopped you. For the biggest free size, SwissTransfer allows 50 GB per transfer. For a quick send to a client, TransferNow allows 5 GB per transfer. For your own domain, your logo and a way to collect files back, Tarkle lists a custom domain and branding on Free. If you already use Dropbox, Dropbox Transfer allows 2 GB on Basic.
This is Tarkle's own comparison, and we make Tarkle, so read it as one vendor's view and check the sources. Last checked: October 2026.
Why does the WeTransfer free plan stop working for client work?
A free WeTransfer account allows up to 10 transfers or 3 GB in any rolling 30-day window, and links expire after a maximum of 3 days (WeTransfer plan limits; free plan page). You need a free account to send, recipients do not, and a password or an email restriction costs nothing extra.
WeTransfer's help page lists custom expiration, password protection, branded pages and Access Control with its paid plans. For client work, three things usually hurt: the size, a short link life, and a page that carries someone else's look.
How do the six tools compare on size, expiry and branding?
All figures are free-plan figures from each vendor's own page, as published in October 2026.
Tool | Free size | Free link life | Branding on the free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
WeTransfer (reference) | 3 GB total per rolling 30 days | Up to 3 days | No, branded pages are on paid plans |
SwissTransfer | 50 GB per transfer | 1 to 30 days | No, on paid offers |
TransferNow | 5 GB per transfer | 7 days | Not included on Free |
Filemail | 5 GB per file | 7 days | Not listed on the Basic page |
Smash | 2 GB per transfer, larger sends queued | 7 days | Not on Free, paid plans unlock customization |
Dropbox Transfer | 2 GB on Basic | 7 days | Logo and background on Standard and higher plans |
Tarkle | 1 GB per upload | You set an expiration date | Custom branding and a custom domain on Free |
Check your biggest real file before anything else. SwissTransfer's free offer allows up to 50 GB per transfer. On Smash's free plan, sends above 2 GB join a queue behind Pro transfers, so a large send can wait.
Which free WeTransfer alternative suits which client job?
Each tool below answers the same three questions: how big a free transfer can be, how long the link lives, and whether the free page carries your branding. Each one ends with the limit that matters most for client work.
SwissTransfer
SwissTransfer, from Infomaniak, allows up to 50 GB per transfer and has no limit on the number of monthly transfers. You choose a link life from 1 to 30 days, and neither the sender nor the recipient needs an account (SwissTransfer). It suits anyone with big files and a wish for Swiss hosting. Limit: an expired link cannot be reactivated, and interface customisation is part of SwissTransfer's paid offers.
TransferNow
TransferNow's Free plan sends up to 5 GB per transfer. It keeps transfers for 7 days and gives secure download access to your transfers (TransferNow plans). It suits a quick send to a client with no setup.
Limit: Free has no storage. The Starter plan lists 10 GB per transfer and 30 days of availability.
Filemail
Filemail's free Basic account sends up to 5 GB per file and keeps files for 7 days, with up to 3 recipients per transfer (Filemail Basic). Limit: 2 transfer sessions per 24 hours, so a busy week of client sends can reach the cap quickly.
Smash
Smash's free plan allows 2 GB per transfer, with transfers valid for 7 days, no storage and no sign-up required (Smash pricing).
Limit: on the free plan, transfers above 2 GB join a queue behind Pro transfers, so a large send can wait.
Dropbox Transfer
On Dropbox Basic, a transfer can be up to 2 GB and expires after 7 days, and the recipient does not need a Dropbox account (Dropbox Help). It suits a team that already lives in Dropbox. Limit: Dropbox lists custom expiration dates, passwords, logos and backgrounds for Standard and higher plans, not for Basic.
Tarkle
Tarkle Free is $0 with no credit card. It includes 1 workspace, 5 GB of storage and file sharing and requests for one person. You get a link that needs no account to download, password protection, and custom branding with a custom domain. You can set an expiration date on a link. It suits a freelancer who wants links on their own address and a place to collect files, not only to send them.
Limit: Free accepts uploads up to 1 GB each, and the "Powered by Tarkle" line stays on Free pages. The fully branded client portal is listed on Pro. For bigger files, Pro and Agency take up to 200 GB per file.
What does Tarkle cost when the file is bigger?
Pro is $29 a month, or $19 a month billed yearly ($228 a year). It supports files up to 200 GB, 3 TB of storage, 2 workspaces, unlimited team members and a fully branded client portal. See send large files for limits per plan and plans and pricing for today's numbers.
Agency is $59 a month, or $49 a month billed yearly ($588 a year). It includes everything in Pro, 20 client workspaces, 6 TB of storage and a 100% white-label platform on your own domain, where the "Powered by Tarkle" backlink is replaced by your agency name. Read white label for agencies if clients should see your name only.
How do I send files to a client from Tarkle?
Pick the files or folders and get one link, then send it anywhere. When the client needs it, add a password or an expiration date before you send the link.
Free accepts uploads up to 1 GB each. Pro and Agency support files up to 200 GB.
Send the password in a different channel from the link, for example the link by email and the password by message.
What to remember about Tarkle
Tarkle Free is $0 with no credit card. It includes file sharing, file requests, custom branding and a custom domain, so you can send from your own address and collect files back. Free accepts uploads up to 1 GB each and is for one person. Pro takes files up to 200 GB, and Agency adds a white-label platform on your own domain. Start for free.