August 20, 2024

The 12 Best Ways to Share Files With Anyone Over the Web


Quick Links
ShareDrop
JustBeamIt
SendGB
Uploadfiles
Send Anywhere
PlusTransfer
WeTransfer
Files to Friends
FileTransfer
Tresorit
Send
Dropall
Drop.lol

Key Takeaways
Share files without hassle using websites like ShareDrop, SendAnywhere, and PlusTransfer
Send large files with ease through services like JustBeamIt, Uploadfiles, and FileTransfer
Utilize SendGB to securely share files up to 5 GB in size

There are many ways to share files between people and devices, but a lot of those methods can be cumbersome by requiring app downloads, account registrations, cloud storage setups, and so on.

That's why we prefer these no-hassle file sharing websites that let you drag-and-drop files and share links to those files so that others can download them right away.
ShareDrop


Powered by WebRTC, ShareDrop is a browser-based P2P file-sharing software. It works a little differently than the other file senders mentioned below.

To share a file, open the ShareDrop website and click the plus icon in the top-right corner. This creates a room that your friends can join through the link or QR code.

ShareDrop assigns an avatar to all the people in the room. Click on the avatar of the person to whom you want to send the file. Upload it and click Send. ShareDrop then sends the file once the receiver accepts.

Highlights:Encrypted peer-to-peer connection
No password protection
Uses WebRTC

JustBeamIt


JustBeamIt is another peer-to-peer transfer service that works in a simple way: select a file, generate a URL, share the link to the recipient, and keep both browsers open while the transfer takes place.

The good thing about JustBeamIt is that there's no limit on the size or number of files transferred. But, the file URL expires after only 10 minutes, so you'll have to re-upload the file and generate a new URL.

Highlights:File URLs expire after 10 minutes
No limits on file size or number of files
No encryption or password protection

SendGB


SendGB allows free transfer of files up to 5 GB. For most people, this will suffice. However, there’s an option to upgrade to premium plans.

It has three different types of paid plans. One of these offers up to 1 TB storage, the other allows one-time sharing of large files, and the third extends the storage time. However, even the free version can keep your files (under 250 MB) for up to 90 days. For larger files, the maximum storage period is one week.

SendGB can share files both via email and the URL. To protect your files, it allows the automatic destruction option. Similarly, you can password-protect your files.

Highlights:Password protection
5 GB free transfer
Option to upgrade for sending larger files

Uploadfiles


Uploadfiles lets you upload files to its servers without registering at all. It's entirely free to use and is one of the least restrictive services out there. Highly recommended if you don't want to use peer-to-peer.

Despite the generous free plan, it has Pro and Business subscriptions with more features and higher limits.

Highlights:Unlimited uploads
100 GB file size limit (5 GB for free users)
Transfers are encrypted
Files remain for 30 days
Pro accounts allow for 1 TB file size limit, permanent storage, and password protection

Send Anywhere


We've highlighted Send Anywhere before when talking about apps for sending large files, and while the web version isn't as good as the desktop or mobile apps, it's still fast and convenient to use.

Once you've uploaded your files, Send Anywhere gives you a six-digit code that you can share. Anyone who has that code can download the files you've uploaded. So simple, isn't it?

Highlights:Unlimited uploads
1 GB file size limit when using the web app
Encryption and password protection available
Files disappear as soon as they are downloaded

PlusTransfer


PlusTransfer launched back in 2014, but never really gained much traction in the realm of file-sharing sites. It actually bought out PipeBytes (a defunct peer-to-peer transfer service) but decided to stay with the traditional upload format.

No registration needed, but you'll need the recipient's email address to send the file. Multiple email addresses can be designated per file transfer.

Highlights:Unlimited uploads
5 GB limit per transfer
No encryption or password protection
Files remain anywhere from 1 to 14 days, depending on your choice

WeTransfer


You can use WeTransfer to securely share files with your friends. It works on a principle similar to PlusTransfer: upload your files, input the recipient's email address, and send the download their way. They've been around since 2009, and they're still going, so you know they're serious.

Highlights:Unlimited uploads
2 GB limit per transfer
Files remain for seven days
Plus accounts increase the transfer limit to 200 GB and grant 1 TB storage

Files to Friends


Files to Friends does exactly what it says on the tin—lets you send files to friends. It sends files only via email, so you’ll have to enter both your and your friend's email addresses. You can also leave a message.

The free version allows sharing of up to 1 GB of data. On the other hand, Files to Friends Plus allows 20 GB storage and sharing of 5 GB files. You can also customize the sharing page and access the history of shared files. The paid plan costs $10 per month with a 14-day free trial.

Highlights:File sharing via email
Limits the file size to 1 GB (free version)
No password protection

FileTransfer


FileTransfer is a decent tool with a couple of unique features. It checks the file for viruses and has an option for requesting files (for business accounts only). Best of all, you can charge people for downloading files, which works great if you want to share work with clients.

FileTransfer offers three plans: Free, Plus, and Business. The free plan provides 100 GB of storage, but limits file size to 6 GB. The Plus and Business plans are more generous but cost $9 and $49 per month respectively.

It can send files through URL and email. The free plan allows 50 downloads, while the paid plans offer unlimited downloads. You can password-protect your files as well.

Highlights:Antivirus Check
100 GB storage (in the free plan)
Monetizable files
Password-protection

Tresorit Send


Tresorit enables safe collaboration between team members through end-to-end encryption. For sharing files, it has a tool called Tresorit Send. It creates a shareable link for sending files, but you'll have to provide your email to use the service.

Highlights:End-to-end encryption
Password protection and access logs available
5 GB file size limit

Dropall


Dropall is a peer-to-peer file-sharing site that has a slightly different approach than the sites listed above. As soon as you open the site, it assigns you a random username and room number.

You can then upload your files here and share the room ID with your friends, which they can use to enter the room and download files. It allows you to upload multiple files to a single room. However, you'll have to pay $0.99 a year to password-protect your room.

Highlights:P2P file transfer
Password protection available
Files are deleted as soon as you close the site

Drop.lol


Drop.lol is similar to Dropall as it lets you create a room for file-sharing that others can join via a link or QR code. Moreover, it lets you chat with those who've joined your room. When you share a file, the receiver has to accept the transfer before it begins downloading.

A downside of Drop.lol is that you'll have to share files with every person separately, even if they've joined your room.

Highlights:Open-source tool for sharing files
Chat room to message the receiver/sender of the file
Files and messages are encrypted

All of these services share one important thing in common: you don't have to register an account, download anything, or install anything in order to use them. All you need is the website and a file to share. However, if you're going to do a lot of sharing for the foreseeable future—such as passing files back and forth between teammates or coworkers—then you should consider getting a cloud storage account instead.

Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/15-super-quick-ways-share-files-without-cloud-storage/