Free file transfer, and how the free options differ
Use ShareQuik right here for free transfers up to 100 MB, with no account and an 8-character code. Below, see how the free tiers of other popular transfer services compare.
- 100 MB per share
- 8-character code
- 3 days, extendable to 15
- No account
Find
Enter a share code to access shared content.
The 8-character code from the sender: 2 letters, then 6 digits.
Free file transfer services all look similar at first glance: upload, share, done. The differences are in the small print of the free tier, such as the maximum size, how long files stay available, whether you need an account, and whether there is a monthly cap.
ShareQuik’s free tier is the whole product. It handles smaller transfers (up to 100 MB) and uses a short code instead of an emailed link.
How ShareQuik works
- Step 1
Add files or text
Drop files into the Share panel above, up to 100 MB in total, or paste up to 3,000 words of text.
- Step 2
Generate a share code
Select Generate Code. ShareQuik uploads everything and shows a code like BX678095 that you can copy, text or read out.
- Step 3
The recipient enters the code
On any ShareQuik page they type the code into the Find panel, enter an email address, and download the files.
What ShareQuik’s free transfer gives you
Code-based hand-off
Recipients type a short code rather than following a link, which is handy across devices or when reading the code out.
No account, no inbox needed
ShareQuik doesn’t email anything on your behalf, so you don’t need the recipient’s address to send.
Files and text together
Add a note, instructions or a block of text alongside the files in the same share.
Free tiers at a glance
The table summarises the free plans of several services as published on their own sites or help pages. Limits change often, so check the provider before relying on a specific number.
| Service | Max per transfer (free) | Availability (free) | Account to send |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShareQuik | 100 MB | 3 days, up to 15 | No |
| WeTransfer | 3 GB in total, up to 10 transfers, per 30 days | 3 days | Yes, a free account |
| SwissTransfer | 50 GB | Up to 30 days | No (one-time email check per device) |
| TransferNow | 5 GB | 7 days | No |
| Filemail | 5 GB, 2 transfers per 24 hours | 7 days | No |
| Smash | No fixed cap; transfers over 2 GB are queued | 7 days | No |
How to choose a free file transfer service
- Start with size. Under 100 MB, any of these work, including ShareQuik. Several gigabytes rules most of them out except the large-file specialists.
- Then availability. If the recipient might not download for a week or more, pick a service whose free tier keeps files long enough.
- Then delivery. Do you want the service to email the recipient a link, or would you rather pass a code or link on yourself?
- Then extras. Password protection, download notifications and file previews are common on bigger services and not offered by ShareQuik.
For detailed one-on-one comparisons, see the WeTransfer alternative page.
Frequently asked questions
Which free file transfer service has the biggest limit?
Of the services in the table, SwissTransfer lists the largest free transfer size (50 GB). ShareQuik’s limit is much smaller at 100 MB.
Do free file transfer services keep my files forever?
No. Free transfers expire, typically after a few days to a few weeks. ShareQuik keeps a share for 3 days, or 15 if you extend it.
Is a free file transfer safe?
It depends on the service and on how you share the link or code. Anyone with a ShareQuik code can open that share, so for sensitive files add your own password-protected archive.
Related ShareQuik pages
- Send files online with an 8-character codeSend files online free, in seconds: upload up to 100 MB, get an 8-character code and give it to anyone. No account, no trial and no paid tier.
- Send files without registrationSend or transfer files without registration: no account for you or your recipient. Up to 100 MB with an 8-character code, plus what other services ask of you.
- A WeTransfer alternative for quick, small transfersA WeTransfer alternative for small transfers: no account, no monthly transfer count, an 8-character code instead of a link. A sourced comparison of the free plans.
- Transfer files online between any two devicesTransfer files online between your phone, laptop and other devices. Upload on one, type an 8-character code on the other, and download. No cables, apps or logins.
Sources
Try a free transfer now
If your files fit in 100 MB, you can be done before another service finishes loading its sign-up form.