How to Transfer Large Files for Free

Today, we create files that are so large that the technology which was used until now can no longer deal with them. Once upon a time, we used to send no more than an email and perhaps an image or so. This increased when we started to send mp3s. However, today even the simplest document often finds itself filled with images, and we send files like audio work files, Photoshop documents and other files that are dozens of megabytes in size. However, leaving these simple documents aside, many people from all around the world find themselves trying to send extremely large files such as full movies, HD clips, and high quality audio recordings, all of which can sometimes exceed a couple of hundred MBs in size, but also go over 3-4 GBs from time to time, thus the increasing need for services like these which are meant to make sure that larger files can be easily transferred without having to pay a price, which is why it is important to learn how to transfer large files for free.

Technically, there is no maximum size set for sending emails. However, the majority of services do have a maximum set and they automatically bounce anything over 10MB. Hence, you may need to find ways other than email to send large files. Let’s take a look at how to transfer large files for free.

1. Dropbox

Dropbox is a hugely popular app. When you sign up, you are given 2GB of space for free, and you can share individual files or entire folders with anybody you choose. Additionally, you can purchase extra space if 2GB isn’t enough for you. The app is also integrated with various other programs, which makes it hugely popular.

2. Box

Box is almost an exact clone of Dropbox. However, rather than offering 2GB of free space, it offers 10GB, increasing its popularity. The only problem is that a single file cannot exceed 250MB, unless you are willing to pay for the service. If you do choose to pay for it, you can also collaborate with other programs such as your email.

3. MediaFire

MediaFire is one of the oldest options in the book. You get 10GB of free space. Transfers are limited to 200MB, however. You can choose to pay so that you receive long terms shortage. Additionally, doing so will remove advertisement and you will be able to use the FileDrop uploader. This makes sending files to your account easier. Plus, it will allow you to edit documents.

4. WeTransfer

WeTransfer offers a very good free version that is supported by ads. You can get 2GB of free transfers without even having to register, and you can use this whenever you want. When you upload something, it will stay there for a full week. You can also choose to purchase a yearly subscription, which allows you to password protect any file you transfer. Your transfers can then increase to 5GB and you are able to get long term storage up to 50GB as well.

5. Hightail

Hightail is better known under its original name “YouSendIt”. It was one of the first companies to offer cloud based storage and they really set the marker for all the other ones. They were first founded in 2004. They have a “lite” plan, which is 100% free and offers you 50MB transfers as well as 2GB of storage. This may be limited by today’s standards, but this is a very trustworthy company, particularly for business users.

By keeping all of the great providers that have been mentioned so far in mind, transferring large files over the Internet for free has gotten much easier than it may have been in the past. With cloud storage already mainstream, all of the storage options above are making large file transfers easier as each day goes by, so you can see, sending large files can be done for free with great ease, simply by using a cloud-based storage provider.