Dropbox Transfer used to be a convenient way to send large files, but there’s a catch: it now requires a paid Dropbox subscription. If you’re looking for a way to share files without committing to monthly fees, you’re not alone. Many users are searching for Dropbox Transfer alternatives that offer generous free tiers and simple sharing workflows.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best alternatives to Dropbox Transfer that let you send large files without breaking the bank.
Why Look for Dropbox Transfer Alternatives?
Dropbox Transfer has several limitations that make users seek other options:
- Paid subscription required: You need at least a Dropbox Plus plan ($11.99/month) to use Transfer
- File size limits: Even paid plans cap transfers at 100GB
- Expiration management: Limited control over when links expire
- No collaboration: Recipients can only download, not add files to the same link
If you’re occasionally sharing files and don’t need the full Dropbox ecosystem, paying for a subscription doesn’t make sense.
Top Dropbox Transfer Alternatives
FileGrab
FileGrab takes a unique “link-first” approach to file sharing. Instead of uploading files before getting a shareable link, you get the link immediately and can start sharing it while files upload in the background.
Free Tier:
- 100MB storage
- 100MB max file size
- 7-day link expiry
- No ads ever
- Real-time sync (recipients see files appear live)
Pro Plan ($10/month):
- 10GB storage
- 2GB max file size
- Forever links or custom expiry
- Password protection
- End-to-end encryption
- Collaborative links (others can add files)
- Delete individual files
What makes it different: The collaborative links feature lets multiple people add files to the same link, turning file sharing into a two-way street. Plus, the link-first model means you can share the URL before files finish uploading.
WeTransfer
WeTransfer is one of the most popular alternatives, known for its clean interface and simplicity.
Free Tier:
- Up to 2GB per transfer
- 7-day link expiry
- Email or link sharing
- Ad-supported
Pro Plan ($12/month):
- Up to 200GB per transfer
- Custom backgrounds
- Password protection
- Extended storage
Pros: Beautiful interface, very easy to use, generous 2GB free limit Cons: Ads on free tier, limited customization, no collaboration features
Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere uses a unique 6-digit code system for file transfers, offering both direct device-to-device sharing and link-based transfers.
Free Tier:
- 10GB per transfer
- 48-hour link expiry
- Direct device transfers
- No file size limit on direct transfers
Plus Plan ($5.99/month):
- 1TB cloud storage
- Custom expiry times
- No ads
Pros: Extremely generous free tier, unique direct transfer option Cons: Code-based system can be confusing, cluttered interface
Smash
Smash offers unlimited file size transfers on their free tier, which is rare in this space.
Free Tier:
- Unlimited file size
- 14-day link expiry
- Basic customization
- Ad-supported
Pro Plan ($8/month):
- Custom branding
- Password protection
- Extended expiry
- Analytics
Pros: Unlimited file sizes for free, generous 14-day expiry Cons: Ads on free plan, slower upload speeds on free tier
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FileGrab Free | FileGrab Pro | WeTransfer Free | Send Anywhere Free | Smash Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max File Size | 100MB | 2GB | 2GB | 10GB | Unlimited |
| Link Expiry | 7 days | Custom/Forever | 7 days | 48 hours | 14 days |
| Storage | 100MB | 10GB | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Password Protection | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Collaboration | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Encryption | No | Yes (E2E) | In transit | In transit | In transit |
| Ads | Never | Never | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | $10/mo | Free | Free | Free |
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Your best Dropbox Transfer alternative depends on your specific needs:
Choose FileGrab if:
- You want collaborative links where others can add files
- You need end-to-end encryption for sensitive files
- You prefer an ad-free experience even on the free tier
- You want the link before files finish uploading
Choose WeTransfer if:
- You prioritize a beautiful, minimal interface
- You only need one-way file transfers
- 2GB transfers are sufficient for your needs
Choose Send Anywhere if:
- You need to send very large files (10GB+) occasionally
- You prefer direct device-to-device transfers
- You’re comfortable with code-based sharing
Choose Smash if:
- You regularly send files larger than 2GB
- You don’t mind ads
- You need longer expiry times (14 days)
The Link-First Advantage
Most file sharing services follow the same pattern: upload files, wait, then get your shareable link. This creates an awkward situation where you can’t share the link until everything finishes uploading.
FileGrab’s link-first approach flips this model. You get your shareable link instantly, and files appear in real-time as they upload. This is particularly useful when:
- You’re sharing with someone you’re talking to right now (they can start downloading while you’re still uploading)
- You have multiple files uploading at different speeds
- You want to bookmark the link for yourself before uploads complete
For collaborative links on the Pro plan, this becomes even more powerful. Multiple people can add files to the same link over time, making it work more like a shared folder than a one-time transfer.
Security Considerations
When choosing a Dropbox Transfer alternative, consider how your files are protected:
Encryption in transit (all services): Files are encrypted while traveling from your device to the server and from the server to recipients. This protects against network interception.
Encryption at rest (most services): Files are encrypted while stored on the server, but the service provider has the encryption keys. This protects against server breaches but means the service can technically access your files.
End-to-end encryption (FileGrab Pro only): Files are encrypted on your device before upload, and only people with the link can decrypt them. The service provider cannot access your file contents. This is the gold standard for sensitive data.
If you’re sharing confidential documents, contracts, or personal information, end-to-end encryption is worth considering.
Cost Comparison
While Dropbox Transfer requires a full Dropbox subscription ($11.99/month minimum), these alternatives offer more flexible pricing:
- FileGrab Pro: $10/month (or $100/year)
- WeTransfer Pro: $12/month
- Send Anywhere Plus: $5.99/month
- Smash Pro: $8/month
For occasional file sharing, the free tiers are often sufficient. For regular use with advanced features, FileGrab and Smash offer the best value.
Making the Switch
Moving away from Dropbox Transfer is straightforward since these services don’t require you to migrate existing files. Simply:
- Choose your preferred alternative
- Create an account (most have free tiers)
- Upload your files or create a link
- Share with recipients
No complex setup, no file migration, no learning curve.
Conclusion
Dropbox Transfer’s requirement for a paid subscription has opened the door for alternatives that offer generous free tiers and innovative features. Whether you choose FileGrab’s collaborative links, WeTransfer’s beautiful interface, Send Anywhere’s massive free transfers, or Smash’s unlimited file sizes, you can send large files without paying for a Dropbox subscription.
For most users, FileGrab’s combination of no ads, real-time sync, and unique features like collaborative links and end-to-end encryption make it the strongest Dropbox Transfer alternative. The link-first model eliminates the awkward wait between uploading and sharing, and the Pro plan offers enterprise-grade features at a consumer-friendly price.
Ready to try a better way to share files? Get started at filegrab.link and get your shareable link instantly.