Email attachments are limited to 25MB on most services. So what do you do when you need to send a 500MB video, a 2GB design file, or a folder of high-resolution photos?
Here are 7 free methods to send large files, ranked by ease of use.
Method 1: Use FileGrab (Fastest)
FileGrab is the quickest way to share files online. Unlike other services, you get your shareable link immediately - before uploading anything.
How it works:
- Go to filegrab.link
- Copy your link (it’s already ready)
- Drop your files anywhere on the page
- Share the link while files upload
Limits: 100MB total (free), 7-day expiry Best for: Quick sharing when you want to send the link immediately
Method 2: Google Drive
If you have a Google account, you already have 15GB of free cloud storage.
How to share via Google Drive:
- Go to drive.google.com
- Click “New” then “File upload”
- Right-click the file and select “Share”
- Click “Anyone with the link” and copy
Limits: 15GB total storage (shared with Gmail) Best for: When you need permanent storage, not just transfer
Method 3: Dropbox Basic
Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage with easy sharing options.
How to share:
- Upload file to Dropbox
- Click “Share” next to the file
- Create a link and copy it
Limits: 2GB storage total Best for: Small files you want to keep long-term
Method 4: WeTransfer Free
WeTransfer is a popular option, though with limitations.
How to use WeTransfer:
- Go to wetransfer.com
- Add your files (up to 2GB)
- Enter recipient email or get a link
- Wait for upload to complete
- Share the link
Limits: 2GB per transfer, 10 transfers/month, 7-day expiry Best for: Occasional file sharing (watch the monthly limit)
Method 5: SwissTransfer
For massive files, SwissTransfer allows up to 50GB per transfer.
How to use:
- Go to swisstransfer.com
- Add files (up to 50GB)
- Choose expiry and password options
- Upload and share
Limits: 50GB per transfer, 30-day max retention Best for: Very large files like video projects
Method 6: Wormhole
Wormhole offers end-to-end encrypted transfers up to 10GB.
How to use:
- Go to wormhole.app
- Drop your file
- Share the link (can share before upload finishes)
- Files auto-delete after 24 hours
Limits: 10GB, 24-hour expiry Best for: Sensitive files requiring encryption
Method 7: Compress First, Then Email
Sometimes you can make files small enough for email by compressing them.
How to compress:
- Windows: Right-click → Send to → Compressed folder
- Mac: Right-click → Compress
- Online: Use squoosh.app for images
Works best for: Text documents, spreadsheets, multiple small files
Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Max Size | Speed | Encryption | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FileGrab | 100MB | Instant link | Optional | 7 days |
| Google Drive | 15GB | Medium | No | Never |
| Dropbox | 2GB | Medium | No | Never |
| WeTransfer | 2GB | Slow | No | 7 days |
| SwissTransfer | 50GB | Medium | Optional | 30 days |
| Wormhole | 10GB | Fast (P2P) | Yes | 24 hours |
| Compress+Email | 25MB | Instant | No | Never |
Tips for Sending Large Files
1. Check the File Size First
Before choosing a method, right-click your file and check its size:
- Under 25MB: Email might work
- 25MB - 100MB: FileGrab, Wormhole
- 100MB - 2GB: WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive
- 2GB - 10GB: Wormhole, FileGrab Pro
- 10GB+: SwissTransfer
2. Consider the Recipient
Ask yourself:
- Do they need the file permanently? → Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Is it sensitive? → Encrypted service (Wormhole, FileGrab Pro)
- Do they need it immediately? → Link-first service (FileGrab)
3. Use Folders for Multiple Files
Instead of sending 50 separate links, put all files in one folder and share:
- Most services let you upload folders
- Recipients can download everything at once
- Easier to manage than multiple links
4. Check Upload Speed
Large uploads can take hours on slow connections. If you’re on a weak WiFi:
- Use a service with resumable uploads
- Upload overnight
- Consider compressing first
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the largest file I can send for free?
SwissTransfer allows 50GB per transfer, making it the largest free option. For most users, 2-10GB services are sufficient.
Which service is fastest?
FileGrab provides your link instantly, so you can share before the upload completes. For actual upload speed, it depends on your internet connection and the service’s infrastructure.
Is free file sharing secure?
Most free services don’t encrypt your files. For sensitive documents, use Wormhole (free, encrypted) or FileGrab Pro (paid, encrypted).
How long do files stay available?
- FileGrab: 7 days (free), up to forever (Pro)
- WeTransfer: 7 days
- Wormhole: 24 hours
- SwissTransfer: Up to 30 days
- Google Drive: Until you delete
Can recipients upload files back to me?
Most free services are one-way. FileGrab Pro offers collaborative links where both parties can upload.
The Bottom Line
For most people, FileGrab offers the fastest experience - you get your link immediately and can share it while still uploading. For larger files or permanent storage, Google Drive and SwissTransfer are excellent free options.
Need to send something right now? Get your link in seconds with FileGrab.