SendAnywhere has carved out a unique position in the file sharing space with its 6-digit code system and generous free tier. However, many users find the code-based workflow confusing and are looking for simpler alternatives that still offer large file transfers without subscription fees.
If you’re searching for SendAnywhere alternatives, this guide will help you find the perfect file sharing service for your needs.
What’s Great (and Not So Great) About SendAnywhere
Before diving into alternatives, let’s understand what SendAnywhere does well and where it falls short.
Strengths:
- Generous 10GB free transfers
- Direct device-to-device sharing (no cloud storage required)
- Cross-platform support (mobile, desktop, web)
- No file size limit on direct transfers
Weaknesses:
- Confusing 6-digit code system
- Cluttered interface with too many options
- 48-hour link expiry on free tier
- No collaboration features
- Ad-supported free tier
The biggest complaint about SendAnywhere is the code-based system. While it works, it adds friction to the sharing process. You have to communicate the code to your recipient separately, and it expires in 10 minutes. For one-time transfers, a simple link is easier.
Best SendAnywhere Alternatives
FileGrab
FileGrab takes the opposite approach from SendAnywhere’s codes: you get a shareable link instantly, before files even finish uploading.
Free Tier:
- 100MB storage
- 100MB max file size
- 7-day link expiry
- No codes or passwords required
- Real-time file sync
- Zero ads
Pro Plan ($10/month):
- 10GB storage quota
- 2GB max file size
- Forever links or custom expiry
- Password protection (optional)
- End-to-end encryption
- Collaborative links
- Delete individual files
Why it’s a better alternative: No codes to remember or share, instant shareable links, and unique features like collaborative links where multiple people can add files to the same URL. The link-first model means you can share before uploads complete.
WeTransfer
WeTransfer is the king of simplicity. No codes, no accounts required (for basic use), just drag and drop.
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 and branding
- Password protection
- 1TB cloud storage
Why it’s a better alternative: Cleaner interface, no confusing codes, email delivery option makes sharing even easier. The free 2GB limit is generous for most use cases.
Smash
Smash’s headline feature is unlimited file size transfers on the free tier, which is rare in the file sharing space.
Free Tier:
- Unlimited file size
- 14-day link expiry
- Basic customization
- Ad-supported
Pro Plan ($8/month):
- Custom branding
- Password protection
- Extended expiry options
- Transfer analytics
Why it’s a better alternative: No file size limits on free tier, longer expiry times (14 days vs 48 hours), simpler link-based sharing without codes.
Firefox Send (Discontinued, but alternatives exist)
While Firefox Send was discontinued in 2020, several open-source alternatives have emerged using the same technology:
Send by Timvisee:
- Up to 2.5GB per file
- Password protection
- Custom expiry times
- Download limits
- End-to-end encryption
Why it’s a better alternative: Built-in end-to-end encryption (like SendAnywhere’s direct transfers), but with a simpler link-based system and password protection.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | SendAnywhere Free | FileGrab Free | FileGrab Pro | WeTransfer Free | Smash Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Transfer Size | 10GB | 100MB | 2GB | 2GB | Unlimited |
| Link Expiry | 48 hours | 7 days | Custom/Forever | 7 days | 14 days |
| Sharing Method | 6-digit code or link | Link only | Link only | Link or email | Link only |
| Collaboration | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Password Protection | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Encryption | In transit only | In transit | E2E available | In transit | In transit |
| Ads | Yes | Never | Never | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | 1TB (Plus plan) | 100MB | 10GB | N/A | N/A |
| Price | Free | Free | $10/mo | Free | Free |
When You Need Direct Device Transfers
SendAnywhere’s direct device-to-device transfers are genuinely useful when:
- You have no internet connection (local WiFi only)
- You need unlimited file sizes
- You want files to never touch a cloud server
If these are your primary needs, SendAnywhere is still your best bet. However, most users don’t actually need direct transfers and would prefer:
Cloud-based transfers that offer:
- Asynchronous sharing (upload once, download multiple times)
- Longer expiry times
- Easier sharing (just send a link)
- Better mobile experience (no app required)
FileGrab, WeTransfer, and Smash all use cloud storage, which makes the sharing process more convenient for the majority of use cases.
The Code Problem
SendAnywhere’s 6-digit code system creates several pain points:
- Communication overhead: You have to send the code separately from the files
- 10-minute expiration: Codes expire quickly, creating time pressure
- Confusion: Recipients often don’t understand they need to enter a code
- Mobile friction: Switching between apps to copy/paste codes is awkward
Link-based alternatives solve all of these issues. You get a URL, you share the URL, recipient clicks it, files download. No codes, no confusion, no time pressure.
Collaboration: The Missing Feature
One feature that SendAnywhere lacks (and many alternatives lack too) is collaboration. With SendAnywhere, files flow one direction: from sender to recipient.
FileGrab’s Pro plan offers collaborative links, which means:
- You create a link
- You add files
- Recipients can also add files to the same link
- Everyone with the link sees all files in real-time
This turns file sharing into a two-way street, making it perfect for:
- Group projects where everyone contributes files
- Wedding photos where guests upload their pictures
- Client collaborations where both parties share materials
No other mainstream file sharing service offers this feature at this price point.
Security and Privacy Comparison
Different services offer different levels of security:
SendAnywhere:
- Direct transfers: Files never touch servers (most secure)
- Link transfers: Encrypted in transit, stored encrypted on servers
- No end-to-end encryption for link transfers
FileGrab:
- Standard links: Encrypted in transit and at rest
- Pro encrypted links: End-to-end encryption (files encrypted before upload)
- Server cannot access encrypted file contents
WeTransfer:
- Encrypted in transit
- Stored encrypted on servers
- No end-to-end encryption option
Smash:
- Encrypted in transit
- Stored encrypted on servers
- No end-to-end encryption option
For maximum privacy, SendAnywhere’s direct transfers or FileGrab’s E2E encrypted links are your best options.
Price and Value Analysis
Let’s look at what you get for your money:
SendAnywhere Plus ($5.99/month):
- 1TB cloud storage
- Ad-free experience
- Custom expiry times
- Still uses code system
FileGrab Pro ($10/month or $100/year):
- 10GB storage quota
- No codes ever
- Collaborative links
- End-to-end encryption
- Forever links
- Password protection
WeTransfer Pro ($12/month):
- 1TB storage
- 200GB per transfer
- Custom branding
- Beautiful interface
For most users, FileGrab Pro offers the best value. While it has less total storage than competitors, the unique features (collaboration, E2E encryption, link-first model) and lower price make it compelling. Plus, you can upgrade storage with bonus codes.
Real-World Use Cases
Choose SendAnywhere if:
- You regularly transfer files larger than 10GB
- You need true device-to-device transfers with no cloud storage
- You’re comfortable with the code system
- You often work offline or with limited internet
Choose FileGrab if:
- You want the simplest possible sharing experience
- You need collaborative links for group projects
- You value privacy (E2E encryption)
- You’re sharing with non-technical people who might be confused by codes
Choose WeTransfer if:
- You prioritize interface design and aesthetics
- You need to send files via email
- Your files are under 2GB
- You don’t need collaboration features
Choose Smash if:
- You regularly send files larger than 2GB
- You need longer expiry times (14 days)
- You want unlimited file sizes for free
The Link-First Difference
Most file sharing services work like this:
- Upload files (wait 5-10 minutes for large files)
- Get shareable link
- Share link with recipient
FileGrab flips this:
- Get shareable link instantly
- Upload files (share link while uploading)
- Recipient sees files appear in real-time
This seems like a small change, but it transforms the workflow:
- Share the link while on a phone call
- Start uploading large files and share the link immediately
- Recipients can start downloading early files while later ones are still uploading
- No awkward waiting period before you can share
For collaborative links, this becomes even more powerful. The link exists first, then everyone adds files to it over time. It’s more like a shared folder than a one-time transfer.
Making the Switch
Switching from SendAnywhere is easy since you don’t have files to migrate. Here’s how:
- Choose your alternative based on your needs
- Test the free tier before committing to a paid plan
- Share with a friend to experience the recipient’s perspective
- Compare ease of use to SendAnywhere’s code system
Most users find link-based alternatives significantly easier to use.
Conclusion
SendAnywhere’s generous free tier and direct transfer capabilities are impressive, but the code-based system creates unnecessary friction for most users. Alternatives like FileGrab, WeTransfer, and Smash offer simpler link-based sharing with comparable or better features.
FileGrab stands out with its unique link-first approach, collaborative links, and end-to-end encryption. At $10/month for the Pro plan, it offers features that competitors don’t have at any price point. The ad-free experience even on the free tier is a bonus.
If you’re tired of explaining 6-digit codes to recipients or want to try two-way file collaboration, give FileGrab a try at filegrab.link. Get your shareable link instantly and see files sync in real-time.