TransferNow is a reliable French file transfer service with decent limits. But if you’re looking for more features, faster speeds, or different pricing, these alternatives are worth considering.
TransferNow at a Glance
TransferNow offers:
- 5GB free file transfers
- 7-day expiry on free tier
- Email and link sharing
- Password protection
- GDPR compliant (French company)
Why Look for Alternatives?
Users often switch from TransferNow because of:
- Upload-first model - Must wait for full upload before sharing
- Limited free tier - 5GB is mid-range
- Short expiry - 7 days may not be enough
- No collaboration - One-way transfers only
- No encryption - Password protection only
Best TransferNow Alternatives
1. FileGrab (Best for Speed)
FileGrab revolutionizes file sharing with its link-first approach.
Key advantages:
- Share your link instantly (before uploading)
- Real-time upload progress for viewers
- Collaborative links for two-way sharing
- End-to-end encryption available
- Cloudflare’s global CDN
Limits: 100MB free, 2GB with Pro ($10/month)
2. WeTransfer
The most popular alternative worldwide.
Pros:
- 2GB free limit
- Clean, simple interface
- No account required
- Wide recognition
Cons:
- Shorter limit than TransferNow
- Ads on free tier
- 7-day expiry
- 10 transfers/month limit
3. Smash
Unlimited file sizes on free tier.
Pros:
- No size limits
- 14-day expiry
- Customizable backgrounds
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Queue times for large files
- Variable speeds
- Limited free features
4. SwissTransfer
Maximum free storage.
Pros:
- 50GB per transfer
- 30-day expiry
- Swiss privacy
- Password protection
Cons:
- Slower outside Europe
- Basic feature set
- No collaboration
5. SendGB
Good balance of features.
Pros:
- 5GB free (matches TransferNow)
- 90-day storage
- Multiple recipients
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Ads on free tier
- Dated design
- Limited speeds
Feature Comparison
| Service | Free Limit | Expiry | E2E Encryption | Collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransferNow | 5GB | 7 days | No | No |
| FileGrab | 100MB | 7 days | Yes (Pro) | Yes |
| WeTransfer | 2GB | 7 days | No | No |
| Smash | Unlimited | 14 days | No | No |
| SwissTransfer | 50GB | 30 days | No | No |
| SendGB | 5GB | 90 days | No | No |
Speed Comparison
TransferNow’s European servers mean variable performance globally:
| Region | TransferNow | FileGrab | WeTransfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| USA | Medium | Fast | Fast |
| Asia | Slow | Fast | Medium |
| S. America | Slow | Fast | Medium |
FileGrab uses Cloudflare’s 300+ global edge locations for consistent speed worldwide.
Pricing Comparison
| Service | Free Tier | Paid Plan | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransferNow | 5GB/transfer | From $9/mo | 50GB/transfer |
| FileGrab | 100MB | $10/mo | 10GB total |
| WeTransfer Pro | 2GB | $19/mo | Unlimited |
| Smash | Unlimited | $5/mo | Unlimited + features |
| SwissTransfer | 50GB | Free only | N/A |
What Makes FileGrab Different
Link-First Sharing
Traditional services (including TransferNow):
- Select files
- Wait for upload
- Get link
- Share link
FileGrab:
- Get link instantly
- Share link
- Upload whenever
- Recipient sees real-time progress
This is faster and more flexible for modern workflows.
Collaborative Links
TransferNow is one-way: you send, they receive. FileGrab’s collaborative links let both parties upload, perfect for:
- Collecting files from clients
- Team projects
- Two-way exchanges
True Privacy
TransferNow offers password protection. FileGrab Pro offers end-to-end encryption - the server never sees your files’ contents.
Use Cases
Choose FileGrab when:
- You need to share the link immediately
- Collaboration is required
- Privacy is paramount
- Recipients are worldwide
Choose TransferNow when:
- You need 5GB on free tier
- European delivery is primary focus
- GDPR compliance is required
- Simple email-based workflow preferred
Choose SwissTransfer when:
- You need to transfer huge files (50GB)
- European-focused delivery
- Privacy through Swiss law matters
Choose Smash when:
- File size is unpredictable
- You can wait for queue times
- Customization is desired
Migration Tips
If you’re switching from TransferNow:
-
Try the link-first model - Share your FileGrab link before uploading. It’s surprisingly liberating.
-
Consider your actual needs - You may not need 5GB per transfer. Many files are under 100MB.
-
Test speed in your region - Try a test transfer to see the difference.
-
Evaluate collaboration - Can two-way sharing improve your workflow?
The Bottom Line
TransferNow is a solid European service with a good free tier. But if you want modern features like link-first sharing, collaboration, and true encryption, FileGrab offers a better experience.
Start sharing with FileGrab - no account required.