Top 8 Free and Safe File Sharing Sites in 2022
Author: Nichlaus O.
Free file sharing sites make work easier at no extra charge! Whether it is collaborating over work projects or sending and receiving large files, these sites are a great help in the workplace and at home.
However, file sharing sites can expose you to some risks like:
- Spam - selling your email address to spam lists.
- Identity theft – your credit card data or bank account details may be stolen.
- Malware - viruses or extortion software can be uploaded to your computer.
We recommend only using well known, safe file transfer websites that scan files uploaded files for viruses and other malicious software.
These sites have free-to-use file transfer services. Some only need you to have an account first, which is a small formality.
Top 8 Free and Safe File Sharing Sites
Site |
Pros |
Cons |
|
| 1 | Dropbox |
No account needed Has very good app integration. |
2 GB limit per file transfer Has a 30-day trial limit. |
| 2 | WeTransfer |
No account needed Track transfer downloads by time and recipient. Set limit for how long shared files are available for download. Numerous App integration |
2 GB limit per file transfer |
| 3 | Google Drive |
Unlimited file transfers. Free office suite- docs, sheets, Support for numerous files – Microsoft, apple, adobe and general audio and video files. |
Google account registration needed. |
| 4 | Box |
Built for collaboration with numerous office applications. Integrates with apps like Salesforce, AutoCAD, ServiceNow |
Account registration needed. 250MB file transfer limit. |
| 5 | Mediafire |
10 GB free file storage. Supports multiple uploads. |
Account registration needed. 4 GB limit per file share. |
| 6 | Microsoft OneDrive | Offers productivity tools |
Account registration needed Office apps not included in basic/free version. |
| 7 | Hightail | Highly collaborative with majority of the business apps in creative type jobs |
Account registration needed. 14-day free trial period for free version. |
| 8 | TransferNow |
No account needed. HTTPS secured transfers. Files stay available for 7 days |
5 GB file limit per transfer |
Dropbox
Dropbox is a file hosting service operated by the American company Dropbox, Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, California, US that offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software. Dropbox has computer apps for Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Linux computers, and mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone smartphones and tablets. It also offers a website interface.
WeTransfer
WeTransfer is an internet-based computer file transfer service based in the Netherlands. WeTransfer offers a free service where users can send up to two gigabytes of files, and a paid option, called WeTransfer Pro where users can send up to 200 gigabytes of files. WeTransfer Pro also allows users to add passwords to files. With a free account, users can send files of up to 2 GB. With a Pro account 200 GB files can be transferred, 1 TB stored, and password and personalization options.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. It allows users to store files in the cloud (on Google's servers), synchronize files across devices, and share files. In addition to a web interface, Google Drive offers apps with offline capabilities for Windows and macOS computers, and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Google Drive encompasses Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, which are a part of the Google Docs Editors office suite that permits collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms, and more. Files created and edited through the Google Docs suite are saved in Google Drive.
Box
Box, Inc. (formerly Box.net) is a public company based in Redwood City, California. It develops and markets cloud-based content management, collaboration, and file sharing tools for businesses. Its software allows users to store and manage files in an online folder system accessible from any device. Users can then comment on the files, share them, apply workflows, and implement security and governance policies.
Mediafire
MediaFire is a file hosting, file synchronization, and cloud storage service based in Shenandoah, Texas, United States. The company provides client software for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, BlackBerry 10, and web browsers. Both public and private file sharing are supported through MediaFire. Private file sharing consists of a user sharing directly to another user or a group of users and is done through importing contacts or email. The account holder is able to control read or write permissions on a per user basis. Public sharing consists of a user getting a public link, which allows anyone with the link to download the file. Public links are always read only. MediaFire also supports sharing with one-time links, which are only valid for a single use.
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) is a file hosting service that Microsoft operates. It enables registered users to share and synchronize their files. OneDrive also works as the storage back-end of the web version of Microsoft Office. OneDrive offers 5 GB of storage space free of charge, with 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available either separately or with Office 365 subscriptions. The OneDrive client app adds file synchronization and cloud backup features to its device. The app comes bundled with Microsoft Windows and is available for macOS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S. In addition, Microsoft Office apps directly integrate with OneDrive.
Hightail (formerly YouSendIt)
Hightail, formerly YouSendIt, is a cloud service that lets users send, receive, digitally sign and synchronize files. Users of the Hightail service upload a file to Hightail's servers, and recipients are provided with a link where the file can be downloaded. Users can also manage files in an online folder system, or create desktop folders that access online storage. In addition to Hightail.com, the service can be used from desktop applications for Windows and macOS, or from mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
TransferNow
TransferNow is a simple, quick and secure free solution to send large files and big documents up to 50 GB per transfer. No registration required.
Sources: Wikipedia
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