WeTransfer is an online file transfer and sharing service developed by WeTransfer B.V., a company founded in the Netherlands in 2009. The platform makes it easy to send large files from a web browser, particularly through shareable download links. Available to both the general public and professionals, WeTransfer is particularly popular in creative fields for sharing high-resolution photos, videos, audio files, documents, and design files. The service also offers features tailored to businesses and teams, such as password protection, access control, and collaboration tools.
The service now counts more than 12 million monthly active users and facilitates more than 30 million file transfers each month. WeTransfer can be used directly from a web browser, on both computers and smartphones, without requiring the installation of any software. Mobile apps are also available on iOS and Android for managing file transfers from a mobile device.
WeTransfer focuses on security and the confidentiality of transferred files. Data is encrypted during transfer using TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 protocols, and then with AES-256 encryption when stored on the service’s servers.
Why Should I Download WeTransfer?
WeTransfer is very intuitive to use. With the free plan, you don't need to create a user account to make one-time transfers via the web interface. All you have to do is accept the terms of use before selecting the files you want to send from your hard drive.
To confirm your submission, enter the recipient’s email address as well as your own email address. The platform allows you to add a clear subject line and a personalized message for your contacts. The tool lets you choose between sending the file directly via email or generating a unique download link to share through your instant messaging apps.
The free version allows you to send large files up to a predefined maximum limit. Shared items remain available for download from the servers for a period of seven days. During this time, your contacts can click on the link they received to download the original items to their own devices.
During the process, the sender receives an initial email confirming that the data has been uploaded to the remote servers. A second email notifies you immediately once the recipient downloads the sent documents. This precise tracking ensures complete traceability of your business communications.
Is WeTransfer Free?
The service offers a free version available to all users for sending everyday documents. This basic plan requires no bank account and allows you to send files up to a certain size while storing the data online for one week.
For more demanding needs, there are paid plans in the form of monthly or annual subscriptions. The Pro plan significantly increases the file size limit for transfers and provides individual cloud storage space to host your projects. The premium plan allows you to send documents without any size restrictions and offers unlimited storage.
These professional plans let you create custom portals featuring your company’s branding, set up password protection, and define custom expiration dates for all your shared links.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with WeTransfer?
The solution is compatible with a wide range of IT environments and digital devices. For use on a computer, the platform runs without installation via the online service. The site runs on all modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge, on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Mac users can also download a dedicated application that resides in the menu bar to send a file without opening a browser.
On mobile devices, you can download the official app from app stores. The mobile app is available on the App Store for Apple smartphones and tablets. Installation requires a recent or later version of iOS to ensure compatibility with Apple’s security systems.
Owners of mobile devices running Android can find the dedicated app on the Google Play Store. This mobile version lets you select your photos, videos, and documents directly from your phone’s gallery to send them immediately to your contacts.
What Are the Alternatives to WeTransfer?
SwissTransfer is an online file transfer service offered by Infomaniak that allows you to send large files—up to 50 GB—for free, without creating an account. Data is hosted in Infomaniak’s data centers in Switzerland and is protected by various security measures, including encryption during transfer and storage. Files are automatically deleted after 15 days, with the option to extend their availability up to 30 days. It is also possible to password-protect a transfer and customize the number of allowed downloads.
Smash is an online file-transfer platform that allows users to share large files without needing specialized software. The service includes a preview feature that lets users view certain types of content, such as photos or videos, before downloading them. Smash is designed for both individuals and businesses and offers paid plans with additional features, including the ability to customize the transfer interface with a brand’s colors, as well as extended options regarding how long files remain available.
TransferNow is an online service designed to make it easy to send and share large files. Accessible via a web browser, it allows you to transfer documents, photos, videos, or folders without having to send them directly by email. Simply select the files, specify the recipients if desired, and then generate a download link to share. The service offers a free plan, as well as paid plans that include larger transfer and storage capacities and additional features. TransferNow also includes security options to protect transfers, such as password protection or a limited validity period. Easy to use, it’s a convenient solution for occasionally sharing files that are too large for traditional email services.
