How to send large files for free

We explore how to send a large files using the tools you already have and other options

Have you ever tried to email a file only to receive a message saying it’s too large to send? It’s a common problem. Most email providers limit the size of attachments – for example, Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail all have a maximum attachment size of 25 MB. If you’re trying to send a high-resolution video, large presentation, or archive, you’ll need another solution.

Fortunately, there are plenty of free services that make sending large files quick and easy. We will show you here how to send large files for free.

Use your email provider’s cloud storage

Many email services automatically upload large files to cloud storage instead of attaching them directly.

Gmail + Google Drive

If you attach a file larger than 25 MB in Gmail, it is automatically uploaded to Google Drive. Gmail inserts a sharing link into your email instead of attaching the file.

Before sending, you can choose whether recipients can:

• View the file
• Comment on the file
• Edit the file (if appropriate)

This is one of the easiest methods if you already use a Google account.

Apple Mail

Apple Mail can send large files up to 5 GB using a built-in iCloud feature called Mail Drop. Instead of clogging up your recipient’s inbox, the file is temporarily hosted on iCloud and a secure download link is automatically inserted into your email.

• No iCloud impact: Mail Drop files do not count against your personal iCloud storage quota.
• Link expiration. The recipient has 30 days to download the file before the link expires.
• Web access: If you don’t use the native app, you can also log into iCloud.com and access Mail Drop there.

Keep in mind that storage limits and maximum file sizes may change over time.

TransferNow

• Free transfers up to 5 GB
• No registration required
• Password protection available
• AES-256 encryption
• Download tracking

Website: https://www.transfernow.net/en

WeTransfer

One of the best-known file transfer services. Free features:

• Send files up to 3 GB
• No account required
• Download links remain available for a limited time

Website: https://wetransfer.com/

Filemail

• Send files up to 5 GB for free
• Email notifications
• Download via secure link
• Optional desktop and mobile apps

Website: https://www.filemail.com/

Send Anywhere

• Send files up to 10 GB for free
• Secure six-digit transfer key
• Share using links or email
• Apps available for Windows, macOS, Android and iPhone

Website: https://send-anywhere.com/

SendBig

• Send files up to 30 GB
• Optional password protection
• Custom expiry dates
• Download notifications & Download limits

Website: https://www.sendbig.com/

Smash

• No practical file size limit (large files may be processed more slowly on the free plan)
• Password protection
• File previews & Easy link sharing

Website: https://fromsmash.com/

Gofile

• Supports very large uploads
• No strict upload quantity limits
• Simple sharing links
• No account required (optional accounts available)

Website: https://gofile.io/

Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is a method of transferring files directly between computers or devices over the internet, without storing the files on a central server. Each participant (called a “peer”) can both upload and download files, making transfers faster and more resilient than relying on a single server.

How it works

Instead of downloading a large file from one website:

1. The file is split into many small pieces.
2. Your computer downloads different pieces from multiple users simultaneously.
3. As you receive pieces, you also begin uploading them to other users.
4. Once all the pieces are received, the software reassembles the complete file.

This distributed approach makes P2P highly efficient for transferring very large files.

ToffeeShare

ToffeeShare works differently from most services. Instead of uploading your files to a server, it creates a secure peer-to-peer connection between you and the recipient. Benefits include:

• No file size limits
• Files are never stored permanently online
• Direct encrypted transfer
• Ideal for large files

The only requirement is that your browser must remain open until the transfer is complete.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Email attachments are convenient, but they’re not designed for large files. Whether you’re sending videos, photos, backups or project files, cloud storage and dedicated transfer services offer faster, safer and more reliable alternatives.

Before using any service, it’s worth checking its current free limits and retention period, as these can change over time.

Explore the world of PrePress

Brand Design

Brand design is far more than creating a logo. It is the visual expression of a business.

Web Design

Is Google Bing or Yahoo better for business in the UK? We answer that not so tricky question.

Graphic Design

Your designing a logo does it need to be a resolution or should it be vector, we make it clear.

Exhibition Design

No matter what size of stand you require we offer a complete design build store service.