Torn between pCloud Transfer and TransferNow?
pCloud Transfer is a free, simple sending tool: up to 5 GB with no sign-up, just like TransferNow. The real difference is everything around the send itself — file reception, password protection with no size limit, download tracking, and plans that scale much higher.
Comparison updated on .
4.9 / 5 on Trustpilot and Google (20k+ reviews)
pCloud Transfer vs TransferNow: comparing the free plans
Let’s be honest: on basic free sending, it’s a tie. pCloud Transfer and TransferNow both let you send up to 5 GB by link or email, with no sign-up. pCloud Transfer does that well, and simply.
The difference shows as soon as you look beyond simple sending. For free, TransferNow adds:
- file reception (pCloud Transfer only sends);
- a password with no strings attached — with pCloud, enabling encryption caps every file at 200 MB;
- download notifications and a dashboard for your transfers.
| Free plan | TransferNow | pCloud Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Size per transferfree plan, no account | 5 GB | 5 GB |
| No sign-up required | Yes | Yes |
| Password protectionno size limit | Yes | Optional encryption, files ≤ 200 MB |
| Receive files | Yes | Sending onlyNo — Sending only |
| Download notification | Yes | No |
| Transfer dashboard | Yes | No |
| Retention period | 7 days (more with an account) | 7 days |
Sources:
https://www.transfernow.net/en/prices
https://transfer.pcloud.com
https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html
pCloud Transfer vs TransferNow: scaling up
This is where pCloud’s tool hits its ceiling: there is no paid transfer plan. pCloud sells cloud storage, but its Transfer tool stays capped at 5 GB and 7 days, with no way to scale.
TransferNow, on the other hand, grows with you: up to 250 GB (Premium) and 500 GB (Team) per transfer, retention up to 365 days, and a team plan (10 accounts included). You stay on the same service, from the occasional small send to heavy professional volumes.
| Beyond free | TransferNow | pCloud Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Max size per transfer | 250 GB (Premium) / 500 GB (Team) | 5 GB (free ceiling) |
| Paid transfer plan | Yes | pCloud sells storage, not transferNo — pCloud sells storage, not transfer |
| File retention | up to 365 days | 7 days |
| Team pricingmultiple users | Flat rate (10 accounts) | Not applicable |
Sources:
https://www.transfernow.net/en/prices
https://transfer.pcloud.com
https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html
pCloud Transfer vs TransferNow: receiving files
This is the clearest difference in everyday use: pCloud Transfer is only for sending. TransferNow also lets you receive for free.
Generate an email file request or a secure upload link, or even embed a widget on your website — your contacts upload without creating an account, and you’re notified with every drop.
| Receiving files | TransferNow | pCloud Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| File request by email | Yes | Sending onlyNo — Sending only |
| Secure upload link | Yes | No |
| Reception widget on your website | Yes | No |
| Reception included for free | Yes | No |
Sources:
https://www.transfernow.net/en/prices
https://transfer.pcloud.com
https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html
pCloud Transfer vs TransferNow: security and data
Both encrypt transfers. But with pCloud Transfer, optional encryption comes at a price: each file is then capped at 200 MB. TransferNow protects with a password and no size limit, and adds SSE-C encryption (your own key) plus antivirus scanning.
On the data side, TransferNow is a European, GDPR-compliant solution with a choice of storage region (France, Europe…). pCloud is a Swiss company, but its Transfer tool is thinly documented on these points.
| Security & data | TransferNow | pCloud Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Password with no size limit | Yes | Encryption → files ≤ 200 MB |
| SSE-C encryption (your key) | Yes | Not specified for the Transfer tool |
| Antivirus file scanning | Yes | Not specified |
| Choice of storage regionFrance, Europe… | Yes | Not specified for the Transfer tool |
| Sovereignty | European solution, GDPR | Swiss company |
Sources:
https://www.transfernow.net/en/prices
https://transfer.pcloud.com
https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html
pCloud Transfer vs TransferNow: API and automation
pCloud Transfer is a web tool with no dedicated API. TransferNow offers a transfer REST API, pay-as-you-go and independent of any storage.
Automate sending, search for a transfer, check its status or delete it, right from your business tools.
| API | TransferNow | pCloud Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer API | Yes | No API for the Transfer toolNo — No API for the Transfer tool |
| Pay-as-you-go modelno quota to purchase | Yes | No |
| Independent of storage | Yes | No |
Sources:
https://www.transfernow.net/en/prices
https://transfer.pcloud.com
https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html
They chose TransferNow
Beyond the numbers, user feedback matters. TransferNow holds an average rating of 4.9/5 (Trustpilot and Google) — here’s what they say.
TransferNow or pCloud Transfer: your questions
Are pCloud Transfer and TransferNow the same thing?
For a free, one-off send, they’re very close: both send up to 5 GB with no sign-up. The difference is everything around it — TransferNow adds reception, a password with no size limit, notifications, a dashboard and plans up to 500 GB.
Can you protect a transfer with a password?
Yes, but differently. With TransferNow, the password protects the transfer without limiting its size. With pCloud Transfer, enabling encryption caps every file at 200 MB (for 5 GB in total).
Can you receive files with pCloud Transfer?
No: pCloud Transfer is for sending only. TransferNow also lets you receive for free, via an email request, an upload link or a widget, with no account needed for your contacts.
How do you send more than 5 GB?
pCloud Transfer caps out at 5 GB. With a TransferNow account, you go up to 250 GB on Premium and 500 GB on Team. See our plans.
When is pCloud Transfer enough?
If all you need is to send a file under 5 GB, once, with no account, pCloud Transfer is perfect. As soon as you want to receive, track or go past 5 GB, TransferNow takes over.
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TransferNow, the European alternative to send and receive your files
The information compared on this page is based on the publicly known characteristics of the services on the date indicated. This page is not affiliated with pCloud. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.