WeTransfer vs TransferNow: the full comparison
Free plans, paid plans, security, features, API: everything you need to know to choose.
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How to use WeTransfer in 2026: the step-by-step guide
First time on WeTransfer? This guide explains how to send and receive files, step by step. We also cover the free plan limits, common issues, and their solutions.
Sending a large file: what you need to know before starting
You have a file too heavy for email and you're looking for how to send it? WeTransfer is one of the best-known solutions, but it imposes several restrictions since late 2024.
Following the Bending Spoons acquisition, the free plan now allows 3 GB per transfer, but with a monthly quota of 10 transfers or 3 GB combined. Files only remain available for 3 days.
Here's a quick comparison to help you choose wisely:
| Criteria | WeTransfer free | TransferNow free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration required | No (but recommended) | No | |
| Email verification | Yes (code to enter) | No | |
| Max size per transfer | 3 GB | 5 GB | |
| Monthly limit | 10 transfers / 3 GB | None | |
What you need to know before using WeTransfer
WeTransfer works directly from a web browser, no installation needed. A few things to check before your first send:
What you need
- A recent browser: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari (older versions may block uploads)
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is fine, but wired is better for large files)
- Your files ready: all formats are accepted (ZIP, PDF, PSD, MOV, MP4, etc.)
Limits to know (free plan)
- 3 GB maximum per transfer (total weight of all files combined)
- 10 transfers or 3 GB combined over 30 days — whichever limit is reached first blocks the rest
- 3 days availability — after that, the link expires and files are deleted
Send a file with WeTransfer in 2026
WeTransfer offers two sending methods. The first generates a link you share yourself. The second sends an email directly to the recipient through WeTransfer.
Method 1: Get a download link
This is the simplest and fastest method. You get a link to copy-paste into an email, message, or any conversation. No verification code required.
- Go to wetransfer.com
- Click the "+" button on the left side of the screen
- Select your files (or drag and drop them into the designated area)
- Maximum 3 GB on the free version
- Multiple files possible in the same transfer
- Click "⋯" then "Get a link"
- Copy the generated link once the upload is complete
Good to know: the link remains valid for 3 days on the free version. Remember to notify your recipient quickly so they have time to download.
Method 2: Send directly by email
With this method, WeTransfer sends an email to the recipient on your behalf, containing the download link. Convenient if you want to do everything from the interface, but a verification code will be required.
- Add your files as in the previous method
- Fill in the form fields:
- "Send to": the recipient's email address
- "Your email": your email address
- "Message": optional, a short text accompanying the send
- Click "Transfer"
- Enter the verification code received in your mailbox (sender: noreply@wetransfer.com)
- Your recipient receives an email with the download link
Warning: code verification is mandatory with this method. If the code doesn't arrive, check your spam folder.
Receive and download a WeTransfer file
Someone sent you a file via WeTransfer? The download process depends on what you received: a direct link or a notification email.
Case A: You received a link
The link looks like we.tl/abc123 or wetransfer.com/downloads/... — it was shared by message, email, or chat.
- Click on the link you received (it opens in your browser)
- Click the "Download" button on the WeTransfer page
- Choose where to save the file on your device
Case B: You received a WeTransfer email
The email comes from noreply@wetransfer.com and contains a download button.
- Open the email sent by WeTransfer
- Click the "Download your files" button
- You're redirected to the WeTransfer download page
Available options on WeTransfer
Beyond basic sending, WeTransfer offers some options to customize and secure your transfers. Some require an account or paid subscription.
Password protection
The password restricts download access. On WeTransfer, this option is available but requires creating a user account (even a free one). No account, no password.
- Log in to your WeTransfer account
- When making a transfer, click the padlock icon
- Set a password
- Share it separately with your recipient (by phone, SMS, etc.)
Download notification
If you provided your email address when sending, WeTransfer sends you an email notification as soon as your recipient downloads the files. Useful to confirm receipt of an important send.
Customization (paid plans)
WeTransfer Ultimate or Teams subscribers can customize the appearance of their transfers:
- Custom background (image or video)
- Dedicated subdomain (yourname.wetransfer.com)
- Your company logo on the download page
Common WeTransfer issues and solutions
Having trouble on WeTransfer? Here are the most common situations and how to fix them.
"The file is too large"
This message appears when the total weight of your transfer exceeds 3 GB (free plan). Several solutions:
- Compress your files to ZIP or 7z to reduce the overall size
- Split the send into multiple separate transfers if possible
- Use TransferNow which accepts up to 5 GB per transfer for free
Upload stops in the middle
A failing upload is often related to internet connection or browser issues. Try these solutions:
- Switch to a wired connection (Ethernet) if you're on Wi-Fi — stability makes a difference on large files
- Temporarily disable your ad blocker (uBlock, AdBlock) which can interfere with uploads
- Try another recent browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge)
Verification code not arriving
Check your spam or junk folder (sender is noreply@wetransfer.com). If the code still doesn't arrive after a few minutes, use the link method instead (method 1 above) which doesn't require email verification.
"You've reached your limit"
WeTransfer free imposes a quota of 10 transfers or 3 GB combined over 30 days. Once the limit is reached, you must wait until the next month, upgrade to a paid plan, or use TransferNow which has no monthly limit.
What to do if WeTransfer isn't enough?
If WeTransfer's monthly quota blocks you, if the verification code slows you down, or if you need to send more than 3 GB, TransferNow is a direct and free alternative.
How to send a file with TransferNow?
- Go to TransferNow
- Drop your files (up to 5 GB)
- Click Start
- Get the link or send directly by email
No code to enter, no account required, no monthly quota.
TransferNow is a French service: your files are hosted in France by default, with TLS + AES-256 encryption.
| Criteria | WeTransfer free | TransferNow free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max size per transfer | 3 GB | 5 GB | |
| Monthly limit | 10 transfers / 3 GB | None | |
| Availability | 3 days | 7 days | |
| Password | Account required | No account needed | |
| Email verification | Yes (for email sending) | No | |
Comparison updated on
Sources:
https://help.wetransfer.com/hc/en-us/articles/23265597795346
https://www.transfernow.net/en/features
Reviews from users who tried TransferNow after WeTransfer
Source: Trustpilot — verified reviews as of February 9, 2026
Beyond the tutorial, user experience makes the difference. Here's feedback from those who tested both services daily. As of February 9, 2026, WeTransfer has 643 reviews on Trustpilot with an average rating of 1.3/5, whereas TransferNow has 8598 on Trustpilot and 6128 on Google with an average rating of 4.9/5.
WeTransfer practical guides
To dive deeper into certain topics, check out our dedicated guides:
WeTransfer Limits in 2026
Maximum size, number of transfers per month, availability duration: all restrictions detailed.
Frequently asked questions
No, you can send files without an account. However, some features (password, history) require signing up.
3 days on free, up to 30 days on paid plans.
Yes, as long as the link hasn't expired.
If you provided your email when sending, WeTransfer notifies you when the recipient downloads.
Yes, via browser or iOS/Android apps. Same limitations as the web version.
Several options: WeTransfer (up to 3 GB, 10 transfers/month), TransferNow (up to 5 GB, unlimited), SwissTransfer (up to 50 GB). For regular use without constraints, TransferNow is the most flexible.
For a simple download link, yes. To send directly by email through WeTransfer, no: code verification is required.
Most email services limit attachments to 25 MB (Gmail, Outlook). For heavier files, use a transfer service like WeTransfer or TransferNow.
Summary: WeTransfer and TransferNow compared
WeTransfer remains a functional service for sending files occasionally. Since the Bending Spoons acquisition in late 2024, the free plan imposes strict limits: 3 GB per transfer, 10 sends/month, and 3 days availability.
TransferNow offers 5 GB per transfer, no monthly limit, and 7 days availability — without an account and without a verification code.
Both services are free. The choice depends on your usage: WeTransfer may suffice for an occasional send under 3 GB, but for regular use or larger files, an alternative without quotas will be more suitable.
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5 GB per transfer · No monthly limit · 7 days availability · No account required