In today’s digital age, the need to share large files efficiently and securely has never been more critical. Whether you’re a business professional handling high-resolution media, a legal firm transferring sensitive documents, or a graphic designer sharing extensive projects, the challenges of sending large files are universal.
As we move further into 2024, advancements in technology have introduced a variety of innovative solutions to meet these demands. This article explores the best ways to send large files this year, highlighting the latest tools and techniques that ensure your data reaches its destination swiftly and safely.
1. TitanFile
TitanFile is an easy-to-use secure file sharing platform trusted by 500,000+ professionals worldwide. The platform can be accessed from any device, anywhere, making it ideal for completing time-sensitive tasks.
Compared to other secure file-sharing options, TitanFile stands out in ease of use, security, large file transfers, integrations, reporting, and compliance.
The tool is typically used by legal, healthcare, government, finance, accounting, and insurance professionals.
Key Features
- Easy to Use: As simple as sending an email.
- High Performance: Fast upload speeds and an intuitive interface.
- High Security: 256-bit encryption ensures your confidential files are protected.
- Secure Authentication: Includes 2-factor authentication, single sign-on, and G-suite integration.
- Notifications & History: Get updates for new messages and file access.
- Outlook and DMS Integration: Seamlessly works with your existing tools.
- Data Export: Export messages, files, folder structures, conversations, and history.
How to Send Large Files Using TitanFile
Step 1: Sign up for a free trial of TitanFile. (No credit card required.) Once you’ve signed up, check your inbox for instructions on activating and logging into the platform.
Step 2: When logged into TitanFile, begin sending files by creating a new channel. Think of a channel as a secure email. Enter a subject line.
Step 3: Add a contact by clicking the add contact icon. You can add as many contacts as you’d like. Each contact will be able to receive and send files securely to you.
Step 4: Add a file by clicking the attach file button. You can also include a message by typing it into the message box.
Step 5: When you’re ready, click Send. Your recipient will receive a link to access the files securely.
Pros
- ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018 certified, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA and GDPR Compliant
- Advanced security permissions
- Unlimited storage
- Upload speeds of up to 500Mbps
- E-signature integration with DocuSign
Cons
- No free plan available (Free trial available for 15 days)
Read more: How to Send Large Files Via Email.
2. Google Drive
Google Drive is a free service that gives you up to 15 GB of storage. If you need more space, paid plans are available. It’s more commonly known as a cloud storage solution.
Google Drive is also part of a full, collaborative office suite with tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The user interface is simple and might already be familiar if you use other Google services.
However, Google Drive isn’t the best choice if you send documents requiring ultra-secure handling.
How to Send Large Files Using Google Drive
Step 1: Go to Google Drive. Right-click the file and select “Share.”
Step 2: Enter a contact or email in the “Add people and groups” field. Email invitations are sent to everyone you add. Non-Google Drive users will be invited to create a free account.
Step 3: Click the “Editor” button to change permissions to “Commenter” or “Viewer.” Users need to edit or view permissions to download the file.
Pros
- Offers 15 GB of free storage for images, videos, ZIP files, and more.
- Seamlessly integrates with other Google services.
- Access your files from any device with the internet.
Cons
- Limits on individual file sizes.
- 15 GB can fill up quickly, and paid plans are needed in most cases
- It might not be secure enough for sensitive government, healthcare, or legal documents.
3. Dropbox
Back in 2007, Drew Houston, an MIT graduate, was fed up with the file size limits of email providers and USB drives. He made a better solution for large file transfers — Dropbox, one of today’s most popular cloud storage services.
Dropbox offers business plans starting at 3 TB of storage. While the cloud service is great for many businesses, it might not be enough for enterprise-level companies needing massive storage capacity.
How to Send Large Files Using Dropbox
Step 1: Log in to your Dropbox and select the large file you want to send.
Step 2: Click the three parallel dots to select the “Share” tab.
Step 3: Set up permissions by clicking the downward arrow. Type the email address in the box and press the “Share file” button.
Pros
- Desktop app available.
- Collaborate with shared files.
- Set expiry dates for shared links (premium plans only).
- Integration with many apps and services.
Cons
- Very limited storage for free users.
- Expensive, especially advanced plans with higher limits.
- Non-intuitive interface.
4. WeTransfer
WeTransfer lets you send up to 2 GB using the free basic plan. It’s perfect for photographers and digital creators to share files with their audience, even allowing for payments.
How to Send Large Files Using WeTransfer
Step 1: Select “Upload files” to pick the file or files you want to send from your computer.
Step 2: Click the three dots to choose between “Send email transfer” or “Get transfer link.” The email option handles everything via email addresses and sends you a confirmation when a file is downloaded. The link option gives you a shareable link without confirmation.
Step 3: When everything’s ready, click “Transfer” or “Get a link” to share the file.
Pros
- Free version available without sign-up.
- Drag and drop a file; easy to use.
Cons
- The duration of keeping the files is way too short.
- No reminder for file deletion.
- Intrusive advertising.
5. pCloud
pCloud lets you send large files up to 5 GB for free, no registration required. It’s great for sharing all kinds of files, but it shines with media files. The web interface includes audio and video players, so you can play shared media files directly from pCloud.
How to Send Large Files Using pCloud
Step 1: Upload the files you need to send.
Step 2: Enter your email address and receive the link within seconds. Optionally, add a message to the recipients.
Pros
- Social media integration to back up images and video files.
- Plays media files online.
- Zero-knowledge encryption for enhanced security.
- Crypto Folder is an excellent addition.
Cons
- Encryption costs extra.
- Email support is slower to respond.
6. OneDrive
Like iCloud and Google Drive, OneDrive serves many functions. For simple online storage, you can access your documents or media files from the web. If you need the same set of files on multiple PCs, OneDrive offers syncing.
It’s well-integrated with Microsoft 365 Office apps and the Windows operating system, built into Windows 10 and 11.
How to Send Large Files Using OneDrive
Step 1: From the OneDrive app, pick the file or folder you want to share by selecting the circle to the left of the file/folder.
Step 2: Click the Share icon to the right of the file name or click “Share” in the toolbar.
Pros
- Collaborative editing features.
- Relatively affordable prices for plans with more storage.
- File versioning is available.
Cons
- The free 5 GB plan is not enough for most users.
- Greater value if you’re a Microsoft Office user.
- Microsoft’s logging practices aren’t the best in the industry.
7. Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere has a well-designed, minimal interface. It’s the easiest way to share files across all your devices, even those running on different platforms.
How to Send Large Files Using Send Anywhere
Step 1: Add your files to send.
Step 2: Select ‘Direct’ and click the Send button to get a 6-digit key.
Step 3: On the receiving device, enter the 6-digit key to start the direct transfer.
Pros
- Good for personal use.
- Simple, minimal interface.
- Easy cross-platform file transfer.
Cons
- It is not designed for business or enterprise use.
- No backup.
- No cloud storage.
8. Filemail
Filemail is used by professionals, SMBs, and enterprises. It’s compliant with global and regional mandates like GDPR, HIPAA, ISO27001, and SOX. Plus, it has apps for all major platforms.
How to Send Large Files Using Filemail
Step 1: From the Filemail website, select the “Add Files” button to choose the files you’d like to send.
Step 2: To send as an email, select the “Send As Email” tab and draft an email using your email address.
Step 3: To use your primary email server, select the “Send as link” tab and copy the link.
Step 4: A pop-up will appear, allowing you to set the file availability duration.
Pros
- Customize your download links.
- Get email notifications when files are downloaded.
- Customize your own upload page.
- Allows sending larger files up to 5 GB with the free plan.
Cons
- Clients sending you many files may have a less satisfactory experience if their upload fails.
- Even with paid plans, file storage space is limited.
9. SendBig
SendBig is a file-sharing platform that lets you send files up to 5 GB without an account and up to 30 GB with a free account. It even offers resumable uploads, making it easy to pick up where you left off. However, it’s not suited for enterprise-level clients due to the lack of larger plans.
How to Send Large Files Using SendBig
Step 1: Press the + button or click on “Select a folder” to choose your files. The files will be automatically uploaded. You can also drag and drop files anywhere on the website to start the upload.
Step 2: Send the transfer via email by filling out the form or share the generated link.
Pros
- Password-protect files.
- Set a maximum download per transfer.
- Defer sending transfers up to 3 days.
- Resume option (Resumable uploads in case of bad internet connection).
Cons
- The user interface looks outdated.
- Customer support takes long to respond.
- No bigger plans are available for enterprise users.
10. Hightail
Hightail (formerly YouSendIt) aims to please both file-syncing users and those focused on delivery, like DocuSign. With the free plan, you can upload files up to 100MB each and have a storage limit of 2GB.
How to Send Large Files Using Hightail
Step 1: To send files directly to a recipient’s email address, open a send form and upload your files.
Step 2: If collaborating on multiple files, store them in a Space and send the Space link to your reviewer or invite them to join your Hightail Space.
Pros
- Range of security features.
- Visually appealing interface.
Cons
- Minor glitches every few months causing loading issues.
- Download time can be long.
- Common file types are not supported.
- Limited collaboration features
Conclusion
All these platforms are powerful in their own domains, each offering unique features to meet different needs. If you’re looking for a secure file transfer solution specially built for enterprises and small businesses, TitanFile is a must-have solution.
Trusted by 500,000 clients worldwide, TitanFile provides robust security, seamless integration, and ease of use.