How to share huge files online

This article has been updated. Originally published August 8, 2017.

Need to share large files online—a home movie, a photo archive, or other large data—but email won't cut it? These services handle the heavy lifting, whether transferring between computers or sharing with others.

Dropbox: Simple File Sharing

Dropbox offers file syncing and cloud storage, simplifying large file sharing. Free accounts handle up to 2GB; paid plans ($10/month individual, $17/month for up to six users) offer up to 2TB. Maximum upload size varies by method: 50GB via web browser, unlimited via desktop (Windows/macOS) and mobile (iOS/Android) apps.

Share files by clicking the Share button (web), right-clicking (desktop), or tapping the three dots (mobile). Enter recipient email addresses or select contacts. Recipients receive a download link; Dropbox accounts aren't required. Add password protection or set expiration dates via Settings. Dropbox excels in sharing between your own devices; simply install the client and files sync automatically.

Google Drive: Extensive Cloud Storage

Google Drive, Google's free file storage (15GB across Drive, Gmail, etc.), functions similarly to Dropbox. Google One paid plans offer more storage (100GB for $2/month, 200GB for $3/month, 2TB for $10/month), but the maximum file size remains 5TB regardless of upload method.

Share via the Share button (web – a person icon with a plus sign), right-clicking/Ctrl click/Cmd click (desktop – select "Share with Google Drive" or "Google Drive" then "Share"), or tapping the three dots (mobile). Recipients receive a download link; Google Drive accounts are optional for downloading, but needed for editing/collaboration. Desktop clients allow easy file sharing between computers after signing into your Google account on each.

WeTransfer: Quick and Easy Transfers

WeTransfer provides fast, free file transfers (up to 2GB). WeTransfer Pro ($10/month) increases the limit to 200GB, adds password protection, and allows custom expiration dates.

Upload files via the website; WeTransfer generates a shareable link. Choose to email the link or copy/paste it. Recipients download directly; no account is needed.

OneDrive: Integrated Windows Solution

OneDrive, integrated into Windows, offers 5GB free storage; paid plans start at $2/month for 100GB, with a 250GB file size limit for paid users.

Right-click a file in File Explorer's OneDrive folder and select Share a OneDrive link. This copies a shareable link to the clipboard. The web interface offers additional settings, including expiration dates. Recipients download via the link; OneDrive accounts are optional.

iCloud: macOS Integration

iCloud, integrated into macOS, requires uploading Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud Drive (via System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Options). Maximum file size is 50GB; 5GB free storage, with iCloud plans starting at $1/month for 50GB.

Share files/folders via Finder's iCloud Drive; choose Share, then Share File or Share Folder. Select the sharing method, recipients, and permissions. Recipients need iCloud accounts to access the files. While less flexible than others, iCloud's macOS integration is convenient.

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