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WeTransfer Free Limits: Max File Size and How to Get Around Them
- Authors
- Name
- Chris Dite
- @cbdite
WeTransfer is one of the most popular ways to send files, but its free plan comes with strict limits that catch many users by surprise. Here's a clear breakdown of every WeTransfer limit — max file size, monthly caps, and storage duration — plus what to do when your files don't fit.
- WeTransfer Free Limits at a Glance
- How to Send Files Using WeTransfer
- When You Hit the Limits: Your Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
WeTransfer Free Limits at a Glance
| Limit | WeTransfer Free | Starter (8 €/mo) | Ultimate (23 €/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max size per transfer | 3 GB | 300 GB | Unlimited |
| Monthly volume | 3 GB total | 300 GB total | Unlimited |
| Transfers per month | 10 | 10 | Unlimited |
| File storage duration | 3 days | Custom | Custom |
| Password protection | No | Yes | Yes |
The free tier's limits compound: a single 3 GB transfer uses your entire monthly volume, and ten small transfers exhaust your monthly count. Files also disappear after 3 days, so recipients need to download quickly.
Files too big for WeTransfer? TransferRocket sends up to 5 GB free with no monthly transfer count limit and 7-day storage — no account, no subscription. Larger transfers up to 200 GB cost a one-off fee instead of a monthly plan.
How to Send Files Using WeTransfer
Within those limits, WeTransfer is straightforward to use:
- Go to the WeTransfer website.
- Click on Add files and select the files you want to send.
- Enter the recipient’s email address and your own.
- Write an optional message if needed.
- Click Transfer, and your recipient will receive an email with a download link once all the files have uploaded.
Files are encrypted during transfer and at rest, and are automatically deleted after the storage period ends.
When You Hit the Limits: Your Options
Option 1: Upgrade to a WeTransfer Subscription
Starter (8 €/month) lifts the per-transfer limit to 300 GB but keeps the 10-transfers-per-month cap. Ultimate (23 €/month) removes the caps entirely. Both are subscriptions — you pay every month whether you send anything or not.
Option 2: Use a Pay-Per-Use Alternative
If you only send large files occasionally, a subscription is poor value. TransferRocket takes a different approach:
- Up to 5 GB free per transfer — with no monthly volume or transfer count limits.
- Up to 200 GB per transfer for a one-off fee, priced by file size — typically 70–80% cheaper than a subscription if you send once or twice a month.
- 7-day free storage (vs. WeTransfer's 3 days), password protection on every transfer, and selectable EU storage region for GDPR compliance.
For a full feature-by-feature breakdown, see our WeTransfer alternative comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WeTransfer's max file size on the free plan?
3 GB per transfer, which is also your total monthly volume. You can send at most 10 transfers per month on the free plan.
How long does WeTransfer store my files?
Free transfers are stored for 3 days, after which they're permanently deleted. Paid plans allow custom expiry dates.
How can I send files larger than 3 GB for free?
Use a service with a higher free limit. TransferRocket transfers up to 5 GB free with no account required and stores files for 7 days. For anything up to 200 GB, you pay a one-off fee per transfer instead of a monthly subscription.
Conclusion
WeTransfer works well for small, occasional transfers, but the free plan's 3 GB size cap, 10-transfer monthly limit, and 3-day storage window are easy to outgrow. If you'd rather not commit to a monthly subscription, a pay-per-use service gives you more room for free — and only charges you when you actually send something big.
For more guides on sending and sharing files, check out these related posts:
Send up to 5 GB free with TransferRocket
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