Quick answer
SwissTransfer has the larger free allowance of these two services: up to 50 GB. WeTransfer’s free plan has a rolling allowance of up to 10 transfers or 3 GB total in 30 days. For deliveries up to 20 GB, HeftySend is our recommendation when you want useful previews and a simple path to branded client delivery.
Updated 25 September 2026. Product details checked against the sources linked below.
Start with your actual folder size and the date your recipient will download it. Those two details are more useful than choosing a familiar logo and discovering its limits halfway through a job.
How do the free limits compare?
| Service | Free allowance | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| HeftySend | 20 GB per transfer; links last 3 days | A 12 GB project fits in one free delivery |
| SwissTransfer | 50 GB per transfer | Useful for a larger individual free send |
| WeTransfer | 10 transfers or 3 GB total in a rolling 30 days | Check both remaining data and transfer count |
Sources: HeftySend plans, SwissTransfer data limits and WeTransfer plan limits. These figures describe different kinds of allowance. A monthly total is not a fresh allowance for each upload.
When should you choose SwissTransfer?
If your folder is 35 GB and you need to send it free, SwissTransfer’s published size allowance is a good fit. Its current support guidance says files are deleted after 15 days, with an extension to 30 days offered by email on day 12. Check the expiry shown for your particular transfer and do not rely on extending an already expired link.
There is another useful detail for large folders: SwissTransfer’s generated ZIP download has a 10 GB limit. Above that, recipients may need to download files individually. Packaging a folder yourself can make the handover clearer, but already compressed video and photos may not become much smaller.
When does WeTransfer still fit?
A small delivery can fit the free allowance if you have enough capacity left. Existing paid users should compare the plan they already hold, rather than assuming every WeTransfer account has the same restrictions. Ultimate includes larger transfers, branding and access controls according to its published plan details.
For a direct comparison with our app, see HeftySend vs WeTransfer. That guide covers the practical differences for client deliveries.
Why would you choose HeftySend instead?
Picture a 12 GB handover containing a film, a PDF guide and a set of images. You want the recipient to recognise the right assets, check supported files in the browser and download what they need. HeftySend is built around that experience, with no recipient account required.
The free transfer allowance covers the whole delivery, and HeftySend does not charge for bandwidth usage. That means there is no HeftySend delivery bill calculated from gigabytes downloaded. Keep the three day free expiry in mind and give the recipient a clear deadline.
For regular client work, the presentation matters too. HeftySend’s paid custom download pages let you choose templates, colours, backgrounds and text. A client can see your message alongside the files instead of having to piece together instructions from separate emails.
What should you check before sending an important project?
- Check the total size of everything in the delivery, including supporting files.
- Agree when the recipient will download it. Choose enough availability for weekends and review delays.
- Decide whether they need a quick preview, the original files or both.
- For confidential work, select suitable access controls and share passwords separately where available.
- Open the finished link as a recipient and confirm the filenames before sending it.
A storage location or password feature alone does not prove a service meets every organisation’s requirements. Use your organisation’s approved process for restricted material. For ordinary project handovers, a clear file list and a realistic deadline prevent many avoidable problems.
How does a CDN help deliver files?
A content delivery network places delivery infrastructure closer to recipients. HeftySend uses a global CDN, while your upload connection and the recipient’s download connection still affect the total time. Cloudflare’s short explainer shows the principle; it is not a speed test of the services in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a 35 GB folder free with HeftySend?
The free HeftySend limit is 20 GB per transfer. For a single 35 GB delivery, choose a suitable paid HeftySend plan or a service whose free allowance covers it.
Which service should I use for a client who downloads next week?
A free HeftySend link lasts three days, so arrange a later send or choose a paid plan with longer availability. Check the exact expiry on any alternative before relying on it.
Does zipping a folder lower video quality?
Creating a normal ZIP archive preserves the files inside it. Re exporting a video at a lower bitrate is different and can change quality.
Do HeftySend recipients have to register?
No. Recipients can use your shared link without creating a HeftySend account.
Can a download page use my own branding?
HeftySend offers custom download pages on paid plans. Check the pricing page for plan differences, including removal of HeftySend branding.
What should I do after the recipient downloads everything?
Confirm the delivery is complete and keep your own project copy. A temporary transfer link should not be your only backup.
Make the next delivery easier
If your files fit within 20 GB and three days is enough, try a free HeftySend transfer. Create an account to explore the app, then choose a paid plan when your work needs more time, larger deliveries or your own download page design.