Quick answer
A plan can be generous in one area and still have a limit that matters to your project. Before choosing it, write down your largest file, total delivery size, expected downloads and collection deadline. Those four details are more useful than the word unlimited on its own.
Which limits should you separate?
| Term | What it measures | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| File size | One individual file | Will my largest file fit? |
| Transfer size | The whole collection in one send | Do all the files fit together? |
| Storage | Data retained at the same time | What capacity and cost apply? |
| Transfer count | How many sends you can create | Is there a daily or monthly allowance? |
| Bandwidth allowance | Data delivered over the connection | Is usage capped or billed? |
| Retention | How long the files remain available | When must the client collect them? |
These limits are not interchangeable. Unlimited transfer count would not make an oversized individual send acceptable. A large storage allowance would not guarantee that the service accepts one file of the same size. And a link with no set expiry is not a substitute for your own backup.
How can one delivery produce several different numbers?
Imagine an agency has ten finished video files, each 2 GB, in one client delivery. Five authorised recipients each download the complete collection. Ignore previews, retries and other traffic for this planning example.
- Largest file: 2 GB.
- Total transfer: 10 × 2 GB = 20 GB.
- Stored collection: 20 GB, assuming one copy.
- Complete downloads: five collections.
- Data delivered: 20 GB × 5 = 100 GB.
The files have not grown to 100 GB in storage. The same bytes have travelled to several recipients. A sixth complete collection adds another 20 GB of delivery traffic without changing the original collection size.
Now suppose the client will return in a week. A three day link is unsuitable even if every size and bandwidth condition is satisfied. Retention is the deciding requirement for that job.
What does unlimited bandwidth mean on HeftySend?
HeftySend does not charge for bandwidth usage. That is useful when a client collects the same delivery more than once or several people need the files. Your transfer size and expiry still depend on the plan and storage arrangement.
The current free plan supports up to 20 GB per transfer with three days of availability. Unlimited bandwidth does not turn that into a free terabyte transfer. If you are close to a size limit, check the actual selected total rather than a rounded folder label.
Recipients can preview supported media and PDFs and collect a standard transfer without creating an account. For the agency example, that helps each person recognise the right video before downloading it. Paid custom download pages add templates and presentation options when the handover needs to reflect your business.
How do HeftySend’s size and expiry allowances differ?
The live pricing page, checked on 6 October 2026, separates included storage plans from using your own bucket:
- Free: up to 20 GB per transfer and three days of availability.
- Premium with included storage: up to 1 TB per transfer and up to 365 days.
- Ultra with included storage: up to 4 TB per transfer and an unlimited expiry option.
- Custom S3 storage on paid plans: HeftySend lists unlimited transfer size and expiry. The storage provider’s technical limits and charges still apply.
- Lifetime: requires your own S3 storage. It is not a purchase of free unlimited hosted capacity.
For an ordinary delivery, choose the allowance that fits the work rather than buying the largest headline. The expiry guide explains the collection window. For a full terabyte, use our guide to sending 1 TB to compare the practical options.
Does your own storage remove every limit?
No. It changes where the files live and which account supplies that storage. A provider can offer enormous total capacity while still imposing limits on individual objects and upload requests. For example, Cloudflare R2’s limits documentation lists unlimited data storage per bucket alongside separate object and upload limits.
Costs are another separate question. R2’s pricing distinguishes stored data and operations from egress, which it does not charge for. Other providers have their own tariffs. No HeftySend bandwidth charge does not cancel a bill from your chosen storage company.
Use the supported storage setup guides for connections and our own storage delivery budget for a worked cost calculation. Check the provider’s limits before promising an unusually large single file.
If object storage is unfamiliar, this short AWS introduction explains the model behind a bucket. It provides background for the distinction between stored objects and data delivery, rather than a quotation for HeftySend or a transfer speed test.
What should you ask before relying on an unlimited plan?
- Identify the exact unlimited feature in the current plan details.
- Check the largest file and complete collection against separate limits.
- Check any transfer count, account capacity and acceptable use conditions.
- Choose a collection period that includes the recipient’s actual availability.
- Add any separate storage or internet provider costs.
- Try a representative delivery and confirm that the recipient can open the files.
For the example agency, the useful requirement is a 20 GB collection, five expected complete downloads and a week of availability. That is a concrete brief you can check against a plan. “I need unlimited” leaves the critical details unanswered.
Frequently asked questions
Does unlimited bandwidth mean unlimited speed?
No. A data allowance and a transfer rate are different. Your upload connection and the recipient’s download connection still matter. See why a file upload can be slow if the delivery is taking longer than expected.
Can a recipient run out of space on an unlimited plan?
Yes. Their computer or phone needs enough local space for the files. Extracting an archive can require additional space for the unpacked copy.
Does unlimited expiry guarantee permanent access?
No set expiry is a plan option, not an independent archive guarantee. Keep a separate backup and review your account, storage and retention arrangements before promising long term access.
Does every file preview online?
No. Previews depend on supported formats. A size allowance does not guarantee browser playback of every camera or project file. The recipient may need to download the original and open it in appropriate software.
Can I avoid a size limit by splitting files?
Smaller collections may fit an individual limit, but splitting does not reduce the total data or upload time. It also creates more links to track. Check the service rules and agree a complete collection plan with the recipient.
Do recipients have to buy my HeftySend plan?
No. A standard recipient can access your transfer without buying your plan or creating an account. Your sending plan determines the available transfer features.
Choose the allowance your next delivery needs
Start with HeftySend’s free account to explore the real upload and recipient experience. You get a clear starting point without HeftySend bandwidth charges, then can choose larger transfers, longer availability or paid custom pages when those features solve a specific need.