Sharing Large Files Online: Fast, Secure & Hassle-Free Options

At some point, we all hit the same roadblock:
You need to send a video, a design folder, a raw dataset — and it’s too big to email.

Maybe you’re a freelancer sharing client work, a developer transferring assets, or just trying to send a giant ZIP to a friend.

So what’s the best way to share large files online without compromising speed, quality, or security?

Let’s break it down.

1. Cloud Drives (For Frequent Collaboration)

If you already use:

• Google Drive (15GB free)
• Dropbox (2GB free, with powerful syncing)
• OneDrive (integrates beautifully with Microsoft tools)

These are great for:

• Teams
• Shared folders
• Frequent revisions

Pro Tip: Zip the folder first to preserve file structure and avoid sync errors.

Caution: Be sure to set permissions right. You don’t want a public link floating around with sensitive info.

2. End-to-End Encrypted Sharing (For Private or Sensitive Files)

Sometimes, trust matters more than convenience.

Use:

• Firefox Send (deprecated, but look for self-hosted clones like Snapdrop, Wormhole, or OnionShare)
• Tresorit Send (up to 5GB, encrypted, no account needed)
• Proton Drive / Mail (if you’re in the privacy ecosystem)

These offer:

• Strong encryption
• No third-party access
• Temporary, expiring links

3. Fast Transfer Tools (For One-Off or Massive Files)

If you need raw speed:

• WeTransfer (up to 2GB free, or 200GB with Pro)
• Smash (no size limits, optional password protection)
• Filemail (5GB free, good tracking and transfer analytics)

Best for:

• Sending large videos or datasets
• Quick hand-offs with minimal setup
• Temporary sharing (expires after a few days)

4. Peer-to-Peer or Local Network Transfers

For secure, high-speed sharing across devices:

• Snapdrop (Airdrop for all platforms — local Wi-Fi only)
• Resilio Sync (P2P syncing based on BitTorrent protocol)
• Syncthing (open-source and highly customizable)

Great when:

• Devices are nearby
• You want zero cloud exposure
• You need real-time sync without servers

5. Advanced Options for Developers & Teams

Power users and devs can lean into:

• Git LFS (for large binaries in versioned projects)
• AWS S3 or Backblaze B2 with signed URLs
• rclone + cloud storage for custom automation
• Nextcloud (self-hosted Dropbox alternative)

The downside? Slight learning curve.
The upside? Total control.

At BoredGiant…

We’ve tested dozens of tools. Our go-to stack:

• WeTransfer for non-sensitive client files
• Syncthing + encrypted drives for internal team workflows
• Google Drive for shared documentation
• Wormhole or OnionShare for privacy-first publishing

We don’t compromise on speed or security.
Neither should you.

TL;DR:

Email won’t cut it.
Whether you need encryption, speed, syncing, or simplicity — the right file-sharing method is out there. Use the tool that fits your context, not just the first link you find.