WeTransfer Review 2023: Safe and Secure Transfers?
WeTransfer is an extremely easy way to quickly and reliably send large files for free. Is that all WeTransfer has going for it, though? In this WeTransfer review, we’ll take an in-depth look at this service and how it performs.
If you’ve ever needed to transfer large files over the internet, you’ve probably encountered WeTransfer before. It’s free and exceptionally easy to use, and it carved out its own comfortable niche since launching in 2009. In this WeTransfer review, we’ll be looking at how this cloud service has since evolved, and if it has more to offer than just a simple and reliable way to send files.
Key Takeaways:
- WeTransfer is an easy-to-use file transfer service that you can use for free and without creating an account.
- You can send up to 2GB on the free version and up to 20GB on WeTransfer Pro in one go.
- WeTransfer Pro costs $12 per month ($120 a year), which includes 1TB of cloud storage, the option to password-protect your files and the ability to customize when the files get deleted.
WeTransfer is ideal for anyone who wants to transfer large files quickly without having to sign up for a new service. For personal users, WeTransfer provides a 2GB limit, and the recipient can download a sent file within seven days of getting the shared file.
Business users, on the other hand, can get a premium subscription to the service. With WeTransfer Pro, you get 1TB of cloud storage, can send up to 20GB’s worth of files in one go, customize a time limit for a file’s deletion and set a password for each file transferred. Read on to see if this fuss-free file sharing service is worth your while.
WeTransfer has a number of great security features. These include a TLS encryption protocol for files in transit, AES 256-bit encryption for files while stored on WeTransfer’s servers and two-factor authentication for registered account users. WeTransfer Pro also allows you to password-protect your files.
Yes, WeTransfer can be used completely free. The only limitation is that you can send only up to 2GB of files at once. On its paid plan, called WeTransfer Pro, this limit is raised to 20GB.
It all depends on what you want in your file transfer service. WeTransfer is so popular precisely because it is so easy to use. On the other hand, it doesn’t do much besides simple file transfers. If you are looking for a more complete cloud storage solution, we recommend you take a look at our best cloud storage list.
Since May 18, 2020, several internet service providers have blocked WeTransfer in India due to a directive from the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The DoT cites “public interest as it was being misused” as the reason for this decision. WeTransfer is just one among approximately 4,000 websites that are likewise inaccessible to Indians.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros:
- Easy to use — files get transferred without a signup
- Free transfer up to 2GB for free users & up to 20GB for Pro users
- Files can be sent via email or file links
- Sender gets a notification email when files are downloaded
Cons:
- A public file download link is generated on the free version
- No encryption option for free users
- Password protection for paid users only
Features — 60%
WeTransfer’s simplicity is at once its greatest strength and most obvious weakness. It’s a great cloud service if all you want is an effortless way to transfer files, but if you need a more advanced and feature-rich file transfer service, you will have to look elsewhere, such as Dropbox (read our Dropbox review, as well as our WeTransfer vs Dropbox comparison).
On the free version, WeTransfer is completely barebones when it comes to features and options. You will be able to send out files, but very little besides that. Your files cannot exceed 2GB and these download links will be active for exactly seven days.
Things fare a bit better on WeTransfer’s paid plan, the WeTransfer Pro. The limit is raised to 20GB, you get 1TB of cloud storage space, the option to password-protect your files and customize when your files get deleted. While these options are definitely nice to have, we would have loved to see more features, such as file versioning and deleted file retention.
Pricing — 82%
As mentioned above, WeTransfer is a “freemium” service. This means it provides basic features for free — with or without a free account. However, for its premium service, called WeTransfer Pro, you have to cough up $12 per month or $120 if paid on an annual basis.
WeTransfer Free
Free users can send up to 2GB of files in one go via email or file links. You can also create a free account that will make sending your files even easier and will provide you with other benefits, such as being able to see a list of the files you’ve sent and received. On the free version, files only remain available for download for seven days. After that, they get deleted.
WeTransfer Pro
The Pro plan lets you send up to 20GB files, once again, either in one go via email or file links. Plus, you can store up to 1TB of data online and set a password for each file, which is a great security feature. The user can customize the file deletion time and download link, and can even choose the files to remain available forever without getting deleted.
With WeTransfer Pro, you also get two other WeTransfer apps — “collect” and “paste.” With “paste,” you will be able to make decks with slides for project management and artistic purposes, while “collect” enables you to organize all of your files and ideas into beautiful boards. WeTransfer is also available as a Chrome add-on.
Having the option to use WeTransfer completely free — and without being forced to create an account — is a great way to reliably and quickly send large files to friends and colleagues. The WeTransfer Pro only sweetens this deal with additional features. If you don’t mind paying for additional storage and expanded sending options, then WeTransfer Pro is a sound investment.
Ease of Use — 100%
Without a doubt, the fact that WeTransfer is so ridiculously easy to use is one of its biggest advantages. Even a complete beginner can easily figure out how to quickly send their files through this file sharing service. This is in large part due to WeTransfer’s wonderfully designed web interface.
WeTransfer’s extremely user-friendly interface is dominated by a large center head that explains everything you need to do to get your transfer process underway in a clear and concise manner. This way, you can get to work within seconds of entering the site (or the mobile app, which we’ll get to next).
Mobile Access
If you think WeTranfer’s web interface is sleek and beautiful, then wait till you see its mobile apps, which are just as great, sporting a minimalistic look and stunning background images. The mobile app works by combining the WeTransfer, “collect” and “paste” apps all into one service.
In fact, few services can even hope to contend with WeTransfer when it comes to simplicity and design. If you are looking for a file transfer service that you can use immediately and with no signup, you can do a lot worse than WeTransfer. We also have a guide on how to use WeTransfer.
Security & Privacy — 78%
Since WeTransfer is based out of Amsterdam, the company complies with EU Privacy Directive (95/46/EC) and the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act. When files are transferred, they remain protected by the TLS encryption protocol. When they’re stored on WeTransfer’s servers, they’re under AES 256-bit encryption.
Another important security feature that WeTransfer has even on its free account is two-factor authentication. Also, as we’ve already mentioned in the “pricing” section, WeTransfer Pro allows you to password-protect your files, so nobody without the right password will be able to access them.
WeTransfer Privacy Policy
WeTransfer’s privacy policy is based on a “good behavior” principle. So, basically, WeTransfer expects you to be on your best behavior when using the service. That means not doing things like transferring files that you do not own the copyright to, sending any phishing or spam material, or sharing things that include hate speech, child pornography or false information.
When it comes to storing and sharing personal information, WeTransfer guarantees that it doesn’t share your email with anyone, and that after 12 months, your information is automatically anonymized. This could be a cause for concern given that WeTransfer is based in the Netherlands, which doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to surveillance.
Concerning GDPR compliance, WeTransfer requests that you sign a data processing agreement and points out that it isn’t HIPAA compliant.
The service promises that it doesn’t look at your files unless there is an indication that you are breaking the law or otherwise abusing the app. Overall, though, WeTransfer’s security and privacy are what you would come to expect from a service of that type. For an additional degree of security and privacy, we recommend you turn on a VPN when using WeTransfer.
Customer Support — 75%
WeTransfer has a ticket-based support system handled through Zendesk. Unlike some other services that appoint priority handling based on whether or not you are a paid user, WeTransfer treats both their free and Pro users the same. Its help center is one of the better designed ones we’ve seen, and you should be able to quickly find answers to common issues.
While a ticketing system is adequate for most situations, we do prefer services that have phone support and live chat, in addition to this. If you have an urgent problem that you need help with at this instant, waiting for an email reply can be frustrating, to say the least. Hopefully, WeTransfer will include these support options as well in the future.
Final Thoughts
Overall, WeTransfer is a conventional file transfer service that does exactly what it says and little more. The best things about it are how easy it is to use and the fact that you can send up to 2GB of files completely free.
Plus, if you are a business user, WeTransfer Pro raises the file-size limit to 20GB and provides you with 1TB of cloud storage, as well as the options to password-protect your files and set a custom expiration date. Regardless of whether you are a free or paid user, WeTransfer provides a fast and effortless way to transfer large files.
Have you used WeTransfer? How was your experience? Share your opinions in the comments section below, and check out our list of WeTransfer alternatives if you want to use a different service. Thank you for reading.
