All the options to send big files – compared!

With many possible ways of sending large files to your friends, family or co-workers, which one is the best and easiest? We took a look at how different options compare regarding security, ease of use and technical savviness you need to use them.

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1. Attaching files to your Email

The obvious option is always at hand – just attach your large file to your email. Sadly, the attachment size limit is simply too strict when we start talking about bigger files. Gmail and Yahoo allow attachments up to 25MB, and Outlook desktop client will accept attachments up to 20MB of size. Hardly any help if you want to send someone more than a few low-resolution photos.

Pros:

• Convenience, your email is always at hand
• Easy, it only takes a few clicks
• No special technical knowledge needed

Cons:

• Attachment size limit is low
• Security of emails, in general, is not very good

2. Compressing files before sending them

The attachment doesn't fit in the email? Good old compression might do the trick. With many different types of software on the internet, allowing you to pack even multiple files in .zip or .rar files, this seems like a handy solution. Just compress the file (or whole folders of files ). Unfortunately, it won't help you deal with really large files, because even compression has its limits.

Pros:

• Fairly easy to use
• No need for special technical knowledge
• Users of most OS can open it without additional software

Cons:

• Limited compression doesn't help with very large files
• Security issues if you end up attaching it to an email

3. Send files through one of the messaging apps

Now that we've established that email is not the best way to deal with large files, let's talk about the option that people seem to prefer over emails these days – messaging apps. We all use them daily to communicate with friends, family and even at work, so why not use them also for sending files?

Facebook Messenger will allow files up to 25MB (pictures WILL be compressed), WhatsApp up to 30MB, Slack will allow 1GB, but has a limited 5GB storage on the free account (10GB on the paid one), and Telegram will allow sharing files up to 1,5GB. We're getting somewhere here! What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• Convenience, always at your fingertips
• Very easy to use
• Relatively large files can be shared with some services

Cons:

• Most people use the apps only on their mobile phones (especially WhatsApp and Telegram), so sharing files to be used on a desktop is not that convenient
• Still a problem with files over 1,5GB
• Can be a bit slow
• Security aspect – files are mostly not encrypted

3. Sending files through FTP servers

A bit old-school yet does the job quite reliably. Setting it up takes a bit of time though - you need access to a server, and then there are several steps you need to follow to be able to use it. If you'll be sending massive files regularly, it probably makes sense, but if you only send a video or two now and then, skip it as an option.

Pros:

• Supports really large files (depending on the server space available)
• Good for regular usage

Cons:

• Not too easy to set up and use
• You need access to a server

4. Sending files through file-transfer services

This a solid go-to for many internet users, the most popular online service being WeTransfer, which you can use for free. While it will probably serve most of your needs, keep in mind that there's usually a size limitation in place, for example, 2GB in one transfer for the most popular service.

Pros:

• Very easy to use
• No special technical knowledge needed
• Mostly free

Cons:

• Size limit
• Links to files usually expire after a certain time
• Security is questionable

5. Sharing from your cloud storage

The last option is becoming more popular and for good reason. It's easy to use, offers many options for sharing files and has many additional features, such as protecting files with passwords and encrypting them. Especially if you're already using cloud storage for other things (backing up your files for example), using this option is truly a no-brainer.

Pros:

• Encryption and security
• Easy and fast sharing
• No special technical knowledge needed
• Affordable

Cons:

• You need to set up an account

Even the last point is easily dealt with >> you can get a FREE Koofr account with up to 10GB of storage space! Read more about other cool features that Koofr offers!

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