File transfer comparison
The best WeTransfer alternatives for sending large files
Four services, compared honestly: WeTransfer, SwissTransfer, TransferNow and Shako. We built Shako, so read our entry with that in mind — the competitor figures are their own published plans.
Free & Paid File Transfer Services Compared
| Service | Free tier | Best for | Credit for clearing early |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shako | 15 credits/month (1 credit = 1 day kept), 2 GB each, then 45p | Predictable per-transfer pricing and short retention | Yes |
| WeTransfer | 3 transfers/day, 2 GB each, 3-day expiry (their free tier) | The name everyone knows, with a very simple send flow. | No |
| SwissTransfer | 50 GB per transfer, 30-day maximum expiry, free | Generous free size limits and Swiss data hosting, at no cost. | No |
| TransferNow | 5 GB per transfer, 7-day expiry, free | Solid mid-market plans with decent branding options. | No |
Why Shako is the Only File Transfer That Pays You Back
Every other service earns more the longer your files linger. Shako rewards the opposite: clear a transfer early — by hand or by expiry — and you earn credit back. Fewer forgotten gigabytes sitting in a data centre, cheaper sending for you.
0.2 credits
Cleared within 24h
Gone inside a day — 0.2 credit back. Five fast clears earn a full credit.
0.1 credits
Cleared within 48h
Gone inside two days — 0.1 of a transfer back.
0.05 credits
Cleared within 5 days
Gone inside five days — 0.05 of a transfer back.
Nothing is earned after 5 days.
Read the head-to-heads
Shako vs WeTransfer
The name everyone knows, with a very simple send flow.
CompareShako vs SwissTransfer
Generous free size limits and Swiss data hosting, at no cost.
CompareShako vs TransferNow
Solid mid-market plans with decent branding options.
CompareBest Practices for Sending Large Files Online
- Zip nothing by hand — good services package multiple files for you.
- Choose the shortest retention that suits the recipient; long expiry is storage you are paying for.
- Prefer a link over a 20 GB email attachment: links resume, attachments bounce.
- Check whether extra sends cost a one-off fee or force a monthly plan.