A Free TransferNow Alternative

Step by step

1. Add your files

   Drop files or a whole folder onto the uploader at rapidfile.cc, or tap to pick them on a phone.

2. Pick the options

   Choose an expiry time, and optionally add a password, a download limit, a title or a message.

3. Share the link, code or QR

   Send the link, read out the 6-digit code, or let the other person scan the QR code.

4. Recipient downloads

   They open the link, or go to rapidfile.cc/receive and type the code. You can close your tab once the upload finishes.

TransferNow is a file transfer service with a free plan that needs no registration. Its free tier allows 5 GB per transfer and keeps files for 7 days, which covers many one-off sends. People look for an alternative for a few reasons: a file bigger than 5 GB, a need for longer-lasting links, or a preference for a different sharing setup. Rapidfile is one option. It is not larger on the free plan, so this page sets out the differences plainly.

The short version

TransferNow figures are from TransferNow's website as of October 2026. Plans change — check their site for current limits.

Where TransferNow is the stronger pick

Being honest about this saves you time:

• Bigger free transfers without an account. A 3 GB video can go through TransferNow's free plan with no sign-up. On Rapidfile it needs a free account, and the limit is 2 GB.
• Longer retention on paid plans. TransferNow lists 365 days of retention on its Premium and Team plans. Rapidfile's Pro plan allows links up to 30 days.
• Bigger top-tier transfers. TransferNow's Team plan lists 500 GB per transfer. Rapidfile's largest transfer limit is 50 GB on Pro.

If your files regularly fall between 2 GB and 5 GB and you do not want to create an account, TransferNow's free plan is the simpler fit. For a wider view of the field, read our comparison of free file transfer services.

Where Rapidfile fits better

• Codes and QR codes for in-person sharing. Every transfer gets a link, a 6-digit code and a QR code. Someone across the table types the code at rapidfile.cc/receive or scans the QR code with the Rapidfile app.
• Apps for desktop and Android. In the Mac and Windows apps, right-click any file in Finder or File Explorer and choose "Rapidfile: Get link" or "Send to my devices". The Android app adds share-sheet support and QR scanning.
• Ad-free paid plans. The free plan is ad-supported. Plus and Pro remove ads on all Rapidfile products and apps.
• Command line and scripts. The CLI runs on Node 18 or newer with no extra dependencies, and rapidfile send <path> sends a file from a terminal. A plain curl upload also works.
• Folders without zipping first. Drag a folder in and it is zipped in your browser with its structure kept. Details are in sending a folder online.
• No monthly counter. The free plan has daily quotas of 200 transfers or 50 GB, but no count of transfers per month.

Size and expiry on the free plans

TransferNow's free plan gives you 5 GB per transfer and a 7-day window. Rapidfile's free plan is split in two. Without an account you can send up to 500 MB. With a free account you can send up to 2 GB, and you can choose links that last 1 hour, 1 day, 3 days or 7 days.

The gap in expiry matters more than it looks. If a recipient needs a file in two weeks, neither free plan will do it. Rapidfile's Plus plan allows links up to 14 days, and Pro allows up to 30 days. TransferNow's paid plans list longer retention, so check that page if the link has to outlive a month.

Expired transfers are deleted automatically. You can also delete a transfer early if you no longer need it.

Moving from TransferNow to Rapidfile

If you decide to switch, the change is small:

1. Open rapidfile.cc on the computer or phone you use most. Files up to 500 MB need no account.
2. Set the expiry and, if you like, an optional password before you upload.
3. Copy the link or the 6-digit code into your message. Rapidfile does not send an email to your recipient, so you share the link yourself.
4. For files above 2 GB, sign in with a free account or look at the Plus and Pro plans.

Your recipients do not need to change anything. They open the link or type the code, as they would before.

Which one should you use?

Use TransferNow when you want a single free transfer of up to 5 GB with no sign-up, and a 7-day expiry works for you. Use Rapidfile when you want codes and QR codes, apps for Mac, Windows and Android, or an ad-free paid plan, and your files are 2 GB or under. If you often send files over 5 GB, compare TransferNow's paid plans with Rapidfile Pro on both sites before you pay for either.

FAQ

Updated 2026-10-20