15 Free Online Storage Services for File Sharing

In this article, we will introduce all the recommended online storage services and file transfer services for file sharing.

We will also explain how to share files and the points to consider when choosing a file sharing service, so if you are having trouble choosing a file sharing service, please try to find the one that suits you through this article.

For file sharing, a free online storage service is recommended.

First of all, I would like to introduce you to five recommended online storage services for file sharing that can be used for free.

1. Google drive

• If you have a Google account, you can use it immediately.
• Up to 15GB of data storage.

Google Drive is probably the most convenient service for those who also use peripheral services such as Google Docs and Google Sheets.

2. Microsoft OneDrive

• Microsoft’s service makes it easy to share Office files.
• It can be used not only on Windows but also on smartphones and macOS.

OneDrive is a free online storage service that you can use if you have a Microsoft Office account.

3. Dropbox

• Ease of file sharing is one of the best online storage services.
• Flexible support for linking with other services such as Facebook and WordPress.

The feature of Dropbox is that it makes it easy to share files and folders with multiple users, and it can be used with the same operational feeling as folder management on a personal computer.

4. iCloud Drive

• Popular among Apple users and free with an Apple ID
• File sharing between different iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

iCloud Drive is a free online storage service similar to the Apple version of Google Drive.

5. Amazon Cloud Drive

• If you are an Amazon member, you can use up to 5GB of data for free.
• If you are a Prime member, you can also use “Amazon Photos.”

Amazon Cloud Drive is a free online storage service recommended for Amazon users.

If you are a Prime member, you can use “Amazon Photos” for free, which allows you to upload unlimited images.

Online storage service that is both secure and functional

Next, I will introduce six online storage services for file sharing that have a good reputation for security measures and high functionality.

6. Dropbox Business

• Price: Refer to the official website.
• recommended for managing business-related data, such as centralized management of team content and data encryption.

Dropbox Business is an online storage service recommended for corporations that supports centralized management of all content.

7. SugarSync

• Price: Refer to the official website.
• There are no restrictions on the files you can share, and you can work seamlessly with online backup.

SugarSync is a service that can be used with a data capacity of 100 GB, and plans are available for various users, from individuals to corporations.

8. Box

• The data capacity is unlimited, and security aspects such as password setting for shared files and the creation of confidential documents are also strong.

Box Business is an online storage service recommended for corporations and has a good reputation for security measures when managing internal data and sharing files with business partners.

9. Biz Storage File Transfer

• Price: Refer to the official website.
• The operator is an NTT affiliated company, and the reliability is high and the service stability is high.

Biz Storage File Sharing is an online storage service provided by NTT Communications and is recommended for corporate file sharing.

10. DirectCloud

• The number of users is unlimited regardless of the price plan, and the price does not change due to the increase or decrease of accounts.

DirectCloud-BOX is an online storage service recommended for departments where employees are frequently replaced and companies that want to improve work efficiency.

Recommended file transfer services for simple file sharing

Next, I will introduce some recommended file transfer services.

11. Firestorage

• Price: Free; a paid version is also available.
• The free version can upload files up to 2GB.

Firestorage is a file transfer service recommended for sharing large files that cannot be sent by email.

12. Dropbox Transfer

• Price: Free; a paid version is also available.
• It can be accessed from the browser version, desktop application version, and smartphone version, respectively.

Dropbox Transfer specializes in the file transfer function of Dropbox, and the paid version can transfer files up to 100 GB.

13. WeTransfer

• Price: Free; a paid version is also available.
• The free version can be uploaded up to 2GB and can be retained for up to 7 days.

WeTransfer is a service that does not require membership registration and you can easily share files with just a few clicks.

14. Send Anywhere

• Price: Free
• No membership registration required, just set a 6-digit key to transfer files

Send Anywhere is a service that allows you to share files with simple operations, and you can also use it on your smartphone.

15. Smash

• Price: Free
• With unlimited capacity, it is also possible to send multiple files at once.

Smash is a file transfer service operated by a French company that offers unlimited capacity and secure transmission.

6 ways to share files

There are six main file sharing methods:

• Hardware such as USB memory
• Shared between PCs via LAN
• Email attachment
• File sharing functions
• File transfer service
• The online storage service

We will explain the characteristics of each, so choose the method that suits your needs.

Hardware, such as USB memory, is the most secure.

When sharing sensitive files, it’s best to use hardware such as a USB stick or external hard drive.

Because it can be shared without going through the network, the risk of computer viruses and cyber attacks can be minimized.

However, if the hardware is lost or damaged, there is a risk that you will not be able to retrieve the data, so be careful when handling it.

It’s only the same network, shared by PCs via LAN.

If you want to exchange files only on the same network, such as in the same department or at home in the company, it is recommended to connect a computer via LAN and share.

If you create a shared folder that can be accessed from multiple computers and stores the necessary files, you will be able to exchange files at any time.

However, it depends on a particular network and, of course, cannot be shared on other networks.

Simple sharing method: Email attachment

For those who are new to PCs or who only need to share simple files, we recommend exchanging them by email attachment.

With your email service, such as Gmail or Outlook, you can easily share by attaching the file you want to share to the email and sending it.

However, keep in mind that there are security risks, such as limiting the file size that can be attached and mistakenly sending it to another person.

The file sharing function is convenient for smartphones.

When exchanging files not only on a computer but also on a smartphone, it is recommended to use the convenient sharing function provided on Android smartphones and iPhones.

If you are using Apple products such as macOS and iOS, there is a dedicated sharing function called “AirDrop”.

Also, for Android OS users, a sharing function called “Nearby Share” released on August 5, 2020, is available.

However, if you leave the setting on, there is a risk that an unintended file will be sent by a third party or personal information will be leaked, so be careful when using it.

Easy without registration: file transfer service

If you want to exchange temporary files or share large files, we recommend a file transfer service that can be used without registration.

The difference from the online storage service described later is that the data uploaded by the file transfer service has a retention period, and the file is automatically deleted after a certain period of time.

In addition, security measures are not recommended for exchanging confidential information, as they will be favored by online storage services.

Share this with anyone in the cloud: The online storage service

The online storage service is recommended for those who want to share files with business partners and third parties and store them safely on the cloud.

There will be no physical obstacles when saving to a USB memory stick, and you will be able to share files with consideration for security.

Most services also have the ability to share files by URL, which is very convenient.

However, there are many cases where storage capacity and functions are limited unless you upgrade to the paid version.

How to choose the best file sharing service

I found that there are six ways to share files.

Based on the contents of the previous chapter, this chapter will explain how to choose the file sharing service that suits you best from among many.

4 points to choose a file sharing service.

There are four reasons to choose a file sharing service.

• Is it free or paid?
• The upper limit of data capacity and file size
• Security measures
• Is it compatible with smartphones?

I will explain each point, so please use it as an index to judge which one should be emphasized.

Is it free or paid?

The first point is whether the file-sharing service is free or paid.

While mail services such as Gmail and standard sharing functions such as AirDrop can be used for free, their functions are often limited.

On the other hand, USB memory and online storage services are costly, but you can exchange files comfortably.

Therefore, you should decide whether to focus on keeping the cost of file sharing low or on quality.

The upper limit of data capacity and file size

The second point is the upper limit of the data capacity and file size that can be saved.

For example, when exchanging video files processed with video editing software, the file size is usually GB (gigabytes) or more, so you must choose a service with a large capacity and a high file size upper limit.

In other words, file transfer services that support large file sizes, such as “Giga File Service”, and online storage services such as “Google Drive” and “OneDrive” will be candidates.

Therefore, determine the service to select according to the type of file to be handled.

Security measures

The third point is whether security measures are being considered.

For example, when sharing files such as confidential customer information and contracts, the most important thing to watch out for is information leakage.

Therefore, if you mainly use it for business, it is better to use an online storage service with a high security level or a shared folder on the corporate network.

Computer viruses and cyber attacks have become more sophisticated in recent years, so you should take security into consideration when choosing.

Is it compatible with smartphones?

The fourth point is whether it is compatible with smartphones.

For example, if you want to check the file on the go or if you want to temporarily save the scribbled file with the memo app and share the file with your PC later, it is convenient to use AirDrop or Nearby Share.

Alternatively, we recommend using an online storage service that can be used seamlessly on various devices by storing files in the cloud.

If you are a salaried worker who has a lot of business trips or has many opportunities to work outside your home, you should consider whether it is compatible with smartphones.

Understanding the characteristics of each service is also important.

It is also important to understand the characteristics of each service, along with the four points of choosing a file sharing service.

Since the functions and capacities that can be used vary depending on the service, it is necessary to have a minimum understanding in order to use it wisely.

If you want to find a file sharing service that suits you, compare different online storage services and file transfers.

Choose the file sharing service that suits you and improve efficiency.

We introduced the online storage service recommended for file sharing and the file transfer service.

Choose the file sharing service that suits you best and enhances your work and personal life.