A free WeTransfer alternative for sending large files
WeTransfer’s free plan limits how much you can send and keeps your files on its servers. OmniBeam sends large files straight from your device to the other person’s device, with no size limit, or by an encrypted link when they are not online.
Two ways to send big files
- Directly: open omnibeam.site on both devices, pair them once with the QR code if they are on different networks, and send. Any size works, from one photo to a 50 GB video project.
- By link: in the ⋯ menu choose Share files by link, pick the files and share the link. It works for up to 7 days, with an optional PIN and download limit.
- Type the person’s email address in Send to, and OmniBeam emails them the link.
- They open the link in any browser and download. No account on either side.
How it compares with WeTransfer
With WeTransfer the files are uploaded to its servers first and downloaded later, so a big file travels twice and you wait for the upload. With a direct OmniBeam send the file goes once, from your device to theirs, and starts arriving right away. Links are encrypted on your device, so OmniBeam’s server only stores data it cannot read.
Tips for very large files
- Files of 1 GB and more use big-file mode: every 16 MB piece is checked as it arrives, and only a damaged piece is sent again.
- If the connection drops, the transfer continues from the last checked piece instead of starting over.
- Keep the sending device awake and the page open. On a laptop, plug it in for long transfers.
- For the fastest transfer, put both devices on the same Wi‑Fi or connect the computer with a cable.
Direct transfers are best for your own devices or for someone who can open OmniBeam at the same time. Links are better when the other person is far away or busy, because they can download whenever they like until the link expires.
OmniBeam is a free WeTransfer alternative for sending large files: no sign-up, no adverts in the download page and no size limit for direct sends.
Questions and answers
Is there really no size limit?
For direct sends between two devices, no. Links have a size limit set by the server, shown in the link window.
How long do links work?
From 1 hour up to 7 days, as you choose. You can also allow only 1, 3, 5 or 10 downloads, and delete a link early.
Can OmniBeam see my files?
No. Direct sends are encrypted between the two devices, and links are encrypted in your browser with a key that only exists in the link itself.
Does the other person need an account?
No. They open the link or OmniBeam in a browser. Nobody needs to sign up.
Can I send a link by email?
Yes. Type an email address in Send to, and OmniBeam emails the link from no-reply@omnibeam.site. The PIN, if you set one, is never in the email.
What happens if my laptop goes to sleep during a big transfer?
The transfer stops while it sleeps. Open OmniBeam again on both devices and it continues from the last checked piece by itself.