Cloud-based file hosts are very convenient for storing data online and sharing it with a click.
There are many free file hosting and cloud storage platforms available.
Scroll down below and read about the best free file-sharing and storing services in 2023.
What is a File Hosting Site?
A file hosting site is an online platform that allows users to store and share files with others over the internet.
Users can upload their files to the hosting site’s servers, and then access and share those files with others by providing them with a unique link or granting them permission to access the files directly.
What is a Free File Hosting Service?
A free file hosting service is an online platform that allows users to store and share files without any cost. These services typically provide direct links to the files, allowing users to easily share them with others.
One advantage is that many free file hosting services allow file uploads and downloads without requiring registration or an account.
Free file hosting services offer a wide variety of features, from unlimited storage space to secure file-sharing capabilities. With the rise of cloud computing, free file hosting services have become a great way for businesses to store and share large files without having to worry about security or cost.
Free file hosting services are becoming increasingly popular as they provide users with an easy and efficient way to store and share files.
How to upload into free file hosting Websites
To upload files to a free file hosting website, you can follow these general steps:
- Choose a file hosting website: There are several free file hosting websites available, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Mega, and MediaFire. Select one that suits your needs.
- Create an account (if required): Some file hosting websites may require you to create an account before you can upload files. Sign up and follow the registration process if needed.
- Sign in to your account: If you have an existing account, sign in using your credentials.
- Locate the upload button: Look for an upload button or a similar option on the website’s interface. It is typically labeled as “Upload” or represented by an icon such as a cloud with an upward arrow.
- Select your file(s): Click on the upload button and choose the file(s) you want to upload from your computer. You may be able to select multiple files at once, depending on the website.
- Start the upload: Once you’ve selected the file(s), initiate the upload process by clicking the appropriate button. The website will start uploading your file(s) to their servers.
- Wait for the upload to complete: The time it takes to upload files will depend on their size and your internet connection speed. Be patient and wait until the upload is finished.
- Obtain the sharing link: After the upload is complete, the file hosting website will provide you with a sharing link or URL for your file. This link can be used to share the file with others.
- Customize sharing settings (optional): Depending on the website, you may have the option to customize sharing settings, such as setting a password for the file or adjusting privacy settings.
- Share the file: Copy the sharing link and share it with the intended recipients via email, messaging apps, or any other method you prefer.
Best Free File Hosting Services 2023: Free Storage and Sharing
There are a lot of different services that offer free virtual space online, including some untrustworthy ones.
In the post below, we have gathered the best services that offer free storage.
Here are 20 popular free file hosting services for storage and sharing:
- Mediafire
- 4shared
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- Mega
- Box
- pCloud
- Sync.com
- Zippyshare
- FileFactory
- Uploaded.net
- Sendspace
- Rapidgator
- Openload
- Uptobox
- FileDen
- AnonFiles
- HulkShare
- Uploadfiles.io
MediaFire – Best Free File Hosting and Storage
MediaFire is a popular and reliable free file hosting and storage service. It offers users a generous amount of free storage space and various features for storing, sharing, and accessing files.
With MediaFire, you can easily upload and organize your files, share them with others through direct links or email, and collaborate on files with built-in file sharing and syncing capabilities. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports various file types, making it a convenient choice for free file hosting and storage needs.
MediaFire is one of the most popular online platforms that offer virtual storage space.
It has a lot of different plans and features that have helped the file hosting service attract more than 150 million clients.
Key Features
- One-time usage link for data sharing.
- Collaborative environment.
- A large number of applications.
Pros
- 10 GB of free space.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Multiple downloads.
Cons
- 4 GB size limit for each file.
- Ads in the free plan.
- No data encryption.
4shared – Best Free Permanent File Hosting
4shared is a popular file hosting website that offers the ability to store files in a cloud and access them using different devices.
This file hosting service was the largest file-sharing service ten years ago.
Key Features
- Compatibility with different operating systems and devices.
- Video streaming feature.
- File sharing with the help of a download link.
Pros
- 15 GB of free storage.
- Drag and drop interface.
- Ability to restore files.
Cons
- The file size limit is 2 GB.
- Ads are shown to users who haven’t paid to subscribe.
- No option to resume an interrupted file transfer.
Internxt – Best Free Encrypted File Hosting Service
Internxt is a free file hosting service that is gaining popularity quickly thanks to great features offered to users who have the free plan.
Also, the platform offers an opportunity to rent storage space for a lifetime by making a one-time payment, which is a distinctive peculiarity of the file host.
Internxt – Best Free Encrypted File Hosting Service
- Year founded: 2020
- Global rank: 104,617
- Total visits: 586K
- Gender Distribution: Female 28.51%, Male 71.49%
- Top countries:
- United States – 21.26%
- India -10.04%
- United Kingdom – 6.95%
- Italy – 5.01%
- Canada – 4.40%
Key Features
- 10 GB of free storage.
- Encrypted data storage.
Pros
- Ability to set open limits on shareable links.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Files can be accessed from mobile devices.
Cons
- Slow file upload speed.
- The storage size gets reduced to 2 GB in one year.
Google Drive – Most Popular File Sharing Website
Google Drive is widely recognized as one of the most popular file sharing platforms. Here are some reasons why Google Drive is favored by many users:
- Integration with Google Suite: Google Drive seamlessly integrates with other Google productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing easy collaboration on files.
- Generous Storage Space: Google Drive provides 15 GB of free storage, which is more than what many other file sharing platforms offer for free.
- Easy Sharing and Collaboration: With Google Drive, you can easily share files and folders with others, granting various permission levels for viewing, editing, or commenting.
- Accessibility and Syncing: Google Drive allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection. It also provides automatic syncing across devices, ensuring that your files are always up to date.
- Third-Party Integration: Google Drive integrates with numerous third-party apps and services, expanding its functionality and making it a versatile file sharing solution.
Due to its user-friendly interface, robust features, and strong integration with other Google services, Google Drive has gained immense popularity as a go-to file sharing platform for individuals, businesses, and teams.
- Year founded: 1998
- Global rank: 1
- Total visits: 83.9B
- Gender Distribution: Female 41.77%, Male 58.23%
- Top countries:
- United States – 27.05%
- India -4.51%
- Brazil – 4.40%
- United Kingdom – 3.91%
- Japan – 3.43%
Key Features
- Industry-leading collaborative environment.
- A large number of integrations.
- Fast and easy file sharing.
Pros
- 15 GB of free storage.
- Top-grade data protection.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Support of all devices.
Cons
- Slow “Upload File” functionality.
- The search feature is not precise.
Dropbox – Best Free Simple File Hosting
Dropbox is another leader in the free file hosting niche.
It’s the main competitor of Google Drive because it offers a large number of great features.
Recent stats say that 600 million users have a free account on this file hosting service.
Dropbox is widely regarded as one of the best free simple file hosting services available.
Here are some reasons why Dropbox is often considered a top choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Dropbox offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to upload, organize, and share files.
- Seamless File Syncing: With Dropbox’s desktop and mobile apps, files can be automatically synced across devices, ensuring access to your files from anywhere.
- Easy File Sharing: Sharing files and folders with others is straightforward on Dropbox. You can generate shareable links or invite collaborators to specific folders.
- Collaboration Features: Dropbox allows real-time collaboration on shared files, making it convenient for teams working on projects or documents together.
- Integration with Third-Party Apps: Dropbox integrates with a wide range of applications, enabling seamless workflows and file management across different platforms.
- Year founded: 2007
- Global rank: 205
- Total visits: 142.3M
- Gender Distribution: Female 42.30%, Male 57.70%
- Top countries:
- United States – 36.86%
- United Kingdom -5.34%
- Japan – 4.19%
- Germany – 3.77%
- Canada – 3.59%
Key Features
- Encrypted cloud storage.
- Simple file sharing.
- A lot of integrations with other services.
Pros
- 2 GB of cloud storage.
- Collaboration environment.
- Synching is available for three devices.
Cons
- Non-intuitive interface.
- Needs a lot of local storage space.
Box – Best Free Secure File Hosting
Box is an online service that offers a fast and simple “share file” feature that makes it possible to send a file with a click.
While this file hosting service is focused on providing collaborative business solutions, it also has a free user plan.
Box is recognized as one of the best free secure file hosting services available. Here are some reasons why Box stands out in terms of security:
- Robust Security Features: Box prioritizes security and offers a range of features, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and granular access controls.
- Compliance and Certifications: Box complies with various industry standards and regulations, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO 27001, ensuring the secure handling of sensitive data.
- Data Loss Prevention: Box provides tools for preventing data loss, including file versioning, backup and recovery options, and comprehensive activity logs.
- Collaboration and Permissions: Box offers advanced collaboration features while maintaining security. Users can share files with specific permissions, control access levels, and set expiration dates for shared links.
- Secure File Sharing: Box employs secure sharing mechanisms, such as password-protected links and restricted download options, to ensure files are shared securely with intended recipients.
With its focus on security, compliance, and extensive security features, Box is considered a top choice for individuals and businesses seeking a free and secure file hosting solution.
- Year founded: 2005
- Global rank: 978
- Total visits: 41.2M
- Gender Distribution: Female 42.87%, Male 57.13%
- Top countries:
- United States – 52.06%
- Japan – 20.98%
- United Kingdom – 2.77%
- India – 1.75%
- Mexico – 1.36%
Key Features
- 10 GB of free storage.
- File changes tracking.
- Integrations with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Pros
- Secured file sharing thanks to encryption.
- A desktop app is available.
- 2-factor authentication.
Cons
- Only one file version is available.
- The file limit is 250 MB.
- The internal dashboard is slow.
FileSend – Best Free File Hosting Website With Direct Link
FileSend is an unconventional file-sharing service.
It has a minimalistic design and is focused on providing an opportunity to upload a small file and share it with another user securely.
Any user can upload a file using the service, select an encryption key, and set file-deleting time to send a file using the service.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: 9,178,506
- Total visits: 3.5K
- Gender Distribution: N/A
- Top countries:
Key Features
- Encrypted sharing.
- Planned file deleting.
Pros
- Ability to set an encryption code.
- Simple download link file sharing.
- Ability to delete a file right after downloading.
Cons
- The maximum size of all files is 50 MB.
- The maximum file storing term is five days.
AnonFiles – Best Free Anonymous File Hosting
AnonFiles is a reliable free file hosting website for those who value security.
It focuses on offering the ability to store files on a virtual cloud storage service without revealing sensitive or personal data.
- Year Founded
- Global rank: 3,253
- Total visits: 20.1M
- Gender Distribution: Female 42.87%, Male 57.13%
- Top countries:
- United States – 13.67%
- Indonesia – 4.73%
- Brazil – 4.56%
- Spain – 4.46%
- Germany – 4.34%
Key Features
- Anonymous file sharing feature.
- No need to create an account.
- 20 GB file size limit.
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Link-based access to files.
- No extra features.
Cons
- No support.
- A lot of users share malicious links.
Microsoft OneDrive – Best Document Sharing Website
Microsoft OneDrive is a reliable solution to upload and store files online.
The free plan doesn’t offer great features or vast disk space.
However, it’s a convenient free file hosting platform that works seamlessly.
- Year founded: 1975
- Global rank: 40
- Total visits: 851.4M
- Gender Distribution: Female 35.51%, Male 64.49%
- Top countries:
- United States – 20.32%
- India – 4.80%
- United Kingdom – 4.71%
- China – 4.58%
- Brazil – 4.40%
Key Features
- 5 GB of storage in the free plan.
- Mobile app for online file storage.
- File sharing feature.
Pros
- Real-time collaboration.
- Ability to access files offline.
- Personal vault for three files.
Cons
- No expiring links for sharing files.
- No malware detection.
- No option to restore files.
WeTransfer – Best Email File Sharing and Hosting Website
WeTransfer is a file-sharing site that helps upload files with no hassle.
Only an email address is needed.
In addition, the site offers the ability to set up a free account and get a small amount of disk space to store files in a cloud for several days.
- Year founded: 2009
- Global rank: 471
- Total visits: 109.1M
- Gender Distribution: Female 43.83%, Male 56.17%
- Top countries:
- United States – 7.46%
- India – 6.42%
- France – 6.36%
- Italy – 6.09%
- United Kingdom – 5.19%
Key Features
- Simple file-sending functionality.
- 2 GB of free storage.
- Every uploaded file is encoded.
Pros
- Intuitive interface.
- File download notification.
Cons
- No option to resume an interrupted download.
- Files expire in 7 days.
- The service compresses every file.
Kiwi6 – Best Free Audio File Hosting
Kiwi6 is a file-sharing and hosting service that offers the ability to backup files and create sharing links.
The site is focused on helping people store and share music online.
Even though it has an outdated design, the service offers several distinctive features.
In a nutshell, it is a great platform for undiscovered artists.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: N/A
- Total visits: N/A
- Gender Distribution: N/A
- Top countries: N/A
Key Features
- 2 GB of free cloud storage.
- Ability to create shareable links to any media files.
Pros
- Ability to build playlists.
- Option to embed media files from the cloud.
Cons
- Lack of features.
- No integrations with other services.
Wikisend – Best Free File Hosting Without Registration
Wikisend is a free file hosting and sharing platform.
It is not feature-rich and doesn’t offer unlimited storage.
However, the service helps send and back up small files in the cloud.
A user needs to go to the site and enter a code in a particular field to download a file.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: 424,516
- Total visits: 95.9K
- Gender Distribution: N/A
- Top countries:
- India – 27.95%
- Turkey – 7.44%
- United States – 5.24%
- Bangladesh- 4.49%
- Indonesia – 4.23%
Key Features
- Simple interface.
- Ability to protect files with a password.
- Email notifications about downloads.
Pros
- Users can share descriptions of files.
- The lifetime of a file ranges from 1-90 days.
- No limits on bulk file sharing.
Cons
- No link sharing feature.
- The maximum file size is 100 MB.
SendSpace – Best Free File Hosting Remote URL Upload
SendSpace has an outdated design and poor file-sharing functionality.
However, it is an easy-to-use file hosting provider that offers the opportunity to send a file using only a user’s email address.
Officially, there is no free plan.
However, users can upload small files for free on the site.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: 38,805
- Total visits: 1.7M
- Gender Distribution: N/A
- Top countries:
- United States – 8.73%
- Brazil – 7.47%
- Russia – 5.29%
- India- 4.09%
- South Africa – 3.97%
Key Features
- Ability to add file description.
- Max upload size is 300 MB.
Pros
- Drag and drop interface.
- Free Android application.
- Fast data upload.
Cons
- Users can be bothered by annoying ads.
- No automatic file-deleting feature.
Uploadfiles.io – Best Free Site for Hosting and Sharing Large Files
Uploadfiles.io is a powerful cloud storage service that allows backing up a large file or sending it to others.
The primary advantages of this free file hosting are the large online storage and premium plan features provided for free.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: 25,236
- Total visits: 3.2M
- Gender Distribution: Female 19.52%%, Male 80.48%
- Top countries:
- United States – 7.08%
- India – 6.28%
- Spain – 4.59%
- Brazil- 3.85%
- France – 3.57%
Key Features
- 10 GB of free space.
- Max file size is 5 GB.
- Up to 10 simultaneous uploads.
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Every file is encrypted.
- Access to a free voiceover generator.
Cons
- Ads are shown for free users.
- No password-protection feature.
- No direct download link access for free users.
SaberCatHost – Best Free File Hosting for Storing Backups
SaberCatHost is a popular file hosting service that offers the opportunity to create a free account and upload data to a cloud with no hassle.
More than 16 million users have chosen this file-sharing and hosting platform to back up their media and documents.
The interface is straightforward and intuitive.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: 2,777,428
- Total visits: 7.6K
- Gender Distribution: N/A
- Top countries: N/A
Key Features
- 5 GB of free file storage.
- No file types expire.
Pros
- No file download limits.
- Files can be shared on social media with a click.
- Mobile device support.
Cons
- The maximum file size is 50 MB.
- No direct download links for free users.
ADrive – Best Free Video File Hosting
ADrive is a free file hosting platform that requires users to utilize a tricky tactic to get a free account.
For starters, they need to sign up for a paid account and get a free 60-day trial.
Then, after the end of the probation period, they need to downgrade their accounts to keep using them for free.
- Year Founded: N/A
- Global rank: 332,460
- Total visits: 138.3K
- Gender Distribution: Female 38.87%, Male 61.13%
- Top countries:
- United States – 25.01%
- Brazil – 11.01%
- India – 5.98%
- Germany- 5.44%
- Netherlands – 4.36%
Key Features
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- 50 GB of free storage space.
Pros
- No credit card credentials are required.
- Fast uploads.
Cons
- No SSL encryption for free accounts.
- No desktop app for free users.
HighTail – Fastest File Sharing Website
HighTail is a cloud file-storing service focused on offering seamless data-sharing functionality to end users.
The platform has a modern-looking design and intuitive interface.
However, the free plan has a lot of limitations.
- Year founded: 2004
- Global rank: 45,937
- Total visits: 1.1M
- Gender Distribution: Female 42.59%, Male 57.41%
- Top countries:
- United States – 66.26%
- Australia – 5.97%
- United Kingdom – 4.82%
- Canada – 2.47%
- Austria – 2.04%
Key Features
- 2 GB of free cloud storage.
- Files get delivered to particular recipients.
Pros
- Desktop applications are available.
- Passwords-protection feature.
Cons
- A free user can send only one file.
- File previews are limited.
- All data expires in 7 days.
Jumpshare – Best Free File Hosting for Collaboration
Jumpshare is a file-sharing and hosting platform that helps make the process of working together seamless.
In addition to cloud storage, the service offers many helpful features like screen capturing and personalized video creation.
More than one million users have accounts on this platform to easily connect with clients and share files.
- Year founded: 2011
- Global rank: 134,784
- Total visits: 373.5K
- Gender Distribution: Female 36.22%, Male 63.78%
- Top countries:
- United States – 29.82%
- India – 12.17%
- United Kingdom – 12.01%
- Greece – 3.36%
- Brazil – 2.64%
Key Features
- Screen recording.
- 2 GB of free storage.
- iPhone, Windows, and Mac apps.
Pros
- The file limit is 250 MB.
- Secure file upload and sharing.
- Easy to use dashboard.
Cons
- Ads in the file viewer.
- No data recovery and file history.
- No password protection functionality.
iCloud – Best Free File Hosting for Privacy
iCloud is free storage that is built into any Apple device.
All users who set up new iOS devices need to sign in to their iCloud accounts.
Nevertheless, all users can create new iCloud accounts and use them for storing files in a cloud.
- Year founded: 2011
- Global rank: 525
- Total visits: 90.0M
- Gender Distribution: Female 42.94%, Male 57.06%
- Top countries:
- United States – 32.26%
- United Kingdom – 5.81%
- Japan – 4.77%
- Brazil – 4.11%
- Brazil – 3.93%
Key Features
- Free 5 GB of cloud storage.
- Simple file sharing.
- Collaborative environment in a cloud.
Pros
- Apple device backup and restore feature.
- Top-tier reliability.
- Two-factor authentication.
- Apps for all Apple devices.
Cons
- No “Hide Email” feature for free users.
- No syncing on non-Apple devices.
- No option to create a shareable download link.
Best Free File Hosting Websites with Direct Link
Here are five popular free file hosting websites that offer direct links to your files:
- Google Drive: Offers 15 GB of free storage and easy sharing options.
- Dropbox: Provides 2 GB of free storage with file syncing and collaboration features.
- MediaFire: Allows up to 10 GB file uploads with direct linking and sharing capabilities.
- OneDrive: Offers 5 GB of free storage and direct links for file sharing.
- Mega: Provides 20 GB of free storage and secure file sharing with direct links.
Best Free File Hosting Websites for Download
Here are five popular free file hosting websites that are commonly used for downloading files:
- MediaFire: Allows users to upload and share files, with a focus on easy downloading.
- Zippyshare: Offers fast and straightforward file hosting and downloading services.
- FileZilla: Provides a popular FTP client that supports file hosting and downloading.
- 4shared: Offers a large database of user-uploaded files available for downloading.
- Mega: Allows secure file hosting and downloading, with end-to-end encryption for privacy.
Best Free File Hosting Websites Without Registration
Here are five popular free file hosting websites that do not require registration:
- WeTransfer: Allows users to send large files without the need for an account.
- File.io: Offers temporary file hosting and sharing with no registration required.
- Anonfile: Enables anonymous file uploads and sharing without needing to create an account.
- Send Anywhere: Allows quick and easy file transfers without registration.
- TransferNow: Provides a user-friendly interface for sending files without requiring registration.
Best Free Large File Hosting Websites
Here are five popular free large file hosting websites:
- Google Drive: Offers 15 GB of free storage and allows uploading and sharing of large files.
- Dropbox: Provides 2 GB of free storage and supports the uploading and sharing of large files.
- MediaFire: Allows up to 10 GB file uploads and provides easy sharing options.
- Mega: Offers 20 GB of free storage and supports the uploading and sharing of large files.
- WeTransfer: Allows sending files up to 2 GB in size without the need for an account.
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FAQ
Where can I host files for free?
There are several platforms where you can host files for free, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, MediaFire, and GitHub. These platforms provide varying storage capacities and features, allowing you to upload and share files with others.
However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of each platform to ensure they meet your specific requirements.
How can I send 100 GB of files for free?
Sending 100 GB of files for free can be challenging as most free file transfer services have size limitations. You could try using a combination of file compression, splitting files into smaller parts, and utilizing cloud storage services with large storage capacities like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Another option is to consider peer-to-peer file sharing services like BitTorrent, though it may require more technical knowledge and might not be suitable for all scenarios.
Which file server is best?
The best file server depends on your specific needs. Some popular options include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon S3. Consider factors such as storage capacity, ease of use, collaboration features, and security to determine which one suits you best.
How can I send One TB file for free?
Sending a 1 TB file for free can be challenging due to size limitations of most free services. Consider using cloud storage providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, which offer paid plans with larger storage capacities.
Alternatively, you can compress and split the file into smaller parts using file compression software and send them individually.
Is free host safe?
The safety of free hosting services can vary. It’s important to choose reputable providers and review their security measures, terms of service, and user feedback to assess their safety. Free hosts may have limitations on storage, bandwidth, and support compared to paid options.
Conclusion
These days, there are a lot of great services that offer access to cloud storage for free.
However, most of them don’t focus on backing files up.
They can provide helpful features to share files online with no hassle.