FileTransfer.io Alternative
BoltShare Team · Last reviewed
FileTransfer.io has been a popular no-signup way to send files for years. Recently it has become closely tied to LimeWire: its sign-in and pricing links now go to limewire.com. If you used to rely on FileTransfer.io and you’re not sure what has changed, here’s how it works today and how it compares with BoltShare.
How FileTransfer.io works now
It’s an upload service. You upload a file without registering, get a link, and the receiver downloads it from FileTransfer.io’s servers whenever they like. The free plan allows uploads up to 4 GB. FileTransfer.io’s own pages don’t agree on how long free files are kept. Different pages say 3 days and 21 days, so check the current terms if expiry matters to you. Paid plans are now sold as LimeWire plans. At the time of writing, LimeWire Pro offers 250 GB uploads with files that never expire.
The free plan also includes password protection, which is a nice touch.
How BoltShare is different
BoltShare doesn’t upload your file anywhere. The receiver opens your link, and the file streams straight from your browser to theirs. There’s no 4 GB cap, or any cap, because there’s no stored copy to pay for. The trade-off is that your tab has to stay open until the receiver has the whole file.
Side by side
| FileTransfer.io Free | BoltShare | |
|---|---|---|
| Size limit | 4 GB | None |
| How long the link works | 3 or 21 days (their pages differ) | While your tab is open |
| Account needed to send | No | No |
| Receiver can download later, sender offline | Yes | No |
| Password protection | Yes | No |
| Files stored on a server | Yes | Never |
| Paid upgrade | LimeWire plans | None, BoltShare is free |
Where FileTransfer.io is the better pick
- The receiver isn’t online right now. An upload service lets them download later. BoltShare needs you both online at the same time.
- You want a password on the link without paying for a plan.
- You want the link to stay up for days so several people can download at their own pace.
Where BoltShare is the better pick
- The file is over 4 GB. Raw video, disk images, game builds and big photo shoots often are. BoltShare has no limit, and you don’t need a subscription to go past one.
- You don’t want your file on a third-party server, including one whose ownership or terms may change. With BoltShare nothing is stored. In Direct P2P mode the file goes device to device, encrypted end to end.
- Speed matters and the receiver is ready. No upload stage means the download starts at once.
Old FileTransfer.io links
BoltShare can’t open or move existing FileTransfer.io links. Download anything you need from those links before they expire, then use whichever service suits each new transfer.
If you’re weighing up upload services against live transfers more generally, upload services vs direct transfer walks through the trade-offs. And if your file was heading for email, email attachment size limits explains why it bounced.
FileTransfer.io and LimeWire details are from filetransfer.io and limewire.com as of October 2026. BoltShare isn’t affiliated with either.