Filenymous vs WeTransfer
Both send files through a link. The key difference: WeTransfer stores a copy on its servers so the recipient can download it later; Filenymous stores nothing and transfers live, peer-to-peer, encrypted in the browser.
Send a file with Filenymous| Criterion | Filenymous | WeTransfer |
|---|---|---|
| Where files go | Directly browser-to-browser (WebRTC), encrypted TURN relay as a fallback | Uploaded to and stored on WeTransfer’s servers |
| Encryption | End-to-end in the browser (AES-256-GCM), key in the link fragment | In-transit and at-rest encryption managed by the service |
| Sender can go offline | No: the tab (or CLI) must stay open during the transfer | Yes: the recipient downloads later |
| Account | None | Depends on the plan |
| Size limit | None imposed by a server | Depends on the plan |
| Source code | Open source (MIT) | Proprietary |
Which one to choose?
- Pick Filenymous for confidential files, leaving no copy on a third-party server, when you can stay online while sending.
- Pick a cloud service such as WeTransfer when the recipient must download later while you are offline. Filenymous’s Dropzone lets you receive files, but the sender must also stay online.
See also
Updated 2026-10-21