Email attachments top out at a few megabytes, and uploading to cloud storage just to share one video feels like overkill. Plenty of file-sending sites also want an account, show you adverts, or keep your files for weeks.
Wormhole is refreshingly simple. You drop in a file, copy a link, and it’s encrypted from start to finish.
What is Wormhole?
Wormhole is a free file-sharing website that uses end-to-end encryption, so only people with the link can open your files. Not even Wormhole can. You can send files up to 10 GB, links expire automatically within 24 hours, and the person you’re sending to can start downloading before the upload has finished.
Key features
End-to-end encrypted
Files are encrypted in your browser before they’re uploaded. The key lives in the link itself.
Up to 10 GB, no account
Send large videos, photo folders or backups without signing up for anything.
Links that self-destruct
Links expire automatically, and you can limit how many times a file is downloaded.
How to get started with Wormhole
- Go to wormhole.app.
- Drag your files or folder onto the page.
- Optionally, change the expiry time and download limit.
- Copy the link and send it by message or email.
Tips to get more out of it
- Send the link through a private channel. Anyone who has the link can open the files.
- Set the download limit to 1 for sensitive files.
- For very large files, keep the tab open until the recipient has finished downloading.
Is it really free?
Free, with no account and no adverts.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| End-to-end encrypted | Links don’t last long |
| No account or adverts | Anyone with the link has access |
| Recipients can download instantly | Not built for permanent storage |
Who is it for?
Best for: Sending photos, videos and backups privately.
Works on: Any modern browser.
Sign-up: Not required.
Wormhole alternatives
- WeTransfer: familiar and simple, with free-plan limits.
- Proton Drive: encrypted cloud storage with sharing links.
- OneDrive or Google Drive links: better for files you want to keep online.
FAQ
Is Wormhole really private?
Files are end-to-end encrypted in your browser, and the decryption key is part of the link. Keep the link private.
How long do files stay available?
Links expire automatically within 24 hours, sooner if you set a shorter time or a download limit.
The verdict
Wormhole is the quickest private way to send a big file. There’s no account and no clutter, and it’s encrypted by default.
👉 Try it: wormhole.app
Part of my series on the best free online tools. Pricing and features were checked at the time of writing and can change, so check the tool’s own site for the latest.
