Table of Contents
Filemail is a well-established name for sending large files, known for fast transfers and handy delivery tracking. Realtime Sender takes a different approach, built around larger free transfers, privacy, and files that don't stick around. This guide compares the two fairly so you can pick the right tool.
Quick Verdict
For free transfers up to 30GB with privacy and auto-deletion and no account, Realtime Sender is the stronger fit. If you need delivery tracking, a desktop app, or very high paid limits, Filemail is worth a look.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Realtime Sender | Filemail (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Free file size | Up to 30GB per file | 5GB per transfer |
| Account required | No | No for basic |
| Files auto-delete | After download or code expiry | After ~7 days |
| Sharing method | 6-character code or link | Link or email |
| App required | No — works in any browser | Optional desktop app |
| Encryption in transit | TLS 1.3 | TLS |
| Best for | Large, private, one-off transfers | Large files with delivery tracking |
Free File-Size Limits
This is the clearest difference. Filemail's free tier caps transfers at 5GB; larger transfers move you onto a paid plan. Realtime Sender lets you send up to 30GB per file for free, which comfortably covers 4K video, design projects, large archives, and datasets without splitting files or upgrading.
If your transfers are usually a few gigabytes, 5GB is often plenty. If you regularly bump into "file too big" limits, the higher free ceiling matters a lot. For more options, see our roundup of the best file transfer alternatives.
Privacy & Data Handling
Realtime Sender is built privacy-first: no account is required, and files are removed right after they're downloaded or once the share code expires. That means less data sitting on a server for less time. Filemail keeps files available for about 7 days and offers delivery and download tracking, which involves recording when and by whom files are accessed.
Neither approach is "wrong" — they're different trade-offs. If minimizing stored data and staying anonymous matters to you, the auto-delete model is a meaningful advantage. If you're curious how the two storage models compare on security, read our temporary vs cloud storage analysis.
Expiry & Storage
Both services are temporary by design, but the timelines differ. Realtime Sender is a live, one-time transfer: the file is delivered and then gone, which is ideal for sensitive or one-off sends. Filemail keeps files available for about 7 days on the free tier so recipients can grab them later — handy when you're not sure when the other person will download.
Ease of Use
Both are genuinely easy. Filemail offers a simple web flow plus optional desktop apps for people who send large files regularly. Realtime Sender skips any install entirely — you get a short 6-character code (or a link) to share however you like: chat, SMS, or read it aloud. Recipients don't need an account on either service.
Where Filemail Wins
To be fair, Filemail has real strengths:
- Higher paid limits: paid plans raise limits substantially, up to around 1TB.
- Desktop app: dedicated apps make repeated, large transfers smoother.
- Delivery tracking: download and delivery tracking plus analytics show when files are received.
- Established for large-file senders: a known, fast option built for big transfers.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Realtime Sender if you need to send files larger than 5GB for free, you value privacy and auto-deletion, or you'd rather not create an account or install anything.
Choose Filemail if you want delivery and download tracking, prefer a desktop app for frequent sends, or need the very high limits available on paid plans.
Try it in seconds
Realtime Sender is free with no sign-up. Send a file now — pick a file, share the 6-character code, and it's delivered instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Filemail's free limit?
Filemail's free tier allows transfers up to 5GB, and files are typically available for about 7 days before they expire.
Do I need an account for Filemail?
No. Filemail lets you send basic transfers without creating an account, though signing up unlocks higher limits and extra features.
Which sends bigger files for free?
Realtime Sender sends bigger files for free, allowing up to 30GB per file compared with Filemail's 5GB per transfer on the free tier.
Which is more private?
Realtime Sender is more privacy-focused: no account is required and files are deleted right after download or when the code expires, so less data sits on a server.
Which has delivery tracking?
Filemail offers download and delivery tracking, so you can see when your recipient has received or downloaded the files.