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pCloud Transfer is a free, no-frills tool for sending files, and it comes from pCloud, a well-established cloud storage company. 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 a share code, privacy and auto-deletion, Realtime Sender is the stronger fit. If you're already in the pCloud ecosystem or want its optional client-side encryption add-on, pCloud is worth considering.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Realtime Sender | pCloud Transfer (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Free file size | Up to 30GB per file | 5GB per transfer |
| Account required | No | No |
| Files auto-delete | After download or code expiry | After a set period (~7 days) |
| Sharing method | 6-character code or link | Email or link |
| Encryption in transit | TLS 1.3 | TLS |
| Best for | Large, private, one-off transfers | Quick free transfers, pCloud users |
Free File-Size Limits
This is the clearest difference. pCloud Transfer's free tool caps transfers at 5GB; anything bigger needs another approach. 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 documents, images, and short clips, 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 WeTransfer 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. pCloud Transfer is a free tool that's separate from pCloud's cloud storage, and delivers files via email or a link. pCloud's broader ecosystem offers paid storage and optional client-side encryption (Crypto) as an add-on.
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, and our encrypted file sharing comparison.
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. pCloud Transfer keeps files available for a set period (about 7 days) 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. pCloud Transfer's flow is simple: add files, enter an email or generate a link, send. Realtime Sender skips the email entirely — you get a short 6-character code (or a link) to share however you like: chat, SMS, or read it aloud. There's nothing to install on either service, and recipients don't need an account.
Where pCloud Transfer Wins
To be fair, pCloud Transfer has real strengths:
- Ecosystem integration: it connects to the wider pCloud storage ecosystem.
- Optional client-side encryption: pCloud offers a Crypto add-on for zero-knowledge encryption in its storage product.
- Simple and established: it comes from a well-known, long-running company.
- Email delivery option: it can email the recipient a download link for you.
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 tie a transfer to an email address.
Choose pCloud Transfer if your files are under 5GB, you already use pCloud, or you want its broader storage ecosystem and optional encryption add-ons.
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 pCloud Transfer's free limit?
pCloud Transfer lets you send up to 5GB per transfer for free, with no account needed.
Do I need a pCloud account?
No. The free pCloud Transfer tool does not require a pCloud account — you can send files without signing up.
Which sends bigger files for free?
Realtime Sender sends bigger files for free at up to 30GB per file, compared with pCloud Transfer's 5GB per transfer.
Which is more private?
Realtime Sender is designed for privacy: no account is required and files auto-delete after download. pCloud offers optional client-side encryption (Crypto) in its paid storage product.
When does pCloud Transfer make sense?
pCloud Transfer makes sense if you already use pCloud or want its broader storage ecosystem and optional encryption add-ons.