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Send Anywhere is a well-established file transfer tool known for fast device-to-device sends using a short numeric key. Realtime Sender takes a browser-only approach built around larger free transfers, privacy, and files that don't stick around. Interestingly, both services let you share with a short code — so this guide compares them fairly so you can pick the right tool.
Quick Verdict
If you want native desktop/mobile apps and frequent cross-device transfers, Send Anywhere is great. If you want a browser-only tool with a bigger 30GB free limit, auto-deletion and no app to install, Realtime Sender is the better fit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Realtime Sender | Send Anywhere |
|---|---|---|
| Free file size | Up to 30GB per file | 10GB per transfer |
| Account required | No | No |
| Sharing method | 6-character code or link | 6-digit key or link |
| App required | No — works in any browser | Optional apps, or web |
| Files auto-delete | After download or code expiry | Keys expire quickly; links ~48 hours |
| Encryption in transit | TLS 1.3 | TLS |
| Best for | Browser-based one-off transfers | Frequent cross-device transfers with apps |
Free File-Size Limits
This is a clear difference. Send Anywhere's free tier caps transfers at 10GB, which already covers a lot of everyday sends. 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 under 10GB, Send Anywhere's limit is plenty. If you regularly move very large files, the higher free ceiling matters. For more options, see our roundup of the best file transfer alternatives.
Codes vs Keys (How Each Shares)
Here's where the two are genuinely similar: both hand you a short code to share. Realtime Sender generates a 6-character code (or a link) that your recipient enters to grab the file. Send Anywhere generates a 6-digit key for real-time device-to-device transfer, and also offers a shareable link.
The practical difference is timing. Send Anywhere's key model shines when both devices are ready at the same time for a live transfer, while its link option stores files temporarily so recipients can download later. Realtime Sender's code works the same easy way — share it over chat, SMS, or read it aloud — with the file removed right after download.
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. Send Anywhere also works without an account for basic use, and its 6-digit keys expire quickly; when you use link sharing, files are stored temporarily for about 48 hours so recipients can download later.
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 storage models compare on security, read our temporary vs cloud storage analysis.
Apps vs Browser
Send Anywhere offers native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android plus a web option, which is handy if you transfer between the same devices often. Realtime Sender is browser-only: there's nothing to install, and it works on any device with a modern browser. Recipients don't need an account on either service for basic use.
If you want a tool that lives on your desktop and phone for repeated use, apps are a plus. If you'd rather not install anything and just open a tab, the browser-only approach keeps things simple. See how that works on mobile in our guide to sending files from your phone without an app.
Where Send Anywhere Wins
To be fair, Send Anywhere has real strengths:
- Native apps for repeated use: dedicated Windows, Mac, iOS and Android apps that stay ready on your devices.
- Direct device-to-device real-time transfer: the 6-digit key enables fast live sends when both devices are online.
- Cross-platform ecosystem: it fits neatly into a workflow that spans phones, tablets, and computers.
- Handy for power users: great for people who transfer between the same devices frequently.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Realtime Sender if you need to send files larger than 10GB for free, you value privacy and auto-deletion, or you'd rather not install an app and just work in your browser.
Choose Send Anywhere if you frequently transfer between the same devices, you want native desktop and mobile apps, or you like the direct device-to-device real-time key model.
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
Is Send Anywhere free?
Yes. Send Anywhere is free and lets you send up to 10GB per transfer using a 6-digit key for real-time device-to-device transfer, with no account needed for basic use.
Do I need to install an app?
Realtime Sender needs no app — it works entirely in your browser. Send Anywhere offers optional native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, or you can use its web option.
Which sends bigger files for free?
Realtime Sender sends up to 30GB per file for free, while Send Anywhere's free transfers are capped at 10GB, so Realtime Sender handles larger files without an upgrade.
Which is more private?
Realtime Sender is designed for privacy: no account is required and files auto-delete after download or when the code expires. Send Anywhere keys expire quickly and shared links store files temporarily for about 48 hours.
Do both use a code?
Yes. Both share files with a short code — Realtime Sender uses a 6-character code, while Send Anywhere uses a 6-digit key.