Table of Contents
Smash stands out from most free file transfer services with one big promise: no file-size limit at all. Realtime Sender takes a different approach, built around a generous 30GB free limit, privacy, full-speed transfers, and files that don't stick around. This guide compares the two fairly so you can pick the right tool.
Quick Verdict
If you need to send a single file larger than 30GB for free, Smash's unlimited free size wins. For anything up to 30GB with privacy, auto-deletion, no throttling and no account, Realtime Sender is the stronger fit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Realtime Sender | Smash (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Free file size | Up to 30GB per file | Unlimited* |
| Account required | No | No |
| Files auto-delete | After download or code expiry | After a set period (~14 days) |
| Sharing method | 6-character code or link | Link or email |
| Speed on free tier | Full speed | Can be throttled for very large transfers |
| Encryption in transit | TLS 1.3 | TLS |
| Best for | Large, private, one-off transfers | Files that exceed a 30GB cap |
* Smash has no hard size limit on its free tier, but very large transfers may be slower.
Free File-Size Limits
This is the clearest difference. Smash's free tier has no hard file-size limit — you can send unlimited-size files without paying, which is genuinely rare. 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 single file is bigger than 30GB, Smash's unlimited size is the obvious win. If your transfers fit within 30GB, Realtime Sender delivers them at full speed with no throttling. 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. Smash also lets you send without an account, but files stay available for a set period (about 14 days on free) before they expire.
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. Smash keeps files available for a set number of days (around 14 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. Smash's flow is simple: add files, then share via a link or send by email — though you'll see some upsells along the way. 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 Smash Wins
To be fair, Smash has real strengths:
- Truly unlimited file size on free: no cap at all, so a single huge file is no problem.
- Established brand: a well-known, trusted name in file sharing.
- Branding & customization: paid plans let you customize the look of your transfers.
- Email delivery option: it can email the recipient for you, not just share a link.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Realtime Sender if your files fit within 30GB, you value privacy and auto-deletion, you want full-speed transfers with no throttling, or you'd rather not tie a transfer to an email address.
Choose Smash if you need to send a single file larger than 30GB for free, you want files to stay available for a couple of weeks, or you want built-in email delivery and branding options.
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 Smash free?
Yes. Smash is free and has no file-size limit, so you can send unlimited-size files without paying. Files expire after a set period, and very large transfers may be slower.
Does Smash limit file size?
No. Smash has no hard file-size limit on its free tier, but very large transfers can be slower or throttled.
Which is more private, Realtime Sender or Smash?
Realtime Sender is designed for privacy: no account is required and files are deleted right after download or when the code expires. Smash keeps files for a set period before they expire.
Do I need an account for either?
No. Neither Realtime Sender nor Smash requires an account for basic transfers — you can send and receive without signing up.
Which is faster for large files?
Realtime Sender streams transfers at full speed with no throttling. Smash may slow down or throttle very large free transfers. See our guide to sending large video files.