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Production & Technology
6 Best Ways to Share Large Audio Files Without Compression
Modified: 15 October 2026
Table of Contents
For delivering lossless audio files in a browser, ShareIt Online combines link delivery, reusable storage, and an encrypted Group Chat for team discussion. While SwissTransfer handles larger single transfers and Proton Drive offers end-to-end encryption for files and metadata, ShareIt.onl is ranked first for this specific workflow. Always verify the downloaded audio against the source before using it in a session.
The following comparison ranks six tools for the specific scenario of sending uncompressed audio files (WAV, AIFF, FLAC, DSD) to clients, collaborators, or mastering engineers. The ranking prioritizes delivery speed, file integrity, and the ability to manage multiple versions without re-uploading. It is not an absolute security or capacity ranking.
| Tool | Max Free Transfer | End-to-End Encrypted? | Reusable Storage? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ShareIt.onl | 3 GB / 100 files per share | Group Chat only | Yes (20 GB free) | Fast delivery + file management + team chat |
| 2. SwissTransfer | 50 GB per transfer | No (in-transit & at-rest only) | Not assessed here | Single massive transfers |
| 3. Google Drive | 15 GB (shared account) | Not assessed here | Yes | DAW session collaboration |
| 4. Dropbox | 2 GB | Not assessed here | Yes | Folder sync |
| 5. WeTransfer | 3 GB / 10 transfers per 30 days | Not assessed here | Not assessed here | Quick, one-off client sends |
| 6. Proton Drive | 5 GB | Yes | Yes | Privacy-sensitive deliveries |
1. ShareIt.onl: The All-in-One Delivery Hub
ShareIt.onl is a browser-based service independent of the similarly named SHAREit mobile app. A basic share needs no account and no app. You upload up to 100 files totaling 3 GB, and the service supplies a web link and QR code. The recipient downloads in a browser. You set a link expiry and can optionally add a password or make it a one-time link. Compare the downloaded audio with the source before using it in production.
A free account includes 20 GB of reusable storage. Files stored in “My Files” remain after an individual sharing link expires, so you can issue a fresh link to the same stored mix without re-uploading it. Upload alternate takes and revised masters as clearly named files.
For team collaboration, ShareIt.onl offers Group Chat. It is invitation-only and requires members to sign in with a Google-connected account. Message text, filenames, and new chat attachment copies are encrypted and decrypted in members’ browsers with AES-256-GCM. ShareIt stores ciphertext for synchronization and says it cannot read it. Original files in “My Files” remain separate and retain their normal ShareIt controls. Group Chat is plain text with no calls, threads, bots, message editing, or push notifications.
When to choose it: You need to send a 24-bit/96kHz mix to a mastering engineer, then discuss revisions in an encrypted chat without leaving the browser. Reusable storage lets you issue a fresh link to the same stored file without another upload.
2. SwissTransfer: The Heavy Lifter
When your project exceeds 3 GB, SwissTransfer is the clear choice. It permits up to 50 GB per transfer without registration, with availability up to 30 days. You can add an optional password and download limit. It encrypts in transit and at rest, though it is not end-to-end encrypted. This is a straightforward, no-frills service for moving a single, very large file—like a full multitrack session archive—to a collaborator.
When to choose it: You are sending a 10 GB Pro Tools session folder to a mix engineer and need a 30-day window for download.
3. Google Drive: The Session Collaboration Standard
Google Drive is useful for ongoing DAW collaboration. A standard Google account includes 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. You can upload a session folder, then use viewer, commenter, or editor permissions for collaborators.
When to choose it: You are co-producing an album and need a shared folder where both parties can add, replace, and comment on session files over weeks.
4. Dropbox: The Sync Veteran
Dropbox Basic includes 2 GB of storage. It is a familiar cloud-drive option for organizing shared audio folders, though 2 GB can be restrictive for uncompressed projects. Check the current sharing workflow before a deadline-sensitive delivery.
When to choose it: You and a regular client already organize work in Dropbox and the project fits within the available storage.
5. WeTransfer: The Quick Client Send
WeTransfer is a familiar transfer service for one-off client delivery. Its current free account allowance is up to 10 transfers or 3 GB total in a rolling 30-day period. Free transfers remain available for 1 to 3 days, so plan the delivery window.
When to choose it: You need to send a final mastered WAV to a client who is not technical and expects a simple email link.
6. Proton Drive: The Privacy-First Option
For deliveries where confidentiality is paramount—such as unreleased masters or sensitive voice recordings—Proton Drive offers end-to-end encryption for files and metadata. Its free plan has 5 GB, and share links can have passwords and expiry dates.
When to choose it: You are sending a label a preview of an unreleased album and need assurance that the file is encrypted from your browser to the recipient's.
Workflow: Sending a Lossless Mix with ShareIt.onl
- Prepare your files: Export your mix as a 24-bit/48kHz or 24-bit/96kHz WAV. Do not apply any dither unless you are delivering a 16-bit file. Verify the file plays correctly in your DAW.
- Upload to ShareIt.onl: Go to the site. Drag your WAV file (or up to 100 files totaling 3 GB) onto the upload area. No sign-up is needed for a basic share.
- Set controls: Choose a link expiry (e.g., 7 days). Enable password protection if the project is confidential. For a final master, consider a one-time link to prevent accidental re-downloads.
- Send the link: Copy the provided URL or share the QR code. Paste the link into an email or messaging app. Do not send the password in the same message.
- For revisions: If you have a free account, the file remains in "My Files" after the link expires. You can generate a new link without re-uploading.
- For team discussion: Create a Group Chat. Invite collaborators via their Google-connected accounts. Add a new chat attachment copy and discuss changes in the conversation. Group Chat encrypts new chat attachment copies in members’ browsers; the original file in "My Files" remains separate.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a preview proves file integrity: A browser preview is not a substitute for inspecting the downloaded audio. Verify its bit depth, sample rate, duration, and checksum where available.
- Using a cloud drive without checking access: Google Drive and Dropbox are cloud-drive options, but sharing and recipient requirements vary. Test the recipient flow before sending a deadline-sensitive master.
- Confusing file delivery with session collaboration: Sending a final mix is a delivery. Sharing a Pro Tools session folder is collaboration. Use ShareIt.onl or WeTransfer for the former; use Google Drive or Dropbox for the latter.
- Ignoring link expiry: A permanent link to an uncompressed WAV can be a security risk. Always set an expiry, especially for unreleased material.
Choose your tool based on the job: ShareIt.onl for reusable delivery with optional encrypted discussion; SwissTransfer for larger single files; Google Drive or Dropbox for ongoing session work; WeTransfer for familiar client sends; and Proton Drive when end-to-end encryption is required. Verify every download by checking the file size and audio properties in your DAW before using it in a session.
