FileSender
FileSender: A self-hosted transfer service for organizations that need control, auditability, and secure sharing. Ranked #59 of 105 in File Transfer Services by our editors (3.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosted organizations needing governance.
At a glance
- Editor score3.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosted organizations needing governance
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2009
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports arbitrary-size, resumable multi-file transfers
- Adds audit trails, download notifications, and automatic deletion
- Connects with SAML2, LDAP, RADIUS, and common databases
Where it doesn't
- No desktop application
- Self-hosted deployment requires organizational administration
- Best suited to authenticated organizational workflows
Our verdict on FileSender
FileSender is a free, open-source web application for sending large files securely. It is built for authenticated users and organizations such as research institutions, healthcare organizations, and educational facilities. Transfers can include multiple files of arbitrary size, with resumable uploads, recipient controls, expiry periods, and automatic deletion. Guest upload vouchers also support controlled inbound collection, while download notifications and audit trails provide visibility into transfer activity.
Its strongest fit is organizational infrastructure and identity management. FileSender supports configurable authentication through SAML2, LDAP, and RADIUS, with Active Directory compatibility and database options including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, and SQLite. The RESTful web service API extends its deployment options, and the TeraSender upload module is available for high-speed uploads. End-to-end encryption, transfer expiry, and audit trails make the feature set relevant to workflows where governance matters more than consumer-style convenience.
FileSender is distributed under the BSD license and is available free of charge, with no paid tiers described. The published feature set focuses on web, API, and self-hosted deployment rather than a desktop client. Its multi-language interface and email support add practical accessibility, but the self-hosted model places deployment and ongoing administration with the organization. Choose FileSender when control, identity integration, and transfer oversight are priorities; choose another service if a desktop application or a managed, low-administration experience is central to the workflow.
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FileSender pricing
FileSender fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Max file size | Not verified |
| Link expiry | Not verified |
| Download tracking | Yes |
| API access | Yes |
| Custom branding | Yes |
| Desktop app | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | filesender.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to FileSender
- Progress MOVEit TransferA compliance-focused managed file transfer service for regulated organizations.9.3
- AWS Transfer FamilyA broad, usage-priced managed transfer service for teams built around AWS.9.2
- IBM Sterling Secure File TransferA multiprotocol transfer platform for organizations coordinating secure file flows across partner networks.9.1
See all FileSender alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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