Best Ways to Send Large Video Files from PC, Android, & iOS

How do I send a video that is too big?

We've all been there. You record a beautiful, high-quality video, and when it's time to share it with someone, you realize it's way too large to send through the usual channels. Frustrating, right? Sending large video files can be a real headache, especially if you're unaware of the right methods to do it efficiently.

In today's world, though, where cloud services, transfer apps, and fast internet are common, there's no need to feel stuck anymore. Let's explore the best ways to get those massive video files from PC, Android, and iOS without any hassle.

Best ways to send large video files from PC [5 options]

Here are 5 ways to send large video files from computer to computer.

Option 1. AnyViewer [highly-recommended]

One of the best options for sending large video files is AnyViewer, an accelerated file transfer tool. It's free to start and can be set up in just a few seconds. You can transfer files directly between PCs or access remote devices seamlessly, allowing for easy drag-and-drop functionality. Its speed ensures efficient transfers, even for large video files.

Here's why AnyViewer should be your top choice for sending large video files:

• Supports uploads and downloads of up to 1 TB per file (or unlimited file packages).
• Offers a file transfer speed of 10 MB/s with 5 concurrent transfer threads for efficiency.
• Built on end-to-end ECC encryption to keep your files secure.
• Utilizes most of your available bandwidth without affecting others on the same network.
• Access to global servers to reduce transfer time between sender and recipient.

Pros

• Control another computer to transfer files easily.
• Simple interface makes it straightforward.
• Offers encrypted transfers for safety.
• Works on different operating systems.
• Affordable pricing plans.
• Includes unique features like remote control, screen sharing, and remote PC management.

Cons:

• Speed relies on connection quality.

Option 2. MASV

MASV is a high-speed cloud solution designed specifically for video and post-production professionals who need to share large video files. If you're seeking a quick way to transfer video files and are willing to pay $0.25 per GB, MASV is an excellent option. It retains your large files for 10 days before automatically deleting them.

Keep in mind that a fast internet connection is essential for optimal performance with MASV, which claims to transfer files at around 90% of your internet speed. The more bandwidth you have, the quicker your transfers will be. For even faster file sharing, consider using UDP.

Pros

• Fast and dependable performance.
• User-friendly interface that's easy to implement and manage.
• Ideal for frequent large video transfers at a reasonable cost.
• Offers unique features such as upload portals, automation, and the ability to combine multiple internet sources.

Cons

• While fast, it's not as speedy as UDP, though it's more straightforward to use.
• Less affordable than other cloud file-sharing options like WeTransfer or Dropbox, but allows for larger files to be sent at higher speeds.

Option 3. UDP-based file transfer

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) enables file transfers at the maximum speed of your internet connection, with no upper limit. To use UDP, you'll need to register with a service like Aspera or File Catalyst, which can come with significant costs.

For example, Aspera Cloud's lowest plan charges $0.95 per GB. Additionally, it's important to pause other activities, such as Zoom calls or YouTube streaming, while using UDP, as it will utilize 100% of your available bandwidth.

However, UDP is a connectionless protocol that does not monitor network traffic or confirm a connection with the target server before sending data, which can lead to data integrity issues. It doesn't prevent packet loss, won't resend dropped packets, and may be blocked by firewalls.

The trade-offs for faster speeds with UDP include:

• Unfair Bandwidth Allocation: Since UDP ignores network congestion, it can consume excessive bandwidth, slowing down other users on a shared network, such as in an office setting.
• High IT Costs: Implementing UDP-based file transfer tools often requires significant IT support. This includes various software and plugins for both sending and receiving, as well as dealing with firewalls since UDP traffic is frequently restricted by internet providers due to its aggressive nature.

Pros

• Offers the fastest transfer speeds available.
• UDP-based solutions include reliability features such as auto-retry and pause/resume functionality.

Cons

• High cost (Aspera Cloud starts at $0.95 per GB, and storage is not included).
• Requires technical expertise for installation and use.
• Needs IT support to whitelist against firewalls.
• Not very user-friendly, often necessitating training and ongoing support.
• Consumes significant bandwidth, potentially slowing down others on a shared network.

Option 4. Cloud solutions

Another option for sharing large videos is using cloud services like Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, or OneDrive. These services are mainly designed for documents and compressed videos, making them slower—up to 10 times slower—than UDP-based solutions.

While cloud services can still transfer data efficiently and are user-friendly, they have hidden limitations. For example, Dropbox costs about $11 per month for 1 terabyte of storage, but the transfer limit is only 2 GB at that price. Even their highest tier allows uploads of only 350 GB via browser. WeTransfer Pro costs $12 per month and has a 200 GB upload limit despite offering 1 TB of storage.

Pros

• Easy to use and widely familiar.
• Affordable with predictable pricing.
• Reliable, backed by large support teams.

Cons

• Transfers can be inconsistent or slow.
• Hidden file transfer limits.
• Performance varies by pricing tier.

Option 5. Use an FTP server

If you prefer to manage file transfers in-house, using a secure FTP server (SFTP or FTPS) is another option for sending large videos. FTP, which dates back about 40 years, functions by requiring files to be uploaded to a central server rather than sent directly to recipients. This server acts as an intermediary for both uploads and downloads while also serving as a storage unit.

The advantages of an FTP server include customization for your organization, allowing new users—such as employees, clients, or vendors—to access it with specific credentials. However, the drawbacks are significant: FTP is outdated, often unsuitable for large video file transfers, and has historically been considered insecure, with SFTP or FTPS offering better security. Additionally, this technology struggles to accommodate 4K+ video files that can exceed 200 GB in size.

Pros

• Reliable performance.
• Customizable to fit organizational needs.

Cons

• Insecure unless using SFTP or FTPS.
• Outdated and not widely familiar to all users.
• Requires significant IT support for setup and maintenance.
• Not very intuitive, often needing training and ongoing support.
• Pricing for FTP servers is frequently opaque and hidden behind a contact form.

Best ways to send large video files from Android [4 options]

If you're looking for the best way to send large video files from Android smartphone, you'll need more than just WhatsApp or Gmail. Here are some of the best methods to share large video files on Android devices:

Option 1. Google Photos link

Google Photos is a cloud storage service for photos and videos, and anything you store counts toward your 15 GB of free Google Drive storage. Once you exceed this limit, you'll need to purchase additional storage. In the meantime, you can easily share images and videos directly from Google Photos with friends and family.

If you have auto-backup enabled, Google Photos will continuously back up your images and videos. This means that when you want to share a large video, it will already be uploaded. Simply press and hold the video, select "Share," and send it to the desired Google Photos user.

Option 2. WeTransfer

If you want a quick and easy way to share a large video file, WeTransfer is a great option. There's no need to download any apps; simply visit wetransfer.com in your phone's browser.

You can upload files up to 2 GB from your phone. Unlike EasyJoin and Xender, WeTransfer allows you to share files online, not just with those on your local network. After uploading, you can either email the link directly or copy it and send it via a messaging app of your choice.

Option 3. EasyJoin Go TV

EasyJoin is an ad-free file transfer app that lets you share files over a network, both with and without an internet connection. It enables cross-platform file transfers that are typically faster than internet-based transfers.

Your data remains secure with EasyJoin Go, and you won't encounter any ads. However, it's not a free app, and you can only transfer files to devices connected to the same network. EasyJoin Go is ideal for sharing very large video files between your Android phone and Windows computer.

Option 4. Xender

Xender is marketed as a “mobile-first file transfer and sharing app,” and it's available for both Android and iOS devices. If you need to transfer files between Android and iOS, Xender is the better choice compared to EasyJoin.

Another advantage is that Xender is free, making it a suitable option for one-time transfers of large video files. However, it doesn't provide the same level of security as EasyJoin, so for transferring confidential data, EasyJoin would be the safer option.

Best ways to send large video files from iOS [4 options]

Unsure how to send large video files from your iOS device? Here are several solutions, including both built-in options and third-party apps.

Option 1. AirDrop

AirDrop is the fastest way to share large video files on iOS, allowing you to send files to other iOS or Mac users without any file size limits and without needing an internet connection. However, it doesn't support sharing with Android or Windows users.

Since it doesn't require the internet, you won't use mobile data for sending large files, as long as the recipient is nearby. To share files, make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled on both devices. Then, locate the file, press the Share button, select AirDrop, and choose the recipient.

Option 2. Share iCloud link

All Apple devices, including your iPhone, come with 5 GB of free iCloud storage. Sharing files through iCloud is a convenient option if you want to store them in the cloud for more than 30 days (unlike Mail Drop). You can even share entire folders, allowing you to send a link to a folder with multiple files instead of sharing each file individually.

If you've used up your 5 GB of free storage, you'll need to pay for additional space on iCloud. In that case, consider other cloud services like Google Drive, which also works on iPhones and provides 15 GB of free storage.

Option 3. Mail Drop

Mail Drop is a free service from Apple for sharing large files via iCloud. If you're an iOS user, it's ideal for sending video files up to 5 GB.

After sending a file, the recipient has 30 days to download it before it's automatically deleted. There's also a monthly cap of 1 TB, so if you frequently share large files, you might occasionally need to wait for this limit to reset.

To use Mail Drop, open the file, click the share button, and select Mail. Add the recipients and hit send. You'll see two options:

• Use Mail Drop
• Try Sending Attachment

Choose "Use Mail Drop," and the file will start uploading to iCloud. It's that simple!

Option 4. Xender

To share files from your iPhone to an Android user, you'll need a third-party app like Xender, as AirDrop is not compatible. Xender functions similarly to AirDrop.

It has no file size limits, doesn't require an internet connection for file sharing, and offers fast transfer speeds (though this can vary based on other factors). Plus, Xender is free, so you won't have to spend any money to share files with Android users.

Conclusion

Sharing large videos can be challenging due to factors like camera type, frame rate, and color profile, which can result in files that are tens of gigabytes. The right transfer solution depends on your workflow and budget.

For efficient and cost-effective file transfers, AnyViewer is an excellent choice:

• It's free to use, allowing for 100 MB of free transfers, with low-cost subscriptions available for larger needs.
• It utilizes 90% of your available bandwidth to speed up transfers.
• All transfers are secured with end-to-end encryption.

Start using AnyViewer today for fast, secure, and reliable transfers of your large video files.