ProjectSend vs WeTransfer
Self-host swap-in for WeTransfer. · Self-host WeTransfer · ProjectSend on os-alt
ProjectSend is one of the open-source self-host replacements for WeTransfer — license GPL-2.0, 15min docker-compose (PHP app + MariaDB) to stand up, and $5 vps handles a small team; storage scales with attached disk (~$10/tb-mo block storage). Compare against WeTransfer's Free tier 2GB per send; Pro $12/user/mo for 200GB/send + 1TB storage below.
| ProjectSendopen-source | WeTransferpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Large file transfer / one-off send | Large file transfer / one-off send |
| License / pricing | GPL-2.0 | Free tier 2GB per send; Pro $12/user/mo for 200GB/send + 1TB storage |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $12/user/mo |
| GitHub | projectsend/projectsend | closed source |
| Setup time | 15min docker-compose (PHP app + MariaDB) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS handles a small team; storage scales with attached disk (~$10/TB-mo block storage). | from $12/user/mo (Free tier 2GB per send; Pro $12/user/mo for 200GB/send + 1TB storage) |
Switching from WeTransfer to ProjectSend
Pull `projectsend/projectsend` image, mount a persistent volume for `/var/www/upload`, and configure SMTP for the link emails. Create client accounts (one per recipient) or use the public-link mode for WeTransfer-style anonymous downloads. Files expire on a per-share TTL you set; admin dashboard shows download counts.
- Good fit for
- Agencies and creators sending large client deliverables on a recurring basis — has per-client folders and download analytics.
- Weak at
- Drag-and-drop polish — UX is functional, not delightful; not the cleanest WeTransfer-shaped flow.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to WeTransfer
In a terminal? npx os-alt wetransfer prints WeTransfer's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is ProjectSend a free alternative to WeTransfer?
Yes — ProjectSend is open source under GPL-2.0. Self-host cost: $5 VPS handles a small team; storage scales with attached disk (~$10/TB-mo block storage).. WeTransfer starts at $12/user/mo (Free tier 2GB per send; Pro $12/user/mo for 200GB/send + 1TB storage).
How long does ProjectSend take to set up vs WeTransfer?
Self-hosting ProjectSend: 15min docker-compose (PHP app + MariaDB). WeTransfer is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is ProjectSend good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Agencies and creators sending large client deliverables on a recurring basis — has per-client folders and download analytics.. Weak at: Drag-and-drop polish — UX is functional, not delightful; not the cleanest WeTransfer-shaped flow..