Quick answer
Wormhole - Wormhole wins for most readers because it gives you a more clearly defined, privacy-first transfer flow with end-to-end encryption and 24-hour server retention, while still handling large files via peer-to-peer when needed.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers overlap on the basics: both are file-sharing tools, both top out at 5 GB per file for stored uploads, and neither shows a paid upgrade path in the input. The real difference is how they handle the transfer experience and retention. Wormhole is built around an encrypted browser workflow with automatic expiry and a clearer split between server-backed files up to 5 GB and peer-to-peer transfers above that. wormhol.org is simpler on paper: unlimited file sharing up to 5 GB per file and sharing to multiple recipients, but the page also says there are no guarantees of availability or reliability. For builders who care about privacy, predictable expiration, and a more established transfer pattern, Wormhole is the safer pick. If you mainly want straightforward recurring file sharing to multiple people and can live with the service disclaimer, wormhol.org is fine.
Wormhole vs wormhol.org free tier, side by side
| WormholeFTV 42 | wormhol.orgFTV 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max file sizeWormhole has two size references in the input, so the FAQ limit is the safer quota to compare for stored uploads. | Up to 10 GB from the landing page; FAQ says up to 5 GB stays on Wormhole servers | Up to 5 GB per file |
| Retentionwormhol.org does not mention time-based deletion in the provided text. | 24 hours on Wormhole servers | Not stated |
| Transfer method for larger filesNo separate large-file transfer mode is described for wormhol.org. | Files larger than 5 GB use peer-to-peer transfer in the browser | Not stated |
| Sharing scopewormhol.org explicitly mentions sharing with multiple people. | Not stated | Multiple recipients |
| EncryptionOnly Wormhole explicitly states encryption in the provided data. | End-to-end encryption | Not stated |
After you outgrow the free tier
Neither product shows a paid plan in the input, so after the free tier there is no documented upgrade path to compare. Both free tiers are effectively flat at $0 with usage limits rather than tiered billing. Wormhole’s value is tied to retention and transfer behavior, while wormhol.org’s value is tied to unlimited file sharing within a 5 GB cap. Since no paid rates are provided, there are no valid cost breakpoints or usage scenarios to calculate.
When to pick each one
Pick Wormhole when…
- You want end-to-end encryption before files leave the browser.
- You need files up to 5 GB to stay on the server for 24 hours and then be deleted automatically.
- You sometimes send files larger than 5 GB and can keep the browser tab open for peer-to-peer transfer.
- You care more about a defined, privacy-oriented transfer flow than unlimited file-sharing language.
Pick wormhol.org when…
- You want unlimited file sharing within the 5 GB-per-file cap.
- You need to share the same file with multiple recipients regularly.
- You prefer the simplest possible free file-sharing setup and do not need the extra privacy framing.
- You are okay with the service stating that availability and reliability are not guaranteed.
Bottom line
For the most common builder use case, Wormhole is the better free tier because it pairs a clear privacy story with practical file transfer rules: encrypted uploads, 24-hour retention for server-stored files, and peer-to-peer handling for larger sends. wormhol.org is acceptable if your main need is repeated sharing to multiple people and you do not mind the weaker service guarantees. Since neither product shows a paid path here, the choice is mostly about workflow and trust, not upgrade economics.
Read the full listings: Wormhole and wormhol.org. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.