rclone vs WeTransfer

Rclone is a free command-line program for managing files on cloud storage. It can back up and restore files, mirror or migrate data, mount storage as a disk, and combine file systems. The project lists more than 70 cloud storage products, including Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Backblaze B2. Sync options include copying changed files, one-way sync, and two-way bisync. Rclone checks MD5 and SHA1 hashes, preserves timestamps, and can restart operations. Where supported, it transfers between providers without using local disk. It can mount local, cloud, or virtual file systems and serve files over SFTP, HTTP, WebDAV, FTP, and DLNA. Rclone is also available through scripts and an API. Its crypt remote encrypts files before upload and decrypts them after download, but leaves file length and modification time unencrypted. The crypt password in the configuration file is only lightly obscured unless configuration encryption is enabled. The web-based GUI is described as experimental, and Android builds are not yet first-class builds.

WeTransfer sends files to recipients through email transfers or shareable links; recipients can download transfers without creating an account. Its free plan is free and permits up to 10 transfers or 3 GB in a rolling 30-day window. Free transfers can remain online for up to 3 days. Free accounts also include file requests, password-protected transfers, paid transfers and mobile app access. Senders can request files by email or link, while Paid Transfers lets them set a price and accept payment through Stripe, WeTransfer's only listed payment provider. Apps are available for iOS and Android, and the Mac app supports sending through the menu bar or Finder. WeTransfer lists web and extension access too; its Help Center says the Public API is retired. Storage allowances vary by plan: default accounts get up to 2 TB, while Teams offers up to 5 TB, extendable to 30 TB on request. WeTransfer says files are encrypted in transit and at rest, and uploaded content is not used to train AI models. Support begins with an AI assistant; phone support is not offered.