File transfer speed: how to compare fairly

To compare transfer speed fairly, separate upload, recipient download, decryption and saving. A fast link-generation time says nothing about how long the recipient needs to obtain a usable file.

Make comparable measurements

Use the same nonsensitive file and device for every provider. Record the exact byte count, connection, browser version, date, region and plan. Time from selecting Send to the share link appearing; at the receiver, time from Download to the file being saved and opened. Repeat under comparable conditions and retain failed runs as failures.

Compare the median and range, not the best result. Do not extrapolate a small upload beyond a free plan's limit or call a mathematical estimate a measured benchmark. The earlier provider ranking is omitted because a reproducible dataset is not available.

Interpret differences

Test Wi-Fi and a wired connection separately where possible. Keep other uploads consistent. A difference may come from the device, storage, network path or service load; it does not by itself identify a provider's infrastructure or the cost of encryption.

HexaTransfer in practice

HexaTransfer is a free, account-free tool for occasional deliveries up to 50 GB. Links expire after 14 days by default; choose 1–30 whole days when creating the transfer; keep your own copy. Files and their names are encrypted in the browser with AES-256-GCM. The browser generates a random key and puts it after # in the share link. Send the complete link only to intended recipients: anyone holding it can decrypt the transfer, subject to any additional password protection.

The optional password controls access at the server; it does not derive the encryption key. Keep the tab open until the link appears, and allow enough disk space when downloading. Uploading does not remove the original file.

Related guides

• Send files
• File transfer benchmark: a reproducible method
• How to choose a fast file transfer service