Swyvl vs WeTransfer
WeTransfer is great for sending large files quickly. But spatial data delivery is more than just file transfer — whoever you share with needs to view the data, not just download it. And your links shouldn't expire in 7 days.
Side-by-side comparison
How WeTransfer and Swyvl compare for survey and spatial data delivery.
| Feature | WeTransfer | Swyvl |
|---|---|---|
| Link expiry | Free: 7 days. Pro: customisable, but links still expire. | Permanent links. Your client can access the data months or years later. |
| File viewing | No file previews for spatial formats. Download only. | 14 browser-based viewers — point clouds, orthomosaics, 3D models, 360 panoramas, video, PDF, DXF, IFC. |
| Branding | WeTransfer branding on all transfers. Custom backgrounds on Pro, but still WeTransfer's interface. | Your logo, your colours, your company name. The client sees your brand, not ours. |
| Free tier limit | 2 GB per transfer. | 5 GB storage. Upload files up to 50 GB each. |
| Audit trail | Download notification email. No detailed access logs. | Full access logs — who viewed, what they viewed, when, with timestamps and location. |
| Client feedback | None. Clients must reply by email. | Built-in approve/request changes workflow. Clients respond through the link. |
| Organisation | Flat file list per transfer. No concept of sites or sessions. | Files organised by physical site and capture session. Map view shows all your sites. |
| Data regions | Files stored in WeTransfer's infrastructure. No region choice. | 8 storage regions — Australia, US East, US West, UK, Europe, Canada, Japan, Singapore. |
| Data privacy | WeTransfer's updated terms allow use of uploaded content for AI training, raising concerns for sensitive survey data. | Your data is never used for AI training. Files are encrypted at rest and in transit. You control access. |
| Pricing | Free: 2 GB/transfer. Pro: $16/mo for 200 GB. | Free tier with 5 GB. Pro from $29/mo with 100 GB. See pricing. |
Why surveyors are moving beyond WeTransfer
Links expire. Data shouldn't.
WeTransfer's free links expire in 7 days. Even on Pro, links have a shelf life. Survey deliverables are reference documents — your clients may need to access the data months later for compliance checks, insurance claims, or project reviews. Swyvl links are permanent.
Transfer is not delivery.
WeTransfer moves files from point A to point B. But delivery means your client can actually use what they received. When you send a LAS file via WeTransfer, the transfer succeeds — but the delivery fails, because your client cannot open it. Swyvl renders every spatial file type in the browser.
Data privacy concerns.
WeTransfer updated their terms of service to permit the use of uploaded content for training AI models. For surveyors handling sensitive site data, government contracts, or proprietary intellectual property, this is a significant concern. Swyvl never uses your data for AI training, and you choose the storage region where your files reside.
When WeTransfer is the right choice
WeTransfer is a fast, simple way to send large files to someone when you just need them to download a file once. For sending a zip file to a colleague, a batch of photos to a friend, or a one-off file that doesn't need to persist — WeTransfer works well.
But if you're a surveyor or drone operator delivering spatial data to clients on a regular basis, you need permanent links, browser-based viewing, branding, and an audit trail. That's what Swyvl is built for.
Try Swyvl free — see the difference
Upload a point cloud or orthomosaic, generate a branded link, and compare the experience to a WeTransfer download. No credit card required.