データ便: FileExpress as an alternative
No ads, direct P2P transfers, QR downloads and download limits. Our comparison table explains the differences from データ便 and when to use each service.
What is FileExpress?
FileExpress is a browser-based file transfer service with Japanese-language support. It offers 2 methods: direct P2P transfer and encrypted cloud transfer. No registration is required, and files of 100MB or less can be sent free up to 3 times a day. Receive files using a 4-character receive code or QR code.
データ便 vs. FileExpress
データ便 specifications are based on information published on its official website as of August 2026. For the latest information, please visit the データ便official website .
| Feature | データ便 | FileExpress |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer method | Server relay (upload, then share a URL) | Supports both direct P2P and cloud transfers |
| Free transfer size | Free plan: 5GB | No size limit for direct P2P transfer / Up to 5GB for cloud transfer (files of 100MB or less are free up to 3 times per day) |
| Ads | Yes (higher-tier plans remove ads) | None (ad-free) |
| Retention period | 1 hour–7 days (up to 30 days on the business plan) | No storage for P2P / Choose 1, 3, 7, 15, or 30 days for cloud transfer |
| How to receive files | Shared URL | URL, QR code, or 4-character receive code |
| File storage on the server | Yes (files remain on the server during the storage period) | Not stored with direct P2P transfer (files pass directly between devices) |
| Download count limit | See the official website | Choose 1, 5, 10, or 20 downloads |
| Encryption | See the official website | All cloud transfer files are automatically encrypted at no extra charge |
| Account registration | Not required (membership plans available) | Not required |
データ便 : suitable use cases
- ・You already subscribe to the データ便 business plan and want to keep using its features
- ・You have an established workflow for repeatedly sending files to the same recipients and want to avoid the cost of changing it
When FileExpress is a good fit
- ・You want to share files without displaying any ads
- ・You do not want files left on a server (direct P2P transfer does not pass through a server)
- ・You want to send files larger than 5GB immediately (direct P2P transfer has no size limit)
- ・You want to limit the number of downloads
- ・You want to send files directly to a phone using a QR code
How to use FileExpress (direct P2P transfer)
1 Sender
Select files on the homepage to display a 4-character receive code and a QR code. No registration is needed.
2 Recipient
Enter the receive code or scan the QR code. No app installation is needed.
3 Transfer
The browsers connect directly to transfer the files. No files are stored on the server.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between データ便 and FileExpress?
- The transfer method. データ便 uploads files to a server for the recipient to download. FileExpress also supports direct P2P transfer: the sender's and recipient's browsers connect directly, so files do not pass through a server and there is no size limit.
- Can I use it for free without ads?
- Yes. FileExpress does not display any ads, even for free use. Files of 100MB or less can be sent free up to 3 times per day.
- What storage durations can I choose?
- For cloud transfer, choose 1, 3, 7, 15, or 30 days. Files are automatically deleted when the selected period ends. Direct P2P transfers do not store files on the server at all.
- Can I limit the number of downloads?
- Yes. Choose 1, 5, 10, or 20 downloads. Downloads become unavailable once that limit is reached. This is useful when you want to limit sharing, such as for materials sent outside your company.
- Can I use it on a smartphone?
- Yes. It runs entirely in the browser, so no app installation is needed. To send files from a computer to a phone, simply scan the QR code shown on the screen.
Why not try it for free?
No registration is needed. Just select a file to generate a receive code.
Try FileExpress