firestorage: FileExpress as an alternative
No ads, direct P2P transfers and QR downloads. Our comparison table explains the differences from firestorage and helps you choose between the two.
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.
firestorage vs. FileExpress
firestorage specifications are based on information published on its official website as of August 2026. For the latest information, please visit the firestorageofficial website .
| Feature | firestorage | FileExpress |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer method | Server relay (upload, then share a URL) | Supports both direct P2P and cloud transfers |
| Size per transfer | Up to 300GiB | No size limit for direct P2P transfer / Up to 5GB for cloud transfer |
| Ads | Ads on the free plan (ad-free use requires a paid membership) | None (ad-free) |
| Retention period | Choose from 3 hours to 14 days (7 days by default) | 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) |
| Encryption | See the official website | All cloud transfer files are automatically encrypted at no extra charge |
| Account registration | Not required (paid memberships available) | Not required |
| Price | Free plan available / See the official website for paid plans | Files of 100MB or less are free up to 3 times per day. Beyond that: JPY 110 per 1GB (tax included), capped at JPY 330 (tax included). |
firestorage : suitable use cases
- ・You want to send files larger than 10GB through the cloud in one transfer (FileExpress cloud transfer is limited to 5GB)
- ・The recipient cannot receive the files immediately and you want to keep them on a server for an extended period
- ・You already subscribe to a paid firestorage plan and want to keep using its features
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 directly to a phone using a QR code
- ・The recipient is online and you want to send the files immediately
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
- Can I send larger files than with firestorage?
- Cloud transfer is limited to 5GB, which is lower than firestorage's 300GiB limit. However, direct P2P mode connects browsers directly, so the service imposes no size limit. Use direct P2P transfer for files of tens of GB.
- Does the recipient need to install an app?
- No. Recipients can receive files by entering the receive code in their browser or scanning the QR code. No registration is needed either.
- How do direct P2P and cloud transfers differ?
- Direct P2P transfer connects the sender's and recipient's browsers directly without storing files on a server. Both sides must be online at the same time. Cloud transfer encrypts and temporarily stores files so the recipient can receive them later, but it has a 5GB limit.
- Are there any ads?
- No. FileExpress does not display any ads, even for free use.
- Do sent files remain on the server?
- With direct P2P transfer, files pass directly between the sender's and recipient's devices and are not stored on the server. Only cloud transfers store encrypted files for your chosen period (1–30 days), after which they are automatically deleted.
Why not try it for free?
No registration is needed. Just select a file to generate a receive code.
Try FileExpress