file.io review: share files with links that expire after download, no account needed. Free up to 2GB, with paid plans adding storage and higher limits.
file.io is a file-sharing service focused on temporary, self-destructing links rather than permanent cloud storage. A user uploads a file, gets a shareable link, and that link stops working once the file has been downloaded or after a configured expiration window, reducing the chance that a shared file lingers online indefinitely.
The service is operated by Mr Cowboy LLC and requires no account to upload or share a file on its free tier, positioning it as a quick, anonymous way to transfer files compared to traditional cloud storage services that expect long-term account-based storage.
The core feature is automatic file expiration: files are deleted after being downloaded once, or after a set time period, which file.io markets as reducing long-term exposure of sensitive shared content. No personal information is required to use the free tier, and the service states its server logs don't retain identifying details about uploaders.
Paid accounts unlock persistent storage rather than purely one-time links, larger per-file and hourly upload limits, and account-based file management so users can track and manage files they've shared. Premium plans add features like custom domains and direct download links for more controlled distribution.
file.io's Free plan supports file sharing up to 2GB per file with a 4GB hourly upload allowance and the standard one-download expiration behavior, with no account or credit card required to start.
The Basic plan, at $25 per month, raises the per-file share limit to 10GB, removes the hourly cap, and adds 2TB of permanent storage with a 250GB monthly download allowance. The Premium plan, at $99 per month, goes up to 100GB per file, 3TB of storage, a 1TB monthly download limit, and adds custom domain and direct-download capabilities. Annual billing includes one free month compared to paying monthly.
Yes, its Free plan allows file sharing up to 2GB with no account required, though shared files expire after one download or a set time.
Yes, by default files are deleted after being downloaded once, which is the core feature of the free ephemeral sharing model.
Yes, paid Basic and Premium plans add permanent account-based storage (2TB and 3TB respectively) alongside larger transfer limits.
Yes, file.io offers an API that developers can use to integrate ephemeral file upload and sharing into their own applications.
file.io is operated by Mr Cowboy LLC; detailed public information about founders or headquarters is not published.