MyAirBridge vs Google Drive for sending large files
Google Drive is cloud storage that can also share files, while MyAirBridge is a file transfer service that also provides storage. For one-off delivery of a large file to someone outside your organisation, the transfer workflow is usually simpler.
Different starting points
Google Drive
Drive is built for storing and collaborating on documents inside a Google account. Sharing a large file means granting access to an item in your Drive, and the free storage quota of 15 GB is shared with Gmail and Google Photos.
MyAirBridge
MyAirBridge is built for delivery. You upload, you get a link, the recipient downloads. Free transfers go up to 20 GB, and storage is separate from any mailbox quota.
Recipient experience
This is where the two differ most in practice.
- Google Drive often prompts recipients to sign in, especially in organisations with restricted sharing policies
- permission settings can block access without the sender noticing
- MyAirBridge links work without an account and without sign-in prompts
- MyAirBridge transfers can be sent directly to email addresses with a notification
Comparison table
| Aspect | MyAirBridge | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Sending and sharing large files | Cloud storage and document collaboration |
| Free capacity | 20 GB per transfer | 15 GB shared with Gmail and Photos |
| Recipient needs an account | No | Often yes, depending on settings |
| Expiration control | Yes, from Basic upwards | Limited |
| Password-protected links | Yes, from Pro upwards | Not standard |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes, from Pro upwards | Not standard |
| Data location | Prague, Czech Republic, inside the EU | Global Google infrastructure |
Using both together
The two are not mutually exclusive. A common pattern is to keep working documents in Drive and to use a transfer service for delivering large final files to clients, where sign-in prompts and permission problems are unacceptable.
FAQ
Is Google Drive good for sending large files?
It works, but recipients are often asked to sign in and the free quota is shared with Gmail and Photos. A transfer service avoids both issues.
How large a file can I send for free with MyAirBridge?
Up to 20 GB per transfer, without the recipient needing an account.
Can I control how long the recipient can access the file?
Yes. MyAirBridge paid plans allow custom expiration, including links that never expire.
Summary
Google Drive is storage that can share, MyAirBridge is delivery that can store. For sending a large file to someone outside your organisation without sign-in prompts, permission problems, or a shared mailbox quota, the transfer workflow is usually the simpler option.