The Dub alternative with file hosting built in
Dub is a powerful link platform, but it shortens links; it doesn't host your file. Here you upload the file and get a short link, QR code and analytics together.
Drop your file here
Anyone with the link · images, audio, video, docs, text & data, or .zip
By uploading, you agree to our Terms and Data Processing Terms and confirm you have the right to share this content.
Why people look for a Dub alternative
Links only, no hosting
Dub shortens and tracks links but doesn't store the file behind them. Here the upload and the short link are the same step, so you don't need separate file storage.
One simpler bundle
If you just need to send a file as a tidy link with a QR code and a password option, Dub's link-platform features and higher paid tiers can be more than the job needs.
No account to start
Dub's links live in a workspace, so you sign up before you create one. Here a basic upload works with no sign-up, and you add an account only when you want to manage links or set passwords.
uploadthefile.com vs Dub
| Feature | uploadthefile.com | Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Link permanence | Permanent on paid plans; 30-day links free | Links don't expire unless you set an expiry (a paid feature) |
| Password protection | Included from the Pro plan | Paid plans |
| QR codes | Free on every plan | Included, plus API access |
| Click analytics | Free: 7-day click history | Yes: deep analytics and conversion tracking |
| Ads on free links | Never, on any plan | No |
| Account required | Not needed for a basic upload | Required: links live in a workspace |
| Paid plans start at | See our pricing page | See Dub's pricing page |
Feature comparison as of August 2026. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners; details reflect each provider's public pricing and may change.
When Dub is the better choice
- You want deep link analytics, conversion and click attribution, A/B tested link variants and a full API-first link platform. Dub is excellent at all of that (its own docs put A/B testing on Business plans and above), and it is the stronger product wherever attribution is the point.
- You're a developer building link infrastructure into a product, rather than someone who mainly needs to hand over a file.
Dub alternative FAQ
- Is uploadthefile.com free?
- Yes. You can upload a file and get a short link for free, with a QR code and no account: that link lives 48 hours, or 30 days with a free account. Permanent links, password protection and larger files are on the paid plans. See the pricing page.
- Does it host the file, not just the link?
- Yes. You upload the file and get a short link to it in one step. Dub shortens and tracks links but doesn't host the file behind them.
- Is the analytics as deep as Dub's?
- No, and we're upfront about it. Dub offers deeper analytics, conversion tracking and A/B testing. Our click analytics covers the essentials for free; Dub is the better choice when attribution depth is the priority.
- Can I password-protect a link?
- Yes, from the Pro plan. Dub also offers link passwords on its paid plans, so both cover this: the difference is that we host the file too.
- Do I need an account?
- No account is needed for a basic upload. Dub's links live in a workspace, so you sign up there first. You sign in here only to manage links, set passwords or view analytics.