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PutPut vs the Alternatives

Developers waste hours evaluating file upload services. We did the work for you. Each comparison breaks down pricing, setup time, lock-in, and what actually matters when you just need to upload a file and get a URL.

PutPut vs Uploadcare

Uploadcare is an enterprise file platform built around upload widgets and on-the-fly image transformations. But at $79/month minimum with no free tier, it's overkill if you just need an upload API. PutPut gives you 10 GB free with plain HTTP endpoints.

FeaturePutPutUploadcare
Signup required No Yes (account + API key)
Free tier 10 GB free forever No free tier ($79/mo minimum)
Starting price $0 $79/mo (Grow plan)
Storage included 10 GB (free)50 GB ($79/mo)
Egress fees $0Included (with limits)
File widget required No (plain HTTP) Widget-first approach
CDN included Yes (R2 CDN) Yes (Akamai CDN)
API simplicity 3 endpointsREST API + widget SDK
AI-friendly docs docs.putput.io No
Guest tokens (no auth) Yes No

Code comparison

PutPut
// Plain HTTP — works anywhere
const tok = await fetch('/api/v1/auth/guest',
  { method: 'POST' }).then(r => r.json());

const pre = await fetch('/api/v1/upload/presign',
  { method: 'POST',
    headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${tok.token}` },
    body: JSON.stringify({ filename: 'photo.jpg',
      content_type: 'image/jpeg' }) }
).then(r => r.json());

await fetch(pre.upload_url,
  { method: 'PUT', body: file });

const result = await fetch('/api/v1/upload/confirm',
  { method: 'POST',
    headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${tok.token}` },
    body: JSON.stringify({ upload_id: pre.upload_id }) }
).then(r => r.json());
Uploadcare
// 1. Install the Uploadcare widget
// Add to your HTML head:
//   uploadcare.full.min.js
//   Set UPLOADCARE_PUBLIC_KEY

// 2. Embed widget in your form
// <input type="hidden"
//   role="uploadcare-uploader"
//   data-crop="free" />

// 3. Or use the REST API directly
const formData = new FormData();
formData.append('file', file);
formData.append('UPLOADCARE_PUB_KEY',
  'your_public_key');

const resp = await fetch(
  'https://upload.uploadcare.com/base/',
  { method: 'POST', body: formData });

// 4. Get file info (separate call)
const info = await fetch(
  `https://api.uploadcare.com/files/${uuid}/`,
  { headers: {
      Authorization: 'Uploadcare.Simple '
        + `${publicKey}:${secretKey}`
    }
  });

Frequently asked questions

Is Uploadcare free?

Uploadcare offers a trial period, but their paid plans start at $79/month (Grow plan). There is no permanent free tier. PutPut offers 10 GB of storage free forever with no credit card required.

Do I need the Uploadcare widget?

Uploadcare is designed around their file uploader widget. While they have a REST API, the widget is central to their product. PutPut is API-first — you use plain HTTP requests, so it works with any language, framework, or tool.

How does PutPut handle image transformations?

PutPut focuses on storage and delivery. If you need on-the-fly image transformations (resize, crop, filters), Uploadcare has that built in. PutPut keeps things simple — upload, store, serve.

Can I migrate from Uploadcare to PutPut?

Yes. Since PutPut uses standard HTTP APIs, you can re-upload your files with a simple script. No SDK lock-in means switching is straightforward.

What if I need more than 10 GB?

PutPut's free tier includes 10 GB of storage. Paid plans with higher limits are coming soon. Guest tokens currently have unlimited storage for the beta period.

Get started for free

No signup required. No credit card.

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