14 Top File Sharing Sites for Easy File Transfer [2023 Update]
Storage is Almost Full!
‘To Ensure normal use, please delete files to free up internal storage space.’
I am sure you receive a ‘storage full’ warning once in a while unless your device is equipped with a cloud file-sharing system.
Receiving these storage warnings can be frustrating, especially when you’ve important files that you cannot risk losing.
That’s where File Sharing Sites come into the picture. With these storage systems, you can transfer large-sized files conveniently, simplify server upkeep, and easily collaborate on the go. You can use standalone file-sharing tools or have them a part of collaboration platforms (like project management apps or community portals).
Cloud File sharing, apart from individual users, has also become a key function in Enterprise use, which explains why:
- 39% of cloud business data is used for file-sharing purposes.
- 34% of uploaded data have sensitive and confidential information that includes personally identifiable information.
- An average company shares documents and files with over 800 different online domains.
What is File Sharing with its pros and cons?
With File Sharing Software, users can have controlled and centralized visibility of files at different stages of the data lifecycle, which helps with finding, protecting, editing, sharing, and managing sensitive data at any point in time.
Pros of File Sharing
- Transfer small & large files over a secure network connection.
- Easily collaborate with multiple people across the globe.
- No need to maintain a central online file server
Cons of File Sharing
- Bandwidth requirement is often costly.
- Hard to trace revisions once the file has been shared publicly.
- Higher risk of acquiring malware or ransomware from a remote file
Types of File Sharing:
- File transfer protocol programs (FTP):
Example: Cyberduck, Mozilla Firefox
- Peer-to-peer networks:
Examples: Skype, Slack, Troop Messenger
- Removable storage media
Examples: Memory sticks, memory cards, optical discs, and removable hard disks
- Online file-sharing services
Examples: Box, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, Tresorit
How to Select Your Platform:
Choosing an appropriate File sharing Platform is all about understanding the storage, sharing, and synchronization needs of your enterprise. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you’re going to need a lot more storage than a sales rep who works mainly face-to-face.
You’d need a thorough understanding of all the key features, pros, and cons of each file-sharing software to make a final selection.
In this article, we’ve done the same. Consider this article a directory of top shortlisted file-sharing sites. Go through the pros, cons, and pricing, of each tool and select your ideal platform, keeping in mind the following features:
- Security and Encryption
- Compatibility on different OS and Devices
- Storage Limitations
- Pricing
File Sharing Websites
1. Box
Box was literally the first-ever cloud-based media storage service and file-sharing site to grab the attention. Box allowed its users to centralize all their data. It also offered easy collaboration on documents shared.
It is now known as secure content management and business collaboration tool.
Pros:
- Meets compliance requirement
- Integrated with an enterprise security system
- Allows Workflow Configuration
- Work at unprecedented Speed
Cons
- Starter plans have very limited features
- File previewing from computers and devices is complex
Pricing:
- Individual Plans: Starts at INR 785 per month
- Business Plans: Starts at INR 389 per user per month
- Business Plus: Starts at INR 1881 per user per month
Ideal For:
Enterprises and Large-Scale companies require the organization of huge data systems across different locations.
2. DropBox
DropBox offers a lot more than secure file storage. Dropbox, as a file-sharing website, has established its identity as a state-of-the-art workspace where teams, content, and tools come together to collaborate.
Dropbox allows the creation, storage, and sharing of cloud content from Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and MS Office files, alongside traditional files.
Pros:
- Large network and number of users
- Secure sharing of files and documents
- Integrated desktop experience
- Files transferred across devices are always encrypted
- Team collaboration, anywhere, at anytime
- Easy Integration with tools like Slack and Zoom
- Integrations with over 100,000 third-party applications
Cons:
- New collaboration features and solutions are confusing
- The personal plan offers only 2GB space for Dropbox Transfer
Pricing:
- Standard: 5 TB of secure space:$15 / user/month, starting at 3 users
- Advanced: Unlimited Space: $25 / user/month, starting at 3 users
Ideal For:
- Medium and Small-scale companies which do not need advanced features
- Users who are looking for a secure space to back up their critical data
- P2P file sharing
3. Google Drive
Google Drive’s Enterprise Plan offers a simple and secure way for businesses and teams to work together and collaborate on a project in the cloud.
The Drive was unarguably the first company that brought together document collaboration and the cloud. Its Google Docs Suite made it a huge success.
This file-sharing program boosts collaboration with features that allow users to request approval, track revisions, and assign tasks.
Google Drive is 50% faster when it comes to finding files. Search features use AI to understand the need and surface only relevant content.
Pros:
- Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more
- Enterprise Grade Security
- Enterprise-Grade Management tools
- Can be accessed via desktop, mobile, web
- 24/7 email and phone support
- Compatible with more than 100 file types
- Organize Automatically
Cons:
- For Collaboration across Google Drive files, a Google Account is compulsory
- Sharing Settings can be complex at times
Pricing:
$8 per active user per month
Ideal For:
- People have a Gmail account
- Small and Medium organizations
- Peer to Peer File Sharing
4. Apple iCloud Drive
Apple iCloud Drive has been called Apple’s version of Dropbox. iCloud Drive is primarily cloud-based, which makes sharing of data overdrive very easy. It also allows users to sync different types of content between devices.
Apple has been steady at releasing improved versions of the iCloud suite. The new iOS devices and Mac computers are now equipped with the iCloud drive of the latest versions, which comes ins-built so that the files in either of Apple devices can be synced automatically.
Pros:
- Any type of file that can be accessed from anywhere
- Organize files with different folders
- Rename and tag files
- Original, full-resolution photos are automatically uploaded
- Easy iCloud photo sharing
- Invite people to work on a file or document
- Send private link
- No need to add manage versions, create copies, or add the email attachments
Cons:
- Very limited integration with Android users
- Limited integration with Windows user
- New users only get access to 5 GB of storage
- Limited Business Support
Pricing:
Prices vary in different geographical locations.
Ideal For:
- iPhone and Apple product users
- People who frequently share files with Apple users
- File sharing iTunes
5. Egnyte
Egnyte is also a file-sharing site that offers data governance and reduces the risk of a data breach. As content’s value increases, the potential threat of breaches increases too.
With Egnyte, the users can have control and centralized visibility of files at different stages of the data lifecycle, which helps with finding, protecting, and managing sensitive data at any point in time.
Pros:
- Rapidly discover sensitive data
- Detect potential exposure
- Guard data against malicious sharing and accidental sharing
- Ensure only the right people get access to sensitive data
- Avoid operation disruption
- Enforce data handling policies
- Extra backup copies are saved during file transfer
- Robust mobile access
Cons:
- More complex to use than other basic services
- Lacks custom support
Pricing:
- Office Plan: $8 per employee per month, 5-25 employees, and 5 TB of online storage
- Business Plan: $20 per employee per month,25-100 employees, and 10 TB of online storage
- Team Plan: $10 per employee per month, 1-3 employees, and 1 TB of online storage
Ideal For:
- Administrators and companies that need to frequently share confidential data
- Organizations supporting various operating systems
- Organizations working across various devices
6. MediaFire
MediaFire makes storage and file sharing simpler than ever. Its clean UI and easy navigation make it one of the most widely used file-sharing applications.
Mediafire allows users to share, collaborate, store, and get easy access to documents and files. Files can be shared via email, links, and social networks.
MediaFire users can store any file type, project files in specified folders, and of large size.
Up to 10 GB of space is free for individual use, hence it’s a great tool to store all the photos, audio, and videos.
Pros:
- Always have access to important files
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Unlimited downloads
- Multiple uploads at once
- 10 GB free storage space
- One-time links
- Organize files with ease
- Easily share after uploading
- Available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Windows, and Android
Cons:
- Basic plans have a lot of on-screen ads
- Limited collaboration features
Pricing:
- Pro Plan: $3.75 per employee per month
- 1 TB of storage space per user, ad-free sharing, and priority support.
- Business Plan: $40 per employee per month, 100 TB of storage space per user, ad-free sharing, and priority support.
Ideal For:
- Employees and teams needing quick file transfers from one member to another
- Users who exchange files and documents via emails
7. OneDrive
With OneDrive, you can save your files, photos, videos, and documents, and get them from any device, at any time, from anywhere.
Users can share files, photos, and folders via email, Facebook, or iMessage and text. You can also create polished content, present with clarity, and collaborate with team members in real-time, by using Office365 with OneDrive. It is one of the best free file-sharing sites.
Pros:
- Integration with Sharepoint
- Offline Access
- OneDrive is encrypted using SSL
- Granular permission setting
- Document Scanning
- Easy to use with Office
- Expiring Links
Cons:
- No support for Mac OS
- OneDrive’s latest version suffers from slow upload
- Slower download speeds.
Pricing:
- One Drive Basic Plan: 5 GB storage space, Available for Free
- One Drive Paid Plan: 100 GB storage space, Available at INR 123 per user per month
Ideal For:
- Businesses that work on Windows PCs
- Windows 10 file sharing
- Individuals with an Outlook account
8. SecureDocs
With SecureDocs, you get to own a private and virtual data room, where files can be shared, stored, and edited in real time. SecureDocs is simple, convenient, and powerful. It has all the features you need to keep your files secure, easily accessible, and up-to-date.
Pros:
- Drag and drop folders
- Immediate Set-up
- Unlimited users and data
- Flat-rate pricing, no additional fee
- Activity alerts
- User actions with Tracking of the IP address
- Two-factor authentication
- Document Watermarking
- Permission-based user roles
Cons:
- Challenging to configure permissions
- Flat pricing is not suitable for individual use
- Limited integration.
Pricing:
$250 per month
Ideal For:
Companies and Virtual workplaces where security is a top priority.
9. SugarSync
SugarSync was first launched in 2008. It functions on both Mac and Windows and allows easy sync of folders to the cloud account. SugarSync caters to both Individual and business users.
Pros:
- Easy to restore files online
- Automatic file sharing
- Remote wiping of data
- Creation of public links to documents
- Transport Layer Security
- Files Encrypted in 256-bit AES format
- Online Backups
- Mobile applications are available for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, & Android devices.
Cons:
- No free plan option
- Syncing speeds can be slow
- Pricing:
- Personal Plan: $9.99 per month
- 250 GB of storage space
- Business Plan: $55.00 per month
- 1 TB of storage space
Ideal For:
- Users with messy folders
- Businesses lacking a backup solution.
10. WeTransfer
WeTransfer is unarguably one of the simplest file-sharing services used to send large-sized files all across the world. WeTransfer was founded in 2009 and ever since it has been used as a file-sharing software.
WeTransfer’s primary service can be used for individual and business personnel to send any file to an email address, or simply by creating a one-time link that can be accessed by other people.
Pros:
- No account required
- Immediate Set-up
- Extremely easy to use
- Activity alerts
- Integration with Slack, ThunderBird, and Command Line
- Integration with Firefox, Chrome, and Sketch
- Track Download history
- Password-protect transfers
Cons:
- No security features
- Limited transfer of 2GB
- Limited integration.
Pricing:
- Free Forever Plan:
- No Storage
- Send up to 2 GB
- WeTransfer Pro: $12 per month
- 1 TB storage
- Send up to 20 GB
Ideal For:
- Companies and Virtual workplaces where One-time file transfers are required
- Individuals with a ‘resend and delete transfers’ requirement
- Mega file sharing
- Businesses requiring a Pro page and URL
11. Tresorit
Tresorit guarantees an ultra-secure place for the storage, syncing, and sharing of files in the cloud. As a large file-sharing site, it offers state-of-the-art privacy in compliance with strong data protection plans.
Certified for ISO 270001, Tresorit is also in compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and multiple security protection requirements.
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure lost/stolen devices
- Protect the organization’s privacy
- Take 1,000 GB storage anywhere
- Recover deleted files
- Keep data protected from ransomware
- File sharing with encrypted links
- Manage users and groups with security policies
Cons:
- Fewer integrations
Pricing:
- Small Business Plan: $20 per user per month,1 TB storage per user, starting at 2 users
- Business Plan: $12 per user per month,1 TB storage per user, starting at 10 users
- Enterprise Plan: $24 per user per month,1 TB storage per user, starting at 100 users
Ideal For:
- Businesses with a lot of options
12. Sync.com
Sync.com is a Toronto-based cloud storage service that ranks among the top five Dropbox alternatives with free service plans.
Synch, as a secure file-sharing site, makes it convenient to share, store, and access files from just about anywhere. Apart from that it protects the content with end-to-end encryption and ensures that the data shared or transferred in the cloud is secure, safe, and 100% private.
Pros:
- Control access with passwords
- Expiry dates of link shares
- Email notifications
- No file size in the business plan
- No traffic limit in the business plan
- Access files from centralized folders
- Activity logs
- Granular user permission
- Restrict Downloads
- HIPAA Compliance
Cons:
- Slow upload
- Slower download speeds.
Pricing:
- Standard Plan for teams: 1 TB storage space per user, Available at $5 per user per month
- Plus Plan for teams: 4 TB storage space per user, Available at $5 per user per month
- Advanced Plan for teams: 10 TB storage space per user, Available at $15 per user per month
Ideal For:
Businesses and Enterprises where content security is the main concern
13. pCloud
pCloud is one of the best file-sharing sites that boosts collaboration with features that allow users to request approval, track revisions, and edit files on the go.
Pros:
- Access on all devices
- Unbreakable security with pCloud Crypto
- AES 256-bit for encrypting files at rest
- TLS protocol to protect them in transit.
- Keep private files confidential
- Share and collaborate
Cons:
- No support for Mac OS
- OneDrive’s latest version suffers from slow upload
- Slower download speeds.
Pricing:
- Premium: 500 GB Storage \One-Time payment of $175
- Premium Plus: 2 TB Storage \One-Time payment of $350
Ideal For:
- Businesses that work on Windows PCs
- Individuals with an Outlook account
14. Flipsnack
Flipsnack is a cloud-based digital publishing platform, that allows its users to create and share interactive publications, like flipbooks, reports, presentations, catalogs, magazines, and many more.
In terms of document collaboration, Flipsnack is a secure and engaging pdf flipbook-sharing solution.
Due to its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, the platform doesn’t require deep technical capabilities, and moreover, it comes equipped with a large variety of fully customizable templates for all sorts of publications.
Pros:
- Since its cloud-based, all files can be accessed from anywhere
- It allows users to manage multiple workspaces
- Manage user permissions and level of access for each user
- Download publications in multiple formats (PDF; JPG; PNG; HTML5; GIF; MP4)
- Allows users to download their publication’s QR Code
- Various privacy options: public; unlisted (not indexed by any search engines; the only access is through a direct link); password-protected; private (shared publications with specific people)
- It includes interactive features such as a 3D flipping page effect; photo slide shows; social media buttons; supports video and audio elements.
Cons:
- The free plan allows users to create up to 3 publications of max 30 pages each
- The mobile app is a read-only version
Pricing:
- Starter: 14$/month - 10 catalogs: 100 pages/catalog
- Professional: 35$/month - 50 catalogs: 200 pages/catalog
- Business: 79$/month - 500 catalogs: 500 pages/catalog
- Enterprise: 210$/month - 1000 catalogs: 1000 pages/catalog
Ideal For:
- Users that need to share and track documents
- Small; medium and large organizations
- Users that are looking to add interactive elements to their publications
Some File Sharing FAQs
How to set up file sharing in Windows 10
- Click Start > Control Panel
In the Control Panel, Navigate to Network and Internet, and open ‘View Network Status and Tasks
Click ‘Change advanced sharing settings.
Click ‘Turn on network discovery, and then click Apply.
To enable file sharing, click ‘Turn on file and printer sharing and Save changes.
2) How to turn off file sharing in Windows 10
- Click Start > Control Panel
- In the Control Panel, open ‘Network Status and Tasks
Click ‘Change advanced sharing settings.
To disable file sharing, click ‘Turn off file and printer sharing’ and Save Changes.
Over to You Now
Like I said before, choosing a suitable File sharing Platform is primarily understanding the storage, sharing, and synchronization needs of your enterprise.
You’d need a thorough understanding of all the key features, pros, and cons of each file-sharing software to make a final selection.
To begin, identify your team's needs and goals. For example, a board of directors software comparison for a better understanding of internal goals in a company or enterprise
We hope this article has helped you with learning about the core features of each tool, and what you can expect with their different plans.
Now you can free up your device’s space and keep your confidential files in a secure platform, without having to worry about the visibility, security breaches, and limited storage warnings of your primary device.
In case we’ve missed your favorite file-sharing software, hit the comment box below and let us know how we can make this list better.