Finding the best file sharing service in 2025 means matching your specific needs to the right tool. This comprehensive guide compares 15+ services across features, pricing, security, and use cases to help you choose confidently. Whether you need simple one-off transfers, encrypted privacy, team collaboration, or massive file support, there’s a service optimized for your workflow.
Quick Recommendation Guide
Best for simplicity: WeTransfer (email-based, no learning curve)
Best for privacy: Wormhole (P2P), FileGrab (E2E encryption), Tresorit
Best for teams: Google Drive (if using Workspace), FileGrab (collaborative links), Dropbox Business
Best for large files: WeTransfer Pro (200 GB), Dropbox Transfer (100 GB), MASV (unlimited)
Best free tier: Google Drive (15 GB), MEGA (20 GB), FileGrab (no ads)
Best for collaboration: FileGrab (anyone can upload to links), Google Drive (document editing)
Best value: FileGrab ($10/mo), Sync.com ($8/mo)
Comprehensive Service Comparison
| Service | Max File Size | Storage Model | Expiry | Encryption | Collaboration | Price | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FileGrab | 2 GB (Pro) | 100 MB - 10 GB quota | 7d - Forever | E2E (Pro) | Yes | $10/mo Pro | Never |
| WeTransfer | 200 GB (Pro) | Per-transfer | 7-30 days | At-rest only | No | $15/mo Pro | Yes (free) |
| Google Drive | 5 TB | 15 GB - unlimited | Never (paid) | At-rest only | Yes | $2-20/mo | No |
| Dropbox | 2 GB (free cap) | 2 GB - unlimited | Never | At-rest only | Yes | $12-20/mo | No |
| Dropbox Transfer | 100 GB (Pro) | Per-transfer | 7-30 days | At-rest only | No | Included w/ Pro | No |
| OneDrive | 250 GB | 5 GB - 1 TB+ | Never (paid) | At-rest only | Yes | $2-13/mo | No |
| Wormhole | 10 GB | P2P (no storage) | 24 hours | E2E (P2P) | No | Free | No |
| MEGA | Unlimited | 20 GB - 16 TB | Never | E2E | Yes | $11-31/mo | No |
| Sync.com | Unlimited | 5 GB - 6 TB | Never | Zero-knowledge | Yes | $8-20/mo | No |
| Tresorit | Unlimited | 500 GB - 10 TB | Never | Zero-knowledge | Yes | $24-48/mo | No |
| Firefox Send | N/A | N/A | Discontinued | - | - | - | - |
| Smash | Unlimited | Per-transfer | 7-14 days | At-rest only | No | $11/mo Pro | Yes (free) |
| Filemail | 50 GB (Pro) | Per-transfer | 7-30 days | At-rest only | No | $10-25/mo | Yes (free) |
| MediaFire | 20 GB | 10 GB - 1 TB | Never | At-rest only | Yes | $4-50/mo | Yes (free) |
| MASV | Unlimited | Per-transfer | 7-10 days | At-rest only | No | $0.25/GB | No |
Detailed Service Reviews
FileGrab: Link-First Collaborative Sharing
FileGrab’s unique approach: get your shareable link before uploading files. Share immediately, upload when ready, recipients see files appear in real-time.
Standout features:
- Collaborative links: Anyone can upload to your storage
- E2E encryption on Pro (client-side AES-256-GCM)
- Forever links (Pro)
- No ads on any tier
- Real-time file syncing without refreshes
- Password protection (Pro)
Pricing:
- Free: 100 MB storage, 7-day expiry, full collaboration
- Pro: $10/mo, 10 GB storage, 2 GB files, forever links, encryption
Best for: Teams collecting files from multiple people, real-time collaboration, privacy-conscious users who want no ads.
Limitations: Smaller storage quotas than Google Drive/Dropbox (but cheaper).
WeTransfer: The Email-Based Classic
WeTransfer defined simple file sharing: upload, enter recipient emails, send. Clean interface, zero learning curve.
Standout features:
- Beautiful minimal UI
- Email notifications to recipients
- Up to 200 GB per transfer (Pro)
- Custom backgrounds and branding (Pro)
Pricing:
- Free: 2 GB per transfer, 7-day expiry, with ads
- Pro: $15/mo, 200 GB transfers, 30-day expiry, no ads
Best for: One-off large transfers, non-technical recipients, when email workflow fits naturally.
Limitations: No collaboration, ads on free tier, one-way transfers only.
Google Drive: The Everything Platform
Google Drive combines storage, sharing, and Google Workspace apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides). Best when you need full ecosystem, overkill for simple sharing.
Standout features:
- 15 GB free storage
- Real-time document collaboration
- Integrated with Gmail, Calendar, Meet
- Powerful search and organization
Pricing:
- Free: 15 GB
- Google One: $2-10/mo (100 GB - 2 TB)
- Workspace: $6-18/user/mo (includes email)
Best for: Google Workspace users, long-term storage plus sharing, document collaboration.
Limitations: Recipients often need Google accounts, complex permissions, privacy concerns (Google scans content).
Dropbox: Reliable Sync and Share
Dropbox pioneered cloud storage and still leads in reliability. Dropbox Transfer is their file-sharing-specific product.
Standout features:
- Best-in-class sync reliability
- Dropbox Transfer for large sends
- Paper for lightweight docs
- Strong third-party integrations
Pricing:
- Basic: 2 GB free
- Plus: $12/mo, 2 TB
- Professional: $20/mo, 3 TB
- Business: $20+/user/mo
Best for: Professionals needing reliable sync, creatives with large files, existing Dropbox ecosystem users.
Limitations: Expensive compared to Google Drive, limited free tier.
Wormhole: Maximum Privacy via P2P
Wormhole eliminates server storage entirely. Files transfer peer-to-peer via WebRTC with end-to-end encryption.
Standout features:
- No server storage (true P2P)
- Up to 10 GB transfers
- End-to-end encryption
- Open source
- Completely free
Best for: Privacy paranoia, avoiding all third-party storage, large files without accounts.
Limitations: Both parties must be online simultaneously, slower for some connections.
MEGA: Generous Free Storage with E2E
MEGA offers 20 GB free storage with client-side encryption. Founded by Kim Dotcom after Megaupload shutdown.
Standout features:
- 20 GB free (best free tier for encrypted storage)
- End-to-end encryption on all plans
- Massive paid storage (up to 16 TB)
- Built-in chat
Pricing:
- Free: 20 GB
- Pro I-III: $11-31/mo (2 TB - 16 TB)
Best for: Users wanting large free encrypted storage, MEGA ecosystem users.
Limitations: Upload/download bandwidth limits on free tier, controversial history.
Sync.com: Zero-Knowledge Cloud Storage
Canadian cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption. Sync.com can’t access your files even if subpoenaed.
Standout features:
- Zero-knowledge encryption (Sync.com can’t decrypt)
- Canadian privacy laws
- Generous storage (up to 6 TB)
- Good interface similar to Dropbox
Pricing:
- Free: 5 GB
- Solo: $8/mo, 2 TB
- Teams: $6-15/user/mo
Best for: Privacy-focused users wanting full cloud storage, Dropbox alternative with better privacy.
Limitations: Fewer integrations than mainstream services.
Tresorit: Business-Grade Swiss Privacy
Tresorit targets enterprises requiring maximum security and compliance. Swiss-hosted, zero-knowledge encryption, full audit trails.
Standout features:
- Swiss data protection laws
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption
- Compliance certifications (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
- Admin controls and audit logs
- No file size limits
Pricing:
- Solo: $24/mo, 500 GB
- Business: $32-48/user/mo
Best for: Regulated industries (healthcare, legal, finance), businesses requiring compliance certifications.
Limitations: Premium pricing, overkill for casual users.
Smash: Unlimited File Sizes
Smash positions itself as “no limits” file sharing with unlimited file sizes on all plans.
Standout features:
- Truly unlimited file sizes (even free tier)
- Custom branding (Pro)
- Password protection
- Download tracking
Pricing:
- Free: Unlimited size, 7-day expiry, ads
- Pro: $11/mo, 14-day expiry, branding, no ads
Best for: Sending truly massive files (100+ GB), when WeTransfer’s limits aren’t enough.
Limitations: Per-transfer model (no storage quotas), ads on free tier.
MASV: Pay-Per-GB for Video Pros
MASV targets video production teams sending raw footage and large media files. Pay only for what you transfer.
Standout features:
- Unlimited file sizes
- Pay-per-GB ($0.25/GB) or unlimited plans
- Accelerated transfer speeds
- Integrations with Adobe, Frame.io, Dropbox
Pricing:
- Pay-per-use: $0.25/GB transferred
- Unlimited: $50-80/mo per user
Best for: Video professionals, studios sending dailies and raw footage, sporadic large transfers.
Limitations: Expensive for frequent use, overkill for small files.
Feature Deep Dives
End-to-End Encryption Comparison
True end-to-end encryption means files are encrypted client-side before upload, and the service can’t decrypt them.
Services with real E2E:
- Wormhole (P2P, never touches servers)
- FileGrab (Pro, AES-256-GCM client-side)
- MEGA (all plans, client-side)
- Sync.com (zero-knowledge, can’t be decrypted by service)
- Tresorit (zero-knowledge, Swiss-hosted)
- Bitwarden Send (encrypted with user’s vault key)
Services with only “at-rest” encryption:
- WeTransfer (encrypted on servers, but WeTransfer has keys)
- Google Drive (Google can decrypt files)
- Dropbox (Dropbox can access files)
- OneDrive (Microsoft can access files)
Why this matters: At-rest encryption protects against hackers stealing server data. E2E protects against the service itself accessing your files (or being forced to via subpoena).
Collaboration Features
Services allowing multiple uploaders to one link:
- FileGrab (collaborative links, primary feature)
- Google Drive (shared folders with write permissions)
- Dropbox (shared folders)
- OneDrive (shared folders)
- MEGA (shared folders)
Services without collaboration (one-way only):
- WeTransfer (sender uploads, recipients download)
- Wormhole (P2P, one sender)
- Dropbox Transfer (send-only)
- Smash (send-only)
- MASV (send-only)
FileGrab is unique in making collaboration a primary feature of shareable links (not just folders).
Storage Models: Quota vs Per-Transfer
Quota-based (account storage):
- Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, MEGA, Sync.com, Tresorit, FileGrab
- You get total storage, create multiple links/folders
- Files persist until you delete them or account expires
Per-transfer (temporary):
- WeTransfer, Dropbox Transfer, Smash, Filemail, MASV
- Each transfer is independent
- Files auto-delete after expiry
- No long-term storage
Which is better? Quota-based for persistent sharing and multiple active projects. Per-transfer for one-off sends and avoiding storage management.
Use Case Recommendations
Sharing Wedding Photos with Guests
Best choice: FileGrab (collaborative link)
Create link, share at wedding, guests upload their photos throughout the event and after. Everyone sees all photos in real-time. Forever link option keeps memories accessible.
Alternatives: Google Photos (requires Google accounts), Dropbox shared folder.
Sending Client Deliverables
Best choice: WeTransfer Pro or Dropbox Transfer
Professional presentation, email notifications, tracking confirmations. WeTransfer’s clean branded interface impresses clients.
Alternatives: FileGrab (if client needs to send files back), MASV (for huge video files).
Team Collecting Research Files
Best choice: FileGrab (collaborative encrypted link)
Team members upload throughout project, real-time syncing, optional encryption for sensitive research. Password protection adds access control.
Alternatives: Google Drive (if everyone has accounts and doesn’t mind Google), Tresorit (for regulated research).
Sending Sensitive Legal Documents
Best choice: Tresorit Send or Sync.com
Compliance certifications, zero-knowledge encryption, audit trails. Legal protections of Swiss/Canadian privacy laws.
Alternatives: FileGrab E2E (cheaper but fewer compliance certs), encrypted ZIP via any service (manual process).
Regular Large File Transfers (Video Production)
Best choice: MASV (unlimited sizes, fast transfer)
Optimized for video workflows, integrations with editing tools, handles raw footage sizes.
Alternatives: WeTransfer Pro (if under 200 GB), Dropbox Business (if also need storage).
Free Tier for Personal Use
Best choice: Google Drive (15 GB) or MEGA (20 GB, encrypted)
Largest free storage. MEGA if privacy matters, Google Drive for convenience.
Alternatives: FileGrab (only 100 MB but zero ads, collaboration).
Replacing Firefox Send
Best choice: Wormhole (closest to Send’s P2P model) or FileGrab E2E (server-based but encrypted)
Both offer client-side encryption without accounts. Wormhole for maximum privacy, FileGrab for collaboration features.
Pricing Comparison for Teams (5 users)
| Service | 5-User Cost | Storage per User | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FileGrab Pro | $50/mo | 10 GB | E2E, collaboration, forever links |
| WeTransfer Pro | $75/mo | N/A (per-transfer) | 200 GB transfers, branding |
| Google Workspace | $30-90/mo | 30 GB - 5 TB | Full Workspace apps |
| Dropbox Business | $100-150/mo | 5+ TB pooled | Advanced sync, admin controls |
| Sync.com Teams | $30-75/mo | 1-6 TB | Zero-knowledge encryption |
| Tresorit Business | $160-240/mo | 1-2.5 TB | Swiss compliance, audit logs |
Value Analysis
Best value for basic sharing: FileGrab ($10/user/mo, full features)
Best value for storage + apps: Google Workspace ($6/user/mo starter plan includes email, Drive, Meet)
Best value for privacy: Sync.com ($6/user/mo with zero-knowledge encryption)
Premium for compliance: Tresorit (expensive but includes business-critical certifications)
Red Flags to Avoid
When evaluating file sharing services, watch for:
Unlimited claims without limits: “Unlimited” often has fair-use caps. Read ToS.
Free tiers with aggressive upsells: Some services cripple free tiers to force upgrades.
Unclear encryption: “Encrypted” without specifying E2E usually means at-rest only.
No clear business model: If it’s free with no ads and no premium tier, how do they make money? (Your data?)
Bandwidth throttling: Some services slow free-tier downloads to unusable speeds.
Forced account creation: If recipients need accounts for simple downloads, friction kills usability.
Future Trends in File Sharing
Increased privacy focus: More services adding E2E encryption after Firefox Send proved demand.
P2P adoption: WebRTC enabling services like Wormhole to eliminate server storage entirely.
Collaboration built-in: Moving beyond folders to link-based collaborative sharing (FileGrab model).
Blockchain/decentralized: Early experiments in decentralized storage (Filecoin, Storj) but not mainstream yet.
AI content scanning: Google/Microsoft scanning for copyright/abuse, raising privacy concerns.
The Verdict
There’s no single “best” file sharing service. The right choice depends on your priorities:
Privacy above all: Wormhole (P2P) or Tresorit (compliance)
Simplicity: WeTransfer (can’t beat email-based workflow)
Collaboration: FileGrab (built for multiple uploaders)
Ecosystem: Google Drive (if already using Workspace)
Large files: MASV (unlimited sizes) or Smash
Value: FileGrab ($10/mo with E2E) or Sync.com
Most users benefit from having two services: one for simple sends (WeTransfer), one for collaborative projects (FileGrab or Google Drive).
Try Link-First Sharing Free
FileGrab offers a fundamentally different approach to file sharing: get the link first, upload later, collaborate in real-time. No ads, E2E encryption available, forever links on Pro. Try it free with 100 MB storage at filegrab.link.