You want to be able to exchange files and documents with others via the internet as fast, securely, and painlessly as you can if you need to. Thankfully, many apps and services fall within those three categories.
You have many choices to consider, including using the tools included in the cloud storage application you already use or just dragging files into an open browser window.
All of these services encrypt files both during storage and transmission to prevent access from hackers and other parties. Only Firefox Send, however, employs end-to-end encryption, making it impossible for even Firefox to view the data. The others still have the right to access your data if required to do so by law enforcement or if it’s necessary for them to run the cloud services. Additionally, it’s crucial to safeguard the sharing links you create because these serve as decryption keys for your data.
Firefox Send
In recent times, a number of additional applications and services, like Firefox Send, have adopted the legendary Mozilla browser Firefox as their brand. You can share files up to 2.5 terabytes in size for free, and it’s really simple to use with or without the Firefox browser.
You also have a ton of helpful choices. If you want an additional degree of protection, you may password-protect your download links so that someone else requires the link and the password to access the content. Download links can be configured to expire after a specified number of downloads or periods of time.
In essence, you may drag and drop from within your browser without having to download any other software or subscribe to any additional services. You can monitor who accesses your shared files, and you may withdraw the link at any moment.
Dropbox
Free cloud storage from Dropbox is limited to 2 GB, while premium plans start at $12 per month for 2 TB of storage. It allows you to exhibit files on the web, collaborate on files with others, and more, in addition to facilitating file sharing over the web. It also syncs your files and folders across your devices and the cloud.
You may distribute files in a variety of ways using the service. You may do this using either the regular Dropbox program on the web, your computer, or your phone, or by using the specialized and streamlined Dropbox share tool, which adds some extras like a track of how often your shared files have been downloaded.
Shared links can be password-protected and have expiration info added, and you can share specific files or whole folders with either read-only or editing access. Unless you want to collaborate on a folder of files with them, the individuals you’re sharing with don’t require a Dropbox account.
Weshare
Weshare, like Firefox Send, is an excellent choice if you only want something quick and simple without necessarily having to register for a service. A personalized link, which by default is life for a week, allows you to share a single or a number of files.
Weshare Pro accounts are $12 per month and come with the following features: Instead of the 2 GB limit that free users experience, you may share up to 20 GB of files at once, establish your own expiration periods, and password-protect the download link. Additionally, pro customers receive an additional 1 TB of permanent cloud storage and improved capabilities for tracking who and how frequently users download files. Weshare makes securely sharing files over the internet simple, whether you choose the premium or free solutions.
Google Drive
Google provides 15 GB of free cloud storage spread across its numerous services . Paid subscriptions start at $2 per month for 100 GB of storage and go from there; you also receive access to Google Docs, Sheets, and the rest of Google’s online office suite.
From the web or the Google Drive mobile apps, you can quickly create links to share individual files or whole folders. Recipients don’t necessarily need a Google account to see the files, and you have complete control over whether files may be modified or are only meant to be read.
The ability to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with others online are where Google Drive really shines, but file sharing isn’t its finest strength. Passwords and expiration info, for instance, cannot be established. However, if you already use it, its sharing options should be sufficient.
You may increase your free 5 GB of cloud storage on Microsoft’s OneDrive for a cost; pricing starts at $2 per month for 100 GB of storage. Office 365 is included with the $7/month price, along with 1 TB of cloud storage.
OneDrive
OneDrive is integrated with Windows and accessible via the web, mobile devices, and macOS. Any item or folder you have synced to OneDrive may be shared with others through a link; if you have a premium OneDrive subscription, you can also define expiration info for your links and add password security.
If you already spend a lot of time in Windows, Office, or both, OneDrive makes sense. Additionally, OneDrive works well for collaboratively editing Office files with others in real-time, so this is another reason to choose it. Shared files can be made editable or read-only as necessary.