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ShareFile vs DropBox

ShareFile is a file sharing, content collaboration, and syncing solution. It is designed to support tasks that are centered around documents. Powered by Citrix, it is intended to meet the workflow needs of businesses and brands of almost any size.

Dropbox is a file hosting service that has its headquarters in San Francisco. It offers personal cloud access, cloud storage, and file synchronization.

Although both platforms share file sharing and syncing, Dropbox is intended more for sharing entire projects with large file sizes. ShareFile, on the other hand, is intended more for online collaboration between employees who work on the same files, but in different locations.

1. Cost and Benefits

ShareFile offers a personal plan that is $16 per year and is billed annually. It is a single employee account with 100 GB of storage and a 10 GB max file size. A team plan is available for $60 per year, permitting 5 employee accounts and 1 TB of storage with the same maximum file size.

ShareFile offers a business plan as well, which is $100 per year. The business plan offers unlimited storage and a max file size of 100 GB. For advanced sharing, security, and control for sensitive data, the Virtual Data Room offers 5 GB of high-security storage for $295 per month. A 30-day trial without obligation is offered.

Dropbox offers a free personal plan that permits 2 GB of storage without a maximum file size. That storage limit is boosted to 1 TB for about $10 per month. Dropbox Standard for businesses is $12.50 per month per user, providing 2 TB of space and similar high-security solutions compared to ShareFile. Dropbox Advanced offers additional admin roles, file event tracking, domain verification, and several additional features for $20 per month, per user.

2. Features and Options

ShareFile offers third-party integrations, custom branding, and unlimited client users on all of their plans. Multi-factor authentication is available across the platform and all plans have access to a desktop widget and syncing protocols.

Dropbox offers a similar experience, but takes a tiered approach instead. Unlimited client users are not permitted, but licensing is available to include anyone who may need access to specific files. ShareFile would require the same setup if a brand wanted more than one person using the platform at the same time.

Versioning is available through both platforms, though Dropbox tends to defer to the base software of the file being used, such as Word for document files. Both platforms permit the sharing of virtually any file type as well.

3. Collaboration

ShareFile provides a comprehensive set of collaboration features. There is a checking in or out process that gives users complete control over their data. You set permissions to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive data. Their syncing function keeps all files synced automatically across all users and devices. Adding Right Signature allows for e-signatures to be added to a file from virtually anywhere.

Dropbox offers a similar syncing function, providing the up-to-date file to any authorized party. Users can access and download the current file from a link shared by the owner. Because it is more of a storage solution than a collaboration option, however, ShareFile offers more options than storing or sharing compared to Dropbox.

4. File Features

ShareFile is a document-based system. It is primarily designed to help teams collaborate by sharing and working on documents together. Once completed, those documents can be sent to others for signatures to create legally binding contracts.

DropBox is a file-based system. Virtually any type of file can be shared and updated through its system. If the Professional plan is purchased, then users can present and track their own work as well. Full text search, document image searches, and a 120-day version history become available to users as well.

ShareFile vs Dropbox: Which Is Better?

There are no free plans available through ShareFile, even for personal use. Dropbox offers a limited solution that some may find to be beneficial for free. Both platforms, to maximize what they offer, average a cost of about $20 per month.

Both platforms offer customer support options through email, phone, or chat. Encryption features are similar as well.

ShareFile is the best option for those who feel that collaboration is a priority. Dropbox is the best option for those who are looking to diversify their storage solutions without compromising their security.

Have you used both ShareFile and Dropbox? Which one do you think is better and why?

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