When you want to share files and documents over the web, it’s best if you can do it fast, securely, and with as little hassle as possible. Luckily, there are various online programs and services that meet these criteria.
In general, cloud file sharing solutions provide encryption during transit and prevent hackers and third parties from accessing them when they’re being stored. However, it’s crucial that when you generate a sharing link, you keep it secure. These links act as decryption keys, providing access to your files. Therefore, you need to guard it closely or risk the safety of your files. Otherwise, file-sharing programs are a safe and easy way to share files online.
Let’s explore the online file-sharing options out there so you can find the one that’s right for you.
Dropbox
Dropbox offers one of the best cloud file storage options. With this service, you can share files through the main Dropbox app on the web, through your computer, on your phone, or by using the sharing tool “Dropbox Transfer.”
Dropbox allows you to share individual files or entire files with either read-only or editing files. Furthermore, you can protect your shared links by adding a password and putting an expiry date on them. Additionally, it’s not necessary for the person you’re sharing a file with to have a Dropbox account.
Google Drive
This program allows you to create and share a variety of files and documents. With Google Drive, you can create links to share files and entire folders through the web or the Google Drive mobile app. Additionally, users get full control over whether files can be viewed or edited, and recipients don’t need a Google account to access shared files.
Google Drive also offers 15 GB of cloud storage at no cost. Paid plans begin at $2 a month for 100 GB of storage and increase from there.
One Drive
OneDrive is very similar to Google Drive in that it’s accessible from the web and through your phone. It offers 5 GB of free cloud storage, which is upgradeable starting at $2 a month for 100 GB of storage.
Files and folders that are synced to your OneDrive can be shared with another person using a link. If you are using the paid version, this link can be password protected and given an expiry date. Furthermore, files can be set as read-only or editable.
WeTransfer
The main benefit of WeTransfer is it doesn’t require you to sign up for an account. Instead, it allows users to share one or multiples files through a custom link that remains active for a week by default.
WeTransfer does offer premium accounts that give you useful features like permanent cloud storage, password-protected download links, custom expiry times, and tools for monitoring when your files are downloaded and by whom.
SendAnywhere
SendAnywhere is a fast and straightforward, free cloud service that allows you to share files and folders using a unique link or a six-digit code. All you have to do is open the site, click the red plus icon and select the file or folder you want to share. If you use the code method, you’ll have to give it to the recipient within 10 minutes, but there’s no limit on your upload size. If you use the link option, there is a cap of 10GB However, if you sign up for a Plus account, that limit goes up to 50 GB, and you can set your own custom expiry time.
Conclusion
Sharing files and documents online is simple and easy when you have the right cloud technology. Most of them are free, and they all allow you to share using a generated link. Now all you have to decide what features you want with your program, and you’ll be all set. For instance, do you want cloud storage in addition to being able to share files, or do you just want a simple method to send a document? Do you need your link to be password protected? Whatever you want from your file sharing service, there’s an option out there for you.
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