Stash vs Competitors: Which File Sharing Solution Fits Your Needs?
An honest comparison of Stash against popular file sharing services, covering encryption, pricing, file limits, and recipient experience.
With dozens of file sharing services available, choosing the right one comes down to what you actually need. Some users prioritize encryption and privacy. Others care most about file size limits or recipient convenience. Here is how Stash compares to the most popular alternatives across the features that matter most.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Stash | WeTransfer Free | Dropbox | Google Drive | AirDrop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Yes (AES-256-GCM) | No | No | No | Yes (local) |
| Max file size | No limit | 2GB | 2GB (free) | 5TB | No limit |
| Recipient account required | No | No | For large files | For large files | No |
| Link expiration | No expiry | 7 days | Configurable | Configurable | N/A |
| File compression | None | None | None (storage) | None (storage) | None |
| Platforms (sender) | iPhone, iPad, Mac | Web, mobile | All | All | Apple only |
| Platforms (recipient) | Any browser | Any browser | Any browser | Any browser | Apple only |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes (2GB limit) | 2GB storage | 15GB storage | Free |
Where Stash Stands Out
- True end-to-end encryption — your files are encrypted on your device before upload. Most competitors encrypt only on the server, meaning the provider can access your data.
- No file size limits — upload multi-gigabyte videos, RAW photo galleries, or project archives without hitting caps.
- No link expiration — your share links remain active until you decide to delete the file. No re-uploading because a 7-day window expired.
- Zero friction for recipients — no account, no app, no sign-up. Click the link, download the file.
Where Competitors May Be Better
- Dropbox and Google Drive offer real-time collaboration features (shared folders, document editing, version history) that Stash does not. For team workflows requiring ongoing file sync, a cloud storage platform is the better tool.
- WeTransfer offers a web-based upload experience that does not require installing any app on the sender’s side.
- AirDrop is unbeatable for local transfers between Apple devices — instant, with no internet required.
Choosing the Right Tool
- Need encryption + remote sharing + no friction → Stash
- Need team collaboration + shared folders → Dropbox or Google Drive
- Need quick one-off transfer under 2GB → WeTransfer
- Recipient is nearby with an Apple device → AirDrop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Stash and a cloud storage service together?
Yes, and many users do. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for internal collaboration and Stash for secure external deliveries to clients and contacts.
Does Stash work on Android?
Stash is currently available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Recipients on Android (or any other platform) can download shared files through any web browser.
Is Stash free?
Stash offers a free tier. A Pro subscription unlocks unlimited file sharing for users who share frequently.
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