FileShot vs Internxt: Zero-Knowledge Privacy Platforms Compared
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Internxt | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Yes (AES-256-CTR) | Yes (AES-256-GCM client-side) |
| Free Storage | 1 GB (reduced from 10 GB) | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Account Required | Yes | No |
| Open Source Client | Yes | Yes (GitHub) |
| Headquarters | Valencia, Spain (EU) | United States |
| Password Protection (Free) | No | Yes |
| Expiration Control (Free) | No | 1 day to unlimited |
| Built-in Tools | Password checker, virus scanner, temp email | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner, and more |
| Desktop App | Yes (sync client) | Yes (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| P2P Transfer | No | Yes (WebRTC) |
| Encrypted Chat | No | Yes |
| Paid Plan Starting Price | $4.49/mo (20 GB) | $2/mo (Lite), $5/mo (Pro), $12/mo (Creator) |
Two Privacy-First Platforms, Different Approaches
Internxt and FileShot both belong to the small category of cloud services that implement genuine zero-knowledge encryption. Both encrypt files client-side before upload, both are open source, and both position privacy as a core feature rather than an afterthought. But they differ significantly in scope, free tier generosity, and product philosophy.
Internxt is a Spanish company that launched in 2020 as a privacy-focused alternative to Google Drive. It offers cloud storage (Internxt Drive), a file transfer tool (Internxt Send), and several free privacy utilities including a password checker, virus scanner, and temporary email. The client applications are open source on GitHub, and the company highlights its EU jurisdiction and GDPR compliance.
FileShot is a zero-knowledge file sharing platform. Files are encrypted in the browser with AES-256-GCM before upload, and the decryption key is embedded in the URL fragment — the server never sees it. The focus is on frictionless encrypted sharing: no account required, generous file size limits (10 GB free, up to 300 GB on paid plans), and a full suite of built-in privacy tools.
Free Tier
Internxt previously offered 10 GB of free storage but has reduced this to 1 GB. An account with email verification is required. FileShot offers 50 GB free storage (10 GB per file) with no account required. You can share files, set custom expiration (1 day to unlimited), apply password protection, and use the full tool suite without creating an account. For users who just need to share files securely, FileShot removes all barriers.
Encryption Architecture
Internxt uses AES-256-CTR for file encryption, with keys derived client-side. Files are fragmented, encrypted, and distributed across infrastructure partners. FileShot uses AES-256-GCM with keys generated in the browser and placed in the URL fragment (the part after the # that browsers never send to servers). Both approaches are zero-knowledge, but FileShot's model works without accounts — even anonymous users get full encryption.
Tools and Ecosystem
Internxt provides several free privacy utilities: a password strength checker, a file virus scanner, a temporary email generator, a byte converter, and a privacy directory. FileShot provides a different set of tools oriented around file work: PDF editor, file converter (200+ formats), image compressor, metadata scrubber, archive builder, secure paste, file encryption, and virus scanning. FileShot also offers encrypted chat, P2P file transfer via WebRTC, a Chrome browser extension, and a desktop app.
Pricing
Internxt's paid plans start at $4.49/month for 20 GB, scaling to $10.99/month for 2 TB. FileShot starts at $2/month (Lite), with Pro at $5/month and Creator at $12/month. For file sharing use cases, FileShot offers more free functionality and lower entry pricing. Internxt may appeal more to users who specifically want a Google Drive replacement with persistent cloud storage and folder sync.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If you primarily need to share files securely rather than store and sync them across devices, FileShot is the stronger choice. The generous free tier with no account requirement removes all friction. If you want an EU-based Google Drive replacement with folder sync and persistent storage, Internxt covers that niche. For privacy-conscious users who want the most tools and the lowest cost of entry, FileShot's broader feature set and $2/month starting price deliver more value.
For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.