FileShot vs MEGA: Encrypted File Sharing Compared
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MEGA | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Free Storage | 20 GB (drops to 5 GB after 30 days) | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Encryption Type | AES-128 (client-side) | AES-256-GCM (client-side) |
| Zero-Knowledge | Partial (account-based key derivation) | Yes (per-file, key in URL fragment) |
| Account Required | Yes | No (anonymous uploads supported) |
| Auto-Expiration | No (files persist) | 1 day to unlimited |
| Built-in Tools | Chat, video calls | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner |
| Transfer Quota (Free) | Limited (bandwidth throttled) | Unlimited |
| P2P Transfer | No | Yes (WebRTC) |
| Cheapest Paid Plan | $5.46/mo (Pro Lite, 400 GB) | $2/mo (Lite) |
Both Offer Encryption — But They're Different
MEGA is one of the few mainstream cloud storage services that offers client-side encryption by default. That's genuine and worth acknowledging — MEGA is significantly more private than Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. However, there are important differences in how MEGA and FileShot handle encryption.
MEGA uses AES-128 encryption. FileShot uses AES-256-GCM, which provides a larger key space and authenticated encryption (GCM mode verifies data integrity, not just confidentiality). MEGA's encryption is account-based: your master key is derived from your password and stored (encrypted) on MEGA's servers. This means MEGA's security is tied to your account password strength. FileShot's encryption is per-file: each file gets a unique key that exists only in the URL fragment, never touching the server at all.
Storage and Bandwidth
MEGA's free tier starts at 20 GB but drops to 5 GB after 30 days (a promotional bonus that expires). Free users also face bandwidth throttling — downloads may be rate-limited or temporarily blocked after you've transferred too much data in a given period. FileShot's free tier offers 50 GB of storage (10 GB per file) with no bandwidth throttling and no expiring bonus storage. Paid plans unlock unlimited storage.
Anonymous Sharing
MEGA requires account creation to upload files. FileShot supports fully anonymous uploads — no account needed. You can share files without identifying yourself, which is important for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, or anyone who needs to share information without creating an account trail.
Temporary vs. Permanent Storage
MEGA is designed for permanent cloud storage. Files persist until you delete them. FileShot is designed for temporary, self-destructing file sharing. You choose the expiration (1 day to unlimited), and expired files are permanently deleted. For data minimization and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA), FileShot's model is inherently safer.
For secure, private file sharing with AES-256-GCM encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.