FileShot vs Notion: Dedicated Sharing vs Collaborative Workspace
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Notion | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Collaborative workspace/docs with file embedding | Dedicated file sharing |
| Free Storage | Unlimited file uploads but limited blocks | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Free Upload Limit | 5 MB per file | 10 GB |
| Paid Upload Limit | Notion Plus: Unlimited for $10/seat/mo | FileShot Pro: Unlimited for $5/mo |
| Zero-Knowledge | No | Yes |
| Encryption | Server-side (Notion can access) | AES-256-GCM client-side |
| Sharing Model | Page-based sharing with permissions | Direct file links |
Different Tools for Different Jobs
Notion is a collaborative workspace platform designed for creating docs, wikis, databases, and project management systems. Files in Notion are embedded within pages as part of a larger content structure. FileShot is a dedicated file sharing service built specifically for secure file transfer with zero-knowledge encryption. These are fundamentally different tools serving different needs.
File Size Limits and Storage
Notion's free plan allows unlimited file uploads but imposes a 5 MB per file limit. Notion Plus ($10 per user per month) removes this limit and allows unlimited file uploads. Notion is designed for embedding documents, images, and attachments within collaborative pagesâ€â€ÂÂnot for large file transfer.
FileShot's free plan supports up to 10 GB per file with 50 GB total storage. Pro ($5/month) raises the per-file limit to 100 GB and adds advanced features. Creator ($12/month) adds priority support and unlimited retention with 300 GB per file. FileShot is purpose-built for sharing large files securely.
Encryption and Privacy
Notion uses server-side encryption. This means Notion holds the keys and can decrypt your content. Notion employees, administrators, and anyone who compromises Notion's infrastructure can access your files and pages. Notion complies with legal requests by handing over your data in plaintext, because they have the technical capability to decrypt it.
FileShot uses zero-knowledge encryption. Files are encrypted with AES-256-GCM in your browser before upload. The decryption key lives only in the URL fragment and never reaches the server. FileShot cannot decrypt your files even if legally compelled. The encryption model guarantees privacy by design, not policy.
Sharing Model and Use Cases
Notion sharing is page-based. You share a Notion page with specific people or make it public. Files are embedded within that page context. Notion is designed for team collaboration: wikis, project docs, meeting notes, databases with attached files. If you need a collaborative workspace where files are part of a structured knowledge base, Notion excels.
FileShot sharing is file-based. You upload a file and get a direct link. Anyone with the link can download the file. No account required for recipients. No page context. FileShot is designed for secure file transfer: sending large files to clients, sharing confidential documents, transferring datasets, distributing media, or anonymously sharing files with zero-knowledge encryption.
Use Notion For:
- Team wikis and knowledge bases
- Project documentation with embedded files
- Collaborative note-taking with attachments
- Databases and structured content with file references
Use FileShot For:
- Secure file transfer outside your Notion workspace
- Large file sharing (beyond Notion's 5 MB free limit)
- Confidential documents requiring zero-knowledge encryption
- Sending files to people who don't have Notion accounts
- Anonymous file sharing with no recipient tracking
Pricing Comparison
Notion Plus costs $10 per user per month (billed annually) or $12 per month billed monthly. This unlocks unlimited file uploads (no 5 MB limit), unlimited version history, and other workspace features. If you have a team of 5, that's $50-$60 per month just for file upload capability.
FileShot's free plan already includes generous file limits (10 GB free, up to 300 GB on Creator). Pro is $5/month for one user. Creator is $12/month. If you need dedicated file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, FileShot delivers that at a fraction of Notion's cost, without requiring everyone to have a Notion account.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If you need to share files securely with people outside your Notion workspace, FileShot is the right tool. If you need zero-knowledge encryption as a default feature, FileShot provides that. If you want to send large files without upgrading to Notion Plus, FileShot's free unlimited upload eliminates that constraint. If you value privacy and want a service that cannot access your data even if compelled, FileShot's architecture guarantees that.
Notion and FileShot are complementary tools. Use Notion for collaborative workspaces with embedded files. Use FileShot for secure, zero-knowledge file transfer when privacy and simplicity matter most.
For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.