FileShot vs Seafile: Zero-Knowledge by Default
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Seafile | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Optional (per-library) | Yes (all files, by default) |
| Encryption Granularity | Per-library (not per-file) | Per-file |
| Free Storage (Cloud) | 2 GB | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Self-Hosting Required | Recommended (cloud option limited) | No (fully managed) |
| Setup Complexity | High (server admin, Docker, databases) | None (open browser, upload) |
| Password Protection | Yes (share links) | Yes |
| Expiration Control | Yes (share links) | Yes (1 day to unlimited) |
| File Sync Client | Yes (desktop sync) | Desktop app (upload/download) |
| Built-in Tools | Markdown editor, file preview | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner, and more |
| P2P Transfer | No | Yes (WebRTC) |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes (encryption core) |
| Paid Plan | $7/user/mo (teams), or self-host free | $2/mo (Lite), $5/mo (Pro), $12/mo (Creator) |
What Is Seafile?
Seafile is an open-source file sync and share platform, often compared to Nextcloud or ownCloud. It offers a self-hosted or cloud-hosted option for teams and individuals who want to control their file storage infrastructure. Seafile's standout feature is optional client-side encryption for "encrypted libraries" — folders where the server cannot read file contents.
Encryption: Optional vs Default
Seafile's client-side encryption is opt-in, not the default. Users must manually create an "encrypted library" and set a password for it. Files in regular (non-encrypted) libraries are stored in plaintext on the server. This means encryption is available but only for users who know about it, remember to use it, and are willing to accept the limitations that come with encrypted libraries (no online preview, no search within encrypted files).
FileShot encrypts every file, every time, with no opt-in required. AES-256-GCM encryption happens automatically in the browser before upload. The decryption key is embedded in the URL fragment and never sent to the server. There is no "unencrypted mode." Zero-knowledge is the default, not an option.
Per-Library vs Per-File Encryption
Seafile's encryption operates at the library (folder) level. An entire library is either encrypted or not. You cannot selectively encrypt individual files within a library. This coarse-grained approach means you must organize your files around encryption boundaries. FileShot encrypts at the per-file level. Every individual file gets its own unique encryption key and IV. Share one file without exposing the key to any other file.
Setup and Maintenance
Seafile's primary appeal is self-hosting. But self-hosting requires server administration: provisioning a Linux server, installing dependencies, configuring databases (MySQL/MariaDB), setting up nginx or Apache as a reverse proxy, managing SSL certificates, handling backups, and applying security updates. Seafile's cloud-hosted option offers only 2 GB free storage. The self-hosted Community Edition is free but demands technical expertise.
FileShot requires zero setup. Open the browser, upload a file, share the link. No servers to manage, no databases to configure, no certificates to renew. The free tier has no storage limit. For non-technical users or teams that want encrypted file sharing without infrastructure overhead, this is a significant advantage.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If you want self-hosted file sync with version control and team collaboration features and have the technical resources to maintain a server, Seafile is a capable platform. If you want zero-knowledge encrypted file sharing that works instantly with no setup, encrypts every file by default at the per-file level, and includes a comprehensive tool suite, FileShot is the simpler and more secure choice for sharing.
For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.