FileShot vs Send Anywhere: Zero-Knowledge vs. 6-Digit Codes

Quick Comparison

Feature	Send Anywhere	FileShot
Zero-Knowledge Encryption	No	Yes (AES-256-GCM, client-side)
Transfer Method	6-digit key (peer-to-peer)	Encrypted link + optional P2P (WebRTC)
File Size Limit (Free)	Unlimited (real-time), 10 GB (link)	10 GB
Account Required	No	No
Password Protection	No	Yes (free)
Link Expiration	48 hours (link sharing)	1 day to unlimited (Lite: unlimited)
Desktop App	Yes (Win, Mac, Linux)	Yes (Win, Mac, Linux)
Pricing	Free, Plus $5.99/mo	Free, Lite $2/mo, Pro $5/mo

6-Digit Codes vs. Encrypted Links

Send Anywhere's core feature is its 6-digit key system: the sender gets a code, the receiver enters it, and the file transfers directly between devices. It's simple and works across platforms. However, files transferred via the 6-digit key are not end-to-end encrypted in the zero-knowledge sense — Send Anywhere's servers facilitate the connection, and link-shared files are stored on their servers without client-side encryption.

FileShot encrypts every file with AES-256-GCM in your browser before upload. The decryption key lives only in the URL fragment and never reaches the server. This means even if FileShot's servers were breached, your files would remain unreadable.

Both Devices Must Be Online vs. Async Sharing

Send Anywhere's real-time transfer requires both devices to be online simultaneously. Their link sharing mode stores files for 48 hours but without client-side encryption. FileShot supports both modes: encrypted cloud sharing (async, 1-90 day free expiry, longer on paid plans) and P2P WebRTC transfers for direct device-to-device transfer — both with full encryption.

When to Use Each

Send Anywhere excels at quick, no-friction transfers between your own devices on the same network. If you need privacy, zero-knowledge encryption, password protection, or persistent sharing links, FileShot is designed for that.

For zero-knowledge encrypted file sharing, try FileShot or compare plans.