FileShot vs SendBig: Zero-Knowledge vs Simple File Transfer

Quick Comparison

Feature	SendBig	FileShot
Free Upload Limit	5 GB per transfer	10 GB
Free Plan	Yes	Yes
Zero-Knowledge	No	Yes
Encryption	Server-side	AES-256-GCM client-side
File Expiration	7 days after last download	1 day to unlimited
Storage Model	Transfer-only no permanent storage	Persistent links with configurable expiry
Paid Plans	$9/mo Premium	$2/mo Lite

Two Different Philosophies

SendBig is a simple file transfer service with a focus on ease of use. It offers 5 GB free transfers with a 7-day expiry after the last download. There's no permanent storage—files exist only as transfers. SendBig uses server-side encryption, meaning they can access your files. For users who need larger transfers or want to remove time limits, Premium costs $9/month.

FileShot is a zero-knowledge encrypted file sharing platform built for privacy. Files are encrypted with AES-256-GCM in your browser before upload. The decryption key lives only in the URL fragment and never touches the server. FileShot cannot decrypt your files. You get generous limits (10 GB per file free, unlimited storage on paid plans) on the free plan. Files persist with configurable expiry (1 day to unlimited). Lite is $2/month for ad-free experience with unlimited expiry.

Storage Model: Transfer vs Persistent Links

SendBig operates as a transfer service. You upload a file, you get a link, and the file exists for 7 days after the last download. There's no permanent storage, no dashboard, no file management. It's optimized for one-time sends.

FileShot provides persistent file hosting. You upload a file, you get a permanent link, and you control exactly how long it stays online (1 day to unlimited). You can revisit your uploads, manage them in your dashboard, share the same link multiple times, and your files don't disappear based on download activity. If you need long-term hosting or want to use the same link for ongoing distribution, FileShot is built for that.

Encryption and Privacy

SendBig uses server-side encryption. This means SendBig holds the encryption keys and can decrypt your files. If SendBig is compromised, receives a legal request, or has a rogue employee, your files are accessible. This is the standard "trusted third party" model used by most file sharing services.

FileShot uses zero-knowledge encryption. Files are encrypted in your browser before upload. The decryption key never goes to the server—it's stored in the URL fragment (the part after the #). Even if FileShot's entire database is stolen, your files remain encrypted. FileShot employees cannot access your files. Law enforcement cannot compel FileShot to decrypt your files because we don't have the keys. This is privacy by design, not policy.

Pricing and Value

SendBig's free plan limits you to 5 GB per transfer with a 7-day expiry. Premium is $9/month for unlimited size and longer expiry controls. If you're only sending occasional files under 5 GB, the free plan works. If you need more, you're paying $108/year.

FileShot's free plan supports up to 10 GB per file with 50 GB total storage. Files expire in 1 day to unlimited. Lite is $2/month ($20/year) for 50 GB per file, unlimited expiry, and ad-free. Pro is $5/month for 100 GB per file uploads and advanced features. Creator is $12/month with 300 GB per file. For most users, FileShot Lite delivers more value than SendBig Premium at a fraction of the price.

Use Case Alignment

SendBig is for users who want the simplest possible file transfer experience and don't need long-term storage. If you're sending wedding photos to family, sharing a project file with a colleague, or delivering a one-time file, SendBig's simplicity is appealing.

FileShot is for users who need privacy guarantees, persistent file hosting, or unlimited storage. If you're a journalist sharing confidential documents, a developer hosting software releases, a content creator distributing large media files, or anyone who needs the same file link to work for weeks or months, FileShot is built for that. The zero-knowledge encryption also makes FileShot the only viable choice for truly sensitive files.

Who Should Choose FileShot?

If privacy matters to you, FileShot is the only option. SendBig can see your files. FileShot cannot. If you need persistent links that don't disappear after 7 days, FileShot provides that. If you want generous free storage (50 GB total, 10 GB per file) with no caps, FileShot delivers. If you want better pricing ($2/month vs $9/month for SendBig Premium), FileShot wins. SendBig is simpler, but simplicity comes at the cost of privacy, control, and value.

For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.