FileShot vs SpiderOak ONE: Zero-Knowledge Sharing vs Backup
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SpiderOak ONE | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Yes ("No Knowledge") | Yes (AES-256-GCM client-side) |
| Primary Focus | Backup & sync | File sharing & privacy tools |
| Free Tier | No free plan | generous free storage (50 GB total, 10 GB per file) |
| Account Required | Yes | No |
| Notable Endorsement | Recommended by Edward Snowden (2013) | Open source on GitHub |
| File Sharing | ShareRooms (limited) | Full sharing with password protection, expiration, QR codes |
| Built-in Tools | None (backup only) | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner, and more |
| Desktop App | Yes (backup/sync client) | Yes (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| P2P Transfer | No | Yes (WebRTC) |
| Encrypted Chat | Semaphor (enterprise, separate product) | Yes (built-in, free) |
| Starting Price | $6/mo (150 GB) | Free unlimited; $2/mo (Lite), $5/mo (Pro), $12/mo (Creator) |
Two Zero-Knowledge Veterans
SpiderOak is one of the original zero-knowledge encryption providers. Founded in 2007, it gained mainstream recognition when Edward Snowden recommended it in 2013 as an alternative to Dropbox. SpiderOak uses the term "No Knowledge" to describe their architecture: files are encrypted on the client before upload, and SpiderOak never has access to the plaintext data or the encryption keys.
FileShot applies the same zero-knowledge principle to a different use case. Where SpiderOak focuses on continuous backup and sync (keeping your computer's files safely stored in the cloud), FileShot focuses on file sharing (securely sending files to other people). Files are encrypted in the browser with AES-256-GCM, the key lives in the URL fragment, and the server never sees it.
Free Tier
SpiderOak ONE has no free plan. Their lowest tier is $6/month for 150 GB of backup storage. FileShot offers generous free storage (50 GB total, 10 GB per file) with no account required. You can share files of any size, use password protection, set custom expiration (1 day to unlimited), and access the full tool suite — all without signing up or paying anything. For users who want zero-knowledge encryption without committing to a monthly subscription, FileShot is the only option between these two.
Encryption Approach
SpiderOak encrypts files on the client using a password-derived key. The approach is battle-tested and has been in production for nearly two decades. The trade-off is that if you forget your password, your data is permanently lost (a hallmark of genuine zero-knowledge systems). FileShot generates ephemeral AES-256-GCM keys in the browser and embeds them in the URL fragment. No password to remember, no account to manage. Both approaches are legitimate zero-knowledge implementations, but FileShot's is designed for sharing rather than long-term storage.
Sharing Features
SpiderOak ONE includes "ShareRooms" for sharing folders with others, but file sharing is a secondary feature. The primary product is backup and sync. FileShot is built around sharing: every upload generates an encrypted link that can be password-protected, set to expire, shared via QR code, or downloaded directly. FileShot also provides P2P file transfer via WebRTC (files travel directly between browsers, never touching a server), encrypted chat, and a Chrome browser extension for instant uploads.
Tool Suite
SpiderOak ONE is a focused backup product with no built-in file tools. FileShot includes a full suite of privacy tools: PDF editor, file converter (200+ formats), image compressor, metadata scrubber, archive builder, secure paste, file encryption tool, and virus scanner. These tools run client-side, maintaining the zero-knowledge guarantee for all operations.
Pricing
SpiderOak ONE costs $6/month for 150 GB, $11/month for 400 GB, or $14/month for 2 TB. Enterprise products (CrossClaw, Semaphor) are priced separately. FileShot's generous free tier covers most sharing needs. Paid plans start at $2/month (Lite), with Pro at $5/month and Creator at $12/month. Users who need both backup and secure sharing could pair SpiderOak for backup with FileShot for sharing.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If your primary need is sending files securely rather than backing up your computer, FileShot is the more appropriate tool. The free tier, no-account requirement, and extensive built-in tools make it accessible to everyone. SpiderOak remains a strong choice for users who specifically need zero-knowledge backup with cross-device sync. For users who value both privacy and versatility, FileShot delivers more functionality at a lower price point.
For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.