In the past, storage meant floppy disks and CDs, and more recently, USBs and hard drives. With cloud storage, any tech-savvy person has access to unlimited storage to manage and share files.
In this article, we will be comparing WeTransfer vs Dropbox by outlining their features to help you choose the right storage solution.
Overview: WeTransfer vs Dropbox
WeTransfer is a cloud-based file hosting service that allows users to send and receive files on any device. Though it is a storage platform, WeTransfer focuses mainly on file transfer.
Dropbox is a file storage and syncing software that enables users to store, send, receive and access files.
They are both storage platforms offering similar services. However, their target users and approaches differ. WeTransfer’s features are more suited to individuals and small businesses that need to collaborate and send files quickly. Dropbox, however, is a more inclusive tool that serves individuals, entrepreneurs, SMBs, and large enterprises.
WeTransfer vs Dropbox: Accessibility
You can access WeTransfer and Dropbox from any device. Both platforms offer mobile apps and desktop apps for Windows and Mac. Dropbox, however, is also accessible on Linux-based systems.
File Sending and Storage
WeTransfer works best as a file transfer platform because you don’t need to create an account to transfer files. All you need is an email address and the file you want to share, and the recipient’s email address.
You need to create an account and share files using a Dropbox folder to send files through Dropbox. Dropbox also generates unique URLs for each file. You can share the URL with someone to grant them access to the file.
On Dropbox, users can set their bandwidth to increase upload speed for file transfers. Dropbox also offers block-level sync and Smart Sync, which allow users to upload and sync data faster and save storage space. WeTransfer doesn’t provide either of these features.
Security
Both platforms offer end-to-end encryption and transport layer security (TLS) while data is in transit. In addition, both use 256-bit AES encryption while data is at rest.
Dropbox also uses two-factor authentication, which requests an additional credential verification when users log in.
WeTransfer vs Dropbox: Plans and Pricing
Both platforms offer free versions available without any cost to users. However, the free versions are limited in terms of features and functionality. For example, WeTransfer’s free version comes with 2 GB of storage space and allows users to send up to 2 GB of files. However, transfers are automatically deleted after seven days so that users can enjoy the free storage.
WeTransfer has two plans – Pro and Premium. The Pro plan costs $12 per user per month, and users can send and receive up to 200 GB. Users also enjoy 1 TB of storage space, customizable delivery, and one portal with unlimited reviews. The Premium plan costs $23 per user per month and offers unlimited storage. Subscribers also have access to unlimited portals and reviews and unlimited file transfers.
Dropbox offers a free trial version and four paid plans for business storage – Standard, Advanced, Professional, and Enterprise.
Dropbox Paid Plans
The Standard plan costs $12.50 per user per month (limited to three users). The plan also features file recovery, file locking, an admin console, unlimited shared devices, etc. In addition, the plan offers 5 GB of storage space.
The Advanced plan costs $20 per user monthly and features access to Dropbox APIs, SSO, admin management, billing options, audit logs, etc. It also comes with unlimited storage making it the perfect plan for team collaboration.
The Professional plan is limited to one user and costs $16.58 per month. In addition, the plan comes with advanced features like increased file recovery limit, analytics, reporting, integrated cloud content, watermarking, customizable file sharing, priority support via email and live chat. Dropbox Professional also comes with a whopping 3 TB of storage.
The Enterprise plan is built for larger teams and organizations and allows users to decide which features would benefit their storage needs. The plan also attracts custom pricing based on the functionality and features purchased.
Dropbox also offers e-signatures as an add-on. However, this is only available to subscribers on the Standard and Professional plans.
READ MORE: Box vs Dropbox Features and Pricing: Which Is Better?
Support and Training
WeTransfer offers support to subscribers through email, an online help desk, and chat. However, Dropbox has more support options for users. Dropbox provides support via email, online help desk, chat, phone support, and 24/7 live agent support. In addition, both platforms have community forums for users to get help from a community of other users. They also feature FAQs and how-to articles as a self-service option.
Both platforms are intuitive and easy to use. However, they offer training to help users get the best out of their courage storage. For example, WeTransfer offers video training to help with the set-up and implementation of the software. On the other hand, Dropbox provides more training and onboarding options for new users. Dropbox educates new users through webinars, live training, and how-to articles.
Limitations: WeTransfer and Dropbox
The free version of both tools is quite limited and comes with a measly 2 GB of storage. However, Dropbox offers more features on the free version. For example, Dropbox also has an upload limit of 300MB to upload files through their website. However, with the desktop app, there is no upload limit.
One of the limitations of WeTransfer is that the platform doesn’t offer file recovery in case of accidental deletion. Also, you can’t change your data after uploading it, and files are inaccessible to users two weeks after they are uploaded. File sharing on WeTransfer is also limited to only 20 email addresses.
Bottom Line: WeTransfer or Dropbox?
Though both platforms are essentially cloud storage tools, they work in entirely different ways. The difference can be seen in their clientele, expertise, and service features. Looking at their plan pricing, Dropbox is comparatively cheaper – it offers unlimited storage for $20 while WeTransfer costs $23.
WeTransfer focuses on offering a free file transfer service, while Dropbox is a standard cloud-based file hosting service. Anyone can use WeTransfer to send and receive files without opening an account. So it makes it pretty easy for users who want to transfer large files quickly.
On the other hand, Dropbox is a file storage and sharing service that does so much more. Dropbox is a much more holistic service that offers a range of features that can be used for personal and commercial applications. In addition, it features many app integrations and functionalities that make it more suited to professional users and businesses.
If you are looking for a quick way to send large files (of up to 2 GB) without having to sign up for an account, WeTransfer is your best bet. However, if you require a platform that goes beyond basic file sharing, then Dropbox is a better option for you.
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