While there are plenty of file-sharing solutions for teams, not all platforms hold up equally when security, usability, and scalability are on the line.
Dropbox and ShareFile are two of the biggest names in the game. Each of them offers great file-sharing features alike. But are they truly meeting modern demands? And how tough is the competition between them?
The comprehensive ShareFile vs Dropbox comparison in this article answers all those questions. You’ll also learn why TitanFile is better than both these platforms in terms of user trust and compliance.
Key Takeaways:
ShareFile excels in security, compliance, and industry-specific use cases, which makes it ideal for regulated sectors.
Dropbox stands out with its user-friendly design, large file handling, and productivity-focused features.
Both platforms cater to different needs, but the choice depends on your business priorities and workflow.
ShareFile is a file-sharing and management solution with high-end security and utility features suitable for organizational needs.
It came in 2005 as a niche file-sharing and virtual data room solution that allowed industries to shift from physical to digital storage.
Today, businesses of all sizes rely on ShareFile for more than just file sharing. It’s a popular platform for
Managing collaboration
Keeping files in sync
Automating workflows
These features particularly benefit organizations that deal with sensitive data and take security seriously.
For security, there’s two-factor authentication and the ability to set specific permissions for different documents. ShareFile also encrypts files from the moment they’re uploaded to when they’re shared.
The platform’s strict adherence to regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, FINRA, and others also makes it a good fit for businesses where compliance is non-negotiable.
Businesses can choose how they want to deploy the platform with cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid options available.
Historically speaking, ShareFile has changed many hands. First Citrix Systems acquired ShareFile in 2011 to bolster its portfolio of business solutions.
Then in 2023, following ShareFile’s acquisition by Cloud Software Group, the platform was spun off as a separate brand.
Most recently, in October 2024, Progress Software Corporation took over and added ShareFile to its growing roster of SaaS solutions.
Despite the change in ownership, many still mention it as “Citrix ShareFile”.
Here’s a user review of the platform:
ShareFile Review: Great if you need HIPAA compliant sharing
Now before we move to the differences between ShareFile vs Dropbox, let’s have a quick individual overview of Dropbox as well.
Dropbox has been a leading cloud storage solution since its launch in 2007. It’s now a platform that streamlines collaboration and productivity for businesses and individuals alike.
Dropbox Business, in particular, meets the needs of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and medium-sized enterprises with special features for file sharing and teamwork.
For example, the Block-level syncing technology updates files quickly by only syncing the portions of a file that have changed. This allows teams to access and share the latest version of a document without unnecessary delays and bandwidth.
Dropbox also takes the worry out of losing important files with its automated backup feature for critical folders like desktops.
The user-friendly interface is a big reason Dropbox is so widely adopted. Freelancers, creative professionals, and small teams find it especially appealing because it eliminates the barriers to getting started.
Dropbox also doesn’t sleep on security. For example, there are features like two-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and remote device wiping to give users peace of mind.
Loads of productivity features eliminate the need for frequently jumping between multiple platforms.
Here’s a user review of Dropbox:
Dropbox Review: Is the Original Cloud Storage the Best?
This brief overview of Dropbox vs ShareFile shows that differences mainly lie in their design philosophies. One platform focuses more on security, while the other prioritizes ease of use and accessibility.
Here’s a comprehensive feature-by-feature ShareFile vs Dropbox Business comparison for further differences.
Both platforms prioritize secure file sharing and accessibility, but they differ starkly in how they do it.
For example, Dropbox offers an edge for users managing and sending large files. Through its desktop app, Dropbox allows uploads of up to 2 TB in size, which is significantly higher than ShareFile’s 100 GB limit.
And for file transfers, Dropbox supports transfers up to 250 GB which is again higher than ShareFile’s 100 GB cap.
As for sharing options, Dropbox lets you share files and folders through simple links, even with people who don’t have a Dropbox account.
There’s also real-time syncing in action which immediately updates shared file edits for all participants.
ShareFile, on the other hand, allows companies to create secure client portals for file sharing and communication.
Both platforms also offer granular control when it comes to user permissions, but ShareFile goes the extra mile. Here’s a table comparing ShareFile vs Dropbox file sharing.
| Feature | Dropbox | ShareFile |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum File Upload Size | 2 TB | 100 GB |
| File Transfer Limit | 250 GB | 100 GB |
| Previewable File Types | 18 | Plenty |
Both ShareFile and Dropbox are packed with features designed to protect sensitive data.
For example, both platforms allow for remote wiping of files from lost or stolen devices, such as laptops, phones, and tablets.
Both platforms also offer advanced sharing controls, including password protection, link expiration dates, and easy file revocation, to ensure that only authorized individuals can access your data.
On the regulatory compliance side, Dropbox meets more global regulatory standards than ShareFile. Dropbox also gets regular audits by independent third-party organizations to reinforce its reputation.
ShareFile, on the other hand, complies with major but fewer regulations such as HIPAA and SOC. The platform also utilizes top-tier cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure for storing data in highly secure environments.
Additionally, ShareFile allows administrators to enforce device-level security by automatically removing files after a set period of inactivity.
Here’s a quick ShareFile vs Dropbox security comparison:
| Feature | Dropbox | ShareFile |
| Regulatory Compliance | CCPA GDPR HIPAA EU-US DPF ISMAP ISO 22301, 27001, 27017, 27018, 27701 PCI DSS SOC 1, 2, 3 FERPA and COPPA | SOC 2 ISO 27001 ISO 27701 HIPAA PCI DSS v3.2.1 |
| Remote Wipe | ✅ | ✅ |
| Link Expiration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Threat Management | Vulnerability testing, dark web monitoring | Automated threat remediation and more |
The use cases of Citrix ShareFile vs Dropbox differ based on their certain distinct strengths.
For example, in the healthcare sector, ShareFile’s easy integration with EMR systems helps with the automatic transfer of data into ShareFile’s environment.
It also offers a secure client portal that helps legal professionals handle important documents and client intake.
Even in construction, ShareFile enables subcontractors and internal teams to access files within dedicated project spaces.
On the other hand, Dropbox’s ability to preview over 175 file types and the Replay add-on makes it popular among media and entertainment professionals.
Similarly, manufacturing teams benefit from Dropbox’s ability to handle large files in one go. Dropbox features like integration with major learning management systems also particularly benefit the education sector.
| Platform | Industry | Specific Use Cases |
| ShareFile | Healthcare | Secure exchange of PHI, integration with EMR systems for automatic data transfer |
| Legal | Secure client portals, document organization, and e-signature management | |
| Construction | Dedicated project spaces for subcontractor collaboration and workflow customization | |
| Dropbox | Media & Entertainment | File previews (175+ types), video collaboration with Replay add-on |
| Manufacturing | Centralized storage of design files, project specs, and streamlined sharing with contractors | |
| Education | Integrations with LMS platforms like Blackboard and Canvas, cloud-based collaboration tools for students and staff |
Both ShareFile vs Dropbox integration options keep teams connected and projects on track. They are many and cover almost every business’s needs.
For example, Dropbox bridges the collaboration gap by integrating with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva. It also connects to Salesforce, Dropbox Sign, and other Dropbox add-ons.
Then for distributed teams, Dropbox allows integration with team management platforms like Slack, Zoom, Jira, and Trello.
Teams can also build unique custom features using Dropbox’s DBX platform. The API lets them embed Dropbox features like file storage, sharing, and search into their apps.
On the other hand, ShareFile’s integration capabilities span Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zapier, and more. Zapier alone connects ShareFile to over 4,000 apps.
The platform also offers export integrations with third-party software to automate the flow of information between platforms.
And just like Dropbox, ShareFile’s API makes it possible to build applications unique to businesses.
The plans of both platforms offer great features but their value depends on your specific needs..
Dropbox is the most affordable of the two. It has a free plan with 2 GB of storage which is just right for basic personal use. There are even two paid plans for individual usage.
Dropbox has two plans for teams which are slightly cheaper with generous storage and file transfer limits than the Citrix ShareFile alternative.
On the other hand, ShareFile has no free option. However, it offers four plans for teams, unlike Dropbox.
ShareFile’s plans include 3 TB of account storage, divided as 1 TB per user which is lower than Dropbox’s 2/3/5 TB per user limits.
Both have enterprise solutions available.
| Platform | Plan | Price (Billed yearly) | Storage & Transfer Limit |
| Dropbox | Free version | $0.00 | 2 GB storage 100 MB file transfer limit |
| Plus (1 user) | $9.99 / month | 2 TB of storage 50 GB file transfer limit | |
| Essentials (1 user) | $16.58 / month | 3 TB storage 100 GB file transfer limit | |
| Business (3+ users) | $15 / user/month | 9 TB storage 100 GB file transfer limit | |
| Business Plus (3+ users) | $24 / user/month | 15 TB storage 250 GB file transfer limit | |
| ShareFile | Advanced (3+ users) | $16 / user/month | 1 TB storage per user 10GB-100GB file transfer limit |
| Premium (3+ users) | $25 / user/month | ||
| Industry Advantage (3+ users) | $41.67 / user/month | ||
| Virtual Data Room (5+ users) | $67.50 / user/month | 1 GB storage per user 10GB-100GB file transfer limit |
The choice between ShareFile vs Dropbox isn’t about one being better than the other. Instead, you should compare the specific pros and cons of Dropbox and ShareFile against your needs.
Dropbox has a simple, fast-to-set-up solution for managing files. Its user-friendly interface means you can get started right away. The learning curve is not steep at all.
And if you’re often transferring large files, you’ll appreciate its 250 GB transfer limit, which is higher than ShareFile’s.
Dropbox also offers generous storage sizes, starting with 2 GB for free and going up to 5TB per user on paid plans.
Dropbox also complies with more regulatory standards and has its suite of collaboration add-ons which is good for creatives.
Consider ShareFile if your top priority is security. Its advanced security measures and detailed permission settings give administrators better control and peace of mind.
There are also settings to control the security level for devices which override any individual user preferences.
ShareFile also has tailor-made workflows for different use cases, such as accounting tax processes and more.
While considering ShareFile, know that its pricing, storage, and transfer limits are not as competitive as Dropbox.
As popular as Dropbox and ShareFile are, neither platform is without its flaws.
Dropbox, while widely used, sometimes raises questions about its privacy measures like the April 2024 data breach. ShareFile has also seen its fair share of security breaches on multiple occasions in the past.
Amidst this ShareFile vs Dropbox duel and plenty more unsafe fish in the sea, TitanFile appears as a secure file-sharing platform with no data breach history since its foundation in 2011.
Unlike Dropbox and ShareFile, TitanFile gives clients ownership of their encryption keys. This means your data remains entirely under your control. Neither TitanFile nor any third party can access it.
And there are no steep learning curves or complex setups to worry about. TitanFile’s email-like workflow lets you share files, exchange messages, and collaborate in real-time without jumping through hoops.
This ShareFile and Dropbox alternative also matches or exceeds the competition in terms of performance. File uploads are lightning-fast, with speeds reaching up to 500 Mbps. The platform supports large file transfers beyond 100 GB which is a step ahead of ShareFile’s limits.
Its compliance with AODA is another thing that both Dropbox and ShareFile lack.
So, try TitanFile today and experience how it solves pain points that other platforms overlook.
It all comes down to your needs and which specific feature you’re talking about. ShareFile offers advanced security features, compliance, and tailormade workflows. Dropbox, however, is more user-friendly and affordable for smaller teams.
ShareFile provides advanced security with end-to-end encryption, compliance with industry standards, and more granular user permissions. It’s ideal for businesses needing strict data control and secure collaboration.
TitanFile is a strong alternative to Dropbox for its security with client-controlled encryption keys, and compliance with strict data protection standards. It also complies with better accessibility standards due to its AODA certification.
ShareFile is owned by Progress Software Corporation, known for its SaaS solutions. Before Progress, ShareFile was under the ownership of Citrix Systems and Cloud Software Group.