Top 8 Free or Paid File Sharing Site

From the early 2000s to the mid-2010s, video streaming was largely based on the Shockwave Flash (Adobe Flash Player). In January 2015, YouTube decided to move to HTML5 based video playback after realizing the vulnerabilities in Adobe's flash. Keeping this in mind, let's look at some of the best file sharing sites and why you need them.

Why Do We Need File Sharing Sites?

File sharing is essential as it allows users to distribute and access digital media, including electronic books, documents, multimedia, and computer programs. With that being said, here are five reasons you need file sharing sites in your life.

1. Enhanced Security

When you use these sites to share files with other people, you can have more control over who can open, read, and edit the files. Paid file sharing sites have suitable controls and safety measures. For example, when sharing files with several people, you can dictate the exact number of people who can access the files. In turn, this prevents the chances of other people accessing the files.

2. Centralized Data

These sites help you to keep your original files after sharing them with other people online. When you use these sites, they keep a history of the changes you made, making sure that you know the correct version.

3. It Is Affordable

You can share and track files with ease through a file-sharing site at affordable costs. What's the best part? You can store your important files and share them over the internet if you opt for a cloud-based platform. File sharing sites also help you to save a lot of cash since you will be sharing files through an internet connection instead of purchasing storage equipment.

4. Helps Save You time

These sites allow you to share files with others from any place and at any time with just a few clicks. This option is much easier compared to the other file sharing options. Because you can access your history controls on the site and find the copy you shared and the changes made, you can track down revisions and edits fast and save time.

5. You Can Share Large Files

Sharing larger files can prove to be a daunting task when you are using email. Fortunately, file sharing sites allow you to share large files with your friends or colleagues. This saves you the hassle of compressing or splitting the files, which can be time-consuming.

Top 8 Free or Paid File-Sharing Sites

You might be wondering: Which is the best file sharing site? Below are some of the reliable paid and free file sharing sites.

1. Slack

Slack is considered the best file sharing site because of its easy-to-use interface that requires you to simply share the URL or upload the document that you want to share. The receiver has to click on the download button to access the files. It has been integrated with several other document-sharing platforms. When you share files using Slack, you won't have to visit the site again to review the file; you can choose to preview it by simply tapping on your Slack message.

Small teams can try Slack for free; however, to enjoy the impressive features that this site offers, you have to subscribe to either the Standard or Plus plan. The Standard plan costs $6.67, while the Plus plan costs $12.50.

Pros

• Available on mobile and desktop
• Protects your data
• Allows you to easily share something off-topic or funny with co-workers

Cons

• Sends lots of notification, which can be irritating
• Conversations are deleted after two weeks

2. Dropbox

Since it was released in 2007, many users regard Dropbox as the best file sharing site and file storage platform. The site gives you cloud storage and file synchronization. You can choose between two Dropbox plans: Plus for $9.99 per month and Family for $16.99 per month.

Pros

• Only the authorized people can access, view, or edit the files
• Easy of access over numerous platforms

Cons

• It is risky since you get exposed to malware
• The premium version is expensive

3. HighTail

Adding files is easier with this platform. It also has a free version that comes with a storage space of 2GB and allows you to upload and share files that are up to 100MB in size. You can also decide to opt for the paid versions; the Pro plan costs $12 per month, the Teams plan costs $24 per month, and you will have to pay $36 for the Business plan.

Pros

• Flexible
• Convenient
• Easy to use

Cons

• Limited space for messaging
• Shared links expire fast

4. Jumpshare

Jumpshare is one of the reputable free file sharing sites. It offers a free trial that allows users to test their services. Pricing starts at $8.25 per month for the Plus plan. To enjoy the Business plan, you'll have to pay $12.50 every month.

It has a user-friendly interface. All you have to do is drag and drop the files on the Jumpshare icon. The site will then instantly create a shareable link. Now: You can share the link with others. Furthermore, Jumpshare allows you to share feedback on the file itself by either commenting and tagging.

Pros

• Allows you to organize files in folders
• Allows users to choose who can view the files
• Comes with a screenshot feature

Cons

• The support team is not responsive

5. Box

The Box is among the best free file sharing sites for professionals. The free version comes with a storage space of up to 10 GB. The premium version costs $15 monthly and offers users a storage limit of 5 GB. The site was mainly designed for sharing files meant for businesses. It gets better: The box allows you to share, edit, and secure files over the crowd. Additionally, you can transfer and store your files from your PC to the Box cloud for your teammates to access them. You can then edit the files together with your team for better results and understanding.

Pros

• The mobile version is user-friendly
• Loads files fast
• Great website design

Cons

• Photos don't display metadata

6. ZippyShare

ZippyShare one of the free file sharing sites that don't have upload limits. When you upload files on this site, they will be removed from their servers after 30 days. ZippyShare users with unlimited storage without creating an account. You can share the files you have uploaded via email or message.

Pros

• Easy to use
• You can upload files that are up to 500 MB in size

Cons

Not available in other countries

7. WeTransfer

WeTransfer is among the free file sharing sites that allows you to send large files up to 2GB. What's more? You can also share password-protected files with designated users. And you don't have to zip your files if you want to share them with other people on the internet. If you need more storage space, you can upgrade your subscription to the Pro plan for $12.00 per month. This will give you access to 20GB of storage space.

Pros

• Large-size file transfers
• Easy to upload files
• Password-protected transfer

Cons

• Large files download slowly

8. DropSend

Many users consider DropSend as the best file sharing site because it allows them to send up to five files for free. While you'll receive 250 MB of storage space with the free subscription, you can share files of any size. If you need more storage, you may need to upgrade your subscription to Basic, Standard, Pro, Business Lite, or Business. Their prices are $5, $9, $19, $45, and $99 respectively.

If you are having a difficult time sending files as email attachments, DropSend allows you to upload files to its server and then send a download link to the receiver via email or message.

Pros

• The site allows you to drag and drop numerous files at once
• Your files are safe

Cons

• You are only limited to 5 shares per month with the free account

Is It Safe for Kids To Use a File-Sharing Site?

It is not a good idea to allow your kid to use a file-sharing site without parental supervision because of the following reasons.

• They Might Encounter Inappropriate Content

When your kids are using these sites to share files with their friends, they might encounter pornography or other inappropriate content. An explicit ad could pop up while they are on the internet or they could end up visiting a forum that promotes self-harm.

• They Might Download Malware

While using file-sharing platforms, your kid might download malware and install it on their device without knowing. Hackers can then steal personal information from their devices and use the data in illegal activities.

• Your Kid Can Become a Victim of Sexual Predators

Many sexual predators on the internet are waiting for innocent kids to take advantage of them. These predators are everywhere, including on gaming platforms, social media, and file-sharing platforms.

Use FamiSafe to Protect Your Kids While They Are Online

FamiSafe allows you to monitor what your kid is doing while they are using their device to access the internet. All you have to do is check the browsing history, and you'll see all the websites that they visit when you are not around. You can then use the web filtering feature to block the websites that have adult content, provocative content, drugs, weapons, and other unsuitable content.

Let's see what else features are supported by FamiSafe.

• App Blocking Feature

You can also view the apps that your kid has downloaded and installed on their device. The app sends you alerts when your kid installs a new app on their device and you can also check the history of this app. If you think that it's a risky app, you can use FamiSafe's App Blocking feature to block it.

• Screen Time Limit

You can also monitor your kids' screen time and usage. If they spend too much time online, you can use Famisafe to restrict their screen time. FamiSafe's Screen Time allows you to set screen time limits. By limiting your kids' screen time, you will allow them to be kids and explore the realm of childhood.

File sharing sites bring convenience to our daily life yet there are also hidden dangers behind them. Young kids are easy to be tempted with and unable to tell good from bad. That's why parents need to watch over them.

FamiSafe gives you the power to control when and how your kids use their mobile devices. So you don't have to worry when they are using file-sharing platforms.