File Sharing Comparison Guide

Comparing File Sharing Services: File Size Limits, Privacy Options, and Speed

Not all file sharing services are created equal. Some prioritize speed, while others impose strict file size limits or advanced security features. This in‑depth guide compares popular platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, OneDrive, Box, MEGA, pCloud, iCloud Drive, and ChatOdyssey Secure File Sharing. We evaluate file size limits (free and paid), storage options, privacy & encryption features, and bandwidth/speed considerations.

Comparison Table

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the services, highlighting their file size limits, storage offerings, privacy & encryption features, and bandwidth/speed considerations.

Service Max File Size (Free/Paid) Storage Offered (Free/Paid) Privacy & Encryption Bandwidth/Speed Limits
Dropbox Free: Up to 2 GB
Paid (desktop): Up to 2 TB per file
(Web: ~375 GB per file) 		Free: 2 GB
Paid: 2 TB+ 		TLS in transit & AES‑256 at rest
(Not end‑to‑end; 2FA available) 		Free: ~20 GB/day on shared links
Paid: ~200 GB/day; no throttling on personal sync
Google Drive Up to 5 TB per file
Daily upload limit: 750 GB 		Free: 15 GB
Paid: 100 GB – 30 TB (Google One) 		TLS in transit & AES‑256 at rest
(No E2EE on personal accounts) 		No speed throttling; shared file download quotas may apply
WeTransfer Free: 2–3 GB per transfer
Paid: Up to 300 GB per transfer (Starter/Ultimate) 		Free: Temporary storage (files expire)
Paid: Extended storage (30+ days) 		TLS in transit & at rest
(Password protection available) 		Limited transfers (10/month on free); no throttling
OneDrive Up to 250 GB per file Free: 5 GB
Paid: 100 GB, 1 TB (Microsoft 365) 		AES‑256 in transit & at rest
(Personal Vault for extra security) 		No explicit throttling; shared link limits (~2 TB/month)
Box Free: 250 MB per file
Paid: 5–150 GB per file (depending on plan) 		Free: 10 GB
Paid: 100 GB to Unlimited (business plans) 		TLS & AES‑256 encryption
(Enterprise options: Box KeySafe) 		Bandwidth limits on shared links (~10 GB free; ~2 TB business)
MEGA No fixed limit (up to account quota) Free: 20 GB (plus bonuses)
Paid: 2–16 TB plans 		End‑to‑end encryption (zero‑knowledge by default) Free: ~5 GB/day transfer quota
Paid: Quotas match storage plan; no throttling
pCloud No file size limit (limited by storage quota) Free: 10 GB
Paid: 500 GB, 2 TB (and lifetime plans) 		TLS & AES‑256 by default;
Optional E2EE via pCloud Crypto (paid) 		Free: 50 GB/month link traffic
Paid: Traffic caps match plan storage
iCloud Drive Up to 50 GB per file (via Finder/Files app) Free: 5 GB
Paid: 50 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 6 TB/12 TB tiers 		TLS & AES‑256 encryption;
Optional Advanced Data Protection for E2EE 		No published bandwidth limits; performance dependent on network
ChatOdyssey Free: Unlimited file size (dependent on connection) Free: No fixed quota; files persist until deleted or expired End‑to‑end encryption (client‑side, zero‑knowledge by design) No bandwidth throttling; speed determined by your connection

Dropbox

Dropbox is widely known for its easy syncing and extensive device support. Its free tier is limited to 2 GB, which restricts uploads to that overall quota. Paid plans significantly expand this, and via the desktop client, users can upload files up to 2 TB each – though the web interface limits you to around 375 GB per file.

Files are encrypted using TLS during transit and AES‑256 at rest, though Dropbox retains the keys, meaning it is not a true end‑to‑end solution. Two‑factor authentication is available to further secure your account. Note that shared link bandwidth is capped (~20 GB/day for free users), so heavy public sharing may trigger restrictions.

For more details, please refer to the Dropbox Security Features.

Google Drive

Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage (shared across Drive, Gmail, and Photos) and supports file uploads of up to 5 TB – provided you have enough storage. A daily upload limit of 750 GB applies. While data is encrypted in transit and at rest (AES‑256), personal accounts do not feature true end‑to‑end encryption. Enterprise users may access client‑side encryption options.

Learn more on the Google Drive Help Center.

WeTransfer

WeTransfer is a dedicated file transfer service, ideal for one‑off transfers. The free version allows sending files of 2–3 GB that expire after 7 days, while paid tiers enable transfers up to 300 GB. Files are encrypted during transit and at rest, but the service is not end‑to‑end encrypted. It also allows optional password protection on transfers.

For more information, see the WeTransfer Official Site.

OneDrive

OneDrive is deeply integrated into the Windows and Office ecosystems. With a free 5 GB plan and paid plans that offer up to 1 TB per user (or more with family bundles), OneDrive supports file uploads of up to 250 GB per file. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, and additional security is provided via a Personal Vault.

Visit the OneDrive Website for details.

Box

Box is popular in the business environment for its advanced security and collaboration features. Its free plan includes 10 GB of storage with a 250 MB per file limit, while paid tiers offer larger file size limits (up to 150 GB on enterprise plans) and unlimited storage. Files are encrypted with AES‑256 and additional encryption key management is available via Box KeySafe.

More information can be found at the Box Official Site.

MEGA

MEGA emphasizes privacy with its default end‑to‑end encryption and zero‑knowledge approach. Its free plan offers 20 GB (with bonuses), and paid plans scale from 2 TB to 16 TB. There is no fixed per‑file size limit other than your available storage, although free accounts are subject to a transfer quota (~5 GB/day).

Visit MEGA for more details.

pCloud

pCloud offers flexible storage plans with no file size limits, as uploads are only constrained by your available quota. The free tier starts at 10 GB, with paid plans offering 500 GB or 2 TB – including lifetime options. Files are encrypted at rest and in transit; users can opt for pCloud Crypto (an add-on) for true client‑side encryption.

Learn more at the pCloud Official Site.

iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive is the preferred solution for Apple users, offering seamless integration across Apple devices. Its free tier provides 5 GB, and paid tiers extend up to 2 TB (with new 6 TB/12 TB options). Files are encrypted using TLS in transit and AES‑256 at rest, with optional Advanced Data Protection for end‑to‑end encryption.

More information is available on the Apple iCloud Website.

ChatOdyssey Secure File Sharing

ChatOdyssey stands out for its privacy‑first, end‑to‑end encrypted file sharing that is completely free. With no file size limits (subject to your internet connection) and no fixed storage quotas, ChatOdyssey encrypts your files in your browser before upload, ensuring a zero‑knowledge environment where only you and your recipient can decrypt the content.

For a secure file sharing experience, visit the ChatOdyssey Secure File Sharing page.

Conclusion

Choosing the right file sharing service depends on your priorities. If massive storage and seamless collaboration are your goals, services like Google Drive and OneDrive offer generous paid plans. For quick, one‑off transfers, WeTransfer is a simple choice—but note its free tier limitations.

Security‑conscious users will appreciate MEGA, pCloud (with Crypto), and especially ChatOdyssey for its true end‑to‑end encryption. Dropbox and Box provide a balanced offering for both personal and business use, although their free tiers may feel limited for heavy users. Meanwhile, iCloud Drive remains the natural choice for Apple users, now enhanced with Advanced Data Protection.

Ultimately, whether you need to send a huge video, store confidential documents, or collaborate on shared projects, understanding each service’s file size limits, storage options, privacy, and speed considerations will help you choose the best file sharing service for your needs.

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