10 Best File Sharing Software for Small Business in 2024 (FREE)

Explore the top 10 file sharing software in 2024. All sending files software listed has a free plan From open-source platforms to more generic tools.

Are you looking for the best file sharing software for small businesses in 2024? We created a list of the top 10 file sharing software options that will enhance your workflow.

FeaturePapermarkNotionGoogle DriveBoxOneDriveAWS
Large File TransferYesLimitedYesYesYesYes
Custom Domain for linksYesLimitedNoNoNoYNo
Advanced AnalyticsYesLimitedLimitedLimitedLimitedLimited
Open-SourceYesNoNoNoNoNo

Full comparison at the end of the article including pricing, integrations, customization and full list of tools

Quick recap of best file sharing software for small businesses

  • Papermark: An open-source platform offering secure file sharing with advanced analytics, ideal for small businesses seeking customizable solutions.
  • Notion: Excellent for small businesses to organize and share documents with team-specific customization options.
  • Google Drive: Part of Google Workspace, it offers robust collaboration tools and real-time editing features, making it ideal for small businesses already using Google's ecosystem
  • Box: Provides small businesses with secure collaboration tools and AI-powered content management for enhanced productivity.
  • WeTransfer: Perfect for small businesses needing to send large files quickly and securely, especially to external parties.
  • OneDrive by Microsoft: Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, making it ideal for small businesses already using Microsoft products.
  • Slack: Enhances small business team communication with built-in file sharing features for real-time collaboration.
  • Zoho Drive: Offers small businesses a comprehensive cloud-based file storage and collaboration solution, integrating well with other Zoho tools.
  • iCloud by Apple: Provides small businesses using Apple devices with cloud storage and enhanced privacy features for secure file sharing.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers scalable cloud hosting services, allowing small businesses to build custom file sharing applications if needed.

Papermark - File Sharing Software #1

Website: papermark.io

Papermark website

Papermark is an open-source file sharing softwae with advanced modern user expereince.

The platform includes advanced built-in page analytics and the option for users to use custom domains, providing full control over shared content.

You can self-host Papermark and create fully customised whitelabled file sharing system hosted on your servers.

Papermark Features

  • Open Source and Self-hosted
  • Secure document sharing
  • Tracking views and time on each page
  • Built-in page analytics
  • Data Rooms
  • Custom domains
  • Custom Branding
  • White-labelling

Papermark Pricing

  • Free: $0
  • Starter: $29/month (2 admins included)
  • Business: $79/month
  • Enterprise: Custom

Papermark Ratings and Reviews

Papermark loved by over 5000 customers and users, who actively use it for file sharing: Papermark reviews

Notion - File Sharing Software for small businesses #2

Website: notion.so

Notion website

Notion is a user-friendly software that allows you to create notes, documents, and share them.

It offers powerful building blocks to customize information tracking, creating labels, tags, and more. With the ability to visualize, filter, and sort data, Notion helps you stay organized and focused.

Notion Features

  • Manage complex projects
  • Customize info tracking
  • Drag and drop interface
  • Multilingual support

Notion Limitations

  • Lack of advanced controls for document sharing
  • Lack of analytics
  • Potential for information overload

Notion Pricing

  • Free
  • Plus: $10/month (per user)
  • Business: $18/month
  • Enterprise: Custom

Notion Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.7/5 (5210+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4.8/5 (2122+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: 3.2/5 (174+ reviews)

Here's a similar overview for Google Drive:

Google Drive - File Sharing Software

Website: drive.google.com

Google Drive is a versatile cloud storage and file sharing platform integrated with Google Workspace.

It offers robust features like real-time collaboration, automatic file syncing, and powerful search capabilities, making it easy for users to store, share, and access files from anywhere.

Google Drive provides a comprehensive solution for document management and team collaboration. It focuses on seamless integration with other Google services like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Google Drive Features

  • Cloud storage with generous free tier
  • Real-time collaboration on documents
  • Advanced search functionality
  • Integration with Google Workspace apps

Google Drive Limitations

  • Privacy concerns due to Google's data practices
  • Limited offline access for some file types
  • File size limits for certain file types
  • Potential learning curve for new users

Google Drive Pricing

  • Free: 15 GB storage
  • Google One 100 GB: $1.99/month
  • Google One 200 GB: $2.99/month
  • Google One 2 TB: $9.99/month
  • Google Workspace plans for businesses start at $6/user/month

Google Drive Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.6/5
  • Capterra: 4.7/5
  • TrustRadius: 8.5/10

Google Drive stands out for its seamless integration with Google's ecosystem, real-time collaboration features, and generous free storage, making it a popular choice for both individual users and businesses[1].

Box - File Sharing Software #4

Website: box.com

Box website

Founded in 2005 by Aaron Levie and Dylan Smith, Box, Inc. is based in Redwood City, California, and focuses on cloud-based content management, collaboration, and file sharing tools for businesses.

Box is a secure collaboration tool to work together from anywhere, on any device.

There is AI-powered content management for insights.

Box Features

  • E-signatures
  • Simplie workflow
  • AI features
  • Content migration
  • Admin controls

Box Limitations

  • Lack of analytics and link tracking

  • Challenging for users with limited technological proficiency

  • Potential for data privacy and security concerns with storing sensitive information online

Box Pricing

  • Business: $20 (per user, min 3 users)
  • Business Plus: US$33 (per user, min 3 users)
  • Enterprise: US$47 (per user, min 3 users)
  • Enterprise plus: Custom

Box Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 3.8/5 (10+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4/5 (1+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: N/A

WeTransfer - File Sharing Software #5

Website: wetransfer.com

Wetransfer

WeTransfer helps users to send large files instantly. Primarily functionality is securely send file one time.

It fits different types of users: individuals, businesses, and creative professionals.

WeTransfer Features

  • Firewall blocking
  • Proxy blocking

WeTransfer Limitations

  • Inability to access important parts of the website
  • Potential issues with firewall, proxy, or browser set-up

WeTransfer Pricing

  • Basic: free
  • Transfer: $12/month
  • Collaborate: $24/month
  • Distribute: $35/month

WeTransfer Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.6/5 (499+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4.8/5 (2889+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: 1.9/5 (218+ reviews)

One Drive - File Sharing Software #6

Website: microsoft.com

onedrive

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage solution, designed to help you store, share, and access your files from anywhere. It's fits needs of individuals, businesses, and schools and part of Microsoft 365 suite.

With OneDrive, you can keep your documents, photos, and files safe in the cloud, making them available on any device, anytime. It automatically updates your files across all devices, ensuring you always have the latest version.

OneDrive Features

  • Cloud Storage
  • File Sharing
  • Collaboration
  • Photo and Video Storage
  • File Syncing

OneDrive Limitations

  • Limited sharing settings
  • Lack of advanced page by page analytics
  • Limited storage in the free version
  • Privacy concerns with storing sensitive information in the cloud.

OneDrive Pricing

  • Free plan with basic storage.
  • OneDrive Standalone: $1.99/month for 100 GB.
  • Microsoft 365 Personal (includes OneDrive and Office apps): $99.99/year
  • Microsoft 365 Family (up to 6 people): $149.99

OneDrive Reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5
  • Capterra: 4.4/5
  • Trustpilot: 1.4/5 (1543+ reviews)

Slack - File Sharing Software #7

Website: slack.com

Slack website

Slack is an all-rounded platform for teams communication and collaboration in real-time.

Collaborations are organized into conversations that span across locations, departments and time zones.

Therefore it became a very active file sharing system within the teams, as teams chat there all the time.

Slack Features

  • Communication via text
  • Simple and light files sharing
  • Chats to communicate
  • Scalability

Slack Limitations

  • Lack of any link settings
  • Ability to share files and access only as a Slack member
  • Limited files hosting
  • Potential security risks associated with data stored or shared on the platform
  • Learning curve for new users to fully utilize all features and integrations

Slack Pricing

  1. Free: $0
  2. Pro: $8.75/user/month
  3. Business+: $15/user/month (monthly).
  4. Enterprise Grid: Custom

Slack Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.5/5 (32369+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4.7/5 (23183+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: 2.9/5 (275+ reviews)

Zoho Drive - File Sharing Software #8

Website: zoho.com

Zoho website

Zoho Drive is a cloud-based storage solution designed for file storage, sharing, and collaboration.

It's tailored for individuals, teams, and enterprises looking to enhance productivity and ensure data accessibility across devices and locations.

Zoho Features

  • Cloud storage for files and documents.
  • Easy sharing inside and outside your organization.
  • Real-time collaboration on documents.
  • Integration with Zoho's suite of productivity tools.
  • Mobile access to files

Zoho Limitations

  • Lack of link settings
  • Lack of custom sharing rights
  • Storage limits based on the plan.
  • Potential learning curve for new users.

Zoho Pricing

  • Starter: $3/month
  • Team: $6/month
  • Business: $11/month

Zoho Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.1/5 (2585+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4.3/5 (6661+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: 4.4/5 (4656+ reviews)

iCloud - File Sharing Software #9

Website: icloud.com

iCloud website

iCloud is a cloud storage by Apple.

It offers a range of storage plans, starting from 5GB for and going up to 12TB for a monthly fee.

iCloud also allows for easy sharing of photos and videos with family and friends through Shared Photo Library and Shared Albums.

iCloud Features

  • iCloud is built into every Apple device
  • 5GB of free storage
  • Enhanced privacy features such as iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and Custom Email Domain
  • iCloud Photos for storing high-resolution photos and videos
  • Shared Photo Library and Shared Albums for sharing content with others
  • iCloud Backup for automatic backup of important data on iPhone and iPad

iCloud Limitations

  • Limited storage capacity for free plan (5GB)
  • Lack of advanced sharing functions
  • Higher storage capacity plans come at a cost

iCloud Pricing

  • 50GB iCloud+: $0.99
  • 200GB iCloud+: $2.99
  • 2TB iCloud+: $9.99
  • 6TB iCloud+: $29.99
  • 12TB iCloud+: $59.99

iCloud Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.3/5 (991+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4.7/5 (1574+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: 1.5/5 (54+ reviews)

Amazon Web Servers - File Sharing Software #10

Website: amazon.com

AWS

AWS (Amazon Web Services) offers cloud hosting solutions that allow businesses to build and manage their applications on Amazon's vast network. These services provide scalable, reliable, and cost-effective computing resources, making it easier for companies of all sizes to host applications in the cloud. AWS supports a wide range of programming languages, databases, and operating systems, ensuring flexibility for developers.

AWS Features

  • Wide support for programming languages, databases, and OS.
  • Scalable and reliable computing resources.
  • Secure cloud environment.

Amazon Limitations

  • Lack of of advanced sharing functionality
  • Not user friendly
  • Very complex for beginners.
  • Costs can escalate with usage.
  • Some services have specific regional availability.

Amazon Pricing

  • Pay-as-you-go pricing model
  • Free tier available for new users.

Amazon Ratings and Reviews

  • G2: 4.3/5 (14+ reviews)
  • Capterra: 4.4/5 (15+ reviews)
  • Trustpilot: 1.7/5 (29844+ reviews)

Comparison table of file sharing software for small busineess

Here's a comparison table for the the tools described, focusing on features relevant to small businesses:

FeaturePapermarkNotionGoogle DriveBoxWeTransferOneDriveSlackZoho DriveiCloudAWS
Free Option AvailableYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesLimited
Secure File SharingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Collaboration ToolsYesYesYesYesLimitedYesYesYesLimitedLimited
Custom BrandingYesLimitedNoYesYesLimitedYesYesNoYes
Advanced AnalyticsYesLimitedYesYesLimitedYesYesYesLimitedYes
Integration with Other ToolsLimitedYesYesYesLimitedYesYesYesLimitedYes
Large File TransferYesLimitedYesYesYesYesLimitedYesYesYes
Mobile AccessYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Customizable PermissionsYesYesYesYesLimitedYesYesYesLimitedYes
Open-SourceYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

This table provides a comparison of key features across the different file sharing tools. Here are some additional notes:

  1. Papermark stands out for being open-source and offering advanced analytics.
  2. Notion and Slack excel in collaboration and organization features.
  3. Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box offer robust integration with their respective ecosystems.
  4. WeTransfer specializes in quick, secure large file transfers.
  5. Zoho Drive integrates well with other Zoho productivity tools.
  6. iCloud is best suited for businesses heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
  7. AWS offers the most customization potential but requires more technical expertise.

The best choice for a small business will depend on specific needs, existing tech stack, budget, and required features. Factors like ease of use, security measures, and scalability should also be considered when making a final decision.

Conclusion: best file sharing for small business

Finding the best file sharing software hardly depends on your needs and expectations.

If you are looking for a modern solution which can help to share files securely and get advanced page analytics. Which can be self hosted and fully white-labeled: