Why is secure file sharing so important in our digital world today? With cyber threats on the rise, ensuring that our documents, photos, and sensitive information are shared securely is more crucial than ever. This need has led to the development of various apps designed to protect our data from unauthorized access.
PDF Reader Pro stands out for its comprehensive security features, ease of use, and advanced document management capabilities. But We are going to look a bit deeper into 7 apps for secure file sharing.
PDF Reader Pro: Password Protection and Watermarking Features
PDF Reader Pro is highly regarded for its robust security features, making it a top choice for users seeking secure document management and sharing solutions. Among its standout security capabilities, password protection and watermarking play pivotal roles in safeguarding documents.
Here’s a closer look at how these features contribute to PDF Reader Pro's security arsenal:
Password Protection
Password protection is one of the essential security features offered by PDF Reader Pro. This feature allows users to set strong, unique passwords for their PDF files, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the content.
Whether you're sharing sensitive personal information, confidential business documents, or any other type of secure file, password protection provides a reliable layer of defense against unauthorized access. Here's how it benefits users:
- Enhanced Privacy: By setting a password, you can control who views your documents, thereby protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your information.
- Flexible Sharing: Password protection enables safe file sharing via email or cloud services, as the document can only be opened by recipients who have the password.
- Compliance and Security: For businesses, adhering to privacy laws and regulations is crucial. Password-protected documents help in maintaining compliance with data protection standards.
Watermarking
Watermarking is another powerful feature of PDF Reader Pro, designed to deter unauthorized sharing and copying of documents. A watermark is a transparent text or logo overlaid on a document's pages, indicating the document's ownership or the confidentiality level.
This feature is particularly useful for creators, businesses, and anyone who needs to distribute documents while maintaining brand presence or asserting copyright. The benefits of watermarking include:
- Deterrence Against Misuse: Watermarks make it difficult for recipients to claim your document as their own or to use it without permission.
- Branding: For businesses, adding a logo or company name as a watermark on documents enhances brand visibility and professionalism.
- Customization: PDF Reader Pro allows users to customize their watermarks, choosing the text, logo, opacity, and placement, which provides flexibility in how the security feature is implemented.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right app for securely sharing files can be a daunting task with so many options available. To make your decision easier, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table featuring the top-ranking secure file sharing apps on the market.
Tool | Basic Free Storage | Max File Size | Password Protection | Watermarking | File Expiry |
WeTransfer | 2 GB per transfer | 2 GB (Free) | Yes (Plus Plan) | No | Yes |
Dropbox | 2 GB | Varies with plan | Yes (Paid plans) | Yes (Professional) | No |
Google Drive | 15 GB | Varies with plan | No | No | No |
OneDrive | 5 GB | Varies with plan | Yes (Paid plans) | No | No |
Box | 10 GB | Varies with plan | Yes | Yes (Professional) | Yes |
pCloud | 10 GB | Varies with plan | Yes (Paid plans) | Yes (Paid plans) | Yes |
SHAREit | N/A* | No limit | No | No | No |
Let's dive into the specifics of WeTransfer, Dropbox, and Google Drive, focusing on what makes each stand out, their pricing, and a straightforward review of our experience with them.
WeTransfer
Source: WeTransfer
WeTransfer simplifies the process of sending large files. You don't need to register for an account to share files up to 2GB for free. Its straightforward interface is what really sets it apart; you just upload your files, add the recipient's email address, and send. For those who need more, WeTransfer Plus offers enhanced features like increased transfer sizes up to 200GB and the ability to customize your profile.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Free | $0/month |
Pro | $10 USD/month (billed yearly) |
Premium | $19 USD/month (billed yearly) |
How we experienced it
WeTransfer is incredibly user-friendly. It's perfect for quick, no-hassle file transfers without creating an account. However, the Plus version becomes necessary for larger files or frequent use. It’s a go-to for sending large files with minimal fuss.
Dropbox
Image Source: Dropbox
Dropbox is much more than a file-sharing service; it's a comprehensive cloud storage solution that excels in synchronization. You can work directly in your Dropbox folder and have all changes synced across all devices. Dropbox also features extensive integration with third-party apps, making it incredibly versatile for collaborative work.
You can learn more exploring alternatives to Dropbox Paper for collaborative work and document management.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Plus | $9.99/month |
Essentials | $18/month |
Business | $20/user/month |
Business Plus | $26/user/month |
How we experienced it
Our experience with Dropbox has been largely positive, especially regarding its syncing capabilities and third-party app integrations. It's a powerful file-sharing and collaboration app. However, the limited storage on the free plan means serious users will likely need to upgrade.
Google Drive
Source: Google Drive
Google Drive stands out for its integration with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), including Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This integration allows for real-time collaboration with team members, making it ideal for productivity and team projects. Drive offers 15GB of free storage, which is shared across your Google account, including emails and photos.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Business Starter | $5.40 USD/month (1 year commitment) |
Business Standard | $10.80 USD/month (1 year commitment) |
Business Plus | $18 USD/month (1 year commitment) |
Enterprise | Contact sales for pricing |
How we experienced it
Google Drive's real strength lies in its seamless integration with other Google services and its collaborative tools. The generous 15GB of free storage is a significant plus. However, if you're heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, your storage will fill up faster than you think. Luckily the aid Plans are also reasonably priced.
OneDrive
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, is deeply integrated with Windows and Office 365, making it a seamless option for those already in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its real-time collaboration capabilities in Office documents and the ability to access files from anywhere are significant pluses. Another standout feature is the Personal Vault, a protected area within OneDrive designed for storing sensitive information with an extra layer of security.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Microsoft 365 Family | USD$79.99/year or USD$7.99/month |
Microsoft 365 Personal | USD$59.99/year or USD$5.99/month |
Microsoft 365 Basic | USD$19.99/year or USD$1.99/month |
Microsoft 365 Free | $0 |
How we experienced it
Using OneDrive feels like an extension of using a Windows PC. Its integration with Windows 10 and Office apps offers a fluid experience for file storage and sharing. The Personal Vault is particularly useful for sensitive documents. However, if you're not using Windows or Office 365, some of its best features may be less appealing.
Box
Image Source: Box
Box is focused more on businesses and offers robust security and collaboration tools. It stands out for its workflow automation capabilities, extensive app integrations, and advanced security features, including customizable permissions and detailed activity logs. Box also excels in compliance, offering support for numerous data protection regulations, which makes it ideal for industries with strict data security requirements.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Individual | Free |
Personal Pro | $11.50/month (paid annually) |
Business Starter | $5.80/user/month (promo price) |
How we experienced it
I found the app's ability to open files with desktop software and its over 1,500 app integrations impressive. The offline syncing support is a big plus for me. But, it does feel pricey for the storage provided, and the low file-size limit is restrictive.
pCloud
Source: pCloud
pCloud distinguishes itself with its lifetime storage plans and high-level security option, pCloud Crypto, for encrypting files. A feature that sets pCloud apart is its ability to save file versions and deleted files for up to 30 days, allowing you to recover important documents you might have accidentally lost. Additionally, pCloud offers an integrated media player, making it easy to stream audio and video files directly from the cloud.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing | Discount |
---|---|---|
Premium 500 GB | 199USD (Lifetime) | -33% |
Premium Plus 2 TB | 399USD (Lifetime) | -37% |
Ultra 10 TB | 1190USD (Lifetime) | -37% |
How we experienced it
I like the value of this cloud service and the strong encryption it offers. Fast syncing is also a big advantage. However, I'm not thrilled about having to pay extra for encryption, and the absence of document integration is inconvenient.
SHAREit
SHAREit focuses on the immediate, device-to-device transfer of files, setting itself apart with the ability to send files at high speeds without using data or an internet connection. It supports a wide range of file types, including photos, videos, music, and apps. Another standout feature is its capability to send files to multiple recipients at once, making it ideal for sharing content quickly among a group.
Pricing
Platform | Free Version | Premium Version |
---|---|---|
Android | Free | Not Applicable |
Windows PC | Free | Not Applicable |
Mac | Free | Not Applicable |
iOS | Free | $2.99 (Remove ads) |
How we experienced it
I'm pretty happy with SHAREit's fast data transfer speeds and the fact that you don't need to sign up to use it. Plus, it works on all my devices, which is super convenient. Sometimes, my transfers get stuck halfway, which is annoying. Also, the ads can be overwhelming, and getting everything set up the way I want can be tricky at times.