PhotonFile vs Storage-Based Delivery
PhotonFile is a privacy-focused alternative to traditional storage-based file transfer tools, but it doesn't live in the same category. Traditional tools upload your file into cloud storage and keep a copy for hours or days. PhotonFile defines a different model: Ephemeral File Transfer. Files are relayed live through encrypted memory while both users are online and the relay operates ephemerally by default. When extra protection is needed, optional client-side encryption keeps the decryption key in your browser instead of on the relay.
Choose by intent
Pick the delivery model that matches what you want to happen to the file.
Storage-Based File Transfer
Services such as WeTransfer, Smash, Dropbox Transfer, and similar tools use a storage-based delivery model. Files are uploaded into cloud storage, retained for a time window, and later downloaded. This works well when recipients pick up files later, but it also means a stored copy of your data exists for some period (often encrypted at rest).
- Upload to cloud storage
- File retained for a time window
- Recipient downloads a stored copy
"Encrypted at rest" is not the same thing as end-to-end encryption
In a storage-based delivery model, a copy of your file exists on a server for some period. It may be encrypted at rest, but that typically means the service (or its cloud provider) manages the encryption keys. That protects data if storage media is lost or stolen, but it does not guarantee the provider cannot access decrypted content.
- Encrypt-at-rest protects disks, not necessarily privacy from the service operator
- Stored delivery implies retention for a time window, even if encrypted at rest
- Client-side encryption keeps key control with you (your browser encrypts before upload/relay)
PhotonFile's default relay model operates ephemerally by default, and optional client-side encryption is designed to keep decryption keys on your device rather than on the relay.
Ephemeral File Transfer (PhotonFile)
PhotonFile uses a live, ephemeral relay rather than a stored-delivery model. The file is forwarded in real time through encrypted memory while both parties are online and the relay operates ephemerally by default. On top of TLS, you can optionally enable client-side encryption so your browser encrypts the file before it ever leaves your device.
- Real-time sender-to-receiver relay
- Memory-only processing during transfer
- Operates ephemerally by default
- Optional browser-based client-side encryption
Think of each transfer like a single-use encrypted session: new keys, used once, then discarded.
Comparison Overview
| Feature | PhotonFile Ephemeral File Transfer | Smash | WeTransfer | Dropbox Transfer | Proton Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live relay | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Uses cloud storage | Not for live transfers | Typically | Typically | Yes | Yes |
| Memory-only processing | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Retention period | None (ephemeral) | Time-limited | Time-limited | Time-limited | Time-limited |
| Requires both users online | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Multi-GB support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accounts required | No for free transfers, Yes for File Pass tiers | Optional | Optional | Yes (typically) | Yes |
| Client-side encryption | Optional (browser-based) | Not the default | Not the default | Not the default | Not the default |
| Who controls the decryption keys? | You (when client-side encryption is enabled) | Service / provider | Service / provider | Service / provider | Service / provider |
PhotonFile as a WeTransfer and Smash Alternative
If you are looking for a WeTransfer alternative or Smash alternative that focuses on privacy by design, PhotonFile offers a different category rather than a minor variation of the same model. Instead of storing your files in cloud storage, PhotonFile relays them live between browser sessions as an Ephemeral File Transfer service that operates ephemerally by default. You can start with free transfers without an account, and create an account later only if you choose a paid File Pass tier for higher limits. When extra privacy is needed, you can enable client-side encryption so your browser encrypts the content before relaying it.
This approach gives you the convenience of browser-based sharing with the peace of mind of a private transfer process that operates ephemerally by default and can be end-to-end encrypted when you choose.
PhotonFile and Smash
Smash uses stored delivery and retains files for a defined time window. PhotonFile operates as Ephemeral File Transfer: a live, in-memory relay that operates ephemerally by default. This makes PhotonFile suitable as a Smash alternative when you prefer transfers that do not rely on stored delivery, and when you want the option to add client-side encryption on top of the live relay.
PhotonFile and WeTransfer
WeTransfer stores files until they expire, following a storage-based file transfer model. PhotonFile is Ephemeral File Transfer: it relays data live through encrypted memory and operates ephemerally by default. For users who want a private file transfer option that does not depend on stored delivery, PhotonFile can serve as a WeTransfer alternative. Optional client-side encryption further reduces what the relay is able to see.
PhotonFile and Dropbox Transfer
Dropbox Transfer follows a storage-based delivery model where a stored copy exists for a time window and recipients can download later. PhotonFile is Ephemeral File Transfer: it relays data live through encrypted memory and operates ephemerally by default. If you prefer immediate delivery and want to avoid stored delivery, PhotonFile is a strong Dropbox Transfer alternative. Optional client-side encryption can further reduce what the relay is able to see by keeping key control on your device.
PhotonFile and Proton Drive
Proton Drive is designed around persistent cloud storage and account-based access. PhotonFile is optimized for one-time sharing with Ephemeral File Transfer: a live, in-memory relay that operates ephemerally by default. If you want a private transfer without turning it into stored cloud content, PhotonFile provides a simpler flow. When extra protection is needed, optional client-side encryption keeps the decryption key in your browser instead of on the relay.
Why Choose PhotonFile
PhotonFile is designed for people who prefer immediate delivery, strong privacy practices, and transfers that operate ephemerally by default. As an Ephemeral File Transfer service, the file passes through encrypted memory only for the duration of the session. When you enable client-side encryption, your browser encrypts the file before sending it, enabling an end-to-end style workflow where the key stays with you.
- Ephemeral File Transfer (ephemeral by default)
- Memory-only relay during transfer
- Optional client-side encryption for end-to-end style protection
- No account needed for free transfers
- Accounts used only for paid File Pass tiers
- Built for large multi-gigabyte files
You can start using PhotonFile immediately in the browser. Create an account later only if you decide to upgrade to a File Pass for higher limits and additional features, including client-side encryption options.