PhotonFile vs Other File Transfer Services
PhotonFile is a privacy focused WeTransfer alternative and Smash alternative that works differently from traditional file transfer tools. Most platforms ask you to upload your file into their cloud storage, then your recipient downloads a stored copy. PhotonFile uses a live, ephemeral relay instead. Nothing is stored by default. Your file passes through encrypted memory only while both users are online, then disappears when the transfer ends.
Storage Based Transfer
Services such as WeTransfer, Smash, and Wormhole use cloud storage. Files are uploaded, stored for a retention period, and later downloaded. This is convenient for delayed pickup, but it means a copy of your data is retained on servers for some time.
- Upload to cloud storage
- File retained for hours or days
- Recipient downloads a stored copy
Live Ephemeral Relay
PhotonFile uses real time forwarding. The file is transmitted directly through encrypted memory while both parties are online. Nothing is written to disk and nothing persists after the session ends. It is designed as a private file transfer service for users who prefer immediate delivery without storage.
- Real time sender to receiver
- Memory only, no disk writes
- No retention once the session ends
Comparison Overview
| Feature | PhotonFile | Smash | WeTransfer | Wormhole | FilePizza |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live relay | Yes | No | No | Partial | Yes |
| Uses cloud storage | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Memory only processing | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Retention period | None | Yes | Yes | 24 hours | None |
| Requires both users online | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Multi GB support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Browser only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accounts required | No for free transfers, Yes for File Pass tiers | Optional | Optional | Optional | No |
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 model. Instead of storing your files in cloud storage, PhotonFile relays them live between browser sessions. 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.
This approach gives you the convenience of browser based sharing with the peace of mind of a private file transfer process that leaves no stored copy by default.
PhotonFile and Smash
Smash uses cloud storage and retains files for a defined time window. PhotonFile is real time only and does not retain files. This makes PhotonFile suitable as a Smash alternative when you prefer transfers that do not depend on stored copies.
PhotonFile and WeTransfer
WeTransfer stores files until they expire. PhotonFile does not store data and relays it live between the sender and the recipient. For users who want a private file transfer option where nothing remains on disk by default, PhotonFile can serve as a WeTransfer alternative.
PhotonFile and Wormhole
Wormhole provides end to end encryption but retains files for a limited time window. PhotonFile does not retain files and operates only in real time, which changes the risk profile and makes it appealing for time sensitive private transfers.
PhotonFile and FilePizza
FilePizza attempts peer to peer transfers without a relay server, which can be unreliable on restrictive networks or with large files. PhotonFile uses a relay designed for multi gigabyte transfers through encrypted memory, providing a more predictable experience while still avoiding storage.
Why Choose PhotonFile
PhotonFile is designed for people who prefer immediate delivery, strong privacy practices, and transfers that leave no stored copy. The file passes through encrypted memory only for the duration of the session. When the transfer ends, the data is gone.
- Live, real time transfer without storage by default
- Memory only relay, no disk writes during transfer
- 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.