Hosted transfer
Simple send and pickup
Good for simple send-and-pickup workflows when a hosted transfer link is the whole job.
Photon Transfer moves files. Photon Vault keeps them.
Hosted transfer tools are useful for simple send-and-pickup workflows. Photon Vault is a private cloud drive for your complete collection, divided into independent Vaults for personal files, projects, clients, teams, and family data. Sync different local folders or data sets into different Vaults without collapsing those privacy boundaries.
This comparison focuses on workflow fit, not every plan-level limit or feature toggle.
Legacy cloud drive
Broad sync and storage
Good for broad sync and familiar storage when the work naturally fits one legacy drive-shaped file model.
PhotonFile
Private cloud drive with isolated Vaults
- Live Relay
- Vault Intake
- Client-side encrypted Vaults
- Per-Vault sync for local folders and data sets
- No per-seat team billing
- Completion-gated File Passes
- Account Region Move
Encryption model
A private cloud drive starts with client-side encryption.
Photon Vault encrypts content client-side, and PhotonFile does not hold the keys needed to decrypt stored file contents. This makes Vault suitable for a complete file collection not merely a few files set aside for extra protection while separate Vaults keep different data sets isolated.
Compare by workflow
| Workflow | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Store a complete collection with real privacy boundaries | Photon Vault | Vault encrypts files client-side so PhotonFile does not hold the keys needed to decrypt them. Independent Vaults keep personal, client, project, and team data isolated. |
| Send a standard hosted download link, not a zero-knowledge encrypted link, for later pickup | Smash or WeTransfer | A normal provider-hosted link is enough when the file just needs to be available for download and total privacy is not required. |
| Both sides are online and the file should move now | PhotonFile Relay | Live relay is built for immediate delivery instead of stored pickup. |
| Collect files from people outside your team | Vault Intake | Vault Intake supports inbound file collection without exposing unrelated Vault content. |
| Use the same zero-knowledge file workflows from web or desktop | PhotonFile | PhotonFile combines the web app and native desktop apps for send, receive, Vault Intake, and Vault workflows. |
| Deliver through a polished branded transfer page | WeTransfer | The strength is recipient-facing presentation, preview, and a hosted handoff experience. |
Where PhotonFile is the better fit
PhotonFile is not just another hosted transfer link. It pairs send-now delivery and external intake with a private cloud drive that keeps your complete collection in independent Vaults.
- Relay: immediate delivery while both sides are online.
- Vault Intake: inbound file collection without exposing unrelated content.
- Vault: a private cloud drive for your complete collection, divided into independent client-side encrypted Vaults.
- Web and desktop: start in the browser or use the native desktop app for everyday cloud-drive and transfer workflows.
- Clearer workflow separation: live delivery, secure intake, and private cloud storage do not have to be forced into the same stored-transfer model.
When Smash or WeTransfer may be the better fit
Choose Smash when a straightforward hosted-transfer link is enough and the recipient simply needs to download the file later.
Choose WeTransfer when the deciding factor is a polished, branded, preview-oriented delivery page rather than a zero-knowledge file workflow.
Choose the PhotonFile workflow
Need more than hosted transfer links and one cloud-drive boundary?
Photon Transfer moves files. Photon Vault keeps them. Use Vault Intake when someone else needs to send files in, and Vault Sync to map the folders and data sets you keep into the right isolated Vaults.