PhotonFile Relay
Live handoff
Best when both sides are online and the goal is immediate handoff, not long-term retention. Relay moves file data live through encrypted memory and operates ephemerally by default.
WeTransfer sends files. PhotonFile runs the whole sensitive-file workflow.
Use Relay for live delivery, Secure Inbox for client intake, Vault for zero-knowledge storage, per-Vault sync for desktop boundaries, and completion-gated File Passes for large one-off transfers.
Hosted transfer links are not a file operations model
- Hosted links are useful for simple sends.
- They are not the same as live delivery when both sides are present.
- They are not the same as zero-knowledge retained storage.
- They are not the same as isolated external intake.
- They are not the same as per-Vault desktop sync.
- They are not the same as owner-powered team workspaces.
Photon Vault
Zero-knowledge Vault storage
Best when files should remain available after upload without handing the service the keys to read them. Vault is built for secure intake, controlled sharing, and access later.
WeTransfer
Encrypted hosted delivery
Best when the priority is a polished hosted delivery page and familiar recipient pickup. WeTransfer uses transfer and storage encryption, but it is not positioned as zero-knowledge Vault storage.
Encryption model
TLS and at-rest encryption are not the same as zero-knowledge storage.
WeTransfer is encrypted in transit and at rest, but the workflow is still a provider-hosted transfer model. PhotonFile Vault is built around zero-knowledge, client-side encryption so retained files stay encrypted from the service itself, while Relay and Secure Inbox let you choose the right path for each file.
Compare by workflow
| What you need | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keep sensitive files in zero-knowledge storage | Photon Vault | Vault encryption is client-side and zero-knowledge, so retained files stay unreadable to the service. |
| Send immediately while both sides are online | PhotonFile Relay | Live relay is built for immediate handoff without turning every send into stored delivery. |
| Collect uploads without exposing existing content | Secure Inbox | Secure Inbox is built for inbound intake with access codes, expiration, sender notes, instructions, and a controlled public upload surface. |
| Keep files available after upload, including very large files | Photon Vault | Vault is built for persistent zero-knowledge storage and access later, not just transfer completion. |
| Use controlled links and light branding without building a full client portal | Photon Vault | Scoped share links, revocation, expirations, and public share or intake branding cover the practical controls many teams need. |
| Prioritize a branded hosted delivery page with preview-first pickup | WeTransfer | That workflow is centered on recipient presentation and later pickup from a hosted transfer page. |
Where PhotonFile is the better fit
- Zero-knowledge Vault storage: files retained in Vault are encrypted client-side so PhotonFile does not need the keys to read them.
- Security beyond TLS: TLS protects transport. Vault's zero-knowledge model protects the file content after upload, while stored delivery tools rely on provider-managed hosted workflows.
- One platform, two distinct paths: Relay handles immediate handoff and Vault handles zero-knowledge retention, Secure Inbox intake, controlled sharing, and access later.
- Controlled links and light branding: scoped share links, revocation, expirations, sender instructions, and public share or intake branding cover the practical controls many teams need.
- Better workflow separation: you do not have to force live delivery, long-term storage, and secure intake into the same stored-transfer model.
Where WeTransfer may still fit better
If your team primarily needs a polished hosted delivery page with a brand-forward recipient experience, WeTransfer may still be the cleaner fit.
PhotonFile is a better fit when zero-knowledge retention, controlled links, live delivery, secure intake, web and desktop access, or very large files matter more than a portal presentation layer.
Choose the PhotonFile workflow
Need a WeTransfer alternative with zero-knowledge storage?
Use Relay when the job is immediate delivery. Use Vault when files need zero-knowledge storage, controlled sharing, secure intake, or access later. PhotonFile gives you both in one platform, with browser and native desktop access.