Share Files, Not Accounts
Dropbox is great for syncing, but sharing files should not require your recipient to create an account. Stash makes sharing instant and frictionless.
Why Dropbox is not ideal for sharing
Recipients need a Dropbox account
While Dropbox offers link sharing, recipients often get prompted to sign up or download the app. Stash links open directly in the browser with no account walls or app prompts.
Dropbox can see your files
Dropbox encrypts files in transit and at rest, but they hold the encryption keys. This means Dropbox employees or anyone who gains access could potentially view your files. Stash uses end-to-end encryption—only you and your recipients can decrypt.
Storage limits push you to pay
Dropbox's free 2 GB fills up fast, especially if you are syncing files across devices. Stash is designed for sharing, not syncing, so you are not paying for storage space you do not need.
Too many features for simple sharing
Dropbox tries to do everything: sync, backup, collaboration, signatures. If you just want to share a file, all that complexity gets in the way. Stash does one thing well—share files instantly.
Dropbox vs Stash: Different tools for different jobs
Use Dropbox when:
- • You need files synced across your devices
- • You collaborate with the same team regularly
- • You want automatic backup of folders
Use Stash when:
- • You want to share a file quickly with anyone
- • Recipients should not need accounts
- • You need true end-to-end encryption
Stash vs Dropbox for sharing
| Feature | Dropbox | Stash |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient Account Required | Yes (for full access) | No |
| End-to-End Encryption | No (Dropbox can access files) | Yes (AES-256-GCM) |
| Free Storage | 2 GB total | No storage limits |
| Link Sharing | Available | Available |
| File Sync | Yes (main feature) | No (sharing focused) |
| Native Apple App | Yes | Yes (optimized for Apple) |
| Simplicity | Complex (many features) | Simple (sharing only) |
See how simple sharing can be
Try Stash in your browser. No account required.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cancel Dropbox for Stash?
Not necessarily. Dropbox is excellent for file syncing and backup. Stash is specifically for sharing files with others. Many people use both—Dropbox for their own files, Stash for sharing with others.
Will my recipients see ads or signup prompts?
No. When someone opens your Stash link, they see a clean download page. No ads, no account prompts, no app install nags. Just your file ready to download.
What about file versioning and history?
Stash is designed for one-time sharing, not version control. If you need file history and versioning, Dropbox is the right tool. For quick shares where you just want someone to download a file, Stash is faster and simpler.
Simpler sharing starts here
Download Stash and share files the easy way—no accounts, no complexity.