12 File Sharing Software Platforms for Business and How to Choose

Quick answer: For most businesses, the practical file sharing choices in October 2026 are the storage built into their office suite (Google Drive with Google Workspace, or OneDrive and SharePoint with Microsoft 365), a dedicated content platform such as Dropbox, Box or Egnyte, or a specialist tool: ShareFile or LeapFILE for client file exchange, WeTransfer for one-off large transfers, and Synology Drive to keep files on your own server. Three products from our 2020 list have been absorbed into other companies or could not be confirmed as still available.

File sharing software lets people store, sync and share documents, images and videos across devices, inside a company and with outsiders such as clients and suppliers. Older methods, including peer-to-peer networks, shared network drives and portable media such as USB sticks, are still used. For most businesses, though, cloud-based sharing with controlled links and permissions is now the default.

How to choose file sharing software for a business

• Follow your office suite. If your company already pays for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, the included storage (Google Drive, or OneDrive and SharePoint) is usually the cheapest and best-integrated option.
• Sharing controls. Look for link expiry, password-protected links, view-only access, and the ability to block downloads. Admins should be able to set organisation-wide rules for external sharing.
• Version history and recovery. Check how long old versions and deleted files are kept. This matters for ransomware recovery and accidental deletions.
• Compliance and data location. Regulated businesses should ask where data is stored, what audit logs exist, and which compliance standards the vendor supports.
• Client-facing needs. Accountants, lawyers and agencies that exchange files with clients often prefer a branded portal where clients can upload without creating an account.
• Cloud or on-premises. Keeping files on your own hardware (for example a Synology NAS) gives control but makes you responsible for backups and security.

File sharing platforms compared

The 12 platforms in detail

1. Synology Drive

Synology Drive runs on a Synology network-attached storage (NAS) device, giving you a private cloud on hardware you own. Synology’s documentation describes sharing links with role-based permissions, request links for collecting files from outsiders, file locking to prevent editing conflicts, on-demand sync, restoring earlier file versions, and real-time backup of computers to protect against ransomware. Desktop, web and mobile access are supported. Storage capacity depends on the NAS model and drives you buy.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive is Google’s cloud storage and file sharing service, and it is part of Google Workspace for businesses. Files sync across your devices, and you can share them with specific people or by link. Google keeps earlier versions of files, but its help centre says a previous version may be deleted after 30 days or once there are 100 newer versions, unless you mark it “Keep forever”. The original article’s claim that Drive tracks changes for the last 30 days is broadly in line with this rule.

3. Dropbox (formerly Dropbox Business)

Dropbox no longer uses “Dropbox Business” as a plan name. In October 2026 its plans page listed Basic (free, 2 GB), Basic Extra and Plus for individuals, Standard and Advanced for teams, and Enterprise with custom pricing. Dropbox also sells related products such as Dropbox Sign for e-signatures, DocSend for tracked document sharing and Replay for video review. It remains one of the simplest ways to sync and share files with colleagues and clients.

4. Box

Box now describes itself as an AI-powered content management platform that combines file sharing with workflow automation, internal and external collaboration and protection for sensitive data. It suits larger organisations that need governance, retention and integrations as well as sharing. The original article said Box was used by 50,000 companies; we could not confirm that figure on Box’s current site, so we have removed it.

5. Egnyte

Egnyte offers a content cloud for enterprises, with secure file sharing and collaboration, governance of sensitive content and AI-based search and assistants. Egnyte says more than 23,000 businesses use it. It offers a free trial. It suits organisations that need to control who can see sensitive files and track how they are used.

6. Apple iCloud

iCloud stores and syncs photos, files and backups across Apple devices. The paid iCloud+ tier adds more storage and privacy features, and a plan can be shared with up to five family members at no extra cost, according to Apple. It is designed mainly for individuals and families, so businesses that need admin controls and audit logs should look at the business-focused services in this list.

7. Microsoft SharePoint

SharePoint in Microsoft 365 is a cloud service for team sites, document libraries and intranets. Microsoft’s documentation explains that files stored in Microsoft Teams are kept in SharePoint sites, and that admins can control external sharing, retention, sensitivity labels and data loss prevention. Use SharePoint for shared team and project files.

8. ShareFile (now owned by Progress Software)

ShareFile used to be part of Citrix and later of Cloud Software Group. Progress Software completed its purchase of ShareFile on 31 October 2024. ShareFile offers file management, a secure client collaboration portal and integrated e-signatures, and it targets sectors such as professional services, financial services and healthcare. It suits firms that exchange confidential documents with clients.

9. Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive for work or school (the service once called OneDrive for Business) is the personal file storage in Microsoft 365. Microsoft’s documentation highlights Files On-Demand (seeing all files without downloading them), sharing from Outlook as links instead of attachments, Files Restore to roll a OneDrive back to any point in the past 30 days, and a recycle bin that keeps deleted work files for 93 days by default. Use OneDrive for individual work files and SharePoint for shared team files.

10. SugarSync

SugarSync is still available as a cloud file sync, sharing and online backup service that works across devices, with business plans and a free trial. As the original article described, files and folders sync to every linked device so that changes appear everywhere. Compare its business features and admin controls with your needs during the trial.

11. WeTransfer

WeTransfer remains the simplest way to send large files: you can share files, photos and videos without creating an account, and WeTransfer also sells paid plans. WeTransfer was acquired by Bending Spoons in 2024. It is a transfer service rather than long-term shared storage, so use it alongside one of the platforms above.

12. LeapFILE

LeapFILE provides secure file delivery for professional file exchange. Businesses get their own branded file exchange site, and clients can send files back without creating accounts. LeapFILE says it can send files of any size, and it offers a free trial. The original article described a locally installed app with plugins; LeapFILE now presents itself mainly as a web-based service.

Products removed from our earlier list

• SpringCM: acquired by DocuSign, and its login page now appears as Docusign CLM (contract lifecycle management). It is a contract management tool rather than general file sharing.
• Samepage: the team collaboration app still shows a login page, but its app store listing now names Paylocity as the developer, and we could not confirm that it is sold to new customers.
• Syncplicity: once owned by EMC, then Skyview Capital, then Axway (from 2017). Its website did not load for our checks in October 2026, so we could not confirm current availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most secure way to share business files?

Use a business-grade service with admin controls, share links that expire or need a password, give view-only access where possible, and turn on two-step verification for every account. Avoid sending sensitive files as email attachments.

What is the difference between OneDrive and SharePoint?

Both are part of Microsoft 365. OneDrive holds an individual’s work files, while SharePoint holds shared team sites and libraries, including the files behind Microsoft Teams channels.

Is WeTransfer safe for business files?

WeTransfer is convenient for large, non-confidential files. For confidential material, a service with access controls and audit logs, such as ShareFile, Egnyte or Box, is a safer choice.

Can I share files without the cloud?

Yes. A NAS device running software such as Synology Drive keeps files on your own hardware while still allowing remote access and sharing. You then manage backups and security yourself.

For background on the cloud services behind many of these tools, see our guides to cloud computing companies in the USA and how cloud technology can save your business money. Teams that share files during meetings may also find our web conferencing software guide useful.

Product details were checked in October 2026 against each vendor’s website and documentation, including Google’s Drive help centre, Microsoft’s SharePoint and OneDrive documentation, Dropbox’s plans page, and Progress Software’s announcement of the ShareFile acquisition. Plans and features change, so confirm details with the vendor before you buy.