File-sharing software is a tool or platform that lets you send files to recipients online. But, with so many file-sharing services on the market, it can be hard to figure out which tool is the right pick for your specific needs.
This article will cover the differences between iCloud Drive and Citrix ShareFile to help you find the ideal software for your document-sharing needs. Let’s get right into it!
iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is the default data backup service on all iOS devices. It may not have as many features as other cloud storage apps like Google Drive or Dropbox, but it’s a quick and easy way to share data between Apple devices.
iCloud was launched in 2011 and accrued 850 million users by 2018.
Some of its features include:
- 5GB free cloud storage
- Automatic backup of your photos, emails, notes, and messages on all first-party iOS apps
- Supports all file types native to Apple devices
iCloud Drive Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes pre-installed
- Syncs to all devices on your app account
iCloud Drive Cons
- 128-bit encryption rather than 256-bit encryption
- Premium plans are more expensive than competitors
Citrix ShareFile
Citrix ShareFile is a cloud storage platform that lets you sync and share files. Unlike iCloud, this software primarily targets teams and businesses rather than individual consumers.
This focus on businesses is why you won’t find a free plan on its pricing page: the cheapest Citrix subscription is an annual plan that comes in at $50/month by paying for the full year in advance. But to be fair, this plan allows for up to five users, putting the monthly per-user cost at a reasonable $10/month.
With your $50 Citrix ShareFile subscription, you also get unlimited storage, unlimited client seats, and security features like two-factor authentication. You can also add additional users to your plan for an extra $9.90/month per team member.
Some of its features include:
- Custom branding
- Gmail and Outlook plugins
- Encrypted emails (in the Advanced plan and higher)
Citrix ShareFile Pros
- 256-bit encryption
- Unlimited storage
Citrix ShareFile Cons
- No free plan
- Cheapest plan is $50/month
iCloud Drive vs. Citrix ShareFile: Which is Safer?
Citrix ShareFile is the safer option. After all, it uses 256-bit encryption, while iCloud only uses 128-bit encryption. It’s also targeted toward businesses rather than individuals, meaning it’s bound to have more security features.
These include permission management, remote wipes for mobile devices, and multi-factor authentication. That said, it does cost more than iCloud, even if you go for the cheapest plan available.
Best Alternative to iCloud and Citrix ShareFile
If you’re not comfortable settling for iCloud’s 128-bit encryption but don’t want to pay $50/month for a B2B solution like Citrix ShareFile, why not try SecureDocSharing?
SecureDocSharing is a free online tool that lets you share sensitive documents, get live tracking for everyone accessing the file, and revoke viewing permissions anytime.
The cloud-hosted tool is 100% browser-based, so you won’t have to install any software to use the service. Furthermore, it works with PDF, Word, PowerPoint, JPG, and PNG files.
Other features that make SecureDocSharing the best file-sharing platform include:
- Password protection
- Custom sharing settings
- Real-time analytics
- File version syncing
Final Thoughts
As you can see, all the platforms we’ve covered in this article are viable options. It just comes down to how much storage you need, what level of security you’re looking for, and how much you’re ready to pay.
If you’re ready to start securing your files with SecureDocSharing, then click here!
