Dropbox syncs your files across devices seamlessly. But here's the trade-off: Dropbox holds the encryption keys to your data. Their employees can technically access your files, and they can be compelled to hand them over. RocketShare takes a different approach — zero-knowledge encryption where the server never has your keys.
At a glance
| RocketShare | Dropbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Zero-knowledge (AES-256-GCM) | Server-side (Dropbox holds keys) |
| Who can access files | Only you and your recipients | Dropbox can access files |
| Primary use | Secure file transfers | Cloud storage & sync |
| Free tier | 4 GB/month transfers, 10 transfers | 2 GB storage |
| Paid plans from | $3/month | $11.99/month (Plus, 2 TB) |
| Auto-expiry | 3–90 days | No (persistent storage) |
| Password protection | All plans (including free) | Paid only (Professional+) |
| Download limits | Yes | No |
| Account required (recipient) | No | Recommended |
| Data location | Amsterdam, EU | United States |
How the encryption differs
RocketShare encrypts every file with AES-256-GCM using 256-bit keys generated by the Web Crypto API — directly in your browser. The encryption key is embedded in the URL fragment (the part after #), which per RFC 3986 is never sent to the server. RocketShare cannot access your files, even under legal compulsion.
Dropbox encrypts files at rest with AES-256, but Dropbox holds the keys. This protects against external breaches, but not against access by Dropbox itself or legal requests targeting your data.
File sync vs secure transfers
Dropbox is built around persistent cloud storage and syncing. It's excellent for keeping files in sync across devices, but it's not designed for secure one-time transfers:
- Files persist indefinitely unless manually deleted
- Recipients generally need a Dropbox account for the best experience
- Shared links can be hard to manage and revoke
- You're paying for storage space, not transfer capability
RocketShare is purpose-built for secure file transfers. Files automatically expire after 3–90 days, recipients don't need an account, and you control access with password protection and download limits.
Data residency
Dropbox stores data primarily in the United States. For organizations with European data residency requirements under GDPR, this is a compliance concern that requires careful evaluation.
RocketShare stores all encrypted files in Amsterdam, EU — clear European data residency combined with zero-knowledge encryption.
Pricing
RocketShare plans:
- Free — 4 GB/month, 10 transfers, up to 7-day expiry
- Mini — $3/month — 60 GB/month, 20 transfers, up to 30-day expiry
- Starter — $7/month — 350 GB/month, 40 transfers, up to 60-day expiry
- Pro — $18/month — Unlimited transfers, up to 90-day expiry
- Teams — $15/seat/month — Unlimited transfers, seat-based billing
Dropbox plans start at $11.99/month (Plus) for 2 TB storage, with business plans from $18/user/month. These are storage plans — you're paying for persistent cloud space. RocketShare's transfer-based pricing means you pay for sending, not storing.
Why choose RocketShare
- Zero-knowledge encryption — keys never leave your browser
- EU data residency — files stored in Amsterdam
- No account needed for recipients
- Automatic file expiry — no files lingering on servers
- Password protection and download limits on all plans including free
- Starting at $3/month for paid plans
Ready to share files securely?
If you need to transfer files without handing your data to a US cloud provider, try RocketShare free — no account required to get started.