SendSafely

SendSafely is an end-to-end encrypted platform for sending sensitive files and messages. It encrypts files on the sender's device using OpenPGP with AES-256; its split-key design means SendSafely cannot decrypt their contents. Recipients can open files in a modern browser without an account after confirming access with a one-time passcode by email or SMS. Senders can set expiration dates, revoke access, restrict views or downloads, and use view-only mode or watermarking. Native integrations include Outlook, Gmail, Slack, Salesforce, Zendesk, Freshdesk, and Intercom. Developers can use a REST API and client libraries for Python, Java, .NET, and Node.js, though API access requires Business or higher. The Personal plan includes 50 MB per month, and trial users are limited to 2 GB of uploads. Paid plans start at $10 per month, and a 14-day trial is listed. SendSafely lists SOC 2 Type 2, PCI DSS, GDPR, and CCPA support; HIPAA business associate agreements are available on Enterprise plans. It runs on AWS, with regional hosting options in the United States, European Union, or Australia on Business and Enterprise plans.

SendSafely focuses on encrypted file and message transfer, with recipient verification and controls over access. Check its plan limits and API requirements against your expected transfer volume and integration needs.

SendSafely suits teams that transfer sensitive files and messages, especially those working with regulated data. Its access controls and integrations may also suit organizations that want encrypted transfers within tools such as email, chat, or customer service platforms.

Overview

SendSafely is an encrypted file and message transfer service for people and teams sharing sensitive information. It is best suited to organizations that need verified recipients and control over access after sending; its lower plans impose tight transfer limits, while more capable team options carry higher costs.

Key features

Verified, controlled sharing

Files are encrypted on the sender’s device with OpenPGP and AES-256, and SendSafely’s split-key design prevents the service from decrypting their contents. Recipients can open files in a modern browser without an account, after verifying through a one-time passcode sent by email or SMS. That makes external sharing less burdensome than requiring every recipient to sign up, while retaining an identity check.

Senders can set custom expiration dates, revoke access, restrict views or downloads, and enable view-only mode or watermarking. Password protection, audit logs, and admin controls add useful oversight for sensitive transfers. These controls are a stronger fit for regulated or confidential exchanges than for people who simply need a high-volume, low-cost way to move ordinary files.

Integrations and developer tools

Native integrations include Outlook, Gmail, Slack, Salesforce, Zendesk, Freshdesk, and Intercom, allowing teams to work through familiar business tools. A REST API and client libraries for Python, Java, .NET, and Node.js support custom workflows, but API access requires Business or higher. That makes the developer path substantially less accessible than the basic plans.

Compliance, hosting, and support

SendSafely lists support for SOC 2 Type 2, PCI DSS, GDPR, and CCPA, with HIPAA business associate agreements available on Enterprise. It runs on AWS; Business and Enterprise customers can choose regional hosting in the United States, European Union, or Australia. Team pricing includes online support, while Enterprise customers can add premium 24x7 support with named contacts and guaranteed SLAs. HALO collects files within AI chatbot workflows using client-side encryption, but it is an Enterprise feature.

Pricing

SendSafely has a free Personal plan, paid plans, a 14-day trial, and custom-priced consumption options. Trial users are limited to 2 GB of uploads, so the trial is not a route to unrestricted evaluation.

Consumption plans use custom, volume-based pricing rather than seat licensing: bandwidth billing is per GB transferred, while package billing is per package. Both include a usage dashboard. These options can suit organizations that prefer metered transfer costs to fixed seats, but the price depends on volume.

Platforms

SendSafely supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web, with an extension and API also available. This broad platform range accommodates mixed-device teams, though API access still depends on buying Business or higher.

Who it's for

SendSafely is a considered choice for teams exchanging confidential or regulated files with external recipients, especially when they need expiry, revocation, verification, audit logs, or integration into business tools. It is less compelling for occasional personal use beyond the small Personal allowance, or for teams whose main priority is the lowest cost at high transfer volumes.

Pros and cons

• Strong recipient-side controls: passcode verification, revocation, expiry, and view or download limits help keep shared files bounded.
• Encryption designed to keep contents inaccessible to the service: local OpenPGP/AES-256 encryption and split keys address a key concern in sensitive transfers.
• Useful workplace reach: integrations span email, collaboration, CRM, and support tools, with multiple language libraries for custom workflows.
• Low-end quotas are restrictive: Personal allows 50 MB monthly and Basic 250 MB/month, limiting frequent or sizeable transfers.
• Important capabilities require higher tiers: API access starts at Business, while HALO and HIPAA BAAs require Enterprise.
• Team plans have defined ceilings and annual billing: Team and Business specify bandwidth and package limits and are billed annually, which may not suit fluctuating usage.

Alternatives

For a free, open-source project across desktop, web, mobile, and self-hosted platforms, consider rclone. pCloud may suit readers who prefer storage plans, including a free 10 GB option and a 500 GB Premium tier. For a paid managed-transfer product with a free trial, Progress MOVEit Transfer is another option. Files.com is a paid alternative whose Starter plan includes 10 Full Users, 50 System Users, two outbound connections, and 1 TB monthly storage, at $199 a month billed monthly. Wing FTP Server offers a free edition with one domain, 10 user accounts per domain, 10 connections per domain, and FTP/HTTP transfer. FileFast has a free plan for occasional personal transfers, with 5 GB per transfer and 10 GB storage. Filestack offers a free tier with 1 GB bandwidth, 500 uploads, and 1 GB storage. Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server is a paid alternative priced at $335 a month per server.

See also our File transfer services and Secure File Transfer Software lists.

Verdict

Choose SendSafely when recipient verification, encryption, and post-send access controls matter more than a generous low-cost allowance. Its integrations and compliance-oriented options make it well suited to teams handling sensitive data, but the small entry-plan quotas, annual team billing, and Business-or-higher API requirement are reasons to look elsewhere if volume, flexibility, or price is the priority.