10 Best File Sharing Software for Small Business in 2025 (Free & Paid)

Small businesses lose 21% of productivity to inefficient document processes, costing $20,000+ per employee annually, according to Foxit research. Yet 72% of SMBs still rely on email attachments for file sharing—creating security vulnerabilities, version chaos, and zero visibility.

Peony provides SMB-optimized file sharing: secure links replace attachments, page-level analytics track engagement, custom branding looks professional, and enterprise security protects sensitive files—starting free. Purpose-built for small business file sharing.

Here are the 10 best file sharing solutions for small businesses in 2025.

Quick Comparison

1. Peony - Best Overall for Business File Sharing

Website: https://peony.ink

Best for: SMBs needing professional file sharing with security and analytics

Key features:

Advanced analytics:

• Track who viewed files
• Page-by-page engagement
• Time spent metrics
• Return visit tracking
• Viewer identification

Enterprise security:

• Bank-grade encryption
• Dynamic watermarks
• Screenshot protection
• Email verification
• Access controls
• Link expiration

Professional features:

• Custom branded domains
• White-label option
• Mobile-optimized
• Unlimited file storage
• Data room capabilities

Pricing:

• Free: Core features, unlimited files
• Pro: $25/month - Advanced features
• Business: $40/month - Custom branding, unlimited data rooms

Why it's best: Only solution combining professional features, security, analytics at SMB pricing.

2. Google Drive - Best for Google Workspace Users

Best for: Businesses using Gmail and Google tools

Pros:

• Familiar interface
• Good collaboration (real-time editing)
• 15GB free storage
• Integrates with Google Workspace

Cons:

• No analytics
• Basic security
• No custom branding
• Generic sharing experience
• Not professional for clients

Pricing: Free (15GB), $12/user/month (Business)

3. Dropbox - Best Brand Recognition

Best for: Simple file sync and storage

Pros:

• Reliable syncing
• User-friendly
• Mobile apps
• Version history

Cons:

• Tiny free plan (2GB)
• No analytics
• Basic security
• Expensive for teams
• No professional features

Pricing: Free (2GB), $12/user/month (Plus)

4. OneDrive - Best for Microsoft Users

Best for: Businesses using Microsoft 365

Pros:

• Microsoft ecosystem integration
• Office collaboration
• Good enterprise features
• 5GB free

Cons:

• No analytics
• Complex permissions
• Generic sharing
• Not client-facing

Pricing: Free (5GB), $7/user/month (Standalone)

5. Box - Best for Compliance

Best for: Regulated industries (healthcare, finance)

Pros:

• Strong compliance (HIPAA, FedRAMP)
• Good enterprise security
• Collaboration tools
• 10GB free

Cons:

• Limited analytics
• Expensive ($15-35/user/month)
• Complex for simple needs
• Not optimized for external sharing

Pricing: Free (10GB), Business: $15/user/month

6. WeTransfer - Best for Large File Sends

Best for: Quick large file transfers to external parties

Pros:

• Very easy to use
• Free for up to 2GB
• No account required (free)
• Fast transfers

Cons:

• No analytics
• Minimal security
• Files deleted after 7 days
• Not for ongoing collaboration
• Unprofessional for business

Pricing: Free (2GB, 7-day retention), Pro: $12/month

7. Notion - Best for Internal Documentation

Best for: Team wikis and knowledge management

Pros:

• Flexible workspace
• Good for documentation
• Generous free plan
• Team collaboration

Cons:

• Not for file sharing specifically
• No analytics
• Not secure for sensitive docs
• Basic permissions

Pricing: Free (individuals), Team: $10/user/month

8. Slack - Best for Team Communication

Best for: Teams needing file sharing within chat

Pros:

• Integrated with communication
• Quick file sharing
• Search capabilities
• Many integrations

Cons:

• File storage limits
• Not professional for external sharing
• No analytics
• Files buried in conversations

Pricing: Free (limited), Pro: $8/user/month

9. Zoho Drive - Budget Option

Best for: Zoho ecosystem users on tight budget

Pros:

• Cheap ($3/user/month)
• Integrates with Zoho suite
• 5GB free
• Team sharing

Cons:

• Limited features
• Small user base
• No advanced security
• Basic interface

Pricing: Free (5GB), Team: $3/user/month

10. iCloud - Best for Apple Ecosystems

Best for: Apple-only businesses

Pros:

• Cheap ($1/month for 50GB)
• Seamless Apple integration
• Good privacy
• Auto backup

Cons:

• Apple devices only
• Limited business features
• No analytics
• Not professional for sharing

Pricing: Free (5GB), $1/month (50GB)

Feature Comparison for Business Use

Security Comparison

Enterprise-grade: Peony, Box
Good: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox
Basic: WeTransfer, Notion, Slack, Zoho, iCloud

Analytics Comparison

Advanced: Peony only
Basic: Box (limited)
None: All others

Professional Presentation

Custom branding: Peony only
Logo customization: Some paid plans
Generic: Most free plans

Use Case Recommendations

Client/investor facing: Peony - Professional presentation, analytics, security

Internal team collaboration: Google Drive or OneDrive - Familiar, integrated

Simple file transfers: WeTransfer - Quick and easy

Apple-only teams: iCloud - Native integration

Microsoft-heavy: OneDrive - Microsoft ecosystem

Budget-constrained: Zoho Drive - Cheapest option

Small Business File Sharing Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using consumer tools for business

• Gmail personal accounts
• Free Dropbox
• WeTransfer for sensitive docs
• Impact: Security risks, unprofessional

Mistake 2: Email attachments for important files

• No tracking
• No control
• Version chaos
• Solution: Secure link sharing

Mistake 3: No file organization

• Random folders
• Poor naming
• Can't find files
• Solution: Structured approach

Mistake 4: No access controls

• Public links
• Permanent access
• Anyone can view
• Solution: Authentication, expiration

Mistake 5: No analytics

• Don't know if viewed
• Miss engagement signals
• Solution: Use platform with tracking

How Peony Serves Small Businesses

Peony provides SMB-optimized features:

Professional without enterprise pricing:

• Free plan with core features
• $25-75/month for advanced
• No per-user fees
• Unlimited files and storage

Client-ready:

• Custom branded domains
• Professional presentation
• Secure sharing
• Mobile-optimized

Complete visibility:

• Track all file access
• See engagement patterns
• Time follow-ups perfectly
• Measure effectiveness

Enterprise security:

• Bank-grade encryption
• Watermarks
• Screenshot protection
• Access controls
• Audit trails

Result: Enterprise features at small business pricing.

Conclusion

Small businesses need file sharing that's affordable, professional, secure, and provides visibility—ruling out expensive enterprise solutions and inadequate consumer tools. While free options (Google Drive, Dropbox) work for internal collaboration, client-facing file sharing requires professional features.

Peony delivers enterprise capabilities at SMB pricing: professional presentation, complete analytics, advanced security, custom branding—starting free.

Professional file sharing for SMBs: Try Peony

Related Resources

• Secure File Sharing Guide
• Top Secure File Sharing Tools
• Document Security