Head-to-head · File Transfer Services
Filemail vs Hightail
Filemail leads on 0 checks, Hightail on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFilemail · 5.9/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialboth
Filemail scores higher on our rubric for file transfer services: 5.9 against 5.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #32 and #34.
Hightail leads on max file size: 25 GB versus 5 GB.
Filemail is the better fit for broad file-transfer coverage with free access. Hightail is the better fit for creative teams needing transfer collaboration.
- Filemail fits best
Broad file-transfer coverage with free access
- Hightail fits best
Creative teams needing transfer collaboration
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Filemail 5.9/10 Visit ↗ | Hightail 5.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 5.9 | 5.7 |
| Ranking | #32 in File Transfer Services | #34 in File Transfer Services |
| Best for | Broad file-transfer coverage with free access | Creative teams needing transfer collaboration |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Tickets, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Phone |
| Compliance | GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA | SSO/SAML, GDPR |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 14 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Filemail 4/4 · Hightail 4/4 | ||
| Download tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom branding | ✓ | ✓ |
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Max file size | 5 GB | 25 GB (best) |
| Link expiry | 30 days | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Filemail is a file-transfer service for individuals, professionals, businesses, and enterprises. It supports email-based large-file transfers, secure shareable download links, receiving portals, file requests, and embedded website upload… Read the review → |
Hightail is a cloud-based service for sending, receiving, storing, and tracking large files. It suits creative teams that need more than a basic transfer link, with Spaces for file organization, recipient notifications, protected links,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Filemail — where it wins
- Free transfers with tracking and 30-day file availability
- Receiving portals, file requests, forms, and custom branding
- Web, desktop, mobile, Outlook, and REST API coverage
Where it doesn't
- Free transfers are limited to 5 GB per transfer
- Free files are available for 30 days
- API access is described as coming soon
Hightail — where it wins
- Comments, annotations, versions, approvals, tasks, and dashboards
- Integrations with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Adobe Creative Cloud
- Web, desktop, mobile, and API access support varied workflows
Where it doesn't
- Pro limits file sends to 25GB
- Custom branding is an add-on on Pro
- Advanced collaboration requires higher-tier plans
- Filemail5.9/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A broad file-transfer service with free access and options for business workflows.
Visit FilemailFull verdict → - Hightail5.7/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A file transfer service that adds review, approval, and project workflows.
Visit HightailFull verdict →
All file transfer services comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update