You need to collect files from clients, students, guests, or team members. Three common approaches: Dropbox File Request, Google Drive shared folder, or a dedicated upload link. Here's how they actually compare in practice.
Dropbox File Request
How it works: You create a request in Dropbox, get a link, share it. People upload files to your Dropbox folder without needing a Dropbox account.
What's good: - Uploaders don't need an account - Files go straight to a folder you control - Clean, simple interface
What's not: - 2 GB total storage on the free plan — that's ~400 photos or one short video - Uploads count against YOUR Dropbox quota - No resume on failed uploads — drop connection on a 500 MB file, start over - No way to specify which files you need (no checklist) - No password protection on the upload link - No expiration control — the link stays active until you delete it - No branding — the page says "Dropbox" not your company
Google Drive (shared folder)
How it works: Create a folder, set sharing to "Anyone with the link can edit," share the link. People drag files into the folder.
What's good: - 15 GB free storage — much more than Dropbox - People can see what others uploaded (can be good or bad) - Works within Google Workspace teams
What's not: - Uploaders need a Google account — this is the dealbreaker for external people - Anyone with the link can delete or modify files, not just add - No structure — 30 people dump files into one flat folder - No way to know who uploaded what without checking file metadata - No notifications when new files arrive - Folder is permanent unless you manually change permissions - No upload progress for large files
Dedicated upload link (getfiles.app)
How it works: Create an upload page at getfiles.app, share the link. Uploaders see a clean page, drag in files, done. You download everything as ZIP.
What's good: - No account needed — not for you, not for uploaders - No storage limits tied to your personal cloud - Resumable uploads — connection drops don't restart the upload - File checklists — specify exactly what you need, see what's missing - Password protection for sensitive documents - Expiration dates with automatic cutoff - Custom branding — your logo and colors - Real-time dashboard with notifications - Works in 19 languages
What's not: - Temporary by design — not for permanent storage (download your files) - Not integrated into Google Drive or Dropbox (you download a ZIP)
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Dropbox Request | Google Drive | getfiles.app |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uploader needs account | No | Yes (Google) | No |
| Free storage | 2 GB | 15 GB | Generous |
| Resume uploads | No | Partial | Yes |
| File checklist | No | No | Yes |
| Password protection | No | No | Yes |
| Expiration control | No | No | Yes |
| Custom branding | No | No | Yes |
| Real-time notifications | Email only | No | Yes (live dashboard) |
| Download as ZIP | No (manual) | No (manual) | Yes (one click) |
Which to choose
Use Dropbox File Request if you're already paying for Dropbox, have enough storage, and are collecting files from a few people for simple projects.
Use Google Drive if everyone involved has a Google account and you're working within a team that's already on Google Workspace.
Use a dedicated upload link if you're collecting files from external people (clients, guests, candidates, students) who may not have any particular cloud account, or if you need features like checklists, branding, or password protection.
→ getfiles.app — free, 10 seconds to set up, no account needed.