Tech & Software Analysis

Modern speed to replace legacy bloat. The ShareFile Alternative.

ShareFile feels like it's from 2010. Fast.io is built for today's speed, with no forced minimums or clunky menus.

Fast.io Editorial Team
Objectivity First
Dec 20, 2025
6 min read
High speed data transfer streams moving across a clean surface
Velocity is the new currency. Don't let legacy software slow you down.

Fast.io is the best ShareFile alternative for teams tired of forced 3-seat minimums, dated interfaces, and enterprise complexity.

Unlike ShareFile's legacy architecture, Fast.io is built on a modern global edge network. Experience instant portals, no seat minimums, and usage-based pricing that scales purely with your data.

The "Minimum Seat" Tax

ShareFile forces a 3-seat minimum purchase. If you're a lean team, you're paying for shelfware.

Small Team / Solo
1 Active User
Just getting started
ShareFile $52.80/mo
Fast.io Free/start

When ShareFile Might Be the Better Choice

ShareFile has been around for over a decade. For certain legacy workflows, it might still make sense.

  • Integration with Citrix If your organization is already deeply invested in the Citrix ecosystem or VDI solutions.
  • E-Signature Centric Workflows If you use RightSignature heavily and want it bundled in the exact same bill.

When Fast.io Is the Winner

Fast.io is built for the modern web—fast, clean, and intuitive.

Solo Practitioners

Why pay for 3 seats when you are 1 person? Fast.io scales from 1 to 10,000 users seamlessly.

Client-Facing Teams

Impress clients with modern portals that reflect your brand, not a 2010-era file index.

Don't let software slow you down.

ShareFile is known for being... robust. In other words, often slow and complicated. It was built for a different era of the internet, when enterprise software was expected to be clunky.

Demonstration of Fast.io Instant Streaming
Instant playback for every file version. No buffering.

Fast.io is built on modern edge technology. It feels instant, looks beautiful, and gets out of your way so you can work. Your clients will notice the difference between receiving a generic link and a branded, high-speed portal.

The Hidden Cost of Minimums

$635 Per Year Wasted

A solo consultant on ShareFile Advanced pays ~$53/month because of the 3-seat minimum. That's over $600 a year paid for two phantom employees.

Fast.io has zero per-seat fees. You pay for the storage you use. Invite your team, your clients, your freelancers—it costs the same: $0 extra.

Client Portals: First Impressions Matter

ShareFile

  • Functional but dated design
  • Often forces account creation
  • "Enterprise software" feel

Fast.io

  • Modern, beautiful interface
  • Frictionless guest access
  • Custom branding included

Feature-by-Feature

Feature Fast.io ShareFile
Pricing Model Usage-based (Credits) Per-user (min 3 seats)
Minimum Seats None (Start w/ 1) 3 Users Required
Interface Modern & Fluid Dated / Clunky
Transfer Speed Optimized Global Edge Standard
Client Portals Beautiful & Custom Basic / Functional
Video Streaming HLS adaptive streaming Progressive download
AI Search Natural language queries Basic keyword search
Guest Access Unlimited & Free Charged per user

Migration is Simple

Because Fast.io has no setup fees or contracts, you can run it alongside ShareFile while you transition.

1
Export

Download your files from ShareFile.

2
Upload

Drag and drop into Fast.io. Experience the speed difference immediately.

3
Re-share

Send new, faster links to your clients.

Common Questions

Is ShareFile owned by Citrix?

Yes, it's now part of Cloud Software Group (CSG). This means it carries the legacy "enterprise" DNA—complex pricing, seat minimums, and a focus on large deployements rather than user experience.

Do you have portals?

Absolutely. Our portals are a core feature, designed to be visually stunning and incredibly fast for your clients to use on any device.

Calculate your savings

See how much you save by removing the "minimum seat" tax.

Estimate your savings

5 Users

Affects ShareFile Premium pricing. Fast.io includes unlimited seats.

Monthly Usage

100 GB
50 GB

Your Monthly Cost

ShareFile Premium$125/mo
Fast.io$10.00/mo
ShareFile Premium
5 users × $25 (min 3)
$125
Best Value
Fast.ioPro
Fair • Usage-based Billing
$10.00/ month
Start Free Trial
Total Savings 🎉$115.00/mo

Modernize your file sharing.

Leave the legacy limits behind.