Detailed comparison: Couchdrop vs Files.com

What is Files.com?

Files.com is a modern cloud SFTP and file sharing and collaboration platform designed for data teams. Emphasizing transfer automation and security, Files.com helps large organizations ensure that their information is protected and shared securely. With thousands of customers across key industries like healthcare, finance, and tech, they help organizations around the world transfer files securely. 

Built for file sharing and collaboration for data teams and enterprises, Files.com has several types of integrations, including cloud storage platforms, big data, SDKs, and iPaaS. It also has a built-in file collaboration system. This combination makes it a versatile platform for file transfers, document collaboration, and event monitoring.

Recent releases are focusing on AI integrations, like support for the model context protocol to connect AI agents to your Files.com instance to update settings and review data. 

What is Couchdrop?

Couchdrop is a platform for secure b2b file exchange, aiming to be the simplest and most straightforward option for cloud SFTP and secure file transfers. Serving organizations from sole proprietors to major corporate entities, the goal of Couchrop is to be simple enough for anyone to use, including setup, configuration, and management, while still having the security and features that Enterprises depend on. 

Along with SFTP and FTP transfers, Couchdrop offers AS2 support, Static IPs, and whitelabelling in the Business Plan and above. There are multiple ways for external users to upload files, including by email attachment, via web portal, or automation that can move files immediately when they are uploaded to a specific directory.

Couchdrop shines as a platform for backend and automated file transfers between organizations as opposed to collaboration and file sharing. Couchdrop has been developed to allow non-techie (and techie) users to transfer files with SFTP, FTP, and AS2, and automate transfers from any source to cloud storage like SharePoint without writing code.

You can think of Couchdrop as a connector or pipe to the storage platforms you and your business partners already use as opposed to a place where your files live permanently.

Platform integrations

Platform integrations are one of the most important parts of MFT platforms, as you can't transfer between systems that aren't supported. Both Couchdrop and Files.com have simple, native connections to many different platforms. 

Files.com supports dozens of integrations, but trades some cloud storage connections for other types. For cloud storage, they support popular platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Dropbox, but lack integrations with platforms like Egnyte, ShareFile, and Digital Ocean Spaces. 

Instead, they have a range of integration types like storage platforms, iPaaS & SDKs, Events & SIEM, and their own apps like the Files.com Editor. They are also leaning heavily into the AI space with support for the MCP protocol using their MCP server, an open-source Python-based server that connects to AI tools like Claude desktop. 

Couchdrop also supports dozens of platform integrations including SharePoint, Google, Dropbox, and Box, as well as ones Files.com doesn't like Engyte and Sharefile. The most popular cloud storage platforms for businesses have simple, native connections that can be configured in seconds or minutes. Couchdrop can also connect to systems on on-prem file servers and any application that supports SFTP connections, meaning you can SFTP from a proprietary, on-prem system directly to cloud storage like SharePoint. 

Along with cloud storage platforms, Couchdrop integrates with popular SSO and SIEM solutions as well. Zapier and Make.com are supported to extend automation capabilities, and logging to Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Datadog, and ELK means you can review events across systems in one place. 

Storage and Transfers

The way that platforms handle protocol support, storage, and the transfer process can affect both performance and security. 

With Files.com, many storage platforms connect to the Files.com network first. When using the Files.com network, files are stored temporarily before sending them to their destination. The network is used for any transfers using FTP, SFTP, or WebDAV, and files transferred via these protocols are temporarily stored in Amazon S3 and default to the US Standard Region. 

Files.com offers hosted storage as well. On standard plans without an annual commitment, Files.com charges a per GB price. This extends to transfers too, which use allocated bandwidth. While organizations can have as much storage and transfer as they'd like, the usage costs can add up quickly with large requirements.  

One of the highlights of Couchdrop is that it transfers files directly between storage without storing them, meaning your files stay within your own accounts at all times. With this method, Couchdrop uses the mainstream and public APIs of the storage providers to upload, download, and list information, and does not store or retain data on any of its servers when transferring between your own storage accounts. All transfers use end-to-end encryption. 

Hosted storage is also included in all plans, and there are no transfer limits on Business plans. This means you can run as many transfers as needed without having to worry about surcharges or overages. Couchdrop includes 1TB of hosted storage on the Essentials plan and 5TB on the Business plan. There are no additional charges for storing or transferring data. 

Document collection and sharing 

External users can transfer files via SFTP, FTP, or AS2 using their client of choice, but both Couchdrop and Files.com support several other methods of file collecting and sharing as well.

Files.com has a feature called an Inbox to route email attachments. With an email inbox, any attachment sent to a specific email is automatically uploaded to a connected folder, which can be a folder from any supported integration. This effectively allows users to email files directly to cloud storage without having access to the storage account. 

For sharing files, Files.com has two kinds of Shared Links. A Live Share Link is a link to the live version of the file. When using Live links, users have the option to preview, download, upload, or have full access to the file or folder. A Snapshot Link makes a copy of a file at the moment the link is created and links to the copy. Users can only download files from Snapshot Links, and the copies are deleted when the link expires. 

Couchdrop has a few useful methods for collecting files that can be suitable for different types of businesses. Like Files.com Inboxes, Mailboxes are unique email addresses where any attachments sent to the email are automatically uploaded to a connected folder, which can be a folder from any supported integration.

Upload Links generate a unique URL for file uploads that can include a description, help text, and a custom form. They can also be password-protected or require a user login, and Couchdrop supports collecting metadata and multiple files from users. Whitelabeling is an option in the Admin panel where organizations can customize the portal and add their own branding

For sharing files, Shared Links are simple, ad-hoc ways to share files or folders.  Easily share files with the option to make the Shared Link one-time use, so the link can only be used to download a file a single time.  

Shared Links, Upload Links, and Mailboxes can all be configured to restrict access to allowed emails only for further security. 

Automations

Automating file transfers can be one of the most useful features for an MFT platform. With the right automation capabilities, secure transfers can basically be a set-and-forget process, reducing both technical overhead and the chance of errors. 

Files.com has a no-code automation builder with support for scheduling and event-based triggers. Filtering allows the automation to only affect specific files, such as ones with a .csv extension.

6 actions are currently supported for creating, copying, moving, deleting, and importing files, along with running a sync to trigger a configured remote server sync, which can be set with sync execution order and serialization. Further automation actions can be run by using one of Files.com iPaaS integrations like Zapier. 

Couchdrop automations are both more powerful and more versatile. Along with the same actions (except Run Sync), Couchdrop also supports encryption/decryption using PGP or AES encryption, compression & decompression, creating empty files, extracting variables, and firing a webhook. 

In addition, Couchdrop's automation system allows for multi-step automations in a single flow. This allows you to run complex workflows like taking an inventory report from an on-prem system, making multiple copies with different names, and sending each renamed copy to a different storage platform. Instead of having to create a separate automation for each part of the process, one workflow can include every step. 

There are also more options for triggers and filtering conditions. Along with the file name and extension, conditions can also be for Users or Groups. Triggers can be on a set schedule or based on events, which can include when a file is uploaded through an Upload Link, received in a Mailbox, or downloaded through a Shared Link. 

Like Files.com, Couchdrop can also connect to iPaaS platforms using the Zapier or Make.com integration. These create a folder in the Couchdrop file system and any file uploaded to the folder will send a webhook to the automation platform to trigger an automation configured there. 

All of these options mean that even intricate, multi-function transfers can be set-and-forget processes using Couchdrop automated file transfers. 

Security and compliance

With managed file transfer platforms being targeted by attackers due to the amount and types of files flowing through the platforms, it's essential that the MFT platform is reinforced with powerful security. 

Files.com has several security controls that can be used to prevent unauthorized access and protect data. IP whitlelisting, country restrictions, and password requirements can all be set across the organization, as well as enforced 2FA. Unencrypted FTP connections can also be disabled. 

For sensitive documents, Files.com has virtual data rooms that only authorized users can access, and Clickwrap agreements allow policies and disclaimers to be presented and accepted.  Features like HIPAA infrastructure and SIEM integration are available as add-ons or the Premier Plan, as well as fully separate environments for staging, testing, and/or development.

Couchdrop is secure enough for the most stringent enterprise requirements, with security settings that can be adjusted per user or for the whole organization. MFA and strong passwords can be enforced, protocol use restricted (like insecure FTP), and features disabled across the organization. You can also set Network ACLs, bind access to a specific region, and set Shared Links and Upload Links to require a password or be one-time use. 

Folders can also be set to be encrypted or decrypted using PGP on upload or download automatically by directly editing folder properties. AES encryption/decryption is also supported as part of a Couchdrop workflow. 

Many MFT platforms, including Files.com, have data retention policies for how long files are stored and backed up on their servers. When using Couchdrop with your own storage, many of these settings aren't needed because the files are never stored by the platform at any point. This provides heightened security and lowers risk compared to having another point where important or sensitive files could be potentially accessed. 

Pricing

Depending on your use case, pricing can differ significantly between Files.com and Couchdrop. 

Files.com has a base starter plan that can be purchased immediately and is billed monthly. While simple to get started, the plan comes with significant limitations and is mostly suited for small groups of users with limited transfer requirements. 

The Power plan includes all core file transfer features, basic support, and can have a GDPR Data Processing Addendum for organizations subject to GDPR. The Premier Plan increases Support capabilities, gives access to priority beta features and archive-only mode, and the option to include a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement. Several features are add-ons that will increase the total subscription cost. 

For storage, users are charged both for files directly stored by Files.com, as well as transfer usage, which applies when bytes are transferred through the Files.com network (which includes most transfer types). This can drop to a lower per GB price depending on plans, usage, and commitment.

Couchdrop takes a simple approach to pricing with transparent month-to-month plans. Couchdrop Link is for users who need a single, secure transfer connection to cloud storage and includes hosted storage, advanced authentication, and unlimited admin users. 

The Business Plan offers up to 100 users or endpoints, unlimited transfer per month, AS2 Support, and support for Inbound S3 and Webhooks. Enterprises that need dedicated infrastructure, premium support, custom SLAs, or that have hundreds or thousands of users can benefit from the Enterprise Plan. 

All plans are month-to-month with no lock-in and can be changed or upgraded at any time. 

Support and customer experience

Both Files.com and Couchdrop are leaders in the MFT space with solid ratings from their user base. 

Files.com is rated highly on G2, earning 4.6 stars out of 5.  Critical reviews mostly mention experience with support or changes to pricing, although much of the latter seems to be complaints about a one-off change to pricing structure instead of the experience using the product. 

Besides some reviews mentioning a poor experience, most users find support from Files.com to be good. Standard support is included for all users and is available by phone and email. The main drawback is that the team is only available during US business hours, meaning that there's no help available for nights, weekends, or holidays. Enterprise support is available 24/7 as an add-on with a 30-minute SLA. 

Couchdrop has an excellent review score of 4.9 out of 5 stars on G2. Customers are pleased with the simple interface, range of cloud storage integrations, and autoscaling, as well as the options for automated file transfers. The support team is regularly mentioned as being knowledgeable, friendly, and able to solve issues quickly. 

A major advantage of Couchdrop is that support is included in all plans and is always available. This means you can configure the platform and make transfers with confidence, knowing that someone is always around to help if needed. The typical support response time is within a day and often much faster, and can be upgraded to a 30-minute SLA with the Premium Support add-on. 

Couchdrop has consistently won awards from G2 in the MFT space, earning Best Support for several consecutive years. 

Who should consider each solution? 

Files.com and Couchdrop share a lot of similarities, but branch out in different areas that make them suitable for different types of organizations. 

Files.com may be appropriate for:

  • Businesses needing a range of different types of integration like connections to SDKs and chat apps 
  • Users who want a single platform for secure file transfers and document collaboration that includes a desktop and mobile app
  • Organizations looking to adopt AI across platforms and want to connect their LLM system as part of their MFT platform
  • Companies that require a dedicated syncing feature with configurable options like sync execution order

Couchdrop is the best choice for:

  • Businesses with trading partners, vendors, and external users across a range of cloud storage platforms like Google, Microsoft, Egnyte, and ShareFile 
  • Users who want a set-and-forget automation solution that requires no technical knowledge and supports multiple steps
  • Companies that need multiple file collection and sharing methods, particularly as part of workflow processes
  • Organizations looking for greater security by not having their files stored by the platform at any time
  • Businesses that want access to a knowledgeable, helpful support team beyond standard US business hours 
  • Companies that prefer predictable and reliable month-to-month pricing with the freedom to change, upgrade, or cancel at any time 

Find out why Couchdrop is the top Files.com alternative

With a wide range of cloud storage platform integrations, powerful automated file transfers that require no code, and a support team that's always available, Couchdrop is a Files.com alternative suitable for businesses of all sizes. Simple, reliable, and secure, Couchdrop is straightforward enough for anyone to use yet capable enough for the most intense and demanding enterprise workflows. 

If you're wondering if Couchdrop will work for your use case, you can try it for yourself free for 14 days without having to go through a sales call or request a demo first. Simply sign up and get full access to Business Plan features for 14 days. To get started, register for an account and start your free trial now.