WeTransfer is optimised for convenience. Konfidant is optimised for confidentiality. Here's what that difference means for your sensitive files.
Try Konfidant freeBottom line
WeTransfer is the right tool for moving large files fast. Konfidant is the right tool when the file must not exist after it's been read.
If speed and convenience are the priority and the content isn't sensitive, WeTransfer works fine. If you're sending credentials, legal documents, medical records, or anything that should disappear on delivery—WeTransfer has no mechanism for that. Konfidant does.
How Konfidant and WeTransfer handle encryption, data retention, and access control.
| Feature | Konfidant | WeTransfer |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encrypted | ||
| File destroyed after first download | ||
| Zero-knowledge storage (provider can't read files) | ||
| One-time access links | ||
| Access audit log with timestamps | ||
| Custom domain for download links | ||
| No account required to receive files | ||
| Recipient can re-share the link | ||
| Automatic file expiry | On first access | After 7 days (free) |
| GDPR-compliant deletion | Partial |
The headline difference is burn-on-read. But there are four areas where the tradeoffs run deeper.
WeTransfer encrypts files in transit (TLS) and at rest (AES-256). But WeTransfer holds the encryption keys. That means WeTransfer staff, infrastructure attackers, and law enforcement with a valid order can access your files.
Konfidant encrypts files client-side before upload. The decryption key is embedded in the download link—never stored on Konfidant's servers. Konfidant never holds plaintext.
WeTransfer free stores files for 7 days. WeTransfer Pro lets you set custom expiry dates. But expiry is time-based—the file stays accessible to anyone with the link until that date, regardless of whether it's already been downloaded.
Konfidant deletes the file the moment it's first downloaded. Not after a day. Not after a week. The moment. The link is dead. The file is gone.
WeTransfer links can be forwarded. Your recipient can share the transfer link with others, and everyone can download before the expiry window closes. WeTransfer has no concept of a one-time link.
Konfidant links are single-use by design. After the first download completes, the link is invalidated. There's nothing left to forward.
For regulated industries—legal, healthcare, finance—WeTransfer's model creates exposure. Files persist on WeTransfer's servers. WeTransfer holds the keys. There's no audit trail for who downloaded what, or when.
Konfidant logs every access event with a timestamp and IP address. Files are gone after delivery. For GDPR, HIPAA, and attorney-client privilege requirements, ephemeral delivery is the safer model.
They're different tools built for different jobs. Here's a simple decision guide.
Use WeTransfer when
Use Konfidant when
No. WeTransfer encrypts files in transit (TLS) and at rest (AES-256), but WeTransfer holds the encryption keys. This means WeTransfer staff and law enforcement with a valid order can access your file content. End-to-end encryption—where only sender and recipient hold the keys—is not something WeTransfer offers. Konfidant uses client-side encryption so neither Konfidant nor any third party can read your files.
No. WeTransfer files remain accessible until the expiry window closes—7 days on the free plan, or a custom period on paid plans. The file stays on WeTransfer's servers and accessible to anyone with the link until that window expires, regardless of whether it's already been downloaded. Konfidant permanently deletes the file from storage the moment the first download completes.
WeTransfer is not recommended for sharing protected health information (PHI). WeTransfer holds encryption keys and stores files for the duration of the expiry window. For HIPAA compliance you need a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and a zero-knowledge, ephemeral storage model. Konfidant's burn-on-read architecture means PHI is deleted the moment the recipient downloads it—significantly reducing exposure.
Anyone with the link can download the file until the expiry window closes. WeTransfer has no concept of a one-time link—your recipient can forward it freely, and all subsequent recipients can also download before expiry. With Konfidant, the link is single-use. Once the first download completes, the link is dead and the file no longer exists.
WeTransfer Pro provides basic delivery notifications but not a detailed audit log with IP addresses, timestamps, or download verification. Konfidant logs every access event with a timestamp and IP address, giving you a verifiable record of when your file was accessed—useful for legal, compliance, and due diligence scenarios.
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