Overview: Box vs Citrix ShareFile
Box and Citrix ShareFile are leaders in secure file sharing and cloud storage for business. Both target organizations needing robust compliance, encryption, and collaboration. Box is recognized for deep integrations and workflow automation. Citrix ShareFile focuses on secure portals, large file transfers, and built-in electronic signature.
- Box emphasizes broad integrations and automated workflows.
- Citrix ShareFile enables large file transfers and secure client portals.
- Both support high-security standards and granular user controls.
Key Takeaways
- Box stands out for third-party integrations and collaboration-driven features.
- Citrix ShareFile excels with larger per-file upload limits and built-in e-signature.
- Both platforms meet strict compliance (HIPAA, FINRA, GDPR) and offer advanced encryption.
- Choose based on your workflow complexity, file size needs, and industry regulations.
| Feature | How Box handles it | How Citrix ShareFile handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Business starts at $15/user/month; Enterprise plan offers more features | Standard plan at $11.95/user/month; higher tiers for advanced features | Citrix ShareFile is lower cost at entry level |
| File upload size per file | 15GB (higher-tier plans) | Up to 100GB (depending on plan) | Citrix ShareFile |
| Compliance/integrity | HIPAA, FINRA, FedRAMP, GDPR; robust encryption; granular access | HIPAA, FINRA, GDPR; robust encryption; on-prem options | Tie |
| Collaboration tools | Extended collaboration; workflow automation | Client portals; built-in e-signature | Box for collaboration, Citrix ShareFile for portals/signature |
| User management & access controls | Granular permissions; audit trails | Granular permissions; audit trails | Tie |
| Integrations | Deep third-party integrations (partners not publicly specified) | Not publicly specified | Box |
| Mobile access | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| On-premises storage option | Not publicly specified | Available | Citrix ShareFile |
Pricing Comparison and Plan Structure
Box offers a Business plan at $15 per user per month. For advanced needs, Box’s Enterprise plan unlocks further capabilities, but public information on its pricing is limited. Citrix ShareFile starts at $11.95 per user per month for its Standard plan, with higher tiers for more advanced features. Specific minimum or maximum user numbers required per plan are not publicly specified for either service.
File Upload Limits and Storage Options
If your business regularly handles large files, Citrix ShareFile takes the lead with a maximum per-file upload size of up to 100GB, depending on your subscription. Box allows up to 15GB uploads on its higher-tier plans – more than enough for most documents, but less suitable for very large media or data files. Organizations working with large CAD files, videos, or databases may find Citrix ShareFile’s limit better aligns with their workflow needs.
Security, Encryption, and Compliance Standards
Both Box and Citrix ShareFile deliver enterprise-grade security: encryption in transit and at rest, and granular access controls. Box is certified for HIPAA, FINRA, FedRAMP, and GDPR compliance standards. Citrix ShareFile is certified for HIPAA, FINRA, and GDPR. A key Citrix ShareFile differentiator is its option for on-premises storage—valuable for businesses with data residency or extra compliance needs not covered in the cloud alone.
Collaboration Tools and Workflow Support
Box prioritizes team collaboration, offering extended capabilities for sharing, co-authoring, and automating workflows inside and outside your organization. Its automation helps streamline business processes beyond simple file storage or sharing. Citrix ShareFile, on the other hand, is designed for secure client interaction, featuring built-in e-signature (ShareFile e-signature) and granular permission control—helpful for legal, finance, or professional service environments with strict client access needs.
Access Controls, User Management, and Audit Trails
Both platforms provide granular access controls so you can manage who sees, edits, or downloads files. User management features are strong in both, although specific advanced controls or reporting functions are not detailed publicly. Each platform supports audit trails, allowing you to monitor activity for compliance and security—an essential feature for regulated industries and internal governance.
Integration Capabilities
Box distinguishes itself with deep third-party integrations, though specific integration partners are not publicly specified. This likely means easier connection with popular business suites and workflow apps. Citrix ShareFile’s integration ecosystem details are not provided, so its breadth of compatibility is unclear. For organizations with existing platforms—such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace—Box’s integration focus may be a benefit.
Mobile Access and Usability
No public details are available on the specifics of mobile app features or mobile access for either service. Both are broadly considered accessible from mobile devices, but granular details (such as offline sync or mobile collaboration) are not specified in available documentation.
Which Solution Fits Your Needs?
Box is best if your priorities include advanced collaboration, workflow automation, and the flexibility to integrate with a wide range of other business apps. Consider Box if your operations rely heavily on document collaboration or need to connect cloud storage with multiple software tools.
Citrix ShareFile is the stronger choice if secure large file transfers, client portal management, and built-in e-signature are central to your workflow. It’s particularly attractive for legal, finance, or professional service providers interacting directly with clients or handling massive files.
Conclusion
Box and Citrix ShareFile are both robust cloud storage and file sharing platforms for business. Your choice should align with your specific workflow, integration, compliance, and file size needs. Prioritize Box for collaboration-centric teams needing broad integrations; consider Citrix ShareFile when handling especially large files or requiring secure client-facing portals and e-signature compliance.
What are the main differences between Box and Citrix ShareFile?
Box stands out for its integrations and automated workflow features, while Citrix ShareFile specializes in large file support, secure portals, and integrated e-signature.
Which is more secure: Box or Citrix ShareFile?
Both offer high-level security, including encryption in transit and at rest, and support HIPAA, FINRA, and GDPR. Box adds FedRAMP certification; Citrix ShareFile offers on-premises storage.
How do Box and Citrix ShareFile compare in terms of pricing?
Box starts at $15/user/month (Business plan), while Citrix ShareFile starts at $11.95/user/month (Standard). Advanced features are priced higher for both platforms.
Which platform offers better integration with productivity suites?
Box is known for deep third-party integrations, though specific partners are not publicly listed. Citrix ShareFile’s integrations are not publicly specified.
Is Box or Citrix ShareFile better for regulated industries?
Both are strong for regulated sectors thanks to HIPAA, FINRA, and GDPR compliance. Box adds FedRAMP certification. Citrix ShareFile allows on-premises storage for extra control.
How do user management features compare between Box and Citrix ShareFile?
Both offer granular access controls and audit trails for secure file sharing and monitoring. Further advanced details aren’t publicly specified.
What compliance certifications do Box and Citrix ShareFile hold?
Box is certified for HIPAA, FINRA, FedRAMP, and GDPR. Citrix ShareFile is certified for HIPAA, FINRA, and GDPR.