SteadyLink vs Dropbox
Dropbox is storage and sync for your working files, and it gives you a lot of space for the price. SteadyLink is for publishing. Its links serve the file itself, work in websites, emails and QR codes, and stay the same when you replace the file. Keep your working files in Dropbox, and publish the final versions people link to through SteadyLink.
At a glance
| Feature | SteadyLink | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
| Built around | Publishing files at stable links | Storing, syncing and sharing your files |
| What a link opens | The file itself | A preview page by default |
| Embed in a web page | Designed for it, including img tags | Possible with raw=1, but not what links are made for |
| Replace a file, keep the link | Replace creates a new revision on the same link | Saving over the same file usually keeps its link |
| Link to an exact old version | Yes, with ?v=N | No, not through the same link |
| Image resizing by URL | Yes | No |
| Desktop sync | No, use the CLI or rclone | Yes, a core feature |
| Storage for the price | 50 GB for $9 | 2 TB for about $12 |
Pricing
SteadyLink
- Free$0
10 GB storage, 50 GB / month delivery, 1 member
- Personal$9 a month, or $7.50 billed yearly
50 GB storage, 100 GB / month delivery, 1 member
- Pro$39 a month, or $32.50 billed yearly
100 GB storage, 1 TB / month delivery, 5 members
- Business$129 a month, or $107.50 billed yearly
500 GB storage, 3 TB / month delivery, 20 members
Dropbox
- Basic$0
2 GB storage
- Plus$11.99 a month, or $9.99 billed yearly
2 TB storage, 1 person
- Standard$18 per user a month, or $15 billed yearly
From 3 TB for the team
Where Dropbox is the better choice
Lots of storage for the price
2 TB on Plus is far more space than any SteadyLink plan at a similar price.
Sync across devices
Your files stay in step on every computer and phone through its apps.
Everyday collaboration
Shared folders, comments and office integrations make it a good home for work in progress.
Where SteadyLink is the better choice
Links that serve the file
No preview page in the way, so the link works in websites, apps, emails and printed QR codes.
Replacing a file is the main workflow
Open the file, choose Replace, and the link stays the same. The same works from the CLI with steadylink replace, from the API and SDKs, and over the S3-compatible API.
Every revision kept and linkable
Each replacement is a numbered revision you can restore. A pinned link like ?v=3 keeps serving one exact revision and is cached for a year.
Publishing controls
Malware scanning before delivery, private files with signed links that expire, and replacement requests you approve.
Which one to pick
Pick Dropbox if
- You mainly need your files on every device
- Links are opened by people who are fine with a preview page
- You need a lot of storage for working files
Pick SteadyLink if
- Links are used by websites, apps, emails or printed QR codes
- The file behind a link changes and the link must not
- You want revisions, rollback and pinned versions
- You want direct delivery with image resizing
Questions
Can I use Dropbox links to embed images on a website?
Dropbox shared links open a preview page by default. Parameters such as raw=1 can serve the file itself, but shared links are designed for sharing with people rather than embedding.
Does a Dropbox shared link keep working when I update the file?
Generally yes, if you save the new version over the existing file at the same path. Deleting the file and uploading a new copy can break the link.
Does SteadyLink sync files to my computer?
No. SteadyLink is for publishing files, not syncing them. You can script uploads with the CLI or use rclone over its S3-compatible API.
Can I use both Dropbox and SteadyLink?
Yes. Many teams keep working files in Dropbox and publish the final versions that need a permanent public link through SteadyLink.
More comparisons
All comparisonsTry SteadyLink with one file you update often.
Free plan with 10 GB. No card required.