Honest Comparison
PikSend vs Dropbox: Why Cloud Storage Is Not a Client Gallery
Dropbox is general-purpose cloud storage. PikSend is a client gallery platform built for photographers. Both can host your photos — but only one gives clients a gallery experience with original quality display and favorite selection.
The Short Answer
Use Dropbox if:
- You need general cloud backup and syncing
- You're sharing files with colleagues, not clients
- Storage cost is your main concern
Use PikSend if:
- Clients should browse photos in a gallery
- You want branded delivery with your logo
- You need client favorite selection
- You use Lightroom and want direct publishing
Why Photographers Move Away from Dropbox for Client Delivery
Clients See a File List, Not a Gallery
A Dropbox shared folder shows files by name: IMG_1234.jpg, IMG_1235.jpg. Clients have to click each file to see a preview. PikSend creates a visual gallery — clients browse photos like a portfolio, see them at full quality, and download what they want.
Compressed Previews Confuse Clients About Quality
Dropbox compresses image previews in the browser. Your carefully edited photos look lower quality before clients download them. This creates unnecessary confusion and questions. PikSend displays photos at original quality — the preview matches the download.
No Way for Clients to Select Favorites
In Dropbox, clients who need to select photos for albums or prints have to send you a list via email or text. PikSend has a built-in favorites feature. Clients click a heart on each photo they want. You see all selections in your dashboard. No back-and-forth.
Dropbox Branding, Not Yours
Every Dropbox shared folder has Dropbox's logo and interface. Your photography brand is invisible. PikSend Pro puts your logo, name, and colors front and center. Clients experience your brand, not PikSend's.
Feature Comparison
| Fonctionnalité | PikSend Free | PikSend Premium | PikSend Pro | Dropbox Free | Dropbox Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly Price | $0/mo | $15/mo | $29/mo | $0/mo | $9.99/mo |
Storage | 2 GB | 100 GB | 1 TB | 2 GB | 2 TB |
Client Experience | Branded gallery | Branded gallery | Branded gallery | Shared folder link | Shared folder link |
No Login Required | Partial | Partial | |||
Original Quality Display | Compressed previews | Compressed previews | |||
Custom Branding | |||||
Lightroom Plugin | |||||
Password Protection | |||||
Client Favorites | |||||
Gallery Monetization | 5% fee |
Commission la plus basse • Plugin Lightroom unique • Support ultra-rapide
Rejoignez 500+ photographes qui ont choisi PikSend
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PikSend and Dropbox for photographers?
Dropbox is general-purpose cloud storage — clients see files listed by filename. PikSend is a photo gallery platform — clients open a beautiful gallery and browse photos visually at original quality. PikSend is built specifically for photographers delivering photos to clients.
Does Dropbox compress photos?
Dropbox compresses image previews when viewed in the browser. Original files are stored without compression, but clients see lower-quality previews. PikSend displays photos at original quality in the gallery.
Is Dropbox cheaper than PikSend?
Dropbox Plus ($9.99/month for 2 TB) is cheaper on a storage basis. However, it has no gallery features: no client favorites, no branding, no Lightroom integration, no original-quality display. PikSend is purpose-built for professional photo delivery.
Can clients select favorite photos in Dropbox?
No. PikSend includes a favorites feature on all plans — clients click a heart on preferred photos and you see the selections in your dashboard.
Does PikSend have a Lightroom plugin?
Yes. PikSend Pro includes a Lightroom plugin for direct gallery uploads. Dropbox has no Lightroom integration.
Give your clients a gallery, not a folder.
Start free — 5 galleries, no credit card required. See the difference in your next delivery.