What File.io is
Ephemeral file sharing service built around delete-on-first-download.
File.io is built for one-time-link sharing. Files self-destruct after the first download by default, which is the right model for credentials, one-shot drops, and quick data hand-offs. Free tier is heavily rate-limited.
Side by side
| Feature | quik.space | File.io |
|---|---|---|
| Free limit | 100 MB per file, up to 3 files, no signup, 72-hour life. | 100 MB per file on free, rate-limited, one-shot link, expires after download. |
| Default expiry | 72 hours plus 7-day grace. | Burn-on-read by default. Up to 14 days idle expiry. |
| Paid pricing | $1 to $5 per send. | Pro starts at roughly $15/month for 100 GB transfers and longer retention. |
| Signup required | No. | No on free single uploads. Account required for Pro and tracking. |
| API access | MCP + x402 for AI agents. No human-developer REST API yet. | REST API with curl-friendly endpoints. Popular for scripts. |
| Password protection | Not yet. | Available on paid plans. |
| Encryption | HTTPS in transit, encrypted at rest. Not end-to-end. | HTTPS in transit, encrypted at rest. Not end-to-end. |
| File size cap | 5 GB on $5 XL. | Up to 100 GB on top-tier paid plans. |
| AI training policy | No training on user files. | No public AI-training commitment. |
Bold cell = winner on that dimension. Last verified 2026-05-13. Competitor pricing changes; check www.file.io for current.
When to use quik.space
- Your recipient may need to download more than once or share the link onward.
- You want a calm download page, not a self-destruct warning.
- You want a one-shot $2 extend rather than a monthly Pro plan.
When to use File.io
- You are scripting from the command line and need a one-line curl upload today.
- Burn-on-read is exactly the behavior you want, for example sharing a one-time credential.
- You need a known, public REST API for human developers.
On AI training
quik.space does not train AI or ML systems on user files, and does not license user content to third parties for training. File.io: No public AI-training commitment.
Frequently asked
Is File.io's burn-on-read the same as quik.space's 72-hour expiry?
No. File.io defaults to delete after the first successful download. quik.space deletes after 72 hours regardless of downloads. Both are short-lived, but File.io is more aggressive about single-use.
Does quik.space have a curl-friendly API?
Not yet for human developers. The MCP endpoint at quik.space/mcp is the AI-agent path and uses x402 for payment. A public REST API for humans is on the roadmap.
What is quik.space's equivalent of File.io Pro?
There is no Pro tier. Instead, you pay per action: $2 to extend a file by 30 days, $5 to upload up to 5 GB, $5 to create a 30-day space. No subscription, no monthly cap.
Are paid File.io transfers faster?
Pro plans on File.io get higher rate limits. quik.space does not throttle free users by IP, but does cap free file size at 100 MB.