Comparison

DeadVault vs SendSafely

SendSafely offers true zero-knowledge encryption for developer-driven workflows. DeadVault is purpose-built for professional services firms who need encrypted delivery, payment gates, and automatic destruction.

Choose SendSafely if you need:

True zero-knowledge encryption, API-first integration into helpdesk platforms, or developer-controlled secure file exchange at enterprise scale.

Choose DeadVault if you need:

A ready-to-use client portal with payment gates, branded delivery, PIN protection, and enforced cryptographic erasure, without writing code or managing integrations.

Feature comparison

Feature	SendSafely	DeadVault
Primary purpose	Encrypted file exchange	Ephemeral file delivery
Encryption model	Zero-knowledge (client-side)	AES-256-GCM (server-side keys)
Per-file encryption keys	✓	✓
Automatic file destruction	Configurable expiry	Enforced deadline
Cryptographic erasure	✕	✓
Payment gates	✕	✓
No recipient account required	✓	✓
Branded client portal	✕	✓
Helpdesk integrations	Zendesk, Salesforce, Freshdesk	✕
API-first platform	✓	✕
PIN protection	✕	✓
Audit trail	✓	✓
Starting price	$30/user/mo	$19/mo flat

Where they differ

Both platforms encrypt files. The differences are in architecture, audience, and what happens after delivery.

SendSafely has true zero-knowledge encryption. DeadVault does not.

SendSafely encrypts files client-side before they ever reach the server. The provider genuinely cannot access your data. DeadVault uses AES-256-GCM with server-managed per-file keys wrapped by a master key. This means the system technically can access files before key destruction. For threat models where the provider itself is untrusted, SendSafely's architecture is stronger.

SendSafely is built for developers and support teams. DeadVault is built for professional services.

SendSafely shines as an API-first platform that plugs into Zendesk, Salesforce, and Freshdesk. It's designed for engineering teams building secure file exchange into existing workflows. DeadVault is designed for CPAs, attorneys, and financial advisors who need a standalone portal their clients can use without technical setup.

SendSafely focuses on exchange. DeadVault focuses on destruction.

SendSafely's primary value is getting encrypted files from point A to point B securely. Files can expire, but that's a secondary feature. DeadVault's entire architecture is built around the deadline, cryptographic erasure destroys encryption keys on schedule, making file data mathematically unrecoverable. The ephemeral nature isn't optional, it's the product.

SendSafely charges per user. DeadVault is flat-rate.

SendSafely's Team plan starts at $30/user/month, which scales quickly for small firms. A 5-person CPA office would pay $150/month. DeadVault is $19/month flat regardless of team size. For solo practitioners and small firms, the pricing model difference is significant.

Where SendSafely is the better choice

SendSafely has genuine technical advantages, especially around encryption architecture.

✓True zero-knowledge encryption: the provider cannot access your files, period

✓Deep integrations with Zendesk, Salesforce, Freshdesk, and other helpdesk platforms

✓API-first design for building secure file exchange into custom applications

✓Mature enterprise platform with SOC 2 compliance and extensive audit logging

✓Ideal for support teams handling sensitive attachments at scale

Common questions

In terms of the encryption model, yes. SendSafely uses true zero-knowledge, client-side encryption. They literally cannot access your files even if compelled to. DeadVault uses AES-256-GCM with server-managed keys, which means the system has access to files until keys are destroyed at the deadline. Both are strong encryption, but SendSafely's zero-knowledge model is a genuinely stronger trust architecture.

Because encryption model isn't the only consideration. DeadVault offers payment gates (collect fees on delivery via Stripe), a branded client portal, PIN protection, enforced cryptographic erasure at deadline, and flat $19/month pricing. If you're a CPA sending a tax return and collecting a preparation fee, DeadVault handles the entire workflow. SendSafely handles the file transfer part but not the business logic around it.

SendSafely allows you to set expiration on file packages, and files are deleted after expiry. However, it doesn't use cryptographic erasure, the distinction matters. DeadVault destroys encryption keys at the deadline, making the encrypted file data mathematically unrecoverable regardless of whether the ciphertext persists in backups or storage.

Yes, SendSafely supports recipient access without accounts via secure links, similar to DeadVault. Both platforms minimize friction for recipients. The difference is in the experience, DeadVault provides a branded portal with your firm's identity, while SendSafely's interface is more utilitarian and developer-oriented.

If you're a small professional services firm (CPA, law office, financial advisor) without a development team, DeadVault is likely the better fit. You get a purpose-built client portal, payment gates, and flat pricing without needing to integrate APIs or manage helpdesk plugins. If you're a support team at a SaaS company that needs to exchange files securely inside Zendesk, SendSafely is the better tool.

Built for professional services, not developer toolchains

DeadVault gives your clients a branded portal with payment gates and automatic destruction. No API keys required.

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