Lite
$0
always free
Includes 2GB storage, 100MB file sends, limited previews, seven-day expiration, and basic comments.
Check current pricing →H
Hightail
Hightail is a cloud platform for large-file sharing, creative review, approvals, and visual project management.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
Hightail combines large-file transfer, visual review, approvals, version comparison, integrations, and project tracking. Review platforms report generally positive usability and feature feedback, while some users mention transfer-speed and workflow limitations.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
Hightail Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Platforms
Android, API, iOS, macOS, Web, Windows
TechZella assessment
8.2/10
Overview
Hightail is a cloud-based file-sharing and creative collaboration platform operated by OpenText. It supports large-file transfers, content review, annotations, approvals, project discussions, and deadline tracking.
The service began as YouSendIt in 2004 and adopted the Hightail name in 2013. OpenText acquired Hightail in February 2018. Its primary audience includes creative teams, marketing departments, agencies, and external clients.
Hightail Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supports large files, including transfers up to 500GB on Business.
- Combines file delivery with review, approval, and project features.
- Provides unlimited storage on paid plans.
- Integrates with common cloud-storage and creative applications.
- Offers a free plan and a no-credit-card trial.
Cons
- Lite has a 100MB file-send limit and 2GB storage limit.
- Advanced collaboration requires higher-tier plans.
- Annual pricing is lower than monthly pricing, which increases commitment.
- Business requires at least three users.
- Some independent reviews report inconsistent transfer speed or workflow friction.
Hightail Pricing & Plans
Pro
$12
per month, billed annually
Includes unlimited storage, 25GB file sends, configurable expiration, tracking, notifications, password protection, and up to five nested folders. Monthly billing is listed at $15.
Check current pricing →Teams
$24 per user
per month, billed annually
Supports one to 30 users, 50GB file sends, unlimited storage, version control, side-by-side comparison, discussions, approvals, dashboards, and team management. Monthly billing is listed at $30 per user.
Check current pricing →Business
$36 per user
per month, billed annually
Requires three or more users and supports 500GB file sends, advanced collaboration, organization controls, SSO by arrangement, admin reports, and dedicated support. Monthly billing is listed at $45 per user.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
Hightail Competitors & Alternatives
Compare similar products directly, then see which alternatives may make more sense when your requirements differ.
Direct competitors
These products address broadly similar requirements. The descriptions focus on documented reasons a buyer might compare them with Hightail.
Hightail Features
File Sharing
- Large-file uploads and transfers
- Recipient tracking
- Delivery notifications
- Configurable expiration dates
- Access codes
- Password protection
- File previews
- Unlimited storage on paid plans
Creative Collaboration
- Precise comments
- Annotations and feedback
- Version control
- Side-by-side version comparison
- Real-time discussions
- Approval workflows
- Enhanced comment visibility on Business
Project Management
- To-dos and task management
- Advanced approval routing
- Personal dashboards
- Team dashboards
- Nested folder structures
- Projects and Spaces
Integrations
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Adobe Photoshop plugin
- Adobe Illustrator plugin
- Microsoft Outlook plugin
- OpenText Core
- OpenText Media Management
- Zapier-connected workflows
API
- API-key authentication
- File-send repository creation
- Chunked uploads through signed URLs
- Recipient notifications
- Download receipts
- Access permissions
- Expiration settings
- Comment and download controls
Mobile and Desktop
- Web-browser access
- Hightail Express for Windows
- Hightail Express for macOS
- iPhone app
- Android app
- Mobile video streaming
- Mobile comments and approvals
Hightail Specifications
| Deployment | Cloud-based |
|---|---|
| Primary function | File sharing and creative collaboration |
| Free plan | Yes, Lite |
| Free trial | 14 days, no credit card required |
| Maximum file size | 500GB on Business |
| Paid-plan storage | Unlimited |
| API availability | Teams and Business users |
| Desktop applications | Windows and macOS |
| Mobile applications | iPhone and Android |
| Parent company | OpenText |
| Former name | YouSendIt |
| Founded | 2004 |
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
8.2/10High confidence
Hightail combines large-file transfer, visual review, approvals, version comparison, integrations, and project tracking. Review platforms report generally positive usability and feature feedback, while some users mention transfer-speed and workflow limitations.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
Community feedback
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FAQ
Is Hightail free?
Yes. Hightail offers a free Lite plan with 2GB of storage and 100MB file sends.
Does Hightail offer a free trial?
Yes. Hightail advertises a 14-day free trial without requiring a credit card.
What platforms support Hightail?
Hightail works through web browsers and provides Hightail Express applications for Windows and macOS. Mobile apps are available for iPhone and Android devices.
What integrations does Hightail support?
Documented integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Outlook, OpenText Core, OpenText Media Management, and Zapier-connected services.
Does Hightail have an API?
Yes. Hightail documents an API for Teams and Business users. API access requires an API token and supports file-send and Space-related workflows.
What is Hightail best used for?
Hightail is best suited to large-file delivery, creative review, client feedback, approvals, and visual project coordination.