Founders
Startups
Aug 30, 2025
This guide explores the best Box alternatives in 2025, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or corporate deal-maker, you’ll gain a clear view of the tools available and see why Plox stands out as a modern, analytics-driven alternative.
Features | Plox | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited Data Rooms | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Unlimited Documents | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Password Protection | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Email Verification / OTP | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Granular Permissions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Watermarking | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Advanced Analytics | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customized Branding | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
AI Pitch Deck Scanning | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Automated Metrics Dashboard | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
1. Plox
Plox is built for startups, investors, and enterprises that need more than just storage. It combines powerful security controls with deep analytics and AI-driven insights. Unlike Box, Plox doesn’t just manage files, it transforms them into actionable data for smarter decision-making.
Key Features
Unlimited data rooms and unlimited document uploads.
Password protection, OTP-based email verification, passcodes, allowlists, and download restrictions.
Watermarks, real-time notifications, and page-level analytics (time spent, completion %, device/location tracking).
AI-powered pitch deck scanning that generates instant hooks, bios, and summaries.
Automated metrics dashboard with ARR, MRR, ROI, and other key data, visualized with growth graphs.
Customizable dataroom banners, bios, video embeds, and folder structuring for professional presentations.
Who it’s for
Startup founders, investment bankers, and VC firms who need actionable insights on who’s most engaged with their documents and data rooms.
2. Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most widely used cloud storage tools, offering convenience and native integration with Google Workspace. It’s best suited for general file storage and everyday collaboration.
Key Features
Secure file storage and sharing with granular permissions.
Integration with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides.
AI-powered file search and indexing.
Who it’s for
Teams looking for a free or low-cost way to store and share files but not focused on high-stakes deal-making.
3. Dropbox
Dropbox is another mainstream storage solution that excels at syncing and accessing files across devices. While secure, it lacks advanced data room features.
Key Features
File syncing across devices.
Password protection and link expiry.
Two-factor authentication and basic permissions.
Who it’s for
Small businesses and individuals that need simple, reliable file sharing without VDR-style analytics.
4. DocSend
DocSend is a deal-focused tool under Dropbox that provides more control over shared documents, making it a closer competitor to Box in business workflows.
Key Features
Password protection, download restrictions, and email verification.
Watermarking and real-time analytics on document engagement.
Visitor insights with page-level tracking.
Who it’s for
Founders and sales teams that need engagement analytics but can manage with limited data room capabilities.
5. iDeals VDR
iDeals is a traditional virtual data room provider, built for enterprises that need maximum security and compliance. It’s far more robust than Box but also much more complex.
Key Features
Granular permissions and audit trails.
Dynamic watermarking and download restrictions.
Secure file access with two-factor authentication.
Who it’s for
Large organizations running compliance-heavy or high-value deals.
6. Clinked
Clinked offers secure collaboration with white-label branding, making it a good alternative for firms that want a branded client portal.
Key Features
Custom branding and white-label portals.
Watermarking and permissions control.
File previews, audit trails, and collaboration tools.
Who it’s for
Professional service firms that prioritize branding and secure client interactions.
Why Should You Choose Plox Over Box?
Unlimited scale → Plox supports unlimited data rooms and documents, unlike Box which caps usage.
Deal-ready analytics → Get page-by-page engagement data, time spent, location insights, and viewer tracking.
AI intelligence → Unique pitch deck scanning and automated metrics dashboards turn static PDFs into live dashboards.
Investor-focused features → Customize data rooms with banners, bios, videos, and structured folders to present your company professionally.
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