Box vs Firmex Virtual Data Room

Google Drive

Google Workspace

OneDrive

Google Drive is a cloud storage and backup platform to access files, docs, photos & more, store them in a safe place, and collaborate with other people

Google Workspace is a suite of applications from Google which offers a number of tools to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, store files, and manage data from all devices.

OneDrive is a secure access, sharing, and file storage solution which enables users to store and share photos, videos, documents, and more at anytime, via any device.

Box is a modern content management platform that transforms how organizations work and collaborate to achieve results faster

Document Storage

Access Controls/Permissions

Drag & Drop

Version Control

Real Time Synchronization

Content Management

Search/Filter

Encryption

Alerts/Notifications

Mobile Access

User Management

Reviews for Box come from a wide variety of industries, including Information Technology and Services (9% of reviewers), Computer Software (8%), and Marketing and Advertising (6%). The most frequent use case for Box cited by reviewers is document management (53% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers indicate Box offers good value for money due to its features, security, and flexible plans, and they appreciate the free plan and discounts. However, some users report pricing is high, confusing, and less competitive for growing teams.

Value for money

The Box integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Microsoft 365 (a document management product rated 4.4 out of 5 for its integration with Box), Slack (a team communication product, 4.6), and Zoom Workplace (a video conferencing product, 4.1).

Integrations

Box is a file sharing tool with key features that include secure data storage, file sharing, document storage, document management, access controls and permissions, backup and recovery, and more.

Web-based

iPad

Android

Windows

iPhone

Business

Business Plus

Enterprise 

Enterprise Plus 

 Enterprise Advanced

Data Visualization

An optimal choice for cloud storage, the one stop place for collaborating on various documentation (including versioning). While I'm using Box both within the organization, and also for personal usage, I find it suitable and easy to use  for document management, for accessing older versions when needed, and for syncing with local Box Drive.

Software Engineer Intern

I do not like how image/video storage works on box and the latency. If you are storing and sharing images and videos through box, it will take you a lot of time if you are looking for a specific image/video and clicking on each image, it takes so much time to load even with a very high speed internet.

Medical Assistance Specialist

Box has enabled me to organize and share sensitive medical records, which is essential when making arrangements with providers, partners, and internal teams.

ENGINEER

It's an excellent complementary tool in my digital toolkit for managing the business side of engineering projects, but it falls short of handling the high-performance demands and intricacies of iterative 3D design work.

Owner

It’s a dependable platform for storing and sharing files, particularly in professional settings where security and collaboration are important.

Some potential sync issues, depending on which side you create first a folder - local machine or on Box website - but probably fixed with the latest updates.

Team Lead Engineering

A very convenient and secure solution for managing and submitting professional documents, making workflows smoother and more reliable.

IT Support Administrator

GB limit and the need for splitting apart larger files can be difficult at times, but it's easily solved with some minor terminal commands.

More importantly, Box lacks the specialized tools I rely on in dedicated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems like Teamcenter or Windchill.

This provides a clear audit trail and prevents the common issue of team members working off of outdated files.

My overall experience with Box is positive, with the understanding that it is a tool for secure file sharing and collaboration, not a replacement for a dedicated engineering PLM solution.

VP Product

Box Sign is a very useful tool for digital signature and approval, especially for remote clients and internal employees.

The system sometimes demands too many permission approvals and authorization processes, reducing efficiency and interrupting smooth work.

Chief Executive Officer

They also offer robust compliance certifications like HIPAA, GDPR, and FedRAMP, which is crucial for large enterprises.

Executive chief

I love that Box allows me to send big files, including to non-collaborators, securely through specifically designated access levels.

Health Educator

I also liked that you can save large sized files and different formatted files in the BOX.

Designer

Add dashboard features to display the status of shared files and folders, and to make it clear and simple for administrators to view the status of the latest views and downloads.

Product Manager

you can have real-time editing and commenting, which enhance teamwork and streamline workflows, and you can do all that from your mobile phone through their dedicated app, allowing users to manage files and collaborate from anywhere.

Box provides me easy access to all of my documents, files, and data, at an affordable price with a no nonsense software and universal support structure.

The interface can feel a bit clunky at times, especially when navigating through multiple folders.

Commerce Investment Associate

I currently use box in the capacity of having a free account and uploading files as one of my partners requires us to upload our shared files to it.

Research Associate

It struggles to find any features to make it stand out from competitors such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

Managing Partner

Box is secure for having team collaborations across departments and in this way our employees work efficiently and they get the chance to brainstorm their ideas.

Instructor

Super easy product that allowed for sharing large files with individuals outside of my organization.

Analytic Scientist

When multiple users make changes to the same file simultaneously, conflict will arise and Box handles these conflicts by saving each user's changes separately to avoid overwriting.

Marketing Manager

Box is very helpful in storing my digital document on cloud storage and provide a secure storage to protect it from any data breach.

Manufacturing Engineer

What I almost don't like about box are some of its privacy policies that sometimes can be annoying (having to be changing permissions, updating dates to keep the content shared), which while it is a plus if you are looking for security, it can be a disadvantage if you are looking or have to share files with people, partners, customers outside your organization.

Warehouse Executive

It is a decent file-sharing solution that helps you to securely store documents on the cloud and easily share them with anyone.

People Partner

However, it could improve in various ways: offline functionality, reliability of desktop syncs, and some may find the pricing a bit steep for smaller teams. Although advanced features have a learning curve, Box does the core features right.

Business advertiser

There's an inefficient notification system, difficulties with integration and file sharing, limitations on file size, and a user interface that can feel dated sometimes.

Clinical research Coordinator

The box is very well cloud-based application which help to organize the stuff virtually (digital files) on one location like as we do in home.

Director

Its syncing tool was - when I last used it - the best available, offering reliability and leaving me with the confidence to find work created on device A available to review on device B.

Box is flexible because i am able to access my data from anywhere because it is stored using cloud storage which is easy to store data on.

Overall, Box is a very reliable and secure platform for cloud storage and collaboration, which offers users a rather vast range of features to support document management and team collaboration.

Medical Editor

The best feature is how multiple users can work on the same document, even simultaneously, and this does not affect the final saved version.

Founder

Wonderful for our firm because it enables us to manage and maintain all our client documents easily in the cloud.

Project Manager

The collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and commenting, have significantly improved teamwork and productivity within projects.

IT Engineer

Box allowed me to share externally without inconvenience link-based invitations gave me detailed control over who had access.

The security infrastructure gives me confidence when sharing sensitive information with external partners.

For any project Box aids in having all documents available for all.

Application developer

The best thing is about the cloud storage with multiple feature that make the IT professional life easy by sharing the files and folders on invite

Dive Operation Manager

Desktop syncing is finicky post-updates, and support feels faceless when debugging weird sync problems.

Presenter

I am able to access my data from anywhere in the globe as long as am connected to internet because they store our data in the cloud.

Manager

Box is crucial document management platform that enhances strict security and compliance to restrict leakage.

Real estate Sales Specialist

We are using this platform to share brochure and quotation to the customers extremely securely with full accessing permissions.

Academic Advisor

From storage capacity, to collaboration, to HIPAA considerations, Box's features effectively streamline file management.

I moved our files to  Box for the free version  for some months to see how it is and I liked using .

Operations Manager

Box is a great tool, we even use it to deliver content to external teams and love the ease of use and security.

HR Project Manager

Box excels in providing robust cloud storage and file-sharing to enable collaboration among teams with much ease.

Administrator

I linked it with my workstation and mobile phone and able to download and upload document on the storage easily.

Security and Access Control

File Sharing

Users report Box’s file sharing capabilities are seamless and secure, enabling easy collaboration with team members and external clients. Reviewers highlight the ability to share large files via links or direct invites, control permissions, and track revisions. They say integrations with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Slack enhance sharing workflows. They find sharing options flexible, though some mention free-tier limitations and occasional glitches. Overall, reviewers feel Box’s file sharing is essential for productivity and remote teamwork. Of the 234 Box users who gave detailed accounts of their use of File Sharing, 98% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Large File Handling

Team Collaboration

File Syncing

File Management

Data Management

Cloud Storage

Document Management

Users report Box’s document management capabilities allow for easy organization, version control, and collaboration on a wide range of file types. Reviewers highlight folder structuring, tagging, and real-time editing, as well as integration with tools like Microsoft and Adobe. They say Box’s search and categorization tools help manage large volumes of documents. Some users feel advanced management options are less robust than competitors, but most find Box’s document management intuitive and effective for project workflows. Of the 104 Box users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Document Management, 95% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Limited and ineffective search

Chief Financial Officer

There are circumstantial problems which derive from specific situations within this product, for example, if you store photos in your organization, there are problems when searching for metadata since the option simply does not exist, so it is not the ideal product for this type of records.

Director of Development

If you don't know what "folder" a document is in - or even its exact document name, the search tool can be very difficult, and almost useless.

47% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s search functionality. Reviewers report difficulty finding files, especially when they don’t remember exact names or locations. They say the search tool often returns irrelevant or incomplete results, lacks advanced filtering, and does not support searching within file contents or metadata. Some users mention that the interface for searching is unintuitive and that organizing large volumes of files becomes tedious without reliable search capabilities, leading to wasted time and frustration.

Slow uploads and lag issues

70% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s performance and speed. Reviewers indicate that uploading and downloading large files can be slow, especially with unstable or slow internet connections. Some users say the platform may lag or become unresponsive during high-traffic periods or when handling many files. They report that syncing, loading, and previewing documents can be sluggish, and that offline access limitations further impact workflow. These speed issues are particularly frustrating for users working with large datasets or under tight deadlines.

High and confusing costs

Systems Analyst

Its pricing, on the other hand, can be expensive, and the mobile app might not be as responsive or have as intuitive of a UI.

48% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s pricing. Reviewers say the subscription fees are higher than some competitors, making it less attractive for small businesses or individuals on tight budgets. Some users find the pricing structure complex and difficult to understand, with per-user charges adding up quickly for teams. They mention that certain features or storage upgrades require additional payments, and that the value may not always justify the cost, especially when compared to other cloud storage solutions offering similar services at lower prices.

Unreliable and slow syncing

41% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s file syncing. Reviewers indicate that syncing between devices is often delayed, incomplete, or buggy, resulting in outdated files or duplicates. Some users say conflicts arise when multiple people edit the same document, and that the sync process can be confusing to set up or manage. They report that sync issues disrupt collaboration, require manual intervention, and sometimes lead to lost or missing files, making it difficult to maintain consistent and up-to-date information across platforms.

Universal multi-device access

Graduate Student

Now I keep all the files I am currently working on in the Box, it allows me to access the latest version of the files anywhere in the world on any device.

91% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s file access. Reviewers say they can access files from any device or location, which is crucial for remote work and travel. They appreciate features like Box Sync and mobile apps, allowing seamless access to the latest versions of documents without needing to download files repeatedly. Some users mention that cross-platform compatibility and integrations with other software make it easy to retrieve, edit, and share files on the go, supporting productivity regardless of where they are working.

Streamlined daily operations

journaliste

the use is super simple and suitable for all kinds of companies.

Freelance Graphic Designer

I was looking for a sharing software that I can use in my business and I love how easy and straightforward it is to use.

95% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the platform is intuitive and straightforward, allowing them to quickly adapt and manage their tasks efficiently. They appreciate that Box simplifies organization, saves changes automatically, and is accessible across different platforms and devices. Some users say it is easy to learn, even for those less tech-savvy, and that it makes daily work processes smoother. Reviewers find the interface clear and the learning curve manageable, enabling both individuals and teams to operate productively without extensive training.

Enhanced real-time collaboration

93% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s team collaboration features. Reviewers appreciate the ability to co-edit documents, leave comments, and track changes in real time, which they say improves teamwork and communication. Some users report that Box’s collaboration tools—such as task management, versioning, and integration with productivity apps—help teams stay organized and productive, even when working remotely. They find that having all project files accessible to multiple team members streamlines workflows and reduces miscommunication, making cross-departmental and external collaboration more efficient.

Reliable and scalable storage

Intern 

With its robust cloud storage capabilities, users can securely store, organize, and access their files from anywhere, on any device.

Box is best place for cloud storage with built-in editing feature, task manager, integration with third party apps, easy file syncing between the devices, easy sharing between the people.

88% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s cloud storage. Reviewers appreciate the generous storage options, including free tiers and scalable plans for businesses. They say Box supports a wide range of file types and offers secure, centralized storage that reduces reliance on physical hardware. Some users report that cloud storage with Box saves space on local devices, improves data backup, and enables quick retrieval from anywhere. Reviewers also value the ability to organize, manage, and collaborate on files within a secure cloud environment.

Freelancers

Small Business

Large Enterprises

Mid-size Business

Datasite Diligence Virtual Data Room

Datasite Diligence is a cloud-based virtual data room solution for investment bankers, corporate developers, law firms, & other specialists which supports due diligence & helps users close deals quickly with folder indexing & file organization tools, user access controls, & more.

Secure virtual data rooms for investment banks, law firms, private equity groups, and corporations to share documents online and collaborate on projects

Secure Data Storage

Bulk Uploading

Secure File Viewer

Multi-Factor Authentication

Document Classification

Audit Trail

Collaboration Tools

By industry, Firmex Virtual Data Room reviewers are most commonly professionals in financial services (18%). The most frequent use case cited by reviewers is virtual data room (78%).

Most users consider Firmex Virtual Data Room to offer strong value for money, highlighting competitive pricing and flexible options. Most reviewers indicate the cost structure is accessible, though a few reviewers feel the price could be lower or the platform appears dated.

Firmex Virtual Data Room is a virtual data room solution with key features that include data security, access controls and permissions, secure data storage, drag-and-drop functionality, bulk uploading, and more.

Firmex Virtual Data Room

Basic

Analyst

The platform’s intuitive interface made organizing and sharing hundreds of sensitive documents effortless, while its robust security features gave us confidence that everything was protected.

The least appealing aspect of Firmex Virtual Data Room was the occasional lag when navigating large folders or bulk uploading documents.

Senior Vice President

I also wished you could completely delete buyers when a deal falls through and you add a new buyer.

managing partner

It is also difficult to understand where in the folders structure are located files found by searching.

The interface is intuitive, and the permission settings gave me confidence in controlling access

I especially liked its intuitive interface, fast document uploads, and strong permission controls.

Associate Director, New Product Strategy

As a user of the virtual data room, I did not appreciate that Firmex shows every time someone edits, replaces, uploads a new file. Although this makes sense, it calls attention to certain documents if things have changed.

Credit Administrator

Do like the option to switch from one project to another (i.e. one legacy Credit Union to another, as we have merged with multiple legacy CU's)

Associate, Capital Markets

It would be helpful if (i) there was an easier way to leave/review comments within Firmex for specifid documents and (ii) run a report to see which users have viewed and downloaded documents.

Dutch language is not supported, for our clients (end users) this would be nice.

Box vs Firmex Virtual Data Room Comparison (2026)

Box

Firmex Virtual Data Room

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives