Perkoon vs Refbox

Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool.

Send unlimited files for free with no signup, directly to anyone's browser.

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Refbox keeps your images, videos, and notes easily accessible above your workspace for a smoother workflow.

Last updated: February 28, 2026

Visual Comparison

Perkoon

Perkoon screenshot

Refbox

Refbox screenshot

Feature Comparison

Perkoon

Truly Free Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Transfers

This is the core of Perkoon. When both you and your recipient are online, files are beamed directly from your browser to theirs. The data never passes through Perkoon's servers, which means there are absolutely no file size limits, no mandatory accounts, and complete privacy. Because this method costs Perkoon essentially nothing to run, it's completely free for you to use, forever. It's file sharing in its purest, most efficient form.

Honest Encrypted Cloud Storage

For when your friend or colleague is offline, Perkoon offers a paid cloud storage option. This feature is built on transparency: your files are encrypted on their servers, and you pay a fair price that directly covers the cost of providing that storage and bandwidth. There's no hidden agenda or data monetization. It's a straightforward solution for asynchronous file sharing without compromising on security.

Native AI & Automation Ready

Perkoon is built for the future. Instead of forcing AI assistants to awkwardly scrape a website, Perkoon provides a direct way for them to interact with the service through window.__perkoon. This means your AI agents can upload, download, and manage transfers programmatically and efficiently, opening up powerful possibilities for workflow automation without the typical technical headaches.

Simple CLI and Browser Tools

Accessibility is key. Alongside its user-friendly web interface, Perkoon offers a simple Command Line Interface (CLI) tool. This allows tech-savvy users, developers, or automated scripts to integrate file transfers directly into their workflows, from servers to local machines, making Perkoon a versatile tool for both casual and power users.

Refbox

Always-On-Top Frames

Refbox allows you to keep your references visible at all times with floating frames that stay on top of other applications. This feature ensures that your sources of inspiration are always accessible without interrupting your creative process.

Resizable Sidebar

The app features a floating, resizable sidebar where you can organize and view all your pinned media, including images, GIFs, videos, and notes. This customizable layout helps you manage your references in a way that suits your workflow.

Quick Media Access

Easily add media from various sources such as websites, your computer, or even your clipboard. This quick access feature eliminates the hassle of searching through folders, allowing you to focus on your creative work instead.

Efficient Organization

Refbox provides the ability to categorize your references into Collections, making it simple to switch between different sets of inspiration with just one click. This organized approach helps streamline your workflow and enhances overall productivity.

Use Cases

Perkoon

Sending Large Project Files to a Client

Need to send a massive video edit, design portfolio, or dataset that's over 50GB? With Perkoon's P2P transfer, you can send it instantly and for free. Just generate a link, share it with your client while you're both online, and the file transfers directly to them without any size restrictions or upload waits to a third-party server.

Sharing Personal Photos and Videos Privately

Tired of services compressing your memories or snooping on your content? Use Perkoon's P2P transfer to share original-quality photos and videos from your holiday or family event directly with loved ones. Since the files go browser-to-browser, they remain completely private between you and the recipient.

Automating Backup Scripts with CLI

As a developer, you can use Perkoon's CLI tool to automate file backups. Write a simple script that uses the CLI to upload crucial logs, database dumps, or project archives directly to your Perkoon cloud storage at regular intervals, creating an efficient, automated off-site backup solution.

Enabling AI Agents to Handle File Tasks

Imagine an AI research assistant that can automatically fetch datasets or save its generated reports. By leveraging Perkoon's native AI integration, you can configure your agent to use the service directly. It can upload collected data or download necessary files without you manually intervening, streamlining complex research or content creation workflows.

Refbox

Graphic Design

Graphic designers can use Refbox to pin color swatches, typography samples, and layout references directly on their workspace. This allows for quick comparisons and inspiration, ensuring that the design process remains fluid and efficient.

Animation

Animators benefit from the ability to keep reference videos and animations visible while working on their projects. By having these references always on hand, animators can easily refer back to motion styles and techniques during the creative process.

UI/UX Development

UI and UX developers can use Refbox to reference design guidelines, inspiration boards, and user flow examples while building interfaces. This keeps essential resources at their fingertips, reducing the time spent switching between tabs.

Photography

Photographers can utilize Refbox to display mood boards, lighting diagrams, and editing tutorials while editing photos. This enables them to maintain a consistent vision throughout the editing process, leading to more cohesive results.

Overview

About Perkoon

Perkoon is a refreshingly honest file transfer service designed for anyone tired of complicated, restrictive, and privacy-invasive alternatives. It cuts through the noise and gets back to the simple goal of moving your files from point A to point B without any hassle. The service is built for real people who are fed up with artificial file size limits, mandatory account sign-ups, and services that treat your personal data as a product to be sold. At its heart, Perkoon offers two smart, transparent ways to send files. Its flagship service is a completely free, unlimited peer-to-peer (P2P) transfer that works directly between browsers when both people are online. For situations where the recipient is offline, Perkoon provides optional encrypted cloud storage, a paid feature that honestly covers the cost of running servers. Uniquely, Perkoon is natively designed for the modern age, with built-in tools for automation and AI agents, making it a powerful tool not just for individuals but also for the machines that assist them. With a straightforward web interface and a simple CLI tool, Perkoon is the privacy-focused, no-nonsense file transfer solution you've been waiting for.

About Refbox

Refbox is an innovative floating reference app designed specifically for creatives who want to keep their sources of inspiration visible while they work. It addresses a common challenge faced by artists, designers, and other creative professionals: the constant need to switch between applications and windows to access reference materials. With Refbox, you can pin images, GIFs, videos, and notes in always-on-top frames that hover above your applications. This functionality allows you to maintain your creative flow seamlessly while sketching, designing, animating, or modeling. The app enables you to easily add media from various sources, including the web, your computer, or your clipboard, and organize them in a floating, resizable sidebar. By consolidating all your references in one accessible location, Refbox enhances productivity and creativity, providing instant access to inspiration without the distractions of window switching. It is an essential companion for modern creatives seeking to optimize their workflow and focus on their craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Perkoon FAQ

Is the P2P transfer really free forever?

Yes, absolutely. Perkoon's peer-to-peer transfer is free forever because of how it works. The files are sent directly from your device to the recipient's device without ever being stored on or passing through Perkoon's servers. This means it costs Perkoon virtually nothing in bandwidth or storage, so they can offer it completely free, with no hidden limits or future fees.

What happens if the other person is offline?

If the recipient is not online to receive the direct P2P transfer, Perkoon offers a solution: encrypted cloud storage. This is a paid feature. You can upload the file to Perkoon's secure servers, and they will hold it for your recipient. When the recipient comes online, they can download it from this temporary cloud storage. You only pay for this cloud storage feature.

Can Perkoon see what I'm sending with P2P?

No, they cannot. During a P2P transfer, your file is broken into encrypted chunks and streamed directly between your browser and the recipient's browser using a secure WebRTC connection. Perkoon's servers only help set up this direct connection (a process called signaling) but never handle the actual file data. They literally have no way to see your files.

Can I use Perkoon with any web browser?

For the best, unlimited experience, Perkoon recommends using Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Brave. These browsers fully support the required technologies. Firefox and Safari can be used, but they have inherent browser restrictions that may limit performance or file size for P2P transfers. It's always best to check the official site for the most current browser compatibility information.

Refbox FAQ

What platforms does Refbox support?

Refbox is designed to work on both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users in the creative field.

Can I customize the size of the floating frames?

Yes, the floating frames in Refbox are resizable, allowing you to adjust them according to your needs and workspace preferences for the best visibility and accessibility.

Is there a limit to how many references I can pin?

There is no strict limit to the number of references you can pin in Refbox. You can organize them into Collections, making it easy to manage as many references as you need.

Can I use Refbox for collaborative projects?

Yes, Refbox can be an excellent tool for collaborative projects as it allows multiple users to access the same reference materials and inspirations, enhancing teamwork and creativity.

Alternatives

Perkoon Alternatives

Perkoon is a file transfer service in the productivity and management category. It focuses on making it simple to send files directly to others without needing to create an account or worry about file size limits. People often look for different tools for various reasons. Maybe they need a service that works on a specific device or operating system. Others might be looking for different pricing models, like a one-time purchase instead of a subscription, or they might need extra features like advanced team collaboration. When choosing a different file transfer tool, think about what matters most to you. Consider your budget, the types and sizes of files you usually send, and how important privacy and ease of use are for your situation. The best choice is the one that fits your specific workflow without unnecessary complexity.

Refbox Alternatives

Refbox is an innovative floating reference app designed for creatives, allowing users to keep images, videos, and notes visible above their workspace for instant access. As a productivity tool, Refbox enhances workflow by eliminating the need to switch between windows, enabling users to maintain their creative momentum while working on various projects. Users often seek alternatives for a variety of reasons, including pricing, specific feature sets, or compatibility with different platforms. When choosing an alternative, consider factors such as the ease of use, the types of media supported, and how well the app integrates into your existing workflow. Finding an option that matches your creative needs can significantly improve your productivity and overall experience.

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