Dropbox Fax (formerly HelloFax)

Overview

Dropbox Fax, formerly HelloFax, sends and receives faxes through the web or email, turning uploaded documents and incoming faxes into a paperless workflow. It suits occasional senders and teams that want cloud-based faxing; the free sending allowance is modest, and receiving faxes requires a paid account.

Its mix of email access, cloud integrations and virtual fax numbers is useful for routine document exchange without a fax machine. The lack of mobile apps and custom pricing for paid access make it a less straightforward choice for app-first users or anyone comparing fixed monthly costs.

Key features

Users can send PDF, DOCX and other common document types, and received faxes arrive as PDFs. Faxes can be handled on the web or through email, with cloud access from computers, tablets and mobile devices. That mobile access does not come with a dedicated app, so users who want one should look elsewhere. Transmissions are encrypted, and international faxing is supported.

Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive and Evernote integrations help connect faxing with existing document storage. For teams, Dropbox Fax supports as many numbers and users as needed and can route incoming faxes. Existing numbers can be ported without downtime or lost faxes, although that transfer service is available only in the US and Canada. Developers can build with its API and SDKs.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes five outbound pages. Sharing or completing quick actions can earn up to 20 more pages, so it may cover occasional sending, but it is sending-only: inbound faxing requires a paid account. There is no trial and no credit card is required.

Paid plans use flexible plans or pay-as-you-go, with custom pricing. Paid access is the relevant choice for anyone who needs a virtual number or inbound faxing; the free option does not provide either as a usable receiving service. Readers who need to forecast a recurring bill should compare alternatives with a stated price, since the paid choices here do not give a fixed cost to weigh in advance.

Platforms

Dropbox Fax is a web service, with fax access also available through email. It supports use from any device and cloud access to faxes, including on mobile devices, but it has no mobile apps. That distinction matters for users who are comfortable with a browser or email and those who expect a dedicated phone app.

Who it's for

It is a sensible fit for people who send a small number of faxes, particularly when email or cloud-stored documents are central to their workflow. Teams needing several fax numbers, users and inbound routing may value its flexible setup, while businesses transferring a number should note the US-and-Canada-only porting availability. It is a weaker fit for heavy free-plan use, app-dependent mobile workflows or buyers who require a clearly priced paid plan.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Five free outbound pages, with up to 20 additional pages earnable, provide a no-card way to try occasional sending.
• Pros: Email faxing, several cloud-storage integrations and PDF delivery support paperless document handling.
• Pros: Multiple numbers and users, inbound routing and developer tools support more involved workflows.
• Cons: Free access cannot receive faxes, so inbound use depends on paid access.
• Cons: No mobile apps; mobile users must use a browser or email.
• Cons: Porting is limited to the US and Canada, and paid access has custom pricing.

Alternatives

Online Fax Services is a useful comparison starting point for readers choosing among fax tools. For file-sharing needs beyond faxing, see File Sharing Software.

Choose FAX.PLUS if mobile apps matter or if its 10-page free allowance and 30-day paid-plan free period suit your needs better. FaxTerra is another mobile-capable option, with 10 free monthly pages to the US and Canada; its Lite credits plan starts at 1.99 USD.

Browserfax may fit web-only senders who prefer 20 free pages that do not expire, or a one-time 25-page pack for 4.00 USD. SecurelyFax offers web and mobile apps, a pay-as-you-go option with no monthly fee and 30-day file retention, plus a Personal plan at $7.99 a month for 200 pages monthly.

FaxBurner may suit users who want apps across several platforms and a disposable number, with 25 inbound pages per month and five outbound pages total on its free plan. GotFreeFax is worth considering for web users who need free faxes capped at three pages each and two faxes per day.

OVHcloud Fax is a paid web and desktop option with a dedicated fax number and email and PC sending and receiving. eGoldFax is a paid option for readers seeking web, desktop or mobile platforms.

Verdict

Choose Dropbox Fax if you want a paperless web-and-email workflow, need cloud integrations or team routing, and can manage with a small free sending quota or custom-priced paid access. Look elsewhere if you need a mobile app, free inbound faxing or a predictable published paid price.