Choosing the right tool to share secrets securely matters. Both PassLink and OneTimeSecret serve the same purpose — creating one-time, self-destructing links for sensitive data — but they differ in key areas like encryption, privacy, and features.
What is OneTimeSecret?
OneTimeSecret (onetimesecret.com) is one of the earliest services for sharing secrets via self-destructing links. It has been around since 2012 and offers a straightforward interface for creating temporary links. Secrets can be protected with a passphrase and set to expire after time or a single view.
What is PassLink?
PassLink (passlink.click) is a modern, open-source alternative that prioritizes client-side encryption and zero-knowledge security. It uses AES-128-GCM encryption directly in the browser, meaning the server never sees your unencrypted data.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Encryption
OneTimeSecret
OneTimeSecret encrypts data on the server side. This means your secret travels to their servers in a form they could technically read before encryption is applied.
PassLink
PassLink encrypts data in your browser using AES-128-GCM before it ever leaves your device. The encryption key is embedded in the URL fragment, which is never sent to the server.
Self-Destruct Options
OneTimeSecret
OneTimeSecret supports single-view destruction and time-based expiration up to 7 days.
PassLink
PassLink supports configurable view limits (1, 3, 5, or unlimited) plus time-based expiration (1 hour, 24 hours, or 7 days), giving you more flexibility.
Multi-Language Support
OneTimeSecret
OneTimeSecret supports English and a few community-contributed translations.
PassLink
PassLink supports 5 languages natively: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian — with full translations for all pages.
Privacy & Open Source
OneTimeSecret
OneTimeSecret is open-source but uses server-side encryption, meaning the operator has theoretical access to secrets before they are encrypted.
PassLink
PassLink is open-source with true zero-knowledge architecture. The server only ever stores encrypted data it cannot decrypt.
Password Protection
Both tools support optional password protection. PassLink additionally hashes the password client-side before sending it.
When to Use OneTimeSecret
OneTimeSecret is a solid choice if you want a battle-tested, minimal tool that has been around for over a decade. Its simplicity is its strength.
When to Use PassLink
Choose PassLink if you prioritize client-side encryption, zero-knowledge security, multi-language support, or need flexible view limits. It is the better choice for teams and developers who care about where encryption happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PassLink really more secure than OneTimeSecret?
PassLink encrypts data in the browser before sending it to the server, so the server never sees your plaintext data. OneTimeSecret encrypts on the server, which means the operator could theoretically access the data.
Are both tools free?
Both are free for basic use. OneTimeSecret offers a paid plan with higher limits. PassLink is entirely free with no limits.
Can I self-host either tool?
Yes, both are open-source. OneTimeSecret requires Ruby, while PassLink runs on Next.js with Upstash Redis.
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