SessionStem vs Filepass
Looking for a Filepass alternative?
Filepass proved that audio engineers deserve better than Dropbox — especially getting paid before files leave. SessionStem starts from the same conviction and builds the rest of the client relationship around it.
Where the two tools agree
Both SessionStem and Filepass are built for working audio engineers, not general file sharing: timestamped feedback on the waveform, lossless delivery, and — the headline for both — holding final files behind payment so revision hell doesn't end with an unpaid invoice.
If you are choosing between them, you are already making a good decision. The differences are about scope and per-dollar limits.
Side by side
The load-bearing differences, plainly:
| SessionStem | Filepass | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $19.99/mo (Starter) | $24/mo, or $19/mo billed annually (Part-Time) |
| Entry storage | 250 GB | 256 GB, with a 10 GB/month upload cap |
| Mid tier | $49.99/mo — 1 TB | $49/mo, or $39/mo annually — 512 GB |
| Free trial | 15 days, every plan | 14 days |
| Monthly upload cap | None | 10 GB/mo on Part-Time; unlimited on Pro |
| Lossless formats | WAV, AIFF, FLAC, BWF and more | WAV, FLAC (plus MP3/ZIP) |
| Pay-to-unlock delivery | Yes — per folder, on every plan from $19.99/mo (4% fee on Starter, 0% on Studio) | Yes — from $24/mo |
| Immutable versions + held-playhead A/B | Yes | Version history |
| Live session streaming (DAW plugin) | Yes — clients listen in real time, lossless | No |
| Live project status bar | Yes | No |
| Client records / CRM | Yes (Studio plan) | No |
| Booking calendar & messaging | Yes (Pro plan) | No |
| Dolby Atmos uploads | Yes (Pro plan) | No |
| Client account required | No | No |
Filepass details reflect its public pricing page; always confirm current terms on filepass.com. Details current as of July 2026.
What Filepass does well
Credit where due: Filepass has a long track record in this niche, an embeddable portfolio player, Zapier integration in beta, annual-billing discounts, and a 14-day trial with a money-back guarantee. If all you want is file delivery with a paywall and you live inside its upload limits, it is a solid tool.
Why studios pick SessionStem
SessionStem treats delivery as one part of the client relationship. The same link that plays the mix also shows live project status, carries the studio-client conversation, accepts client uploads into organized folders, records approvals against exact files, and — on higher plans — handles client records and session booking.
On raw numbers: more storage per dollar at the mid tier (1 TB vs 512 GB at ~$49), no monthly upload cap at entry, and broader lossless format support including AIFF and BWF.
Common questions
Can I move my existing projects over?
Yes — upload your original files into each project's folders (Mixes, Masters, Stems, References). Clients keep one link per song from then on.
Does SessionStem hold files until the client pays?
Yes. Attach a balance to the project and gate specific folders; downloads unlock when payment clears.
Is there a contract or can I cancel anytime?
Plans are monthly and you can cancel whenever you like.
Try the fuller client portal
Start on any plan, send one project link, and compare the client experience yourself.
Get startedPlans from $19.99/month · Clients never need an account