Dropbox Replay is Dropbox's review and feedback tool for video, image, audio and PDF files, and it runs in your desktop browser. As of October 2026 the help centre lists a free limit of 4 files on most plans and 10 on Essentials, Business and Business Plus, and the paid Replay Add-On removes that limit.
Here's the catch. Four files goes quickly if you're sending client edits, and some of the features people expect from a review tool, such as password protected links, due dates and watermarking, are Add-On only. You also can't buy the Add-On on a trial. You have to move to a paid Dropbox subscription first.
The free file limit on each plan
| Dropbox plan | Free Replay file limit |
|---|---|
| Basic, Plus, Family, Professional, Standard, Advanced, Enterprise | 4 files |
| Essentials, Business, Business Plus | 10 files |
| Any eligible plan with the Replay Add-On | No file creation or upload limit |
The odd one out is that the bigger Advanced and Enterprise team plans get 4 files, while Essentials, Business and Business Plus get 10. So don't assume a more expensive plan means more Replay files. Check which name is on your account.
Which files count against your Dropbox storage
This rule saves a lot of confusion. Files you add to Replay from your Dropbox don't count against your plan storage. Files from anywhere else do: your local drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, editing software or any other source count against both your Replay storage and your plan storage.
Dropbox adds one more detail. Only files uploaded on or after 22 May 2024 use that storage. If you're tight on space, the simple habit is to save your export to Dropbox first, then open it in Replay from there.
What the Replay Add-On adds
The Add-On is available for Plus, Professional, Essentials, Standard, Business, Advanced, Business Plus and Enterprise. Basic and Family aren't on that list. Here's what it adds, as of October 2026.
| Area | What you get with the Add-On |
|---|---|
| Limits | No file creation or upload limit, 250 GB transfers, large file previews up to 150 GB |
| Control | Password protected links, due dates, watermarking, editor-only comments |
| Organisation | A links page, archive to Dropbox instead of deleting |
| Review quality | Transcription and captions, lossless audio, side by side version comparison |
| Branding | Project logos and banner colours |
Two details are worth knowing before you rely on them. Watermarking can track the IP address, date and time a viewer opens a file, so you can see who opened a file and when. And custom project logos need to be at least 80x80 pixels, with a maximum file size of 100 MB.
Deleting, moving and archiving
A Replay project doesn't depend on the original file. Deleting, moving or renaming the original file in Dropbox doesn't affect the Replay project, so tidying your folders won't break a review link.
The flip side is less forgiving. If the owner deletes a file or project from the Replay dashboard, it can't be undeleted. With the Add-On you can archive instead, which is the safer habit for anything you might need again. When a team member leaves, admins can take ownership of their shared Replay files and projects, so client feedback doesn't disappear with them.
How a review round works in Replay
- Open Replay from Dropbox in your desktop browser. Dropbox recommends Google Chrome.
- Pick the file from your Dropbox, so it doesn't count against your storage.
- Share the review link with your client or team.
- Collect their time-coded comments, then upload the next version for the next round.
If you need the Add-On, individuals buy it in Manage account settings. Team admins buy it in the admin console, as long as the team pays by credit card.
Should you buy the Add-On? A quick check
Run through these before you upgrade. If two or more apply, the Add-On fills a gap the free version leaves.
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- You regularly have more than 4 files in review at once, or more than 10 on Essentials, Business or Business Plus.
- Clients need password protected links, or you need watermarking to see who opened a file and when.
- You compare versions of the same edit and want them side by side.
- You send big exports and need 250 GB transfers or previews of files up to 150 GB.
- You'd rather archive finished projects than delete them for good.
And two reasons it won't work yet: you're on Basic or Family, where it isn't offered, or you're still on a trial, where you'll need to upgrade first.
My verdict on Dropbox Replay
I'd use the free version to see whether your clients like leaving comments this way, because 4 or 10 files is enough for one or two projects. I'd buy the Add-On if you review video every week and need password protected links, watermarking or version comparison, since those are where the free version stops. I'd skip it if you're on Basic or Family, because the Add-On isn't offered on either. If Replay is the deciding feature in a wider choice, my Box vs Dropbox comparison and my list of alternatives to Dropbox are the next reads.
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Frequently asked questions
How many files can I use in Dropbox Replay for free?
As of October 2026 the help centre lists 4 files on Basic, Plus, Family, Professional, Standard, Advanced and Enterprise, and 10 files on Essentials, Business and Business Plus.
Does Dropbox Replay use my Dropbox storage?
Files added from your Dropbox don't count against plan storage. Files from your local drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, editing software or any other source count against both Replay storage and plan storage.
Can I password protect a Dropbox Replay link?
Yes, with the Replay Add-On. Password protected links are an Add-On feature.
Can I buy the Replay Add-On during a Dropbox trial?
No. You need to upgrade to a paid subscription first.
Can I recover a deleted Replay project?
No. A file or project deleted by its owner from the Replay dashboard can't be undeleted. With the Add-On you can archive instead.
What file types does Dropbox Replay support?
Video, image, audio and PDF files, reviewed in a desktop browser. Dropbox recommends Google Chrome.
