Are you in the market for the best cloud storage service for your home or office? Read on to compare and find out what is the best cloud storage solution for you.
Table of Contents:
The Best Cloud Storage Providers
What is Cloud Storage?
Why Store Your Data in the Cloud? Benefits of Using Cloud Storage.
How to Choose the Best Cloud Storage Service for You
Cloud Storage Solutions FAQs
Let’s Compare Options and Find the Best Cloud Storage Out There
Without any further delays, let’s compare the best online storage providers to see which one comes out on top!
1. iDrive
iDrive gets high marks from almost all tech companies in the business. Their cloud service provides a fair price for a decent amount of space. They don’t limit how many devices you can connect, and they even offer a permanent 5GB free plan you can use forever if you want.
The service is quick and easy to set up and simple to use. IDrive is fast and allows bulk uploading restoration of your files via email. It’s an overall winner and a great value for the price. They offer a 2TB personal plan for $69.50/year and a 5TB plan for $99.50. They also have enterprise plans for businesses.
✅ PROS:
- Good pricing options.
- Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, with mobile apps for Android and iOS.
- Excellent security using a private encryption key (256-bit AES) so only you can access your files.
- Unlimited device access.
- Disk image option.
- Folder syncing.
- File Explorer integration.
- Continuous file synching.
⛔️ CONS:
- No unlimited storage plan.
- Inconsistent web interface.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox was one of the first cloud storage providers and remains a strong competitor, especially for business users. Dropbox allows you to store just about any type of file, no problems with compatibility. It’s a fast and reliable service you can use on any computer or your mobile device, and it integrates seamlessly with dozens of third-party apps to make saving your files to the cloud easy. They offer a free trial for 30-days, then you must purchase a paid plan or stick with the free plan, which only gives you 2GB, that you may fill up fast.
Dropbox continues to update its security and features regularly, making it a good option. They offer both individual and corporate plans. With the Plus plan and $119.88/year, you get 2TB to play around with. You also get better support, offline access to files, and remote device wipe for that price. The Professional plan is $199/year and gives you 3TB and many useful add-on features such as watermarking, full-text search, and 120-day versioning.
✅ PROS:
- Drag and drop uploads.
- Compatible with almost every device.
- Super easy to use.
- Integrates with a lot of apps and software programs like Slack and MS Office.
- Easy collaboration tools like sharing files and folders with a link.
- Automatic camera upload to backup all your photos from your mobile device.
- Simple, easy-to-use interface.
- Unlimited storage for businesses.
- Digital signatures.
⛔️ CONS:
- Pricey for what you get.
- Does not offer a full device backup option.
- Limited file size to 100GB.
3. OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage option that automatically backs up any device using Windows 10 and Office 365. It works similar to Apple’s iCloud and Google’s Drive program. You can use OneDrive on Macs, iOS, Android, Xbox and PCs running Windows 10. OneDrive has robust features wrapped within an attractive interface. You can use it as a simple file storage/syncing service, but it includes many other features you might enjoy, like backing up all your user settings and complete folder synching to duplicate your entire PC on all devices.
Because OneDrive integrates so cleanly with Office 365, all your email, calendars, and files within the app are backed up and synced across the cloud. They offer a free 5GB option and a few paid plans as well. Prices range from $6.99-$9.99 per month.
✅ PROS:
- Clean interface.
- Deeply integrated with Windows 10 and Office 365.
- Sophisticated collaboration tools and file-sharing options.
- Apps for Android and iOS.
- Built-in photo organizer and viewer.
- Personal vault for password storage.
- Folder backups.
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited folder syncing options.
- Skimpy free storage.
4. iCloud
Users tied into the Apple ecosystem are familiar with iCloud, another cloud-based file storage, and backup system. It is built into macOS, iOS, and iPadOS and automatically backs up everything based on the user’s iCloud settings. Although power users may complain that iCloud is too “basic,” its beauty is its tight integration with all Apple products and apps. If you have iCloud turned on across all devices, you know your contacts, calendars, email, files, photos, music, bookmarks, and settings are backed up automatically.
You can restore any device seamlessly if anything happens to it. iCloud can even sync your desktop files across the cloud. All users get a 5GB free plan with the purchase of an Apple device. Their Premium plans are some of the cheapest cloud storage around with 50GB costing only .99 per month and 2TB are $9.99 per month.
✅ PROS:
- Premium plans are inexpensive.
- Downloadable apps for Windows and Android devices.
- Fully integrated with all Apple devices.
- Secure and private.
- Unlimited file size.
- Simple, easy-to-use interface.
- Automatically backs up and syncs everything, including user settings, device icon layouts, etc.
⛔️ CONS:
- Lacking robust features.
- No native apps for PCs or Android.
5. Google Drive
The entire Google Docs system has become widely popular with both individuals and business users. Integrated with that system is Google Drive, where all your hard work is stored in the cloud. A handy feature of Google Docs is the ability to collaborate in real-time. Hardly any other contender can touch this collaboration level, making Google Drive very attractive to corporate teams.
It works natively with G-Suite and is integrated with Android. Google Drive is robust, relatively easy-to-use, and feature-rich. As a bonus, it’s also super affordable. You can start with a free 15GB account and an additional 100GB will only set you back $1.99/month.
✅ PROS:
- 15GB free account.
- Affordable premium plans.
- Feature-rich with untouchable collaboration options.
- Available apps for macOS and Windows.
- Drag and drop system.
⛔️ CONS:
- The interface could be simpler.
- Max storage 30TB.
6. Box
Box is another cloud storage and file syncing service similar to Dropbox, but it is less robust than its competitors. However, Box makes up for it with a good amount of free storage space for personal users. You can use Box exclusively online or download the apps for Mac or Windows if you choose.
Box is not very competitive when it comes to pricing. It charges $10 a month for 100GB. Dropbox, iDrive, and other cloud providers give you 2TB for less than that. Box comes with a few different apps to get the most functionality Box Drive, Box Tools, Box Notes, and Box Sync. In our opinion, all the options should be combined into one nice easy app. If your needs are simple and you want to take advantage of the free plan, Box will work for you. Otherwise, you can do better.
✅ PROS:
- Good collaboration tools for teams.
- Clean interface and easy to use.
- Third-party app integrations.
- Offline file access.
- Compatible with Windows and Mac.
- Drag and drop functionality.
⛔️ CONS:
- Not as many features as OneDrive and Google Drive.
- Stingy paid plans (100GB for $10 per month).
- Too many confusing apps to make up the full program.
7. Amazon Drive
Amazon has its hands in everything, including the cloud storage game. Previous versions of their product received lackluster reviews due to inadequate security, no synching, and no add-on apps.
Although the service has improved considerably, it still lacks in a few areas where the competitors shine. The positives are Amazon Drive offers unlimited photo storage, fast synching, a nice, clean interface, and some excellent subscription plans. Amazon Drive offers 13 storage plans to fit every need and budget.
✅ PROS:
- Smartphone apps for iOS and Android.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Block-level file copying for faster sync.
- File preview.
⛔️ CONS:
- No password protection for links.
- No productivity apps.
- No file versioning.
8. Backblaze
In our lineup, Backblaze is a unique animal geared towards businesses that want unlimited everything. The service offers unlimited storage space with unlimited file sizes for $60 per user/per month. If your entire system crashes, they can overnight you a hard drive to restore your system. Their web interface is clean and simple, nothing fancy.
The cloud storage does not include a full disk image backup. Don’t expect Backblaze to sync any files; it is truly just an off-site backup solution rather than cloud storage. However, they do offer a product that integrates with Amazon S3 for cloud storage.
✅ PROS:
- Unlimited file size.
- Unlimited storage.
- Decent pricing for business.
⛔️ CONS:
- Basic UI with limited features.
- No file-sharing or synching.
9. pCloud
pCloud is a fantastic offering with a few unique options. Because they offer two lifetime plans tapping out at 2TB, it might not be the best option for everyone, but it’s a great deal. One of the unique features of pCloud is its integrated audio player, so you can upload all your music and play it from a mobile app or the web.
The music features don’t stop there. You can also create playlists, shuffle your tunes, and more. pCloud uses a “virtual drive” system for its sync capabilities, which makes it fast and lean. Another huge upside it the solid, built-in security. You can pay a one-time fee of $350 and keep your 2TB forever. If you want a secure, one-time payment cloud storage option, pCloud is the one for you.
✅ PROS:
- Very cost-effective.
- Lifetime subscription plan (pay once and keep it forever).
- Good security.
- Perfect for music lovers.
- Easy-to-use interface.
⛔️ CONS:
- No zero-knowledge encryption.
- Storage space taps out at 2TB for personal plans.
10. cBackupper
Another honorable mention is cBackupper, which is essentially a backup service and not a cloud storage solution. However, if you have Dropbox or Google Drive, you can easily back up your stuff and store it in your cloud accounts.
They offer a free backup account, but their other pricing depends on which cloud service provider you use. In terms of cloud storage solutions, cBackupper is a kind of wild animal, but it’s trusted by some big-name companies to keep data secure and backed up.
✅ PROS:
- Incremental backups.
- Scheduled off-site backups.
- OAuth security for logins.
- 256-bit AES Encryption.
- Lots of backup options.
- Easy to use.
⛔️ CONS:
- No syncing.
- No file-sharing or apps
What is Cloud Storage?
Not that long ago, everyone stored their files on hard disk drives and servers. Cloud storage has revolutionized the file storage industry allowing you to free up hard drive space and access all your data on any device.
The word “cloud” sounds mysterious, but all it really means is storing your files on servers hosted online that do not reside in your physical location. Hosting companies (cloud service providers) invest in powerful servers with lots of space and sell it to customers to use for universal storage of files, images, email, music, and more. There are many advantages to using cloud storage space rather than keeping your digital data on your own hard drives.
Why Store Your Data in the Cloud? Benefits of Using Cloud Storage.
There are various reasons why you would want to store your data in the cloud. The first benefit is that it frees up your own hard drive space, allowing you to invest your money in other things. The second benefit is that the cloud hosting company takes care of security and privacy. One of the most important benefits is that it provides an off-site backup. Hence, if anything happens to your original copy, you have it backed up on a server that you can download or access anywhere you have internet.
Cloud storage solutions offer you another considerable plus; you can access your files from any device. So, if you start writing a proposal on your Mac, then leave the office, you can access it from your cell phone to update it after meeting with the client. No need to wait until you get back to the office. The ability to share your files from anywhere is also a huge bonus.
Even if you haven’t yet signed up for a plan, you are probably already using cloud storage of some type with your cell phone (Android or iOS) or with Windows or Mac. All these platforms include automatic synching and cloud backups for many kinds of data.
How to Choose the Best Cloud Storage Service for You
Digital data has become a big deal, and there are dozens of cloud storage providers out there. Therefore, you need to know exactly how to choose the best cloud storage service for you.
First, think about how you use cloud storage and how many files you have. That will help you make the decision easily. Some additional things to consider are:
- File Sharing - The ability to share files easily via text, message, and other communication options is critical when looking for the best cloud storage.
- Synching - You also want to ensure it includes automatic syncing so that when you leave your office, the file you access from home is updated with the latest changes.
- Features - The bells and whistles matter. Compare the features you need with any extras you get the same price.
- Mobile Apps - Nowadays, a mobile app is essential. You want to be able to access your files from your mobile app on the go.
- Security - Ironclad security is also essential. You don’t want your precious files to fall into the wrong hands. Look for the term “encryption” to ensure your data is safe during transfer (download/upload).
- Privacy - Make sure the online cloud storage includes privacy settings to control who sees what.
- Pricing/Value - Balancing the price of cloud storage with the value you get is also crucial when making your decision. Some offer free options but with severe limitations that may not work for you.
- Speed - You don’t want to experience any lags when accessing your files. It should be instantaneous.
- Support - When something goes wrong, how do you get help? Check reviews and find out how their support is before signing up.
- Ease of Use - If you are not computer savvy, you might want to look for a service that is easier to use than others.
Cloud Storage Solutions FAQs
What is the best cloud storage?
The best cloud storage solution depends on your needs and your budget. If you want a storage solution with powerful collaboration features, iDrive or Google Drive might be best. If you have Apple devices, iCloud might work best for you.
How much does 1TB of cloud storage cost?
Most providers offer a plan with 2TB, and the most inexpensive is iCloud chiming in at $5.79/month.
Is it worth paying for cloud storage?
Absolutely. Most free plans don’t offer enough space to hold all your goodies. Once you start uploading photos and music, your stash can grow big pretty fast. The good news is, there are a few very affordable options you can consider.
Is it safe to store data in the cloud?
Most cloud storage solutions offer very reliable security. However, anything stored online is vulnerable to exposure. The bigger risk with most services is privacy; Apple makes your data privacy a priority as part of their iCloud service.
How much cloud storage do I need?
It depends on what you need to store and how you will be using it. Full backups, videos, images, and music will take up more space than simple document files.