The challenge is finding the right combination of features, security, compatibility, and price that matches your cloud storage needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all in the world of cloud storage, but after a lot of research (and only about 15 cups of coffee), we’ve landed on six options that will suit the vast majority of readers. Whether you’re looking for the best cloud storage overall, the best cloud storage for personal use, or the most cloud storage you can get for free, we’ve got you covered.
How we selected the best cloud storage services
You’re probably familiar with the big names in cloud storage, file syncing, and cloud backup. What you may not know is that there are many high-quality competitors out there trying to lure users away from Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, etc. with better security and tons of unique features. When selecting the services on this list, we considered key features like security and encryption, ease-of-use, file sharing and syncing, compatibility with various desktop and mobile operating systems, versioning support, inconvenient limitations or fine print, and, of course, the cost for monthly, yearly and, where available, lifetime plans. Because of the wide array of features we considered, a couple of the biggest names like Google Drive and Dropbox didn’t make the cut. In both cases, privacy concerns and the lack of encryption kept both of these options from cracking our list.
Things to Consider when Picking a Cloud Storage Service
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting a cloud storage provider. Beyond the basic questions like how much storage you need, how much you’re willing to pay, and what kind of files you’re planning to store, there are three main factors that we think every buyer should consider very carefully.
Cloud “Storage” vs Cloud “Backup”
There’s a subtle—but important—difference between cloud storage and cloud backup. Cloud storage services focus on syncing discrete files and folders across devices and allowing you to share certain files and folders with friends, family, and business associates. Picking which items you want to put in the cloud is usually a manual process, with a “sync” folder predefined on your computer and only a little bit of automation built-in for things like photo and video backup. True cloud backup is more comprehensive. The point of a cloud backup is to copy your entire computer (or multiple computers) onto a server. Once that initial copy is made—sometimes manually—the cloud backup service will automatically update the backup every time you add or remove something, keeping multiple versions or snapshots of your data going back in time so that you can literally go back in time and recover files that you may have deleted by accident, or restore your whole system in case of a catastrophic failure. On this list, we’re focusing mainly on cloud storage solutions, but we did call out one service that delivers the best of both worlds.
Big Names vs. Newcomers
Generally speaking, the smaller companies are more focused on providing the best possible experience with a focus on certain key features, better security, and the widest range of plans for both personal and business use, while the big names can afford to charge less for more storage and may offer better integration across a wider variety of apps, operating systems, and devices. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but you have to consider your own needs and preferences and choose accordingly.
Monthly Subscription vs Lifetime Plan
Finally, we also recommend considering exactly how you want to pay for your cloud storage solution. Most of the big names offer monthly subscriptions with a discount if you pay for a full year in advance, but some providers give you the option to pay a large one-time fee for a “lifetime” plan. It’s sort of like buying a large hard drive and storing it at the company’s data center, rent-free. The subscription model works for many people, but if you only want to back up a specific set of files on the cloud, or you’re confident that you’ll never go above and beyond a certain amount of storage, a lifetime plan may be the more affordable and sensible option over the long term. Just make sure the company you pick is a stable, trusted name in cloud storage—the “lifetime” in “lifetime plan” will only last as long as the company stays in business.
Best cloud storage overall: pCloud
Why it made the cut: pCloud is one of the most well-rounded cloud storage solutions on the market, combining tons of features with an easy-to-use interface, military-grade encryption, and a variety of affordable plans. Specs:
10GB freeNo file size limitation256-bit AES encryption
pCloud—our pick for the best cloud storage— offers all of the user-friendly features and affordable pricing of big names like Dropbox and Google Drive. Even better, it comes without the privacy and security concerns that often crop up when you rely on a “big tech” company for your cloud storage needs. Try as we might, we’re having a hard time finding any missing features with pCloud: there’s extensive file sharing functionality, 256-bit AES encryption on all files, mobile apps that automatically backup your photos and videos, built-in media players, and automatic versioning so you can recover folders or files you accidentally deleted for up to 30 days. The only knock against pCloud is that an extra layer of client-side “zero knowledge” encryption, where only you have access to the encryption key, costs extra. You have to plunk down an additional $125 (one-time payment) or $50 per year for this feature, which some cloud storage services provide by default.
Best personal cloud storage: Microsoft OneDrive
Why it made the cut: Microsoft OneDrive is the most convenient cloud storage solution thanks to its seamless integration with Windows, excellent collaboration tools, and wide range of plans to choose from, some of which include a subscription to Office 365. Specs:
5GB freeBuilt into Windows 10Microsoft Office integration
As a cloud storage solution for file syncing and file sharing, Microsoft OneDrive is the most convenient option out there and the best personal cloud storage. It’s on the same level as Dropbox or Google Drive, but benefits from additional features like seamless integration with Microsoft Office, excellent collaboration features, easy-to-use file-sharing tools, and solid support for a variety of operating systems and devices. If you’re a Windows 10 user OneDrive comes pre-installed on your system, but even if you’re not, the MacOS and iOS implementations are virtually indistinguishable from PC and Android versions and work well for syncing important files cross-platform. OneDrive does support some file versioning, but this is very limited and we wouldn’t recommend using it as a heavy duty backup solution. However, for personal cloud storage, it’s hard to argue with OneDrive’s convenience appeal—if nothing else, it’s ubiquitous.
Best cloud storage for business: Egnyte
Why it made the cut: If you need to hit large scale for many users, this option can handle it. Specs:
$10 per user per monthDeep integration with other appsBuilt-in task manager
The best cloud storage for business is Egnyte. Egnyte comes in four different flavors for business users depending on the size of your team and what sort of advanced features you’re looking for. The two main tiers that are available to purchase online are Egnyte Team for 1 to 10 users at $10 per user per month and Egnyte Business for 10 to 100 users at $20 per user per month. Both of these tiers offer 1TB of base storage with a 100GB file size limitation, basic encryption, and two-factor authentication, compliance with a wide range of common data security laws like HIPAA and the GDPR, and tons of content collaboration features, including a built-in task manager. On top of all this, there’s a wide range of add-ons and app integrations that set Egnyte apart from other, more basic options like Box, OneDrive, or Dropbox, including integrations for Slack, Office 365, Google Workspace, AWS, SalesForce, and more. Specs:
Full-res photo and video storageAutomatic smartphone backupShare storage with up to 5 people
Best for both storage and backup: IDrive
Why it made the cut: IDrive is a hybrid cloud storage and cloud backup solution, and the best option if you want the best of both worlds: full device backup and recovery, as well as online storage/syncing of your favorite files and folders. Specs:
5GB freeRobust file syncing Full device backup and recovery
IDrive is a hybrid cloud storage and backup solution that offers users the best of both worlds. You still get to choose a bespoke folder that will sync across multiple devices and operating systems, just like with pCloud or OneDrive, but you also get access to multiple device backup with robust versioning and recovery options. IDrive will even protect you from ransomware attacks by taking regular “snapshots” of your system and letting you rewind the clock to a previous version, and 256-bit AES “zero knowledge” encryption is standard. The only thing keeping IDrive from winning “Best Overall” is the relatively limited file sharing features and the fact that paid tiers are all pay-by-year. Fortunately, even at those yearly rates, IDrive is extremely affordable.
Best on a budget: MEGA
Why it made the cut: No other service offers this much storage for free. If you’re looking for a secure place to store a lot of files without paying a dime, MEGA is your best bet. Specs:
20GB free storageZero-knowledge encryptionSecure chat with end-to-end encryption
MEGA has two key features that make it worth a look: they offer a massive 20GB of free storage, and they put an intense focus on privacy and security. Their paid tiers are a little bit more expensive than feature-rich options like pCloud, but as a budget option, MEGA’s 20GB free tier is unbeatable. Especially since free members benefit from all the same zero-knowledge multi-layer encryption features as everyone else. MEGA also offers a wide range of device support, including a desktop app for Linux and a mobile app for Huawei’s Harmony operating system, as well as a built-in chat feature that’s end-to-end encrypted. You could say they’re big on security… Where MEGA falls short is convenience. Because of their laser focus on security and privacy, you won’t find any sort of app integration or useful collaboration features through Google Drive or Office 365. But if that doesn’t put you off, or if you’re simply looking for the most storage at the lowest cost, MEGA offers 5GB more than any other service worth using.
A final word about the best cloud storage
Now more than ever, there are tons of options available that deliver safe, reliable, user-friendly cloud storage for every use case and budget. Whether you’re looking for personal cloud storage to keep your devices in sync, business focused storage for collaborating with coworkers, or a place to back up unlimited photos, there’s a convenient solution available in the cloud. You just have to know where to look.
