The best cloud computing providers will make it simpler for you. You don’t have to think about missing data and it is saved in the cloud – even though all of your computers malfunction. You will secure your records, images, and videos from both unintended deletion and security attacks from the outside world.
There’s still no reason to fiddle with extra gadgets. Simply drag and drop your files into the cloud using your browser or app, and you can rest happy knowing they’re secure. You can then open them, edit them, post them, and more from every desktop, tablet, or other internet-connected computer, no matter where you are in the world.
But how do you pick between the several cloud storage services competing for your business? In this post, we’ve assembled a list of the best cloud storage services available right now.
We’ll compare pricing and functions, such as networking software and file-sharing functionality, as well as the quality of protection they have for your confidential data. You’ll find the right cloud storage for your needs here, ranging from no-frills budget solutions to more expensive options.
1. pCloud
You know how some online providers are free for the first year, but then raise the direct debit once you’ve gotten used to them? If you’re tired of this happening to you, pCloud offers a lifetime membership for £159 / £309, which contains 500GB and 2TB of data. If you choose to pay daily or annually, the rates are also fair, and there’s even a free plan of 10GB of storage.
In any case, pCloud would provide you with a wonderful service that helps you to access your files in real time through any computer you might think of. Individual file sizes are unregulated, and copies of lost and changed files are kept for up to 30 days just to be secure.
Auto backups from Twitter, Instagram, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive can be set up. 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication offer security. You may also select whether the data is saved in the EU or the US. Also, pCloud is headquartered in Switzerland, which is known for its stringent privacy rules, so you can rest assured that your data is secure.
pCloud doesn’t offer as many high-end enterprise features as some of its competitors, and the maximum storage space of 2TB won’t be enough for everyone. However, if what you need is a safe and efficient data storage solution, you’ll find it here at very fair rates. And the one-time payment package would cater to anyone who wishes to “put it and forget it,” as the saying goes. Read our complete pCloud analysis for more details.
2. IDrive
IDrive is our choice for the best cloud storage service overall, owing to its comprehensive feature set. With real-time syncing, you can back up your data to an infinite number of computers. You can also access older file restorations, which can come in handy if you remove anything by mistake. Not only can you back up files, but you can even back up your entire machine. Since iDrive deals for mapped network drives, you can use it to backup complete disk images – in other words, back up whole networks – if you like.
You should back up files from all of your PCs, Macs, and smart devices into a single account to make it easier to manage anything. In addition, iDrive provides behavior logs, two-factor authentication, and end-to-end encryption. If you want to communicate with friends or coworkers, you can quickly and conveniently exchange synced files from your computer, mobile device, or the internet.
You can use iDrive for free up to 5GB of capacity, and there are paying plans for storage capacities of up to 5TB, 10TB, and 12.5TB. Read our complete IDrive analysis for more details.
3. BigMIND by Zoolz
Zoolz Online Backup is a simple-to-use cloud storage service targeted at companies searching for long-term data storage. There is no free alternative (though there is a free trial), but the paying plans are fairly priced, and 10TB should suffice for most companies’ needs. There’s also a thoughtful feature called ‘cold storage,’ which helps you to save money by archiving files that you won’t need to use very much.
In general, there’s a wide variety of features available, including seamless updates, uploads, and syncing through various devices, as well as clever AI that groups objects, faces, records, and text for simpler organizing. There’s also decent file versioning and a good variety of search tools to help you find what you’re searching for quicker.
With all of that, as well as intelligent filtering, 256-bit AES encryption, and multi-factor authentication, this is one of the better cloud storage solutions to look at if you need a long-term storage system for your belongings.
4. Degoo Cloud
Many cloud service services have a free plan, but none are as generous as Degoo’s, which provides 100GB of storage. Yeah, you read that correctly: 100GB of data at no fee.
Degoo, which is aimed for photographers, packs a punch with features like 256-bit end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, seamless sharing, cross-device support, and real-time syncing. Admittedly, you’ll be bombarded with commercials, but you can’t moan because you’re having too many free things.
To get more storage and enhanced functionality like zero-knowledge encryption and photo-storage maximisers, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid package. These are available on the Pro and Ultimate tiers, with 500GB and 10TB of capacity, respectively. Aside from that, Degoo lacks some of the more sophisticated functionality found in business-oriented cloud storage providers, but this is unlikely to be a challenge for most photographers. See our Degoo analysis for more information.
5. Livedrive
Fast restoration options, support for a wide variety of devices, 256-bit encryption, and two-factor authentication are only a couple of the features that come standard with Livedrive’s cloud storage service (plus more sophisticated encryption on business accounts). Your deleted files are stored for 30 days, and there’s a heavy focus on enterprise and communication tools like on-the-go editing, squad directories, and smart file sharing.
There are a lot of different plans to pick from, which can be overwhelming at times but allow you the ability to build a setup that works for you. This is one of the more expensive programs, so it’s better for business rather than personal use, particularly when several people need to work on papers and other files. Although there is no free edition, there is a free preview that you can use before buying. For more detail, see our Livedrive analysis.
6. NordLocker
When it comes to cloud computing, is protecting your privacy and data confidentiality your highest priority? Then NordVPN NordLocker is a good choice. This service has better encryption than others, and all of the data is automatically encrypted before being posted, so not even NordLocker can see it. Safe file sharing, two-factor authentication, and a master password are all available.
This is a decent cloud storage service in general, with quick drag-and-drop file upload and control, as well as syncing between different devices. The free service offers 3GB of data, while the generally cheaper subscription options offer up to 500GB.
You can have more storage than that if you want a commercial solution, but you’ll have to email NordLocker directly. It’s also worth remembering that NordLocker doesn’t have dedicated mobile applications, so you’ll have to use the dedicated web software on your PC instead of your browser. There is, though, nothing better when it comes to security and privacy.
7. Microsoft OneDrive
Do you have Windows 10 built on your computer? Then Microsoft’s OneDrive is one of the most simple cloud storage solutions. It comes with 5GB of free space and is embedded into the operating system. If you like more, Microsoft Office 365n contains a full 1TB of storage space, and you can pay extra for even more. Alternatively, for a nominal fee, you will get an amazing 100GB of monthly capacity without Office 365.
Real-time syncing, 30 days of file restoration, ransomware protection, and a personal vault that preserves main files with ID authentication are all included in the OneDrive applications for Android, iOS, and macOS. Multipage scanning, offline directories, automated photo saving and editing on every computer are all enabled, and everything is built beautifully into your Windows 10 workflow.
OneDrive isn’t as advanced as some of its more business-oriented counterparts, but it’s a solid, dependable, and simple-to-use service that Office 365 and Windows consumers can at least check out for free.
8. Dropbox
Dropbox, which was established in 2008, is one of the most well-known and well-respected cloud storage services available. Real-time syncing through various computers, a very simple interface, 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, and, most notably, quick and safe file sharing are among the standout features.
Watermarking, smart authorization solutions, and a wide variety of sharing features, including team directories, editing tools, protected file transfers, and commenting, are also included.
Most people are familiar with Dropbox’s capable free version, which includes just 2GB of storage, but the premium levels include more storage (in some cases, limitless storage), system permissions, audit logging, centralised admin consoles, and networking controls.
On the drawbacks, these systems are a bit more costly than many cloud computing providers, and there aren’t many safety features available. Read our full Dropbox analysis for more details.
9. Apple iCloud
Are you a member of Apple’s ecosystem? Then it’s time to check out Apple’s native cloud computing service, iCloud. This tool offers you 5GB of free storage and has a well-thought-out integration for macOS and iOS. iCloud allows streamlined backup and synchronization of all your essential data, and searching and navigation are as easy as you’d expect from Apple.
Overall, iCloud has strong collaboration opportunities, simple visual organization, two-factor security, and inexpensive update storage plans. On the drawback, most methods don’t provide the same degree of advanced security or business functionality. Even though you don’t have to be an Apple fan to use iCloud (a Windows client is available, and the mobile website works well on Android devices), there’s not much point if you aren’t.
10. Google Drive
Google’s cloud computing facility, like OneDrive and iCloud, is integrated into Google’s own services – it’s included whether you have a Google account, an Android phone, or a Chromebook. You get 15GB of free storage, and you can edit, work on, manage, and upload your files using Google’s own suite of online applications. Much better, if you need to access a file that Google doesn’t have an app for, it does a brilliant job of locating one for you without needing you to leave the gui.
Drive has web applications for Windows and Mac that provide many of the important cloud storage functionality, such as real-time syncing, security, offline connectivity, and document scanning. You can also recover files from up to 30 days ago and store images in their original format. Space may be expanded to a limit of 20TB on paying plans.
11. Box
If you’re searching for a massive volume of cloud storage for your company, Box is a fantastic place to start. Many of the Enterprise models, with the exception of the starter package, provide unrestricted storage. However, you can’t upload individual files larger than 5GB, which might be a problem if you’re dealing with raw 4K or 8K images.
Aside from that, Box has some enhanced security features, including data loss protection, which is supported by applications like Office 365 and Google Docs, as well as being specifically compatible with others including G-Suite and AutoCAD. Box applications are available for Linux, Windows, and Android. If you’re exchanging files and directories with various partners, note-taking tools and fun communication functionality are the icing on the cake.
Box isn’t something we’d suggest for personal use. The free plan just allows you 10GB of storage and a maximum file size of 250MB, and the Personal Pro plan isn’t inexpensive. However, this feature-rich service with unrestricted storage is well worth considering for enterprise customers, including creative freelancers. Read our full Box analysis for more details.
12. Mega
Mega is one of the best cloud computing services available if you need a lot of free storage. Apart from Degoo Cloud, you will get 50GB of free storage here, which is way more than any other provider on this list. Plus, if you need more room, you can upgrade from 1TB to 16TB for a fraction of the cost.
Mega’s web apps, mobile apps, and browser extensions are quick but efficient, with smooth syncing and uploading between them. There’s also a heavy emphasis on confidentiality, with features such as user-controlled end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and endpoint encryption. Both chat and file-sharing are encrypted, so you should be confident that no one is listening in to your conversations. The organization also releases its own source code and cryptographic architecture, which is a smart way to prevent security bugs.
