Table of Contents
Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows you to store files online. It offers features like cloud storage, syncing files across devices, and personal cloud options for easy access and sharing.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage and file sharing service that enables you to store your files securely online. It allows for easy sharing and collaboration on documents with others.
iDrive
iDrive offers cloud storage solutions that allow you to back up and manage unlimited devices within one account, making data management simple and reliable.
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage and file sharing platform integrated into Microsoft 365. It enables users to store, sync, and access files across devices seamlessly, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
Apple iCloud
Apple’s iCloud provides secure cloud storage and syncing services that allow you to keep notes, files, photos, and more safely stored and accessible across devices.
Cloud storage is rapidly becoming the primary method for organizing, sharing, and safeguarding files because it is more secure than physical servers and offers greater storage capacity than traditional hard drives.
If you’re looking for the best options, my top picks are Dropbox and Google Drive. With numerous services available, this guide helps simplify your choice by covering:
- The top solutions for small businesses.
- The most suitable options for individual users.
- The best picks for large companies and enterprises.
- And additional specialized options.
What Is the Top Cloud Storage Service?
Below are the leading options for cloud storage this year, based on features, usability, and value.
1. Dropbox
Overall best cloud storage software, priced at $15 per user monthly.
Expert’s Advice
My top pick for the best cloud storage provider is Dropbox because it’s straightforward to use, offers a reliable free plan, and supports integration with many applications. Whether for personal use or business needs, Dropbox remains a strong choice.
Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows you to save and sync your files, tools, and content in one secure location. You can easily share files with anyone and organize everything in one place. It supports content from Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Microsoft Office, and Dropbox Paper, all accessible within your Dropbox folder. You can access your files across multiple devices such as computers, tablets, phones, and laptops, making your work seamless and connected. The Dropbox Gmail add-on helps you share and retrieve files more conveniently, streamlining your workflow.
You can also access your files through a web browser by simply signing in, without needing to install any software, or you can download the mobile app to manage your files on the go. Both desktop and mobile versions allow uploading whether from your computer, phone, cameras, or SD cards. Dropbox also offers backup solutions for your important files and supports direct uploads from external devices. Its integration with popular business tools like Zoom and Slack enhances team collaboration, while calendar integration helps you manage upcoming meetings with relevant files and note templates.
Security measures include SSL/TLS encryption both during transfer and at rest, along with two-factor authentication for added account protection. However, it’s important to note that Dropbox does not provide end-to-end encryption, so users should consider sensitive data accordingly.
Key features include the ability to recover deleted files from the backup folder within the last 30 days using recovery software, the option to send large files up to 100GB with Dropbox transfer (up to 250GB with the creative tools add-on), and content suggestions based on your activity that help you quickly find the most relevant files.
Pros of Dropbox include support for over 175 file types without installation, compatibility across all major operating systems, high-level security encryption, file recovery options extending up to 180 days, plans with unlimited storage for advanced users, two-factor authentication, and 24/7 phone support in English.
Pricing plans are as follows: Professional at $19.99/month with a 14-day free trial, Standard at $15 per user/month with a 30-day trial, Advanced at $25 per user/month with a 30-day trial, and Enterprise with custom quotes.
Moving on to Google Drive, which offers affordable data storage at just $1.99 per month, providing a secure platform for your files and documents.
Expert’s Advice
Google Drive is a versatile cloud storage solution widely adopted by businesses for saving, sharing, and working together on files. It offers both desktop and mobile applications, making access convenient from any device such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktops. You can create documents, spreadsheets, and presentation slides directly within Google Drive, streamlining your workflow.
Best For
Security
Price
$1.99/month to $299.90/month
Annual Discount
Save 17% – available yearly
Promotion
Google Drive provides cloud-based storage and syncing services that enable users to save, share, and work together on files effortlessly. Access is available on any device, from smartphones and laptops to tablets, allowing seamless collaboration. It integrates easily with Google’s suite of tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with all creations automatically saved in Drive. This integration eliminates the hassle of transferring files between different apps or platforms.
Additionally, Google Drive can work with Microsoft Office, enabling team members to collaborate on documents simultaneously. It also connects with various business tools such as Slack, Salesforce, Adobe, DocuSign (including some alternatives), Atlassian, and more. The platform supports over 100 file formats including PDFs, images, videos, and CAD files, removing the need for frequent file conversions. Using advanced Google AI search technology, Drive helps teams quickly and accurately find the files they need, while the AI-driven Priority feature suggests relevant content based on previous activities.
Key Features:
- Security Features – Google Drive offers extensive security options, including Data Loss Prevention, Vault for eDiscovery, and archiving to protect your data. It also restricts team members from sharing sensitive information with outsiders.
- Offline Mode – You can create, edit, and view files without an internet connection. Any changes made offline will automatically sync once you’re back online.
Advantages:
- Store up to 15 GB of data at no cost.
- All Google Drive plans come integrated with other Google services like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Compatible with popular business tools like Slack, Salesforce, Atlassian, and DocuSign, as well as all Adobe products.
- All paid plans include a free trial lasting 14 days.
- Works seamlessly on both Windows and macOS platforms.
Pricing Options:
Google Drive’s plans depend on storage capacity:
- 100GB for $1.99/month
- 200GB for $2.99/month
- 2TB for $9.99/month
- 30TB for $299.90/month
3. iDrive
The top choice for backup storage ($74.62 for 250 GB).
Expert Advice
If data security is your priority, iDrive is an excellent option. It uses military-grade encryption and offers automatic backups, ensuring your information remains protected. Plus, you can retrieve your files from anywhere with an internet connection globally.
Best For
Backups
Price
Free to $74.62 per year
Annual Discount
Yes – Save 25%
Promotion
The platform offers a mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play, allowing you to perform backups directly from your smartphone. This includes contacts, videos, photos, calendar entries, and other files, making mobile device data protection simple and convenient.
One notable feature is Snapshots and Versioning, which provides a historical view of your data, enabling point-in-time recovery and offering protection against ransomware attacks. Up to 30 previous versions of each file are retained, giving you multiple restore options.
You can access your backed-up files from any device or web browser. The service also facilitates file sharing, management, and restoration across multiple devices seamlessly.
Included are real-time sync for files and folders across linked devices, sector-level or file-level backups for comprehensive system security, and automatic detection of data changes to optimize backups. Deleted files can be recovered within 30 days, and data remains intact until you manually purge it through an Archive Cleanup process. Users receive notifications about activity logs, sharing actions, backup statuses, and more to stay updated on their data management.
Additional features include RemotePC, which allows remote operation of your computer from anywhere and supports remote file management and printing; Vision, a free add-on for enhanced remote customer support and training via video; and Offline View, enabling file access on mobile devices without an internet connection.
The platform’s advantages include robust security via AES encryption, unlimited device backups for the app, 24/7 technical support, and flexible backup options such as computer, Linux, and hybrid backups, plus snapshot-based recovery and remote management.
Pricing plans for iDrive are designed for both personal and business use. Personal plans start at $52.12 for 5TB in the first year, while 10TB costs $74.62 initially. Business plans vary from 250GB at $74.62 to 12.5TB at $2249.62 for the first year. There is also a free plan with up to 5GB of cloud storage available for new users.
Another popular option is Microsoft OneDrive, especially suited for those using Windows 10 and Microsoft 365, priced at $1.99 per month. It integrates seamlessly with Windows and Microsoft Office applications to provide a streamlined cloud storage experience.
Expert’s Recommendation
If you’re looking for a Microsoft-based cloud storage solution, Microsoft OneDrive is an excellent option. It offers numerous features suitable for both personal and professional use. OneDrive’s standout feature is its smooth integration with other Microsoft tools, like Office 365 and SharePoint, making file management simple and efficient.
Best For
Windows Users
Price
Free to $99.99/year
Annual Discount
2 Extra Months Free
Promotion
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage and file synchronization service offered by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. It allows you to store your files in a dedicated folder and access them from any device, anywhere. You can edit, share, and back up your files effortlessly, ensuring they are always at your fingertips. With OneDrive, sharing files is simple—you can send links via email or text, and there’s no limit to the size of files you can send. It also integrates well with many third-party apps like Outlook, AutoCAD, and Xbox One, enabling you to store virtually every type of file.
In terms of security, OneDrive provides options like Personal Vault for sensitive documents such as passports or insurance papers. Additionally, it includes ransomware recovery features to protect your data from malicious attacks. Whether you’re a Windows user or someone seeking reliable cloud storage, OneDrive offers a versatile and secure solution for your file management needs.
Key Features:
- Personal Vault – This feature allows you to securely store your most important files with an extra layer of protection. You can also enhance security using methods such as fingerprint, facial recognition, SMS codes, and more.
- Document Scanning – OneDrive offers a handy scanning feature for notes, receipts, business cards, and other documents, making it easy to digitize and store physical items.
Pros:
- Your files automatically sync between your PC and mobile app, ensuring you always have the latest version.
- You can recover any file from your OneDrive account within a 30-day window.
- Access your files offline without an internet connection.
- Share files securely with passwords for added privacy.
- Built-in ransomware detection and recovery options to protect your data.
Pricing:
Microsoft OneDrive offers four main plans:
- OneDrive Basic: Free, offering 5GB of storage.
- OneDrive Standalone: $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage.
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $69.99 annually, includes 1TB of storage.
- Microsoft 365 Family: $99.99 annually, provides a total of 6TB for multiple users.
There are also plans tailored for larger organizations starting from $5 per user each month with 1TB of space per user.
5. Apple iCloud.
Best suited for regular users of MacBook, iPhone, and iMac products, at just $0.99 per month.
Expert’s Advice
If you’re an Apple user looking for seamless integration with other Apple devices, iCloud is an excellent choice. It’s user-friendly and easy to set up, making it ideal for those who want everything smoothly synchronized across their Apple ecosystem.
Apple iCloud is a cloud-based storage and synchronization service offered by Apple, designed to help you keep your notes, files, photos, and more safely stored online. You start with 5GB of free storage, with the option to add more at any time.
When you upload your photos and videos to iCloud, the original high-resolution versions are stored in the cloud, while smaller, lightweight versions remain on your device. This setup frees up significant space on your device without sacrificing access to your media, even those from years past. Additionally, you can organize and share photos easily through iCloud.
With iCloud, you can access and organize all your files across your Apple devices. It allows you to share files via private links, where you control who can view, comment, or add their own photos and videos. Any changes made on one device are automatically reflected on all others signed in with the same Apple ID, ensuring your contacts, notes, calendars, and reminders stay synchronized.
You can also store your work created with Pages, Numbers, and Keynote directly in iCloud and edit or share those documents on the web. It’s easy to collaborate by giving team members or family members access to edit your files together.
iCloud also simplifies messaging and ongoing conversations by allowing you to view messages and continue chats seamlessly on any device, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and iPods. You can even access articles from your reading list offline and keep your bookmarks consistent across all your iOS devices.
Key features include:
– iCloud Key Chain, which securely saves passwords, credit card information, and confidential data on your devices.
– Find My Device, enabling you to track and locate all your Apple gadgets linked with iCloud and share your location with others if needed.
– Family Sharing, allowing up to five family members to share purchases like apps, music, and books without extra cost.
Pros of using iCloud include:
– It’s built directly into all Apple products, offering seamless integration.
– Devices automatically back up to iCloud when connected to the internet.
– Enhanced security with two-factor authentication.
– Flexibility in organizing your files with folders, renaming options, and color-coded tags.
– A free plan with 5GB of storage, with scalable paid options.
Pricing plans offered by Apple iCloud are:
– 5 GB: Free
– 50 GB: $0.99/month
– 200 GB: $2.99/month
– 2 TB: $9.99/month
6. Zooz
Ideal for large businesses needing extensive storage, Zooz offers scalable solutions starting at $14.99 per month for unlimited users and servers. It provides unlimited uploads and downloads, no speed restrictions, and uses an AWS-based backend to ensure security and smooth migration to the cloud. Features like multi-layer backup, duplication, and redundancy support reliable and on-demand access to your data.The platform offers advanced backup features, including deduplication, block-level uploads, and customizable file retention policies. These capabilities help you perform faster backups and manage storage costs by limiting space used by individual files.
A user-friendly file browser is available to help you organize, manage, share, search, and preview all your stored files directly in the cloud. You can also use its centralized system to restore files to any device at any time, providing flexibility and ease of access. Moreover, you have complete control over your data by setting backup and user access policies.
Major control options include selecting specific files for backups, setting storage limits, enabling encryption, assigning privileges, and managing user accounts—such as suspending, activating, or deleting users. Files can be encrypted and decrypted easily, and you can set expiration dates for shared download links. Notifications alert you whenever someone accesses or downloads shared files.
The service complies with GDPR regulations and maintains other certifications like HIPAA, ensuring your data privacy and security are prioritized.
Key features include cold storage for archiving less-frequent files with no restore costs and remote restore options. The Hybrid+ feature allows creating local copies to reduce recovery times by syncing data from a local repository over cold storage. For large data transfers exceeding 10 TB, the Snowball Appliance service sends Amazon’s hardware to facilitate secure and efficient migration.
Pros of the platform include robust 256-AES server-side encryption, the ability to upload multiple small files simultaneously for quicker backups, unlimited sharing and downloads, support for both administrator and user-initiated backups, the option to restore files to different locations, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing plans are tailored for unlimited users and servers, with options such as 1TB at $14.99/month, 2TB at $29.99/month, and 5TB at $74.99/month. All plans include features like unlimited NAS and external device support, AES-256 encryption, and unlimited server inclusion. There is also a long-term plan offering 100TB of storage for five years at $30,000.
Next, we have Nextcloud, a self-hosted cloud storage platform suitable for businesses looking to maintain control over their data (costing approximately 1900€ annually). Nextcloud lets you integrate your on-premise storage with your local network, creating a private cloud environment.
It supports numerous integrations such as FTP, SharePoint, Windows Network Drive, NFS, and Object Storage, enabling seamless data access and collaboration. Plus, real-time notifications on comments and shares via mobile apps improve team communication. Productivity tools like private audio, video conferencing, on-premises file access, and live chat further enhance collaboration.
Nextcloud is compliant with HIPAA and GDPR standards, offering advanced data access control and auditing features. Its key capabilities include defining data retention policies, automating repetitive tasks like data entry with flow-based automation, and transforming data into actionable analytics shared across teams.
Advantages include controlling file deletion via tags, sharing files securely on your own server, easy installation with web installers, VM images, and snapshot backups. Multi-layered encryption bolsters security, while granular permissions govern file access and sharing. It supports authentication protocols such as SAML, LDAP, Active Directory, and Kerberos, along with built-in editing for MS Office files.
Pricing is structured into three plans: Basic starting at 50 users for 1900€ per year, Standard at the same user base for 3400€, and Premium at 4900€, with options for additional services like installation support, custom setups, and branding tailored to your needs.
Lastly, Icedrive offers a browser-based user interface and desktop & mobile apps at an affordable rate of $1.67 per month, making it ideal for users seeking ease of access across devices.
Icedrive is a cloud storage solution designed to integrate seamlessly with your operating system, enabling easy management and access to your files. You have the option to use it through a web browser or via dedicated desktop or mobile applications.
The desktop app provides a familiar, native experience for tasks like deleting, editing, uploading, and opening files. Meanwhile, the mobile app allows you to stream media, share files and folders, and even back up your entire device.
One of Icedrive’s standout features is its cache-control system, which allows you to cache frequently used files for instant access, eliminating the need to wait for syncing. It is compatible with all device types and is available across major app stores, making file access straightforward from any device. Users can also engage with the platform by leaving comments on shared files or showcases.
Additionally, Icedrive includes an in-built media player that lets you stream videos directly from the cloud and preview documents without downloading. Image previews are supported without the hassle of file transfer, enhancing user convenience.
Key features include a browser-based upload system employing ‘chunked uploads’ for large files, document conversion tools to preview various vector and document formats directly in the browser, and an intuitive web interface supporting drag-and-drop and right-click functions.
The service offers robust security measures, such as the Twofish encryption algorithm and the ability to encrypt folder and file names. Users start with a free plan offering 10 GB of storage, with options to upgrade.
Pricing plans are structured as follows for annual subscriptions: the Lite plan at $1.67/month provides 150 GB, the Pro plan at $4.17/month offers 1 TB, and the Pro Plus at $15/month provides 5 TB of storage. All plans include client-side encryption, share expiration controls, password protection, and more.
LiveDrive is an ideal choice for remote teams, costing approximately $8.99 per month, and offers solutions tailored to personal and business needs. It provides unlimited PC/Mac backups, enabling users to access and edit files from anywhere. Files are automatically backed up to secure data centers in the UK, with options to restore data to new devices in cases of theft or hardware failure. The platform employs advanced intrusion prevention technology and physical security, ensuring data safety.
You can create team folders for collaboration and share files within your organization, with the ability to control access permissions. The dashboard monitors backup statuses and storage usage, providing transparency and control. Security features include two-factor authentication, multiple layers of physical security, compliance with EU privacy regulations, and comprehensive file management tools.
Key features include Backup+ Pro for easy file backup and restoration on Windows and Mac, a Briefcase feature for accessing files from any device with integrated AES-128 encryption, and options for white-label customization with your own branding.
LiveDrive’s services are compliant with SOX and SOC2 standards, offering bandwidth control for downloads and uploads and integrity checks to ensure file security. Its mobile app supports backups, and access controls allow setting permissions for different users.
Pricing varies depending on use, with personal plans starting at $8.99/month for basic backups and more comprehensive packages available for business needs, such as the Pro Suite, which includes additional storage and features.
- Monthly: $16
- Briefcase: $16 per month
Business Plans:
- Business Express: $50/month for 2TB cloud storage
- Business Standard: $160/month with 10TB cloud storage
All plans include a free trial to test the services.
10. BackBlaze Business Cloud Storage
Ideal for data encryption at $6 per month.
Backblaze provides cloud storage and backup services, offering enterprise-grade and S3 compatible storage options. Transitioning data from Amazon to Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage is straightforward and quick.
It integrates smoothly with SAN, NAS, or preferred software, and supports native or S3 API, GUI, and CLI, which reduces coding efforts during migration. Additionally, Backblaze complies with HIPAA, making it suitable for healthcare data. You can manually set throttling and threading preferences for optimized performance.
Prominent features include storing data securely on virtual machines, servers, NAS, or computers, distributing content through Backblaze CDN partners, resizing cloud services based on workload needs, and managing large media assets without disrupting existing workflows. The software can also estimate backup times based on file transfer speeds.
Key Capabilities:
- Internet Transfer: Utilizes multi-threading to upload files using your current internet bandwidth efficiently.
- Fireball Rapid Ingest: Uploads large batches, up to 70TB, physically via the Backblaze Fireball device.
- Equinix Server: Partners with Equinix to provide on-demand, high-performance servers billed hourly.
Advantages:
- Streamlined backup process through partnership with MSP360.
- HIPAA compliance with a Business Associates Agreement (BAA).
- Centralized management of data via an admin dashboard.
- Unlimited retention of previous file versions.
- Physical backup options include a 256GB USB flash drive and external drives up to 8TB.
- Access to files across Android, iOS, and other devices.
- Starting at just 10GB of free cloud storage.
Pricing options:
Blackblaze offers three main plans:
- Monthly plan for $6
- Annual subscription for $60
- Two-year plan at $110
All include unlimited cloud storage, multiple version history, automatic backups, and a free trial so you can test before committing.
Understanding Cloud Storage
Cloud storage uses a cloud computing model where data is stored on virtual servers. Users can upload or download data from these servers, which provide data management and storage services.
Benefits of using cloud storage include: On-demand capacity that scales with your needs, payment based on used storage, elimination of physical storage hardware, real-time addition or reduction of storage, and enhanced operational agility for businesses worldwide. Centralized cloud data helps automate management tasks like tiering and compliance, while enabling IT teams to allocate storage efficiently and solve complex application issues without the burden of managing physical systems.
Essential Features to Look for in a Cloud Storage Platform
When choosing a cloud storage service, consider these key features:
- File Versioning: The ability to store unlimited file versions ensures secure editing and enables retrieval of previous data.
- Auto Sync: Changes are automatically saved, reducing risk of data loss even offline.
- Remote Access: Access and edit your files from any device or location at any time.
- Collaboration Tools: Support for teamwork with simultaneous editing capabilities.
- Security: Protect data with encryption, access controls, 256-bit AES, SSL/TLS, and two-factor authentication, especially since nearly half of companies are unsure of breach timings.
- Flexible Storage: Scale storage up or down as needed to optimize costs and requirements.
How to Use Cloud Storage Effectively
Cloud Storage Explained
In this guide, I’ll demonstrate how to use Zoolz to help you understand the process of creating reliable data backups.
Step 1: Sign In.
Begin by logging into your Zoolz account using your email and password. If you’re new to Zoolz, you can create an account by providing your name, email, and choosing a password.
Step 2: Choose Data for Backup.
Once you’re in the dashboard, select the files or folders you want to back up. Use the tabs like Smart Selection or My Computer to pick your data. After making your selections, click the “Next” button to proceed.
Step 3: Configure Backup Settings.
Next, pick your preferred backup options such as scheduling automatic backups, setting security features, enabling bandwidth throttling, or choosing hybrid options. Once you’ve set your preferences, Zoolz will start uploading your selected data. Once the upload completes, your files will be accessible online anytime.
I hope these instructions help clarify how cloud storage services work and how to set up your backups effectively.
Summary of Cloud Storage Options
Here are some of the most popular cloud storage providers. Cloud storage is an excellent way to replace bulky storage devices like USB drives and hard disks. It’s now more affordable than ever and suitable for both personal and business use.
Each platform offers unique features tailored to different needs. If you want secure, free storage, try Google Drive. For Apple fans using iPhones or MacBooks, Apple iCloud is a good choice.
My top recommendation is Dropbox because it offers:
- 256-bit AES encryption along with SSL/TLS security protocols
- Two-factor authentication for added security
- Seamless integration with Google Docs, Microsoft Office, and other tools
- Access to files from multiple devices including computers and smartphones
- And additional features to enhance your experience
Before choosing a service, review each one carefully. Many offer trial periods ranging from 14 to 30 days, allowing you to test their capabilities without commitment.
Which cloud platform are you considering, and what features are most important to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Additional Resources from StepThroughThePortal.com: Using cloud storage is crucial for keeping your files safe and accessible. Want to learn how to record your phone screen? Check out how to screen record on an iPhone. Need to take screenshots on your iPhone? Visit how to screenshot on your iPhone to save your favorite images securely.