Best Cloud Storage

How to Find the Best Cloud Storage for Business

The best cloud storage solution for businesses requires you to look for reliable, stable systems that will protect your data 24/7. While zero-knowledge and end-to-end encryption are important features, it is also worth looking into StaaS products. These offer enhanced cloud sync, collaborative features, and seamless digital workflows that increase employee collaboration and productivity.

You should also be aware of the powerful administrative tools available, including access management, system auditing and 2FA. This is especially important for large and medium-sized businesses.

If you've got less complex storage requirements, or have a tight budget, most providers offer free plans. Although less feature-rich and with smaller storage limits, the free cloud storage may be sufficient to meet your personal storage needs. While you can save important images and documents, the cloud storage will not allow you to store more. You'll need to pay for an upgrade. The advantage of this is that you have the opportunity to try different platforms before you buy.

Best Cloud Storage Overall: Google One/Drive

Google Photos is smarter, faster, and perhaps a better option than Apple Photos to backup all of your digital memories.

Google One accounts come with 15GB free space. This is a good amount. You can boost that to 100GB for $1.99 a month or $19.99 per year. Doubling that to 200GB is $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year, and a hefty 2TB is $9.99 a month or $99.99 per year. This is generally comparable to other premium cloud services. Google offers even bigger 10TB, 20TB, and 30TB plans.

Google's cloud service simply does a lot of things very well. The Google Photos app is better than Apple's in a lot of ways, especially the experience of accessing your photos on the web. This is a fantastic place to backup your videos and photos. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides have earned a great reputation as reliable, fast, and easy-to-use web-based collaborative productivity solutions and the iOS apps even support split-screen multitasking on iPad. Google Drive provides access to all your stuff via the web, and the app integrates very well with the iOS share menu.

You get VPN by Google One if you purchase the 2TB plan. This is a mobile-only VPN that works on iOS and Android.

It may feel strange to choose Google as your primary cloud storage solution when you use Apple products, but it really does work well. If you use Windows PCs or need to be able to view your files online, it's an easy choice.

Because it integrates so seamlessly with all of Apple's products and services, iCloud really is the best cloud storage solution for someone who is all-in with Apple. And I do mean all-in: All your computers are Macs, your mobile devices are iPhone or iPads, you work in Apple's productivity software (Pages, Numbers, Notes), and so on.

Apple has a full suite of web apps, but they're not as robust or performant as Google's.

Frustratingly, Apple still only provides a paltry 5GB of free iCloud storage, which isn't so bad if all you want to do is store some Pages and Numbers documents, but is grossly inadequate for photos and videos. Apple's 5GB limit is likely to not provide enough cloud storage for your iPad or iPhone. Apple is years overdue for increasing this limit, but at the very least, it should stop counting iOS backups against it. Apple will allow you to borrow as much iCloud storage as you require to back up and restore data to a new device for up to 2 weeks starting in fall 2021. This is a great feature that Apple offers to those who purchase a new Apple smartphone, however it will not help protect data in the event your iPhone is stolen/damaged.

It's 0.99/month for 50GB and $2.99 for 200GB respectively, or $9.99 per month for 2TB. Family sharing can be enabled on both the 200GB or 2TB plans. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your entire family can view your cloud content. It just means your whole family's iCloud usage will count against the same storage limit. The paid tiers have been renamed "iCloud+" to include many new benefits. There's iCloud Private Relay, free storage for HomeKit enabled security cameras, a Hide My Email feature, custom domain names for iCloud email accounts, and additional contact options for recovering your account. All of these excellent features help to confirm our belief that iCloud has the most value for people who love Apple products.

The main benefit of paying for more iCloud storage is that nearly all of Apple's apps can seamlessly sync through it. All your Apple devices can instantly access photos, calendars, mail, productivity apps and any other files you have saved to iCloud Drive on Finder. Many iOS apps can be backed up through iCloud and synced to it.

If you rely upon non-iOS or Mac computers from time to time you will find iCloud's limitations annoying. Apple offers a complete suite of web applications at iCloud.com but they are mediocre. Apple offers an iCloud Windows app which syncs data with your iCloud email and integrates it with other Windows apps such as Outlook. However, there is no native productivity app for Android or Windows. If you need to edit a Pages page, the web interface will work.

Tresorit – Best For Security

• Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted service
• Quite expensive
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• 14-day free trial
• Top-notch security features
• You can choose where your data will be stored

Swiss-based Tresorit takes security and privacy very seriously indeed. End-to-end encryption is standard. Zero-knowledge authentication means Tresorit can't see your password or access it. Multiple copies of files are kept on different servers to backups. 2-factor authentication is also available. Servers based in Europe have strict privacy laws.

This means it's quite a compelling package if you want to be assured that no-one will be prying into your business.

All of these precautions cost money of course, but Tresorit does offer a 14-day free trial. Tresorit Basic is also available as a free option. It allows you to connect up to two devices, and provides 3GB storage. You can also share 50 links each month.

You'll be able to afford the Premium Package at minimum cost of PS8/ $12.50 per Month for 500GB.

Solo is a package aimed at freelancers and professionals that costs PS20 / $30 per month and includes 2.5TB of storage plus password-protected files sharing, granular permissions, Outlook integration, and unlimited file versions (as opposed to the 10 on the Premium tier).

Tresorit users can now receive files encrypted in an open-ended environment. Plus, there's a choice of 'residency options' which lets you pick where your data is stored, allowing local teams to store data on servers located in their own region.

Desktop and mobile apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

Bottom Line: While more costly than some other services, will appeal to those who put a premium on security and privacy.

See all Tresorit's plans

 

Amazon Drive – Best For Prime Subscribers

• Prime includes unlimited full-resolution storage
• It's not ideal if you need to save more than just photos and videos
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Amazon's Drive has changed its name and had an overhaul in the last few years. It's still confusing, though, and not particularly easy to find on Amazon's website. It's easy to wonder if Drive is included in Amazon Prime or whether you can get it on your own. There's also plenty of confusion and overlap between the Amazon Drive and Amazon Photos apps, and no true file syncing from desktop computers.

Amazon sells it to store photos and videos. However, you can also view and store a variety of documents such as PDFs, office files, and other formats.

Let's get the scoop:

• Have an Amazon account? Amazon accounts come with 5GB free storage.
• Have Amazon Prime? Amazon Prime offers unlimited storage and video uploads up to 5GB
• Have a Fire tablet Unlimited storage is available for images taken on the Fire tablet, with 5GB additional storage

These options are not available for videos or photos. You need to sign-up for one of our Drive storage plans if you wish to save files. There's a 100GB tier that costs (PS1.49 per month / $19.99 per year) and 1TB for PS7.99 per month ($59.99 per year).

Bottom Line: Amazon Drive is not the best cloud storage service but it makes sense if you combine it with the other services the company offers. Amazon Prime is available for PS7.99/ $12.99 per Month and offers unlimited storage space, 5GB, Amazon Video, Music, Prime Delivery, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Amazon Video. Now that is good value.

See Amazon Drive plans

 

Nextcloud – The best cloud storage for self-hosting

Nextcloud offers something different from the services that we recommend.

Nextcloud is designed to allow you to store your data on your own secure servers, or on third-party servers. By hosting on your own servers, you can keep all your data safe inside the corporate firewall. You can quickly get your servers up and running by syncing with third-party servers.

Nextcloud's flexibility and expansion are also great. Nextcloud Hub is one example. The hub allows you (and your team) to:

Collaborate on documents and send/receive email. Manage your calendar. Video chats are possible without data loss.

As a fully on-premises solution, Nextcloud Hub provides the benefits of online collaboration without the compliance and security risks.

The ability to host Nextcloud on your own hardware is important, since Nextcloud's end-to-end (E2E) encryption is not fully funcitonal yet. Nextcloud is a flexible and powerful cloud storage system that offers unlimited potential. Between the core product and the 100+ apps you can add to it, you can create anything from basic cloud storage to a complete environment for home or business use.

Self-hosting your data on secure servers allows you to create a secure, free or low-cost cloud storage solution that is comparable to any other. And once end-to-end encryption is available, you will be able to do the same, even without hosting everything yourself.

 

Apple Icloud-Best for Iphone and Mac Users

• Seamless integration with Apple devices
• App backups automatically
• Only for Apple devices
• Stingy 5GB of free storage
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Apple's iCloud works a little differently to other cloud storage services in that it is effectively part of both macOS and iOS. You can access it via Windows computers, but really it only makes sense if you're using it primarily with Apple hardware.

As well as files, photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad, your messages, calendars, contacts, and various other data are also stored in iCloud.

This has the advantage that the majority of the work is done behind-the scenes so you won't need to do anything once it is running. Plus, when you come to move to a new Apple device, you'll instantly be able to sync all the information from your old one in a few minutes.

Although the free 5GB of iCloud storage is not enough for most people, it's sufficient if you take photos or videos. However, there are affordable options to purchase additional storage.

The following options are available: 50GB, 200GB (PS0.79/ $0.99/month), 2TB (PS2.49/ $2.99/month), and 2TB(PS6.99/$9.99/month). These two options can also be included in Apple's Family sharing feature.

Bottom Line: If you use only Apple products, then iCloud is well worth your attention.

Check out iCloud plans

Sync.Com

• Encryption from end-to-end
• Fantastic sharing options
• There is a limited selection of plans that can be paid
• Limited support for personal plans
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Sync.com, a Canadian company that offers both individual and business plans, is headquartered in Canada. It's a 'zero knowledge' platform, which means data is encrypted on your own device before being uploaded to the cloud, where it remains encrypted. So it's like Mega and Tresorit.

One of the slight drawbacks is a limited choice of paid plans. Sync gives you 5GB free of charge, however the 2TB Sole Basic plan (the cheapest) is available. There's no in-between. However, the price for this is very reasonable at $8 / PS6 per month – but note that you pay annually, not monthly.

As the name suggests, you can sync files from your device to the cloud and there are apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. You can specify files that are only available in the cloud or which files you have access to locally if you wish to reduce storage space.

There are many options for sharing files online, including password-protected links and more granular permissions that allow only certain people to view documents and not download them.

Unlike the Teams plans, Individual subscribers have limited support, but if you're ok with VIP email support, then you may get along just fine with Sync.com

 

Microsoft Onedrive is the best for Windows and Office users

• Integration with Microsoft Services
• Can free up space on your devices
• Free storage of only 5GB
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The cloud storage service that's seamlessly integrated into Windows 10 is Microsoft's OneDrive. Although the initial free tier of 5GB will quickly fill up, it's still on a par with many other services.

You can also use the advanced search tools, automatic photo backups and mobile access to OneDrive. The Files On Demand settings allow files to be stored online, rather than on your device.

You can store up to 100GB for just PS1.99/$1.99 per month. However, this does not give you Microsoft Word access or any other Office applications.

This brings with it a number of extras such as restoring the entire drive back to any point in the past 30 days, ransomware detection, password protection on shared files, expiration dates on shared links, offline folders on mobile devices, and ten times the allowed amount of content that can be shared each day.

Microsoft 365 offers 1TB storage. Google, however, is more affordable and gives you unlimited access to all its apps.

OneDrive is the best storage option for those who already use Windows 10 or Microsoft Office.

See OneDrive plans

What is the Best Cloud Storage Service for You?

Google Drive integrates well with Google Workspace and offers slick mobile apps and desktop apps. Dropbox remains one of the most popular cloud storage options thanks to its ease-of use and integrations from third parties.

Microsoft OneDrive provides integration with Microsoft 365, as well as premium plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Zoolz offers cloud storage that is high quality and secure. They also offer a free trial with great support, as well as 24/7 customer service. Finally, pCloud competes with industry giants via a lifetime subscription across family and business plans, secure file-sharing, and widespread app support across platforms.

 

*IDrive is offering 10TB for just $3.98 for the first year, currently

Here are some reasons to avoid

MEGA, the famous Kim Dotcom invention, allows you to upload files over an encrypted connection and retain control of your encryption key. This effectively blocks MEGA and others from scanning your files. Its sync client can be used openly and is subject to vulnerability tests.

MEGA offers a 50GB plan for free, which is rare in the world of cloud storage. You get one of the most reliable cloud storage options. A mobile app allows uploading of files and photos, while desktop users have sync clients at their disposal.

For those seeking a paid option, there are four tiers ranging from Pro Lite to Pro III: the only main difference being storage and transfer amounts (all four maintain the same additional features). A Business plan offers unlimited data transfer and 15TB storage.

Read our full MEGA review (opens in new tab).

 

How We Tested The Best Cloud Storage Providers?

We test cloud storage providers by looking at upload and downloading speeds. However, this only a small part of our overall rating. There are many other factors that can affect download and upload speeds, such as congestion rate, time of day, or server load.

Credentials around services and security standards are also key. Look for a cloud storage providers that can boast the certifications that promise an SLA you can rely on – and safeguards that protect your data. In addition, make sure your storage provider offers the scalability you need should you grow – and a flexible pricing model to accompany it.

Last but certainly not least is the level of support that a cloud storage service will provide to its customers, whether it's 24×7 over the phone or web-based only. Our reviews include all this and more details including usability, platform compatibility, and compare each cloud storage service to similar rivals, across key features and pricing, so you can make an informed decision based on as data as possible when it comes to the time when you will choose the best cloud storage provider for you.

What Is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage that is self-hosted uses only on-premises infrastructure (on-prem), and does not require external storage. The servers are hosted by your business, while you control the service.

StaaS makes use of externally managed infrastructure within data centers. This allows for economies of scale as well as large storage capacities at affordable prices. These services are often known as storage and syncing platforms.

Finally, hybrid cloud storage (opens in new tab) combines both on-prem infrastructure and cloud networking, utilizing the strengths of both for extra security.

Cloud sync technology allows you to upload, share, edit and access data seamlessly from any device. It supports file versioning and link sharing. You can also track document changes and incorporate edits. Many StaaS products provide these features in a cohesive, integrated digital environment, and as a result often rank among the best apps to share files (opens in new tab).

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage involves sending your files to a remote database rather than storing them locally. Typically, your data will be spread across multiple servers, sometimes in multiple locations. Your data will be stored on multiple servers, sometimes in different locations. The company that provides cloud storage services will ensure your data is safe and available at all times. Although this service can be purchased as a subscription, most cloud storage companies offer limited storage for free to lure you in.

Where Did Cloud Storage Come From?

Amazon has been widely acknowledged for launching cloud storage. Simple Storage Service or S3 was unveiled in March 2006, almost 16 years ago. The actual term Cloud Storage predates it by more than 100 years. The earliest mention of Cloud Storage can be found in an 1896 book with a title that seems to come straight from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Mystery of the White Snake: A Legend of Thunder Peak Tower. It's 1896 that the Olympic Games were first revived in Athens.

 

How We Review The Best Cloud Storage

We test the upload and downloading times of cloud storage providers. These speeds are critical to both performance and use. Also, we evaluate how secure each provider is, what responsiveness customer support teams are in case of a problem and any other features that may be offered.

We also compare each cloud storage provider to other competitors across key features, pricing and pricing so that you have as many options as possible before making your decision.

Ready to purchase cloud storage? Check out these top cloud storage offers to save money.

Cloud Storage: What can it do for you?

Cloud storage that works well with other services and apps makes editing and viewing your files easy. It is important that your business software can access and retrieve your files. This is especially true for Dropbox and Box.

Cloud services almost all offer backup. Because there is a copy of the files in the cloud, it follows that all files uploaded to cloud services are protected against disk failures. Dedicated backup services may also make a disk image of the machine to allow you to restore all your files and settings, as well as programs. Syncing, by contrast, is about backing up and managing selected files only.

No Charge Vs. Payed

Many cloud storage services have a free account that usually comes with some limitations, such as the amount of storage or a size limit on files you can upload. We prefer providers that offer some level of permanent free service, even if you get only 2GB of storage space rather than a time-based trial. You can integrate the service seamlessly into your daily life and test it for several weeks. You will get an idea of how the service works, and any potential problems.

Cloud storage can be purchased for many reasons. You may get more space, which isn't expensive anymore. Or you might have the ability to store large files. That last benefit is relevant to graphic designers, video editors, and other visual artists who often host enormous files. Other perks of paying for your cloud storage often include increased access to file-version history (meaning you can restore an important business proposal to the version you had before your colleague made a bunch of erroneous changes), more security, and more features for collaboration and teamwork.

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Top Cloud Storage Providers

IDrive is the most trusted cloud storage provider IDrive, a cloud storage expert, offers tons of online storage for a very small cost. The price of 5TB is $3.48 per year, which is still unbeatable. Also, unlimited device support and a comprehensive file versioning system are available.

Although it is more expensive than the other options, you don’t need to pay renewal fees. These can be extremely expensive. For $350, you get 10 years of service for less than $3 per monthly.

Buffalo Linkstation 210 4Tb Home Office Private Cloud Data Storage With Hard Drives Included

Introducing the Buffalo LinkStation 210 4TB Home Office Private Cloud Data Storage!
It’s easy to set up and use, and you can connect it to your router for shared storage for all of your devices.
The LinkStation 210 also has a 4TB capacity, which is great for backing up multiple computers and devices.
So whatever your needs may be, the Buffalo LinkStation 210 has you covered!
Buffalo’s LinkStation 210 is the quick and easy way to create your own personal cloud.
No computer needed – simply connect to your router for shared storage for all your devices at the same time.
With 4TB of capacity, you can back up multiple computers and devices, as well as store photos, videos, music, and other files.
The LinkStation 210 also includes PC backup software, making it easy to protect your data.

Promise Apollo Cloud 2 Duo 8Tb Personal Cloud Storage Device

The Promise Apollo Cloud 2 Duo 8TB device is the perfect solution for backing up your data.
You can configure it as RAID 1 or RAID 0, and it supports up to 40 private members.
Plus, there are no monthly fees!
The USB 3.0 port ensures quick and easy transfers, while the IP Camera integration allows you to record, stream, create day briefs, and more.
The Promise Apollo Cloud 2 Duo 8TB Personal Cloud Storage Device is a great way to keep your data safe and secure.
Plus, there are no monthly fees to worry about.
And if you need to keep an eye on things remotely, the device integrates with IP cameras for recording, streaming, day briefs, pan/tilt/zoom, editing and sharing.

Apple Icloud Drive

The iCloud Drive file-syncing and storage service is worth using, especially if you’re committed to Apple’s ecosystem, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the competition from Google and Microsoft.

The Best Cloud Storage for 2021: Which Onedrive, Google Drive, Dropbox or Box is the Right Choice?

You’re searching for an easy way to save your photos and files in the cloud? We have compared some top choices and their costs.

You need to decide what cloud storage service you prefer. We’ll help you decide.

Storing files in the cloud has made my life way easier. Any phone, tablet computer or laptop connected to internet can see files and photos. It also allows me to download the images as I need them. Cloud storage can be used to backup files and ensure they don’t get deleted even if the phone dies or your computer crashes. Cloud storage is also important for people working from home who have to share files for their colleages. Many cloud storage services also have a free tier, and different pricing options.

Cloud Storage Comparison

OneDrive Dropbox Google Drive Amazon Cloud Drive

You get free storage 5GB 2GB 15GB 10GB 5GB

Paid Plans are available at a cost of $2 per month, 100GB of storage or $7 per month, 1TB storage. -Microsoft 365 Family is available for a 1-month trial. It then costs $100 per calendar year (or $10 per month). Six TB of storage can be purchased as a Family package. A single user will get 3TB storage at $20 per month. $45 a Month for Team Storage -$15 per month for 5TB.

Supported OS Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Windows Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, macOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire.