(Image credit: Shutterstock)It might be challenging to choose the finest cloud storage solution for your requirements if you don’t know what to search for. That’s why we’ve put together this primer to help you better understand what cloud storage is and why you may want to use it to back up your data.
Most of the best cloud storage systems out there provide a variety of free, personal, premium, and commercial plans, giving you a wide range of alternatives to suit your needs. If your information are ever lost or deleted by mistake, you may save a lot of stress by using a cloud storage and backup service.
We’ll be discussing paid plans, such as the top cloud storage for businesses, however there are excellent free options as well. People who don’t own their own businesses may nevertheless benefit greatly from the premium services and tools that come with these subscriptions, such as secure cloud storage and file synchronization.
The best cloud storage services today
1.IDrive
An excellent all-around choice
Specifications
Storage capacity: Up to 10TB (up to 50TB for business plans)
Number of devices: Unlimited
Encryption: End-to-end
Reasons to buy
- Compatible with almost any device or OS
- Unlimited user and device plans are available
- Very easy to use
- Affordably-priced
Reasons to avoid
- Unlimited storage isn’t available
- Slow download speeds
Our top pick for best cloud storage service is IDrive, and for good reason. It’s affordable, provides safe cloud storage options, and caters to a wide range of users’ needs.
If you simply need 5 GB of storage for testing purposes, the free lifetime plan should be enough. Pricing for individual plans with 5 terabytes of storage is $59.62 per year ($79.50 on renewal) and 10 terabytes of storage is $74.62 per year ($99.50 on renewal).If you’re already using a competing service, you can get 10TB from IDrive for only $3.98 for the first year (opens in new tab), making it one of the most inexpensive high-capacity plans available.
All packages are cross-platform and work with popular computer and mobile OSes. This includes Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS. You may replicate external hard drives and NAS (network-attached storage) devices, and set up continuous data backup if necessary.
We discovered that with an internet connection, files can be viewed from anywhere and shared with no effort. IDrive Express, an innovative tool included with all subscriptions, lets you back up your data and files to a physical storage device that is shipped to a location of your choosing. The Personal plans have this perk once per year.
| Free | Personal | Team** | Business** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month/year | Free | $5.79* / $79.50*** | $8.29* / $99.50 | $8.29* / $99.50 |
| Storage capacity | 5GB | 5TB*** | 5TB | 250GB |
| Number of users | One | One | Five | Unlimited |
| File versioning | ✔ (30 versions) | ✔ (30 versions) | ✔ (30 versions) | ✔ (30 versions) |
*All prices are based on undiscounted rates of the cheapest available annual plan. Monthly plans are only available via Business packages with 1.25TB or more, starting at $49.95 a month.
**Entry-level Team and Business plans shown: plans go up to 100TB and 100 users / 50TB and 50 users.
2. Google Drive
An all-in-one solution powered by Google Workspace
Specifications
- Storage capacity: Up to 2TB
- Number of devices: Unlimited
- Encryption: Encrypted transfer
Reasons to buy
- 15GB of free storage
- Android, Chromebook, and Workspace integration
- Fully featured cloud sync that’s simple to use
- Very easy to work with
Reasons to avoid
- The web interface can be a little complicated
- No end-to-end encryption
- Security could be tighter
Google’s cloud storage walks hand in hand with Android and Google Workspace. If these platforms are already a part of your workflow, Google Drive offers a feature-rich, affordable native backup-and-sync solution.
While not as barebones as some of the other options listed, we found Google Drive’s UI to be clean and intuitive. It is worth remembering, however, that it’s more than cloud storage. It comes with companion apps including Google Photos (opens in new tab), Docs, Sheets, and Slides—together known as Google Workspace—meaning you can create, edit, store, view, and synchronize files via this unified, web-based interface.
When you open a new account, Google offers you free storage of up to 15GB on Google Drive. This plan is yours to keep forever, and if you wish to upgrade to a higher storage plan down the road, you can do so. The paid plans, offered under the banner of Google One (opens in new tab), start at $1.99 a month for 100GB. From there, you can upgrade storage to a maximum of 30TB for $299.99 a month.
The web interface, while very attractive, isn’t the easiest to use. This problem is easily solved however by downloading the Google Drive desktop application for Windows and macOS. This file explorer-based drag-and-drop system is not dissimilar to Microsoft OneDrive, which lets you back up, store, modify, and delete files directly from your desktop.
| Free | 100GB | 200GB | 2TB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month/year | Free | $1.99 / $9.99 | $2.99 / $29.99 | $9.99 / $99.99 |
| Storage capacity | 15GB | 100GB | 200GB | 2TB |
| Number of users | Six | Six | Six | Six |
| File versioning | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (30-days) |
A leader in cloud-based file sharing
Specifications
- Storage capacity: Up to 5TB
- Number of devices: Unlimited
- Encryption: In transit and at rest
Reasons to buy
- Easy to use
- Freedom to choose third-party applications
- A free plan will suffice for most personal users
Reasons to avoid
- No backup features
- Expensive
- Only allows for app integrations
For individual cloud storage needs, Dropbox is without peer. Plans are cheap, the UI is top-notch, and it works nicely with a wide variety of other services.
It has various features that make it simple to send huge files to anybody, regardless of whether or not they have Dropbox.A drawback we discovered is that Dropbox only keeps data that is moved into the Dropbox folder on your device; it cannot back up external or network devices. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it sets it apart from IDrive and similar products.
All data are encrypted while they are at rest and in transit, but there is no end-to-end encryption, thus the security is good but not great. Two-factor authentication is another option for account safety. (2FA).
There’s a free plan that provides 2GB of space, plus two paid individual tiers. (opens in new tab). The Plus Plan provides 2TB of storage for $9.99 per month and supports transfers of up to 2GB in size. The Family Plan is $16.99 per month and provides the same space and transfer speeds for six users. You could certainly do worse than Dropbox if you’re looking for a cloud storage solution.
| Basic | Plus | Family | Professional | Standard | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month/year | Free | $11.99 / $119.88 | $19.99 / $203.88 | $19.99 / $1,198.96 | $15 / $150 (per user) | $25 / $240 (per user) |
| Storage capacity | 2GB | 2TB | 2TB | 3TB | 5TB | Unlimited |
| Number of users | One | One | Six (maximum) | One | Three (minimum) | Three (minimum) |
| File versioning | ✖ | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (180-days) | ✔ (180-days) | ✔ (180-days) |
4.Zoolz
A popular cloud backup platform with an excellent reputation
Specifications
- Storage capacity: Up to 50TB
- Number of devices: Unlimited
- Encryption: End-to-end
Reasons to buy
- Streamlined platform with minimal system impact
- Attractive, intuitive user interface
- Smart file search across hybrid storage
Reasons to avoid
- No live backup options
- Pricier than competitors
- Clunky and frustrating mobile apps
Zoolz provides reliable cloud storage that’s supported by the AWS (opens in new tab) ecosystem. It’s compliant with several regulatory frameworks, such as HIPPA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (opens in new tab), and offers top-notch security features including full 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption. (the General Data Protection Regulation).
You may test out the service risk-free with a 50GB trial that’s completely functioning. One terabyte of storage costs $14.99 per month, while fifty terabytes cost $674.99 per month. Annual payments qualify for considerable price reductions.
Unlimited backups on the server and external disk connections are included in all business plans. The help center and live chat are both available around the clock for user convenience.
Zoolz has a clean and intuitive desktop interface, and it also has mobile applications for managing files on the move. We observed that they are cumbersome and annoying to work with and that their upload and download rates may be sluggish, which might be problematic when often dealing with bigger files.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | 1TB | 2TB | 5TB | 10TB | 20TB | 50TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month/year | $9.99 / $99.99 | $19.99 / $199.99 | $49.99 / $499.99 | $99.99 / $999.99 | $149.99 / $1,799.99 | $449.99 / $4,499.99 |
| Storage capacity | 1TB | 2TB | 5TB | 10TB | 20TB | 50TB |
| Number of users | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| File versioning | ✔ (10 versions) | ✔ (10 versions) | ✔ (10 versions) | ✔ (10 versions) | ✔ (10 versions) | ✔ (10 versions) |
5.Microsoft
Built-in cloud storage for Windows
Specifications
- Storage capacity: Up to 6TB
- Number of devices: 30
- Encryption: AES 256-bit
Reasons to buy
- Free with Microsoft 365
- Integration with Microsoft and Windows
- Comprehensive support
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks advanced features
- No zero-knowledge encryption
- Quite pricey
In addition to being compatible with macOS, Android, and iOS, Microsoft OneDrive is the best cloud storage option for those who utilize Windows 10/11 or Microsoft 365. Xbox users may also take use of this feature, which makes it possible to safeguard their game saves online.
High storage capacity is combined with intuitive interfaces, seamless interaction with the whole Microsoft 365 suite, and stringent security measures on this platform. After initial configuration, it will function as expected with no additional input from you.
The service’s integration with Windows impressed us. Simply said, it lets you copy and paste any folder or anything from your desktop onto any other device. Those who don’t have OneDrive may nevertheless benefit from its file-sharing features.
You may also use the cloud to modify files without having to download them first. OneDrive is interoperable with a wide range of internal and external services, from Outlook to AutoCAD. The Personal Vault function provides a secure place to store sensitive data, accessible only with a two-factor authentication token and Bitlocker encryption.
OneDrive gives you up to 1 terabyte of free space if you subscribe to Microsoft 365. You can try it out with a permanently free 5GB of storage space even if you aren’t. Personal plans (opens in new tab) provide plenty of room to grow, with 100GB available for just $1.99 a month.
| OneDrive Basic 5GB | OneDrive Standalone 100GB | Microsoft 365 Personal | Microsoft 365 Family | OneDrive for Business (Plan 1) | OneDrive for Business (Plan 2) | Microsoft 365 Business Basic | Microsoft 365 Business Standard | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month/year | Free | $1.99 | $6.99 / $69.99 | $9.99 / $99.99 | $5 (per user) / $60 | $10 (per user) / $120 | $5 (per user) / $60 | $12.50 (per user) / $150 |
| Storage capacity | 5GB | 100GB | 1TB | 6TB | 1TB (per user) | Unlimited | 1TB (per user) | 1TB (per user) |
| Number of users | One | One | One | Up to six | Potentially unlimited | Potentially unlimited | Potentially unlimited | Potentially unlimited |
| File versioning | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (30-days) | ✔ (500 versions) | ✔ (500 versions) | ✔ (500 versions) | ✔ (500 versions) |
6. pCloud
Secure storage with a lifetime subscription
Specifications
- Storage capacity: Up to 2TB
- Number of devices: Unspecified
- Encryption: In transit and at rest
Reasons to buy
Powerful media sharing and playback tools
Impressive lifetime license available
10GB free storage
Reasons to avoid
- Pricing options are very confusing
- No document editor or collaboration options
- Limited support
For a one-time payment of $175, you can get 500 GB of storage space on pCloud, and for $350, you can get two terabytes of storage space. Alternately, $47.88 and $95.88 a year are required to subscribe to the annual plans (opens in new tab).
There is a fully working free plan with 10GB, and monthly subscription alternatives are also available. In addition, a family plan (new window) is available, which allows for four users. All subscription tiers include cutting-edge tools for teamwork and file sharing, with additional options for off-platform data backup.
We were also pleased to learn that 256-bit AES encryption is used for all files through TLS/SSL (Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer). If you need to manage your account on the go, there are robust applications for both Android and iOS, and you can even automate your social network postings with the right software.
Supported platforms include Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, and browser add-ons are available for Opera, Chrome, and Firefox. On the downside, it does not have the same collaborative features, built-in document editor, or streamlined user experience as its rivals.
| Free | Premium | Premium Plus | Family | Business | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month / year / lifetime | Free | $4.99 / $47.88 / $175 | $9.99 / $95.88 / $350 | $500 / $1,000 (lifetime only) | $9.99 per user / $7.99 per user (no lifetime plan) |
| Storage capacity | 10GB | 500GB | 2TB | 2TB/4TB | 1TB per user |
| Number of users | One | One | One | Up to five | Unlimited |
| File versioning | ✔ (15-day) | ✔ (30-day) | ✔ (30-day) | ✔ (30-day) | ✔ (180-day) |
What is the best cloud storage service?
IDrive is the best cloud storage provider of premium solutions, offering great value-for-money across a range of highly-secure, feature-packed plans. It’s also our top pick for the best free cloud storage (opens in new tab), the best cloud storage for photos (opens in new tab), and the best personal cloud storage (opens in new tab) provider.
Google Drive provides leading integrations with Google Workspace as well as slick mobile and desktop apps, while Dropbox continues to be one of the best cloud storage solutions (opens in new tab) thanks to ease-of-use and third-party app integrations.
Microsoft OneDrive provides integration with Microsoft 365, as well as premium plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Zoolz’s high-quality cloud storage boasts excellent security, a great free trial, and 24/7 support. Finally, pCloud competes with industry giants via a lifetime subscription across family and business plans, secure file-sharing, and widespread app support across platforms.
| Cloud storage platform | Lowest-priced plan | Storage capacity | Number of devices | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDrive | $79.50 a year (IDrive Personal)* | Up to 10TB (up to 50TB for business plans) | Unlimited | End-to-end |
| Google Drive | $1.99 a month (Google One) | Up to 2TB | Unlimited | Encrypted transfer |
| Dropbox | $11.99 a month (Plus) | Up to 5TB | Unlimited | In-transit and at-rest |
| Zoolz | $9.99 (1TB plan) | Up to 50TB | Unlimited | End-to-end |
| Microsoft OneDrive | $1.99 a month (OneDrive Standard) | Up to 6TB | 30 | AES 256-bit |
| pCloud | $4.99 a month (Premium) | Up to 2TB | Unspecified | In-transit and at-rest |
Best cloud storage benefits
Cloud storage FAQs
Want to learn more about cloud storage? We’ve covered all levels of questions in our frequently asked questions below. Knowledge is power, and having as much information as possible before you sign up for the best cloud storage services will ensure you make the right choice for your needs.
What is cloud storage?
The word “cloud” refers to the fact that data is stored on a remote server rather than locally, and that users may access their files from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection at any time. A multi-cloud service is one in which a user makes use of more than one cloud provider. (opens in new tab).
When it comes to data storage, self-hosted cloud solutions favor on-premises (on-prem) infrastructure over remotely managed, off-site servers. These are the kinds of services that need your personal management.
StaaS provides massive quantities of cheap online storage space through third-party managed infrastructure and data centers. (opens in new tab). They are collaborative platforms that also serve as data repositories and synchronization mechanisms.
Hybrid cloud storage (opens in new tab) combines the advantages of both cloud storage and local storage, giving you the best of both worlds. The target audience here is corporations rather than private citizens.
Many StaaS providers provide cloud sync technology that enables inter-colleague communication, file sharing, and much more. This technology incorporates link sharing and file versioning.
How much does the best cloud storage cost?
Unlike most tech and software markets, cloud storage providers often offer excellent free plans as well as paid plans. Free plans are ideal for those seeking relatively small amounts of storage, but feature storage capacity limitations, and don’t include the same high level of tools and features as paid plans.
Paid plans are available in monthly, annual, and even lifetime models, ranging from around $50 a year (this price depends entirely on factors including storage levels and additional features). Monthly plans can be as low as a few dollars a month, and in general pricing depends entirely on what plan you want, what tools and security coverage you seek, and the encryption on offer.
How secure is cloud storage?
Security is a major factor in any discussion between on-premises and cloud storage (opens in new tab) or even between cloud and external hard drives (opens in new tab). Theoretically, cloud storage may not be as safe as local storage, but the most reliable cloud storage services use sophisticated security measures. Is it safe to store data in the cloud? How safe is it? What kind of security does it offer?
Investment in secure cloud storage that provides cutting-edge policies is a must for businesses, especially those operating in data- and privacy-sensitive industries. With zero-knowledge architecture and end-to-end encryption, not even the service provider’s employees will have access to your data.
Data is encrypted both while in transit and while stored, so even if a hacker were to intercept it, they wouldn’t be able to read it. Only the top service providers will safeguard both the data and the physical servers that store it. StaaS data centers feature security personnel on-site at all times, use biometric authentication, and undergo regular security audits.
The location of a data center is also crucial for most companies because of the varying data privacy regulations throughout the world. Your data storage location must be in a country that respects the same privacy standards as you do.
What you need to know about the top cloud-based storage options for your company
Finding the most reliable cloud storage service for your company requires you to seek safe servers that are always up. Look for StaaS technologies, which provide sophisticated cloud syncing and collaboration capabilities for streamlined digital processes, resulting in improved employee cooperation and output.
It’s important for businesses of all sizes to keep a lookout for robust administrative capabilities like access control, system audits, two-factor authentication, and role-based permissions.
How to make the most of free cloud storage services
If you’ve got less complex storage requirements, or have a tight budget, most providers offer free plans. While less feature-rich, with smaller storage allowances and other limitations, free cloud storage can be more than sufficient for personal needs. You can store important documents and images, but should you want more capacity, you’ll have to pay to upgrade. However, the advantage is that you can try out different platforms for free before you do.
How we measure the top cloud storage services
Since transfer rates are so important to cloud storage performance and usability, we always include them in our reviews. We also compare the quality of each service’s security, the speed with which their support teams respond to issues, the value for money, and any other features they may give.
To help you make an informed decision, we provide comparisons of each cloud storage service with rivals across key features and prices in our evaluations.
You may also be interested in our analyses of the following other popular services:
Business in a Box, Literally
iCloud
SpiderOak
MEGA
GoodSync
Wasabi
Egnyte
Nextcloud
Tresorit
LiveDrive
Next steps with cloud storage
If you’re in the market for a cloud storage solution, we recommend consulting a cloud storage checklist to help you narrow down your options. It’s a good idea to learn the distinctions between cloud storage, cloud backup, and cloud sync before signing up for any of them.
Learn the top reasons you should use small business cloud solutions, discover why small businesses should use cloud services, and comprehend the advantages of a multi-cloud strategy before making a cloud storage purchase for a small company.
