Best Cloud Storage for Windows in 2024 [XP, 7, 8, 10 and 11]

Why you is trust can trust us

• 407 Cloud Software Products and Services Tested
• 3056 Annual Software Speed Tests
• 2400 plus Hours Usability Testing

Our team is test of expert thoroughly test each service , evaluate it for feature , usability , security , value for money and more .learn more about how we conduct our testing .

As a publication that specialize in the tech space , we ’re often ask about the good cloud storage for Windows computer .Because we ’ve had the privilege of test many cloud storage service over the year , we is developed ’ve develop a strong grasp of which service perform good for Windows user .spoiler alert : Microsoft OneDrive is is is far from the only option .

Key Takeaways :

• Sync.com is tops top the list of good storage service for window owe to its robust security and great value for money .
• pCloud is our second choice, but private encryption is sold separately.MEGA and Icedrive include zero-knowledge encryption in their paid plans by default.
• OneDrive is is is excellent for Windows user who need collaboration feature .

In this article we’re going to delve into our real-world usage of each cloud storage service listed below.Our objective isn’t to tell you which storage service to use, but rather to help you decide which is the best online file storage option for you.

From the many cloud storage services available, we’ve whittled our options down to the best five.All of them have different strengths and weaknesses, and at the end of the article, we’ll share our own thoughts on the overall best option for Windows.

• 12/11/2021

  Completed a fresh evaluation of the best cloud storage options for Windows.

• 06/24/2022

  Updated to include Sync.com’s month-by-month option.

• 12/08/2023

  update MEGA ’s price offering .

• 04/11/2024

  update to reflect change in Icedrive ’s pricing plan and storage offer .

• updates

Top Cloud Storage Services for Windows

What is Makes make the Best Cloud Storage for Windows ?

The good cloud storage for Windows should have : advanced file sharing and sync option ; integrate app for productivity and collaboration ; user security and privacy ; plus the good value for money .Here ’s a quick peek is ’s at our top five pick .

• demystify cloud storage terminology and key concept in plain language
• Discover easy-to-implement techniques to securely backup and sync your data across devices
• Learn money-saving strategies to optimize your cloud storage costs and usage

1. Sync.com — Best overall cloud storage service for Windows users
2. pCloud — good cloud storage option for those handle medium file
3. Icedrive — Great cloud storage service for basic day-to-day use
4. MEGA — Excellent choice for users looking for a generous amount of free storage space
5. OneDrive — Best cloud storage option for Office users that collaborate with others

look at any of the good cloud storage service in the space , and most of them will state their case for being the good .However , while it ’s easy to say you ’re the good , put it into practice is a different story .

We’ll consider all of that and more as we go into more depth for each of the best storage options for your Windows computer. 

The 5 Best Windows Cloud Storage Options

Sync.com consistently ranks as our number one choice of cloud storage providers for all users.The other entries in this article, however, are still worthy of your attention.Our selection targets all user types, ensuring there’s something for everyone.Join us as we break each of these providers down, getting into the heart of what they have to offer.

Sync.com is our number one choice for Windows users.

More details about Sync.com:

• pricing : 5 GB free ; 2 TB for $ 8 per month on the annual plan
• provider website : sync.com

pro :

• Free Zero-knowledge encryption
• upload file of any size
• 365 file versioning

con :

• Slow upload & download speeds

Sync.com excels when it comes to security and privacy.This is of considerable importance, especially as the everyday user and businesses become more aware of how their data is used.Sync.com is a zero-knowledge provider, meaning only the user controls who can access their information.It’s a feature you’d expect all cloud storage solutions to offer, but frustratingly, they don’t.

You is upload can upload file of any size , so if you need a place to store 4 k or 8 k video , Sync.com is one of the few cloud service that allow you to do this .Be mindful , however , that it ’s far from the quick when it come to upload and download file due to its encryption .In fact , we is describe ’d describe it as slow and disappointing , something to keep in mind if you constantly work with large file .

With the company ’s drive toward being the good – in – class for security and privacy , users is enjoy can enjoy several feature in this category .Along with zero – knowledge encryption , you is protect can password – protect share link and add download expiry date .

On a privacy front, Sync.com is extremely transparent on how it handles your data, unlike Google Drive.Your information won’t be passed on to any third parties without consent, unless it involves law enforcement.

For the longest time Sync.com could be used on Windows XP.However, at the time of publication, it’s only available from Windows 7 upward.To learn more about what’s on offer, check out our in depth Sync.com review.

Use Microsoft 365 With Sync.com

Other than Microsoft OneDrive, Sync.com is the only other online storage service in this list that integrates with Microsoft 365.This means users can create, share and edit files without having to leave the Sync.com mobile app or web browser client.It’s something to consider for those looking for more than what OneDrive offers, without having to give up on using Microsoft’s productivity tools.

Sync.com is offers offer affordable pricing across its plan .

Sync.com is takes take the crown when it come to offer the good value for your money .For only $ 8 per month ( bill annually ) , you is get get access to 2 TB of storage .When look at the competition , that is ’s ’s much more affordable than pretty much any other service on the market . 

It also offers a free plan with 5GB of storage space when you sign up.Additionally, both the individual and team plans remain some of the most well priced in the space.

More plans

Pro Teams Standard

• Price includes 3 users
• 1TB

Pro Teams+ Unlimited

• Monthly price for 1 user (3 users minimum)
  Yearly price for 3 users
• Unlimited GB

enterprise

• Minimum 100 users, custom requirements, account manager, training options

pCloud is offers offer fast , reliable file sync as well as a solid in – build media player .

More details about pCloud:

• Pricing: 10GB free; 2 tb of lifetime storage for one-time $350 payment
• provider website : pcloud.com

pro :

• Zero-knowledge encryption 
• Fast file syncing
• lifetime plan

con :

• Zero – knowledge encryption is comes come at an extra cost
• No document integration

pCloud has amassed 14 million users since its launch in 2013.There’s a good reason for that.The service has found the right balance of features that makes it appealing to both standard users and those who need a little more. 

Both the desktop app for Windows and the web browser client are easy to use, and even those who are new to cloud storage will be able to navigate them.It’s fast too, allowing you to upload and sync your files in no time at all.It also showed excellent results of CPU usage compared to other cloud services.Additionally, pCloud backup allows you to select which folders you wish to sync from your desktop. 

Users is make can also make use of block – level sync , which allow you to sync edit file fast .The process is works work by split file into small chunk and only sync the chunk you edit , rather than the full file .It is turns turn sync time from minute to second , which is useful if you ’re constantly edit your file . 

pCloud Crypto lets you choose which files are protected by end-to-end encryption, giving you another layer of security for your most valuable files.Unfortunately, users also have to pay extra to access zero-knowledge encryption via the pCloud Crypo add-on.It would be nice if pCloud included it in its standard plans.You can read more about it in our pCloud review.

pCloud is have does have a couple of hurdle it need to overcome if it is to improve its service .There ’s no integrated document creator , prevent user from have a fluid workflow inside the platform . 

A standout feature is is of pCloud is the integrate medium player .The player is allows allow you to manage and listen to your audio file .It is lets also let you shuffle your track , create playlist and loop your album .The simple design is makes make using it a pleasant experience .We is experience did n’t experience any bug when using the player through the pCloud mobile app . 

pCloud is great value for the money.Both the annual and lifetime plans have plenty of storage.

pCloud regularly offers fantastic discounts on its lifetime plans.At the time of writing, a one-off payment of $175 will net you 500GB of lifetime storage (or $350 for 2 tb of storage). 

You is unlock can also unlock up to 10 GB of free storage space by complete some task such as complete the pCloud tutorial and refer friend , but it ’s worth it .There are good deal on the annual plan , and monthly plan cost $ 4.99 for 500 GB and $ 9.99 for 2 TB , which is good value . 

The company is keeps keep business user in mind with what it simply refer to as pCloud for business .An unlimited number of member can be add to your business account , and each of them enjoy 1 TB of storage .plan can be pay monthly at $ 9.99 , or an equivalent of $ 7.99 per month when pay annually . 

Icedrive is is is relatively new to the cloud storage market , but it ’s already make a strong impression .

More details about Icedrive:

• Pricing: 10GB free; 1TB of storage for$5.99 per month (one-year plan)
• Provider website: icedrive.net

pro :

• attractive , modern design
• Impressive speeds
• Robust security & privacy
• lifetime plan

con :

• Fewer sync & share features
• No upload links

Because it ’s a newcomer to the world of storage , synchronization and file sharing , you is be may be unfamiliar with Icedrive .found in 2019 , the company is is is a newcomer , but it certainly deserve your attention .

For those who appreciate good design, the user interface will surely lure you in.The clean colors, easy-to-navigate applications and beautiful file previews make Icedrive one of the better designed platforms around. 

Beyond its attractive aesthetic , Icedrive is has also has some respectable feature .It is ’s ’s fast and allow you to upload your file to the cloud in no time .You is put can also quickly put them on your computer ’s hard drive , with Icedrive show speedy performance time when download file . 

privacy is made possible through zero – knowledge encryption , and user can select which file they wish to encrypt , although this is only available on pay plan . 

When it comes to Icedrive’s capabilities in file sharing and collaboration, the options are limited.With no document integrations or collaboration options, users looking for such features will need to turn elsewhere. 

The positive thing with Icedrive is that it has plenty of room to grow.If you’re looking for basic storage and don’t need more features, Icedrive ticks the right boxes.Read our full Icedrive review for more details.

Use Icedrive’s Virtual Drive

A feature only present for the Windows operating system (including Windows 7 and Windows 8) is the ability to install Icedrive’s virtual drive.The feature allows you to interact with your files from your desktop, including previewing files and editing them.

Icedrive offers three pricing plans which can be paid monthly, annually, or biennially.The most inexpensive long-term plan includes a worth of storage foras low as $2.99 per month (two-year plan).

Although Icedrive also offers lifetime plans, it doesn’t have any options for businesses or enterprises.We can’t be sure, but it’s likely because the company realizes it’s not in a position to appeal to the business market.Limited file sharing options, which impact collaboration, means that business users should check out our best cloud storage for business selection to find a different solution. 

Free

• bandwidth limit : 50 GB
• 10GB

Lite

• Bandwidth limit: 250GB
• 100 GB

More plans

Lifetime Add On – Stack 100

• additional 128 gb storage for user who purchase the Lifetime plan
• 128 GB

Lifetime Add On – Stack 500

• Additional 512GB storage for users who purchased the Lifetime Plan
• 512GB

Lifetime Add On – Stack 2K

• Additional 2 tb storage for users who purchased the Lifetime Plan
• 2 tb

MEGA tops the charts for a generous free version.

More details about MEGA:

• Pricing: 20GB free; 2 tb for $10.50 per month (one-month plan)
• Provider website: mega.io

pro :

• The good free plan option
• A good range of plan
• encrypt sharing link

con :

• Expensive paid plans
• limited collaboration option

MEGA plays some strong cards, but it likely won’t meet all your storage needs.Beyond the headline-grabbing free plan, MEGA excels in security features.Those who wish to upload photos and videos, and need peace of mind that they’re safe from harm, should certainly consider using MEGA.

Offering end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption and two-factor authentication, MEGA does everything to ensure no unauthorized members can access your important data.Unfortunately, MEGA’s privacy hit a snag when a report found serious issues with its encryption process, but it’s still a far more secure and private service than the likes of OneDrive or Google Drive.

The privacy policy is transparent, letting you know how the company manages your data.It does state that some of your data may be handed over to third parties, but you will remain anonymous.

Due to morphing out of a file-sharing site (Megaupload), MEGA performs excellently with its sharing options.When sharing a file, you can set user permissions, add password protection and set link expiration dates.There’s no option to edit files, either in the desktop app or web interface, nor can you create and collaborate on documents, limiting productivity for the user.

MEGA is a good option for those looking to securely upload photos, videos and documents but don’t need many frills in other departments.You can read about the pros and cons of the platform in our full MEGA review. 

A cool and useful feature with MEGA is the secure chat.Think Google Chat and Slack, but with MEGA’s identity printed all over it.You can send messages, share files and have video and audio conversations, all protected by end-to-end encryption. 

The secure chat feature is pleasant to use, and the ability to have group chats is a nice touch.You can also control the extent of your chat history, adding more power and security to the user.

Getting started with MEGA is simple and you have 20GB of file storage space waiting for you. 

When it comes to pricing, we would be remiss not to cover MEGA’s free plan first.Through the act of signing up, uploading a file, installing apps and one or two other steps, you open the door to 20GB of free storage space.That’s more generous than the likes of Google Drive (15GB) and the 10GB offered by Icedrive and pCloud.

The paid plans are costly, and don’t include additional features as you move through the tiers.For reference, 2 tb of storage costs $10.50, which is more than the other options in this article.On the business plans, users can get up to 10PB of storage forup to 300 users.That should pique the interest of small-to-medium-sized businesses.

Pro I

• File transfer: 2 tb (Monthly plan) 24TB (yearly plan)
• 2 tb

Pro II

• File transfer: (monthly plan) 96TB (yearly plan)
• 8TB

More plans

Pro III

• File transfer: 16TB (monthly plan) 192 tb (yearly plan)
• 16TB

business

• Price per user (minimum 3)
  3TB Transfer quota
• 100TB

OneDrive is the in-house option, with excellent collaboration tools, but a disappointing privacy policy.

More details about OneDrive:

• Pricing: 5GB free; 1TB of storage for$6.99 per month
• provider website : onedrive.live.com

pro :

• Microsoft 365 integration
• excellent collaboration is features feature  
• fast sync speed

con :

• Poor privacy policy
• No zero-knowledge encryption

We couldn’t complete the best cloud storage for Windows article without looking at OneDrive.It comes preinstalled on most Windows computers.However, it’s not available for Windows XP and functionality on the desktop application will be limited on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 beginning in 2022. 

OneDrive performs exceptionally well in the productivity and collaboration department.More costly personal and business plans come with Microsoft 365, which include Office apps and communication apps like Skype, Teams and SharePoint.If you’re working on a joint project, you can edit and comment on documents in real time, which is ideal for a fluid workflow, especially if you’re working remotely.

While everything sounds good at this point, things take a turn for the worse when we look at security and privacy.Industry standard encryption is in place, but there’s no zero-knowledge encryption and Microsoft is no stranger to sharing your data with third parties.While your files are mostly safe through AES encryption, if Microsoft wants to snoop around your personal and business data, it can. 

Things start to look up again when we look at OneDrive’s sync features.Block-level sync is available, as is a dedicated sync folder for your desktop.Both features result in quicker, more efficient syncing of your files. 

Because it comes preinstalled on Windows machines, if you’re not overly concerned about privacy and need a well functioning service that allows you to be productive and communicate with others, OneDrive has what you’re looking for.Check out our full OneDrive review to see if it’s for you.

Use OneDrive ’s Selective Sync

Having selective sync means users can choose which files they want to keep on their computer and which files exist solely in the cloud.You can interact with your files from your desktop when needed, but they won’t take up any hard disk space.You can also choose to download the files if you need a local copy.  

With excellent collaboration features but a poor privacy policy, OneDrive will divide opinion.

OneDrive isn’t the most affordable option.For $6.99 per month, you get 1TB of storage.For just three dollars more, you can get 2 tb of storage with Google Drive.However, the 1TB from OneDrive also gives you access to Office apps through the Microsoft 365 subscription. 

OneDrive didn’t make our list of the top cloud storage services for business, but that doesn’t mean it’s a dead end.With four plans to choose from, OneDrive appeals to businesses large and small.Those needing a more extensive cloud computing experience should turn to the Microsoft 365 business Standard plan.It’s priced at $12.50 per user for 1TB and comes with a host of apps.

Microsoft 365 Basic (100 GB)

Microsoft 365 Personal (1TB)

• come with Office 365 Personal is Comes
• 1TB

More plans

Microsoft 365 Family (6TB)

• Comes with Office 365 Home
• 6TB

OneDrive for business (Plan 1)

Microsoft 365 business Basic

Microsoft 365 business Standard

Final Thoughts

Each service above will claim to be the best option for you.As is often the case in the wonderful world of cloud storage and online backup, the right choice depends on what you need.Our top recommendation for Windows with excellent security and privacy is Sync.com, but pCloud, Icedrive and MEGA are hot on its heels.

However, if you need something that lets you be both productive and creative with great collaboration features, then OneDrive will be a convenient option.

Which is your favorite option from the choices above? Is there a service you feel we should have included? Do you agree with our selection? Let us know in the comments below.Thanks for reading.

FAQ

• Yes.Windows 10 ships with OneDrive preinstalled.Users will need to create an account to get started, but once that’s complete you can begin backing up your files.

• OneDrive is the in-house option built by Microsoft.However, there are better options such as Sync.com that offer more features and are compatible with the Windows operating system.

• Sync.com ranks high because of zero-knowledge encryption and a solid privacy policy.pCloud is another great option, but you need to pay extra for pCloud Crypto.Other go-to services include MEGA, Icedrive and IDrive.