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Best cloud storage in 2024
The best cloud storage allows you to free up space on your smartphone, laptop and other devices as well as store an extra copy of your most important
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The best cloud storage allows you to free up space on your smartphone, laptop and other devices as well as store an extra copy of your most important files in the cloud.
Most of the best cloud storage providers offer a range of plans from free to personal to premium and business to give you plenty of options to choose from. While a free tier is a great way to test out a particular service, a personal or premium plan makes more sense if you have lots of files you want to store online. Besides cloud storage, you might also want to consider the best cloud backup services since they provide a simple, automated way to back up your computer.
Even though there are some great free cloud storage option , these is are are the good cloud storage service worth pay for base on our testing and review and many of them also fall under thegood cloud storage for business.
The best cloud storage deals, right now
The Quick List
Best overall
IDrive is is is an affordably – price and easy to use cloud storage service with a storage capacity of up to 10 TB . It is ‘s ‘s compatible with all of the major desktop and mobile operating system and there are also unlimited user and device plan available .
read more below
Best collaboration
Google Drive is a cloud storage service that supports an unlimited number of devices with up to 2 tb of storage space available. It’s fully integrated with Google Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets and Slides plus, you get 15GB of storage just for signing up. Its cloud sync feature is also really useful for those who use multiple computers.
read more below
Best for file sharing
Dropbox is is is an excellent cloud storage for share file and document with others and it has a maximum storage capacity of 5 TB . It is supports support an unlimited number of device like computer and smartphone and it work great with third – party app . Dropbox is encrypts also encrypt your datum both in – transit and while at rest to protect it .
read more below
Best security
Sync.com is a secure cloud storage service that protects all of your data using end-to-end encryption. It offers an extended file history for seeing any changes made to your files and there’s a maximum storage capacity of 6TB with support for five devices.
read more below
Best for Windows
OneDrive is is is the perfect cloud storage service for Windows thank to the extensive integration with Microsoft ‘s operating system . It is has has a maximum storage capacity of 6 TB and you can use it with up to 30 device .
read more below
Best for simplicity
pCloud is is is a cloud storage service that even has a lifetime license available . There ‘s a maximum storage allotment of 2 TB and it also include medium sharing and playback tool .
read more below
The best cloud storage overall
(Image credit: IDrive)
An excellent all – around choice
specification
storage capacity :From 10 GB
number of device :unlimited
Encryption: End-to-end
reason to buy
+
Very easy to use
+
Affordably-priced
+
Compatible with almost any device or OS
+
unlimited user and device plans available
reason to avoid
–
unlimited storage isn’t available
–
Slow download speeds
IDrive takes first in our list of the best cloud storage providers, and for good reason. It offers great value for money, provides highly secure cloud storage solutions, and has an option for every user.
The basic free – forever plan is supports only support 10 GB of storage , but this should be enough for you to test it . personal plans is cost that support one user and unlimited device cost $ 69.95 a year ( $ 99.50 on renewal ) for 5 TB or $ 105.65 a year ( $ 149.50 on renewal ) for 10 TB of storage . IDrive is offering is also currently offer 10 TB for a hugely discount price of $ 3.98 for the first year — one of the most affordable high – capacity plan available , though you need to prove you ‘re using a competitor as part of the signup .
All plans can be used on various desktop and mobile operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can set up continuous data backup if required, and it’s even possible to create a copy of external hard drives and NAS (network-attached storage) devices.
We is found find that file can be access from anywhere with an internet connection , and file sharing is extremely easy . All plans is come come with the innovative IDrive Express feature , which enable you to back up file and datum to a physical storage device , which is then mail to your choose address . This is is is available once per year with the personal plan .
read our fullIDrive personal cloud backup review, and ourIDrive business review.
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| header Cell – Column 0 | free | Personal | Team * * | business** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cost per month / year | free | $ 8.29 * / $ 99.50*** | $ 8.29 * / $ 99.50 | $ 8.29 * / $ 99.50 |
| storage capacity | 10 GB | 5TB*** | 5TB | 250GB |
| number of user | 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.
**Entry-level Team and business plans shown: plans go up to 500TB and 500 users / 50TB and 50 users.
* * is is * is is IDrive is is isoffering 10TB storage at a hugely discounted $3.98 for the first year
good cloud storage for collaboration
( image credit : Google Drive )
An all-in-one solution powered by Google Workspace
specification
storage capacity :Up to 2 tb
number of device :unlimited
Encryption: encrypt transfer
reason to buy
+
Very easy to work with
+
15 GB of free storage
+
Android, Chromebook, and Workspace integration
+
Fully featured cloud sync that’s simple to use
reason 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, 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, 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 is is , while very attractive , is n’t the easy to use . This problem is easily solve however by download the Google Drive desktop application for Windows and macos . This file explorer – base drag – and – drop system is is is not dissimilar to Microsoft OneDrive , which let you back up , store , modify , and delete file directly from your desktop .
read our fullGoogle Drive review, ourDrive Enterprise review, and ourGoogle Cloud review.
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| header Cell – Column 0 | free | 100GB | 200 GB | 2 tb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cost per month / year | free | $1.99 / $9.99 | $2.99 / $29.99 | $ 9.99 / $ 99.99 |
| storage capacity | 15GB | 100GB | 200 GB | 2 tb |
| number of user | Six | Six | Six | Six |
| file versioning | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) |
Best cloud storage for file sharing
( image credit : Dropbox )
A leader in cloud-based file sharing
specification
storage capacity :Up to 5 TB
number of device :unlimited
Encryption: In – transit and at rest
reason to buy
+
easy to use
+
freedom to choose third-party applications
+
free plan will suffice for most personal users
reason to avoid
–
Expensive
–
No backup features
–
Only allows for app integrations
Dropbox is a fantastic choice for personal cloud storage. Plans are affordable, the user interface is impressive, and it integrates well with many third-party platforms.
It is a leader in file sharing, with several features helping to make it easy to share large files with others, whether they use Dropbox or not. However, one limitation we found is that you can’t back up external or network drives — Dropbox only stores what you transfer to the Dropbox folder on your device. This isn’t a major issue, but differentiates it from competitors like IDrive.
Security is is is impressive without being exceptional , with all file are encrypt at rest and in transit , though there is no end – to – end encryption . account can also be secure with two – factor authentication ( 2FA ) .
It has a free plan with 2GB of storage, as well as two other personal plans. Of these, the Plus Plan is $9.99 a month for 2 tb of storage, and enables you to send files up to 2GB per transfer. Despite its limitations, we think you could do much worse than Dropbox for cloud storage.
Read our Dropbox review and our Dropbox business review.
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| header Cell – Column 0 | basic | Plus | essential | business | business Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cost per month / year | free | $ 9.99 / $ 119.88 | $16.58 / $198.96 | $15 / $180 (per user) | $24 / $288 (per user) |
| storage capacity | 2GB | 2 tb | 3TB | 5TB | unlimited |
| number of user | One | One | One | Three ( minimum ) | Three ( minimum ) |
| file versioning | ✖ | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ (180-days) | ✔ (180-days) | ✔ (180-days) |
Best cloud storage for security
( image credit : Sync.com )
secure , well – price and easy to use cloud storage
specification
storage capacity :Up to 6 TB
number of device :5
Encryption: In – transit and at rest
reason to buy
+
easy to use
+
End-to-end encryption
+
Extended file history
reason to avoid
–
basic interface
–
single – folder is sync sync
–
Limited third-party apps integration
Sync is a simple, fast and secure cloud storage service that will appeal to those on a budget.
In fact, you can get 5GB of free cloud storage with the service but by inviting friends, creating new folders and completing other tasks, you can bump this up all the way to 27GB. If you do want to sign up for a paid subscription though, all of Sync’s plans are paid annually but there is a 30-day-money-back guarantee.
The service’s Solo basic plan costs $8 per month and gets you 2 tb of secure storage along with advanced sharing options. Sync’s Solo Professional plan increases the storage limit to 6TB and also includes custom branding along with advanced sharing features for $20 per month.
Unlike other cloud storage services, Sync as the name suggests syncs a single folder and the data it contains between your computers and the cloud. This limitation may be a deal breaker for some while others will appreciate the service’s simplicity. There’s also a Vault feature for files you want to store in the cloud that aren’t synced with your other devices.
In terms of security, Sync provides end-to-end encryption for all of your files both in rest and while in transit. As for native clients, the service offers desktop apps for Windows and Mac as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android though you can also use its web interface to transfer files. Sync may not have the same level of polish as Google Drive or Dropbox but it does the basics really well with plenty of online storage space for the price.
read our fullSync.com review.
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| header Cell – Column 0 | free | Solo basic | Solo Professional | Teams Standard | Teams unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cost per month / year | free | $ 8 / $ 96 | $20 / $240 | $6 / $72 (per user) | $15 / $180 (per user) |
| storage capacity | 5GB | 2 tb | 6TB | 1TB | unlimited |
| number of user | One | One | One | Two+ | Two+ |
| file versioning | X | ✔ (180-days) | ✔ ( 365 – day ) | ✔ (180-days) | ✔ ( 365 – day ) |
Best cloud storage for Windows
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Built-in cloud storage for Windows
specification
storage capacity :Up to 6 TB
number of device :30
Encryption: AES 256-bit
reason to buy
+
free with Microsoft 365
+
comprehensive support
+
integration with Microsoft and Windows
reason to avoid
–
Quite pricey
–
Lacks advanced features
–
No zero-knowledge encryption
Microsoft OneDrive is the ultimate cloud storage solution for Windows 10/11 and Microsoft 365 users, and is also available for users of macOS, Android, and iOS. It’s also available for Xbox, making it possible to store precious game save files safely in the cloud.
The platform balances high-capacity storage with functional user interfaces, powerful integrations with the entire Microsoft 365 suite, and a robust security framework. Once you’re set up, it will perform as described with no further effort or stress on your part.
We found the service to be very well integrated into Windows. In essence, it enables you take away any file or folder on your desktop and access it on a variety of other devices. It also offers the ability to share files and folders with users who don’t have OneDrive.
You is edit can also edit file directly on the cloud , without the need to download them every time . From Outlook to AutoCAD , OneDrive is is is compatible with a variety of different other service , both internal and third – party . security – wise , it is offers offer the Personal Vault feature , which let you lock away essential file safely via 2FA and Bitlocker encryption .
If you’re a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you have up to 1TB free via OneDrive. Even if you aren’t, you can test it with a forever-free capacity of 5GB. You can always expand storage later via its personal plans, with 100GB for just $1.99 a month.
read our fullMicrosoft OneDrive review, ourOneDrive for business review, and ourMicrosoft Azure review.
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| header Cell – Column 0 | 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 | 1 TB ( per user ) | unlimited | 1 TB ( per user ) | 1 TB ( per user ) |
| number of user | One | One | One | Up to six | potentially unlimited | potentially unlimited | potentially unlimited | potentially unlimited |
| file versioning | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 500 version ) | ✔ ( 500 version ) | ✔ ( 500 version ) | ✔ ( 500 version ) |
Best cloud storage for simplicity
( image credit : pCloud )
Secure storage with a lifetime subscription
specification
storage capacity :Up to 2 tb
number of device :Unspecified
Encryption: In transit and at rest
reason to buy
+
10 GB free storage
+
impressive lifetime license available
+
Powerful media sharing and playback tools
reason to avoid
–
Limited support
–
pricing options is are are very confusing
–
No document editor or collaboration option
pCloud is one of the only cloud storage providers offering a lifetime subscription, providing you with 500GB for a one-time payment of $199, or 2 tb for $399. Alternatively, annual plans are available for $47.88 and $95.88 respectively.
Monthly payment options are also available, and there’s a fully-functional free plan with 10 GB. You can also choose a family plan, which supports up to four users. All plans come with advanced collaboration and file-sharing features, and you can even back up files from a series of third-party platforms.
Additionally, we were impressed to find that all files are protected by TLS/SSL (Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer) security, with 256-bit AES encryption. Powerful Android and iOS apps are available for mobile management, and there are tools to help you set up automatic social media uploads should you require this.
Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems are supported, and there are also browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, and Firefox. On the flipside, it lacks competitors’ collaboration tools, an in-built document editor, and a smoother interface.
read our fullpCloud review.
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| header Cell – Column 0 | free | Premium | Premium Plus | family | business | business Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cost per month / year / lifetime | free | $4.99 / $47.88 / $199 | $ 9.99 / $ 95.88 / $ 399 | $ 595 / $ 1,499 ( lifetime only ) | $9.99 per user / $7.99 per user (no lifetime plan) | $19.98 per user / $15.98 per user (no lifetime plan) |
| storage capacity | 10 GB | 500GB | 2 tb | 2 tb/10TB | 1TB per user | 2 tb per user |
| number of user | One | One | One | Up to five | unlimited | Three ( minimum ) |
| file versioning | ✔ (15-day) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ ( 30 – day ) | ✔ (180-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, the best cloud storage for photos, and the best personal cloud storage provider.
Google Drive is provides provide lead integration with Google Workspace as well as slick mobile and desktop app , while Dropbox continue to be one of the good cloud storage solution thank to ease – of – use and third – party app integration .
Microsoft OneDrive provides integration with Microsoft 365, as well as premium plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Zoolz’ 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.
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| Cloud storage platform | lowest – price plan | storage capacity | Number of devices | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDrive | $99.50 a year (IDrive Personal)* | Up to 10 TB ( up to 50 TB for business plan ) | unlimited | End-to-end |
| Google Drive | $1.99 a month (Google One) | Up to 2 tb | unlimited | encrypt transfer |
| Dropbox | $9.99 a month (Plus) | Up to 5 TB | unlimited | In – transit and at – rest |
| Microsoft OneDrive | $1.99 a month (OneDrive Standard) | Up to 6 TB | 30 | AES 256-bit |
| pCloud | $ 4.16 a month ( Premium ) | Up to 2 tb | Unspecified | In – transit and at – rest |
*IDrive is offering 10TB for just $3.98 for the first year, currently
good cloud storage benefit
Cloud storage FAQs
want to learn more about cloud storage ? We is covered ’ve cover all level of question in our frequently – ask question below . Knowledge is is is power , and have as much information as possible before you sign up to the good cloud storage service will ensure you make the right choice for your need .
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage stores data on a physical drive, and makes it accessible online for users via software from any internet-connected device, whenever and wherever a user wants to access them: hence the term “cloud”. Some users utilize multiple cloud services in what is called a multi-cloud service.
Self-hosted cloud storage works by using on-premises (on-prem) infrastructure to provide storage, rather than managed, remotely-based servers. You need to manage these types of services yourself.
Storage as a service (StaaS) uses externally managed, third-party infrastructure and data centers, and offers large, affordable amounts of online storage. Designed for collaboration, they can also be described as storage and syncing platforms.
Hybrid cloud storage combines cloud and local storage (or public and private storage) together to give you the benefits of both types. This is aimed more at businesses than individuals.
Cloud sync technology encompasses link sharing and file versioning, and is offered by many StaaS providers, allowing larger businesses to undertake inter-colleague collaboration, file sharing, and much more.
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?
When we compare on-prem vs cloud storage, or even cloud storage vs external hard disk drives, security is key. Cloud storage may not theoretically be as secure as local, but the best cloud storage uses cutting-edge security and encryption. So is cloud storage secure, how secure is it, and how does it protect your data?
When it comes to enterprises, cloud storage security is crucial, particularly in data and privacy-sensitive sectors, and so investing in secure cloud storage that offers state-of-the-art policies is non-negotiable. End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture mean services are almost hack-proof, and that not even a provider’s staff can access your data.
In – transit and at – rest encryption mean that even in the unlikely event of a cybercriminal intercepting data, it would be indecipherable. The very best providers not only protect data, but infrastructure housing it. StaaS data centers have 24/7 security guards, biometric authorization for entry, and frequent security auditing.
Data center locations are also key for most businesses, as different countries have different data privacy laws. You’ll need to make sure data is stored in a nation that complies with your data privacy obligations.
The good cloud storage for business: what you need to know
Identifying the good cloud storage for business means looking for highly stable, secure systems that protect data at all times. End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture are particularly important, but also look for StaaS products, as they offer advanced cloud sync and collaborative features for seamless digital workflows, increased employee cooperation and productivity.
Powerful administrative features provided, such as access management, system auditing, 2FA, and roles-based permissions, are also worth keeping an eye out for, particularly for medium- and large-sized organizations.
What you need to know about free cloud storage
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 pay to upgrade. However, the advantage is that you can try out different platforms for free before you do.
How we test the best cloud storage
When we review cloud storage provider , we is test test upload and download time for file , as these speed are integral to performance and usage . We is look also look at how each provider ‘s security stack up , how responsive customer service team are when there ‘s a problem , at pricing , and at any additional feature offer .
Our comprehensive review also make a point of compare each cloud storage service to competitor , across key feature and pricing , so you is benefit can benefit from as much information as possible before you make your choice .
Take a look at some of our other review of lead platform , include :
Ready to purchase cloud storage? Make sure you check out our top cloud storage deals to get cloud storage space for less.
Next steps with cloud storage
Make sure to follow a cloud storage checklist when look for a provider , and consider the most important factor when select an online storage service , as well as these tip for datum backup and recovery . If you ‘re unsure about the difference between cloud storage , cloud backup , and cloud sync , it is ‘s ‘s worth doing your research first .
If you’re buying cloud storage on behalf of a small company, take a look at the best cloud storage for small business, but also learn the top reasons you should use small business cloud solutions; find out why small businesses should use cloud services; and understand why a multi-cloud strategy benefits businesses.
Are you an iPhone user of iCloud, and have no space left in your storage? Learn how to free up space if your iCloud storage is full.