Cloud storage services offer the simplest way to back up your files, share them with others, or collaborate on a project. You can securely store your old screenplay in a digital filing cabinet and keep your photos in a digital shoebox, ensuring they are safe, easily accessible, and shareable.
However, selecting the right cloud storage service can be challenging due to the vast array of options available. We have narrowed down the choices to a few options that are suitable for various individuals, devices, and situations, with a focus on cloud storage services for personal use rather than businesses. If you need additional guidance, we recommend consulting our guides on how to back up your digital life, securely share files online, and maintain cloud storage security.
Google Services
Google Drive is a useful service for backing up and syncing files that is accessible to anyone with a Google account. It seamlessly integrates with Android and Chromebook devices and is a logical option if you use Google services like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Photos. Google Drive is user-friendly and streamlined, with robust search capabilities, version history, and various file-sharing alternatives. It can be accessed via a web browser, and there are mobile and desktop applications available. Data is encrypted during storage and transit, and two-factor authentication (2FA) is supported. You can learn more about additional benefits and storage options in our Google One overview.
Regrettably, Google Drive does not provide end-to-end encryption and may not be the best choice for individuals with privacy concerns. Additionally, there is no option to assign passwords or set expiration dates on shared files via a link.
Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage, while 100 GB costs $2 per month or $10 per year, 200 GB costs $3 per month or $30 per year, and 2 TB costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
Best for Apple Devices
iCloud is a convenient option for those who exclusively use Apple devices. It is a polished and user-friendly service that is fully integrated into macOS and iOS, designed to operate silently in the background most of the time. You can share files, edit Pages, Numbers, and Keynote files online, collaborate on documents, and secure them with a password. It also offers 2FA support. Subscribing to an iCloud+ plan provides additional features such as iCloud Private Relay, which safeguards your privacy while browsing, Hide My Email, which generates temporary email addresses instead of exposing your real one, and HomeKit Secure Video, which is beneficial if you own a HomeKit security camera or video doorbell.
However, iCloud is not compatible with Android devices, and while it has improved, it feels more limited than most other cloud storage services. The web interface lacks search functionality, and file versioning is limited to Apple’s productivity app files. End-to-end encryption is also restricted, although Apple’s security is generally robust.
iCloud offers 5 GB of free storage, with the option to purchase 50 GB for $1 per month, 200 GB for $3 per month, or 2 TB for $10 per month. iCloud+ is also available as part of the Apple One subscription service.
Best for Windows
OneDrive is a feature-rich cloud storage service that is both polished and user-friendly. It is an ideal choice for individuals who primarily use Microsoft Office and work on a Windows PC. OneDrive offers a robust search tool, exceptional support for collaborative editing, and reliable file-sharing options that include password protection and expiry dates. The service supports most platforms, and you can synchronize files across devices or conserve space by only downloading files on demand. OneDrive also has a personal vault with 2FA protection. The service is perhaps the best option for reviewing or editing files, as you can open anything within the app, including photo editing.
On the downside, OneDrive’s free storage is limited, and it lacks end-to-end encryption. Additionally, the free and basic tiers have a small feature set. OneDrive is a logical choice if you use Microsoft Office and Skype because it provides a good value bundled with those as part of Microsoft 365.
OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, with the option to purchase 100 GB for $2 per month or $20 per year (with Microsoft 365 Basic), 1 TB for $7 per month or $70 per year (with Microsoft 365 Personal), or 6 TB for $10 per month or $100 per year (with Microsoft 365 Family).
Best for Backups
If your primary concern is to store files from multiple sources in a digital locker, then IDrive may be the optimal choice for you, especially given its attractive initial pricing for high-capacity plans. IDrive is user-friendly and compatible with most devices. For many plans, IDrive provides you with a physical external hard drive to enable a quicker initial backup, after which the data is transferred to your online account. IDrive also offers 2FA and a private encryption key, which ensures that your files cannot be decrypted even if requested by law enforcement.
However, if you require extensive support for file-sharing and collaboration, IDrive may not be the best choice for you. The app is somewhat basic, and file uploads can be slow. It’s essential to be aware of the regular price, not just the introductory price, and to disable auto-renew and transfer your data before your renewal date if you intend to leave. Additionally, you should monitor your usage and be wary of overage charges if you exceed your allotted storage.
IDrive offers 10 GB of free storage, 100 GB for $2.95 per year, 500 GB for $9.95 per year, 5 TB for $59.62 for the first year ($119.25 thereafter), and 10 TB for $75 for the first year ($150 thereafter).
Best for Privacy
If you are concerned about privacy and security, SpiderOak’s One Backup is a service you should consider. Their zero-trust and no-knowledge policy ensures that your data is inaccessible to anyone other than you, and all information is end-to-end encrypted. Plans are priced per person and offer unlimited devices and file versions. SpiderOak uses transport layer security (TLS) for data in transit to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, the company is transparent about their policies, and there is support for Windows, Mac, or Linux, solid recovery options, file versioning, and versatile file-sharing options, including self-destructing links.
However, SpiderOak is relatively expensive compared to other services, and there is no mobile app support. Furthermore, there is no 2FA for web logins, which is a strange omission for a security-focused company. It is essential to keep your password safe because SpiderOak cannot reset it if you forget it.
Their plans are priced at 150 GB for $6/month or $69/year, 400 GB for $11/month or $115/year, 2 TB for $14/month or $149/year, and 5 TB for $29/month or $320/year.
Best for Extras
Dropbox, one of the pioneers in cloud storage, is known for its accessibility, reliability, and support for almost any device. I’ve been using it for more than a decade as it offers a convenient way to transfer files across different platforms. Its collaboration features are impressive, and it integrates seamlessly with various applications, making it easy to co-author and edit documents even when the collaborators are using different platforms. Dropbox offers more than just storage; it has a secure password manager and digital signature support, and its mobile app has a built-in document scanner.
However, Dropbox lacks end-to-end encryption, which means that while it promises not to access your files, it has the ability to decrypt them. Dropbox may have to comply with government requests or might be vulnerable to a rogue employee who could access your data. Additionally, Dropbox is more expensive than its competitors, and the free version offers limited storage.
Dropbox pricing plans are as follows: 2 GB of free storage with an additional 500 MB for friend referrals (up to 16 GB), 2 TB for $12 per month or $120 per year, and 3 TB for $20 per month or $200 per year.
