Cloud storage allows us to store data remotely and access it from any device through the internet. This way, it increases productivity and efficiency. You can also backup data safely through a cloud way. It leverages plenty of benefits for businesses as they use a large amount of data that they can store using cloud storage and pay only for what they use. Besides, cloud storage makes collaboration and data sharing easier without over-investing.
Cloud storage is a brilliant medium for file sharing too. As most cloud storage providers look similar in terms of their services, it is very confusing to decide which one to select for your purpose. Here are some tips that may be helpful in this context – you must look for services that would include –
- Collaboration
- Security. In case the service provider does not provide end-to-end encryption, they need to encrypt the data and transfer it to the cloud.
- Usability
- Support provided by the providers
- What is the platform you are using, like Windows, Mac, iPhones, Androids, BlackBerry, etc.
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Most Popular Cloud Storage Providers
1. pCloud
Best for: Storing large files.
pCloud allows the storing of files and accessing them on any device. Sharing and collaboration on files is a cakewalk with pCloud. Besides, you can encrypt the private files to maintain confidentiality.
Features:
- Gives you TLS/SSL encryption.
- It provides the highest level of encryption with pCloud Crypto.
- You can avail of the file management facility with pCloud, from the desktop, web, or mobiles.
- Options for multiple file-sharing.
- The robust backup facility from social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Picasa
- It saves versions of files for a certain period.
- You can store, share, and organize your digital assets with your own branding from one easy-to-use and secure place.
Cons: Bandwidth limitations.
OS Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Price: Initial 10GB is free. It has two types of pricing plans -annual and lifetime pricing. For more information on pricing, please visit this link – https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html
2. Google Drive
Best for: Collaborating between teams.
Google Drive stores, shares seamlessly and collaborates on files and folders from any mobile device, computer, and tablet. It has gained immense popularity as it allows a good amount of free storage. Google allows you the first 15GB of storage free on Google drive. All you need is a Google account to use Google drive.
Features:
- You can store any type of file in Google drive. Apart from Microsoft files, it can store 100 additional file types.
- Google has embedded its powerful search capabilities in Drive. Along with that, it offers unmatched speed, reliability, and performance.
- You can upload files from anywhere like a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- You can easily share files as well as folders. Also, you can collaborate on any file without an email attachment.
Cons: Initially the interface seems little bit complex.
OS Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
Price: First 15 GB is free. For detail information on pricing and plans please visit here – https://one.google.com/about
3. Microsoft OneDrive
Best for: Windows users.
Microsoft Onedrive gives you the freedom to access, edit, and share your files on all your devices, wherever you are. It also provides rock-solid backup and file protection, so there is no chance of losing your saved files. Besides, it provides real-time collaboration with office apps. With Onedrive, you can stay connected and easily share your files with others. It has files on demand facility for Windows 10.
Features:
- You can access files offline.
- Access files from any device.
- Provides SSL encryption.
- You can share files and folders by sending the link through email, text, Facebook, or even iMessage.
- Provides document scanning feature.
- Provides an added layer of protection through OneDrive Personal Vault.
Cons: It gives only 5GB free storage which is very less when we compare it with Google Drive.
OS Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS etc.
Price: Initial 5GB storage is free. For detail plans and pricing visit here – https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-365/onedrive/compare-onedrive-plans?activetab=tab:primaryr1
Website: Microsoft OneDrive
4. iCloud
Best for: Suitable for Apple users.
iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service for its users. It stores documents, photos, videos, and music files. Apple provides 5GB of free storage for all its users, and all you have to do is keep doing what you like. Later you can download the stored files to Windows, iOS, and Mac OS.
Features
- It works with multiple apps like Contact, Mail, Reminders, Calendar, Safari, etc.
- In case of any smallest change that will appear everywhere.
- You can collaborate with Numbers, Pages, Notes, and Keynote, through it.
- It automatically stores all your messages, and you can pick up every conversation right where you left off. Whether or not you change your phone, the features will remain the same.
- Automatic backup.
- Provides two-factor authentication, which gives you an extra layer of security on your device.
Cons: Very much limited for Apple users. You can access all the services mentioned above only if you have an Apple id.
OS Platforms: Windows, Mac OS and iOS.
Price: Initial 5GB is free to use. For detail planning and pricing models please visit here – https://www.apple.com/icloud/
Website: iCloud
5. OpenDrive
Best for: Unlimited file upload.
OpenDrive is an all in one cloud storage for unlimited cloud storage, backup, and cloud content management. It comes in three main features like
- OpenDrive drive – For storing, sharing, and collaborating of files
- OpenDrives Notes – A simple interface that creates notepads for creating notes and attachment and to-do list facilities.
- OpenDrive tasks – It is a task and project management tool.
Features:
- This versatile cloud storage provides different business tools for managing data, workflow, projects, users, and branding.
- It has many applications supported by all web browsers, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, WordPress, WebDAV.
- Another application is OpenDrive API, which gives you the ability to quickly and easily integrate cloud storage services directly into your product.
Cons: It provides limited support.
OS Platforms: Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Apple.
Price: It gives 5GB of free storage. It has pricing plans for personal use, enterprises, and businesses. For detailed pricing, please visit here – https://www.opendrive.com/pricing
Website: OpenDrive
6. Amazon S3
Best for: Best for any amount of data, any industry, and any industry.
Amazon S3 stands for Amazon Simple Storage Service. It allows users to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere. It supports all types of business use cases like backup, websites, restore, archive, mobile applications, enterprise applications, big data analytics, and IoT devices. It can store data for millions of applications for companies all around the world.
Features:
- Scalability
- Durability
- Performance
- Data availability
- Provides different cost-effective storage classes.
- Provides unmatched security, compliance, and audit capabilities
- You can easily manage data with access controls.
Cons: Pricing plans are complex.
OS Platforms: Web-based.
Price: First year is free provided you have to provide your billing details. Please refer this link – https://aws.amazon.com/s3/pricing/?nc=sn&loc=4
Website: Amazon S3
7. Sync.com
Best for: It is easy to use and best for providing security with end-to-end encryption.
Sync stores, shares, and access files from anywhere. Sync provides end-to-end encryption in cloud storage. It will allow you to send or share any file with anyone. Along with that, it provides good collaboration features. You can access your files from anywhere. The data is synced across all your devices.
Features:
- For data protection, you can access features like 365-day history, restricted downloads, advanced share control, password protected sharing, etc.
- It provides productivity features like file requests, auto camera upload, document previews, offline access, etc.
- It provides core features like unlimited sharing and collaboration, real-time backup syncing, and access from anywhere.
- It provides privacy protection through end-to-end encryption, HIPAA compliance, no-third-party tracking, GDPR, and PIPEDA compliance.
Cons: There is no option for monthly billing.
OS Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and web.
Price: Sync offers three pricing plans. For details please visit here – https://www.sync.com/pricing/.
8. Dropbox
Best for: Light data users.
Dropbox is the world’s first smart workspace. With it, you can enjoy modern workspace and put your files together in one place. Later you can access them from anywhere anytime. Additionally, you can sync the files across all your devices.
Features:
- You can share any file.
- With Dropbox Paper, you can create and share anything, from drafts, images, videos to code, and sound.
- It is popular among freelancers, teams, solo workers, and any size businesses.
- With admin controls, you can simplify team management tasks.
- You can securely access the shared data.
Cons: Only 2GB free data.
OS Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows phone.
Price: It offers 2GB for free. It has two different plans for users – Plus and Professional. For details please visit here – https://www.dropbox.com/buy?_tk=upgrade_hero_button
Website: Dropbox
9. Box
Best for: Ideal for cloud content management for enterprise solutions.
It provides a platform for enterprise teams to collaborate across organizations securely. You can store multiple types of files like documents, videos, images, and much more. Furthermore, you can share and access the content from anywhere.
Features:
- You can store any file.
- It allows for seamless collaboration.
- Provides simplified workflow.
- You can integrate it with more than 1400+ apps.
- Gives you flexible security controls.
- It allows you to work online with collaboration and share the files and folders to share and edit with Box Notes and Microsoft Office 365.
- You can share large files through email or directly from the Box.
Cons: Costlier than the others.
OS Platforms: Supported by any device.
Price: It provides four types of pricing plans. For details please visit here – https://www.box.com/pricing
Website: Box
10. Icedrive
Best for: User-friendly cloud storage that provides next-level security encryption.
Icedrive is a next generation cloud storage.
This revolutionary desktop software allows you to access and manage cloud storage space like a physical drive and directly in the operating system. It gives you all the features that you are familiar with your native drives, such as uploading, opening, editing, etc., at an unparalleled speed. You can also encrypt any files that you want to keep secure and confidential with this software using the bullet-proof TwoFish algorithm.
Features:
- Gives you native OS feel.
- You can mount the drive with a single click.
- Intelligent cache control.
- Responsive support.
- Streamlined user interface.
- Twofish client-side encryption.
- Stored file versioning.
- A variety of file-sharing options.
OS Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Price: Icedrive offers free Storage of up to 10GB. For different pricing model please visit here – https://icedrive.net/plans
Final Thought
To conclude, we have seen many services out there, which gives you free cloud storage space for your files. You can choose one or multiple options in combination. This can help you to avail all the space you need.