Having scattered files across devices? Want to systematically arrange them, but storage issues are time-consuming? This makes the entire process slower, plus it asks for hidden investment in storage apps, which is not worth it.
After hands-on testing dozens of cloud storage applications for several weeks, I have noticed that it is not just a matter of asking for more storage space; it's about everything in between - speed, security, effective collaboration, and performance.
To ease your job, I have mentioned everything you need to know about the best cloud storage apps in this guide. Come, let’s discover together.
Most effective cloud storage apps
- Google Drive - Works great with Google Workspace and Android devices.
- Sync.com- Best for users and businesses focusing mainly on privacy.
- iDrive - Best for those who wish to back up their full device.
- iCloud - Best for users who often sync their Apple devices.
- Dropbox - Offers real-time file sharing features with third-party integrations.
- Koofr -- Handles different cloud storage accounts in one place.
- Box - Best for large businesses that focus on high data security.
- pCloud- Offers the best lifetime storage plans and manages media files easily.
- Microsoft OneDrive - Best for Windows and Microsoft 365 users.
- Jottacloud - Best at managing unlimited file and photo backups.
How did I choose the best cloud storage application?
After spending hours researching and using the trial-and-error method, these factors have genuinely helped me select the best cloud storage applications.
1. Conduct real-time testing - I didn't just read, but tested these platforms in real-time. To get started, I first signed up for each one and started uploading different types of files.
2. Compare storage capacity and the price - To know if investing in a particular cloud storage platform is worth it, I simply checked their free, paid plans, and the hidden charges, and deeply compared their storage capacity against the price. This helped me find the most valuable ones.
3. Special features - I thoroughly checked the special features offered by each. Some impressed me with their ability to smoothly manage photo backups and media playback, while some were great at offering high-level security and lifetime plans. You can choose the one that suits your needs well.
4. Collaboration features - To check how these apps are genuinely good at collaboration, I assigned permissions to my team, started tracking several files, and integrated with major platforms. For instance, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zoom.
5. Check the sync and speed - I uploaded a mix of media and image files and minutely observed their upload and download speed. I even looked at how fast it syncs (especially larger files). I took notes of everything and picked the one that performed the best.
6. Rate the cross-device compatibility - To make the selection easier, I started rating each one of them (1-10, where 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest) on the basis of how well they perform across devices like Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS. In the end, I picked the ones that got the highest rating.
After getting a complete understanding of each, I have listed some of the best ones in this guide.
A sneak peek into the best cloud storage apps
Best for businesses relying on Google Workspace and requires scalable storage
1. Google Drive (Desktop, Web, Mobile, Linux)
I tried storing everything from large files, Google Docs, to important Gmail attachments on Google Drive. Initially, with its easy-to-use interface, it quickly organized my files.
One thing I noticed is that it has some additional features on the Desktop, such as stream folders. Whereas, on mobile, files can be smoothly edited and accessed offline, and photo backups from Google Photos (if you use it) are simply automated.
I liked how its real-time collaboration features sync well across desktop and mobile devices. Its ability to smoothly integrate with Google Workspace apps was also impressive.
I tested this collaboration feature and tried editing in Docs and Sheets with my team. It was pretty smooth, honestly. Changes made by everyone were visible live, suggestions and comments were easy to view and resolve.
Later, I learned that it also has some interesting features like expiration dates (with Google Workspace plans) and comment permissions. Also, I was impressed with its AI tools like Gemini for Docs, Google Drive and Google Workspace applications (if you have a subscription to a Google Workspace account).
Pros:
- Offers 15 GB storage in its forever-free plan.
- Collaborates seamlessly in real-time across all Google apps.
- With solid offline support, it works well across Android and iOS devices.
- Offer AI tools like a photo editor and Gemini in some of its higher-tier plans.
Cons:
- Free storage can be filled up quickly, especially when using Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos as main tools.
- The file streaming feature (Drive for Desktop) shows cloud files locally, but changes are only synced when accessed. Beginners may confuse this with actual downloads (not every file is auto-downloaded).
- Does not offer advanced user-level encryption
- Advanced privacy settings are only available in higher-tier or Workspace plans.
- You cannot access direct help support with its free plan.
Pricing - The paid plan (Basic) starts at $1.99/month for 100 GB and goes up to $9.99/month for 2 TB.
Best for privacy-focused business areas
2. Sync.com (Desktop, Web, Mobile)
I used this on different devices, and it was quite smooth. I liked how it provided end-to-end encryption with a zero-knowledge architecture. This helped me make files unreadable even to the company itself.
Even though the speed was not as great as Dropbox's, I was able to upload files at a decent rate. Also, it allows us to monitor and set a limit to the upload bandwidth (when required).
In terms of sharing and collaboration, it was pretty good. I was able to add passwords, expired links, and even set download limits. This was easier with its clean interface. Also, it offers rich previews like video playback (this is very limited).
The interesting part is that even with a free account, I was able to recover past files for up to 30 days. If you have a paid plan. You can even extend this for up to 180 or 365 days.
Pros:
- Keeps files highly secure with its AES-256 and zero-knowledge encryption.
- Offers advanced control features.
- Integrates well with Microsoft 365 and makes in-browser document editing better.
- Helps to reduce sync impact on your network with its bandwidth control feature.
Cons:
- Large files take a little longer to sync.
- Does not offer in-app media playback
- Offers document previews with certain limitations (not available in the free plan).
- Unlike Dropbox, it does not offer block-level file handling capacity or full-drive sync features. It can only sync single folders.
- Does not have a separate app for Linux or support APIs.
Pricing - For individuals, the paid plan starts at $5/month. For teams, the paid plan starts at $6/month. Also, for plans like Solo Basic, Solo Pro, Teams Standard, and Teams Unlimited, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best for users requiring detailed and secure backups for multiple devices
3. iDrive (Desktop, Web, Mobile, Linux)
I had heard about iDrive for multiple-device backups, but never took it seriously, unless one day I genuinely needed to keep all the files in one place. So, I used to check its performance. And guess what? It was worth giving it a try.
I even tried its iDrive Express. It is a physical drive shipment option to speed up large file uploads and restores. This was super smooth for large, bulky backups.
The dashboard was a bit outdated, but it has some amazing features like version history (it offers up to 30 snapshots, scheduled backups, and options for NAS systems.
Additionally, I was also happy with its ability to integrate well with several cloud applications.
Pros:
- Has the ability to back up unlimited devices. It even includes external and NAS systems.
- Offers real-time backup with bandwidth control .
- Support multiple servers, external drives, NAS, and several cloud applications with add-ons.
- Offers 256-bit AES encryption with an option of a private key.
Cons:
- The free plan is limited to 5 GB (this is not suitable for large files). For more storage, you can look forward to its paid plans.
- Restore speed may lag for larger files.
- Does not offer over-quota charges. The rate depends on the specific plans.
Pricing - The paid ‘Personal’ plan starts at $9.95/month - billed yearly for 5 TB storage, and it goes up to 100 TB (price varies as per the plan you choose). It even offers a free plan with 10 GB of storage.
Best for businesses that rely on Apple devices
4. iCloud (iOS, macOS, and iPadOS)
I used iCloud, and it was quite seamless. Upgrading to one of the iCloud+ plans was worth the investment. I was able to use some interesting features like Private Relay, Custom Email Domain, Hide My Email, and even HomeKit Secure Video.
I was also happy with its advanced data protection option. To use this, iOS 16.2/macOS 13.1 and two-factor authentication are required. This helped me keep all my data safe and private (perfect for those focusing on privacy).
In terms of file syncing, it was smooth. From photos, notes, files, and even Safari tabs – everything automatically syncs in the background. If you are on Windows, iCloud integrates well with File Explorer for photo sync and drive.
Later, I saw that the web interface of iCloud.com supports Drive, Notes, Photos, Mail, Find My Device, and Reminders. But remember that full features work better when the browser is up-to-date or in Safari itself.
Pros:
- It offers 5 GB in its forever-free plan, and a subscription to iCloud+ plans is inexpensive.
- It automatically offloads unused files to the cloud. This helps to create more space on your device.
- The iCloud Keychain protects your password manager and syncs it across all Apple devices.
- Allows collaboration and sharing memories with teams through its iCloud Drive folders and Shared Albums.
Cons:
- Unlike Sync.com and Box, it does not offer file or folder permission controls
- While iCloud Drive itself does not include editing, Apple offers Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for collaborative document editing within the Apple ecosystem.
- Does not support Linux users.
- File version history is quite limited. It does not offer detailed file recovery logs.
Pricing - The pricing of iCloud+ plans differs by specific region and offers storage up to 12 TB.
Best for fast and reliable syncing across devices
5. Dropbox (Desktop, Web, Mobile, Linux)
I used Dropbox, and it was pretty fast. It has a block-level sync feature, which makes the sync easier by uploading only the changed parts of files. This was genuinely helpful, and I could simply see files stored in the cloud without using any space on the local drive.
I also tried some of its tools like Capture, Sign, Paper, and Transfer. These helped edit documents, sign agreements, and send large files (transfer file limit is 100 GB with higher-tier plans).
Even though the UI was clean, it sometimes lagged a bit while accessing large files.
Also, its security feature was impressive. It has SSL/TLS and AES-256 for file protection and even supports 2FA and remote device wipe. Later, I also saw that it complies well with HIPAA and GDPR.
Pros:
- Best for businesses that often need audit logs and a user management system.
- Integrates well with tools like Zoom, Slack, Trello, Microsoft Office, etc.
- Offline access is available on both mobile and desktop.
- Sends file requests from anyone, even if they do not have a Dropbox account.
Cons:
- Third-party applications are required to edit documents in real-time.
- Not suitable for privacy-conscious professionals (no zero-knowledge encryption offered)
- Limited preview formats are available
- It may lag when handling large files
- Unlike iDrive or iCloud, it does not have a built-in backup system.
Pricing - Offer 2 GB with a free account. The paid plan starts at $11.99/month with 2 TB and transfer file limits up to 50 GB. The price goes up to $30/user/month with 15,000 GB for teams and transfer file limits up to 100 GB. For large businesses, the ‘Enterprise’ plan is available. The maximum storage capacity you can get is 1000 TB.
Best for handling multi-cloud transfers and management
6. Koofr (Desktop, Web, Mobile, Linux)
While I was testing Koofr, it impressed me with its no-tracking design. This means that it stored my data safely in an EU data center without using any third-party analytics.
To begin with, I started with its forever free plan - 10 GB. Then, I simply connected with my Google Drive and Dropbox. This automatically created a single dashboard to search and view everything in one place.
It was great at transferring large files. I appreciate its built-in Office for the web. It has an image editor, PDF tools, duplicate file finder and a lot more. Without switching any tabs, I was simply able to access it in the browser itself.
I loved how its client-side encrypted Vault worked for sensitive files. If you are a privacy-focused user, you must try this app.
Pros:
- Has EU-focused hosting with a zero tracking policy.
- Offer 10 GB with its free plan itself
- Connects well with OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox and allows for cross-account searches.
- Offer zero-knowledge secure storage.
Cons:
- As compared to enterprise-level tools, it offers basic collaboration features.
- Does not offer zero-knowledge security by default. Manual settings are required.
- Does not support WebDAV in the free plan. Subscription to its paid plans or rclone is required.
Pricing - A paid ‘Briefcase’ plan starts at 0.5 EUR/month for 10 GB. The pricing goes up to 35 EUR/month for 10 TB and more.
Best for large businesses that focus on high data security
7. Box (Desktop, Web, Mobile)
If you require a cloud storage application for a large business, then Box can be at the top of your list. It has some amazing enterprise-level built-in features. For instance, it has features like task assignments, document workflows, comments, and secure sharing.
Also, it is good at integrating with Google Workspace, Adobe, Slack, Office365, Salesforce, and around 1,500 third-party applications.
With an intuitive UI, file management is simpler. It has some amazing search filters like metadata and some tools like Box Notes, Favourites, and Box Canvas.
If you require audit trails or compliance like GDPR, FedRAMP, HIPAA, or CCPA, you may try this. Also, it has some advanced admin controls in its higher-tier plans.
Pros:
- With a free account, you can easily upload up to 250 MB per file (higher tier plans offer 500 GB for each file).
- Integrates well with Google Workspace, Adobe, Slack, Office 365, and Salesforce. This can improve your productivity.
- Simply comply with necessary regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, etc.
Cons:
- For heavy files beyond 10 GB, you need to upgrade (the free plan only supports up to 10 GB of storage).
- Initially, rich features can overwhelm beginners
- API calls and rate may affect large workflows.
Pricing - The paid plan for ‘Individuals and Teams’ starts at $14/month (single user). The ‘Business’ plan starts at $20/user/month. It also offers ‘Platform’ plans for APIs and AI units. For core APIs, the price starts at $2.35 per 1,000 API calls/month (purchased annually).
Best for small businesses relying on lifetime storage plans
8. pCloud (Desktop, Web, Mobile)
I used pCloud and was amazed by its virtual drive feature (requires some installation and permission setup). This is like any other local drive, but stores all files in the cloud. The speed of uploads and downloads was quite similar to OneDrive and Dropbox.
As I logged in to my free account, I linked it with my social media accounts like Instagram and Facebook. And it worked smoothly.
For better security, I upgraded to one of its paid plans and used its pCloud Crypto. This is simply a zero-knowledge folder where I could easily upload my sensitive files with its RSA-4096 and AES-256 encryption.
Also, its built-in media support was powerful. I could easily view my photos, watch videos, and listen to music directly.
Pros:
- You can create passwords, set expiry dates, and also view and download limits, even with the free plan itself.
- You can easily restore file versions or your entire account from up to 30 days in the free plan (it can be extended up to 1 year with a paid plan).
- As compared to other tools that might restrict uploading large files in the free plan, it allows uploading up to 5 GB (per file).
- Once you mark a file as offline, you can easily access it on the mobile app anytime.
- For better compliance and speed, it allows you to store data either in the U.S or the EU, as per your location.
- Offers better lifetime plans.
Cons:
- Does not offer advanced file storing features or smart folders by AI (offered by OneDrive or Google Drive) in the web browser version.
- Does not directly integrate with Microsoft Office or Google Docs. This may not be suitable for those who are habituated to real-time editing,
- Does not integrate with any mail, calendars or productivity tools. It is primarily focused on storage.
Pricing: The paid ‘Premium’ plan starts at $4.99/month for 500 GB and goes up to $19.99/month for 10 TB. The Lifetime plan is available for 2 TB and 10 TB. For 2 TB, it costs $595 (one-time payment) and for 10 TB, it costs $1499 (one-time payment).
Best for users who require real-time collaboration features within Microsoft system
9. Microsoft OneDrive (Desktop, Web, Mobile and Xbox consoles)
I used OneDrive on my Windows 11 and it worked smoothly. It is genuinely a great tool for collaboration and cloud storage. It integrates well with not just Windows 11 or 12, but also with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365.
This smooth integration makes it super easy to access files anytime I want and syncs well across all the devices.
It has Files On-Demand feature which was quite helpful. It helped me to view and manage many files without consuming local storage space. This allowed me to manage large files smoothly.
Real-time collaboration on documents was better with OneDrive and its integration with Microsoft Office apps.
Also, Microsoft’s AI assistant ‘Copilot’ gave smart suggestions and created quick summaries within the document itself.
Pros:
- Connects smoothly within the Microsoft ecosystem.
- For sensitive files, it has some great features like Ransomware Detection and Personal Vault.
- Even though it is best for Microsoft users, it can be accessed on any device (iOS, macOS or Android).
- It has some affordable plans, which offer storage from 100 GB to 6 TB.
- Without the need of any third-party applications, it allows to bookmark PDFs directly in OneDrive.
Cons:
- The free plan only offers up to 5 GB. This might be suitable for users handling large files.
- Some features may overwhelm the first-time users
- There are some inherent concerns, especially when data is stored on Microsoft servers.
Pricing: OneDrive for Business (Plan 1) starts at $5.00/user/month (paid yearly). For the other paid plans, 1 month of a free trial is available (credit card required).
Best for businesses that require unlimited backups
10. Jottacloud (Desktop, Web, Mobile, Linux)
I used Jottacloud, and I liked its auto-backup system. I could simply backup documents, photos, and archive uploads automatically.
I started with a free plan (5GB), and its speed was great. The moment I switched to its unlimited personal plan, the speed of all uploads and downloads was excellent until it reached 5 TB.
Also, the AI photo search feature was super smart. I just typed ‘pleasant morning’ and it was quick enough to find the right images.
While browsing on the web, its built-in previews for images, docs, videos, and Office were very seamless.
After some time, I saw that reassuring data is safe as it complies with GDPR Norway privacy laws and has 256-bit encryption in transit and at rest.
Pros:
- For advanced automation and usage, it offers tools like rclone.
- The plan for unlimited cloud storage is quite affordable.
- Restores multiple file versions for up to 30 days or more (this can be accessed via the web version itself).
Cons:
- Does not offer options for selective or block-level sync.
- Initially, restores can take a little longer to settle down and stabilize.
- Does not natively support third-party apps like Slack, Office or Zapier workflows.
- Does not have a dashboard for real-time updates
Pricing: Offers free 5 GB (can terminate if the account is inactive for a year). The unlimited* plan starts at $11.99/month (download speed can be reduced as you exceed 5 TB). Without any disruption, it offers storage up to 10 TB for $15.99/month. This can be used for up to 5 users.
Compare key features
Compare security and compliance features
Underrated cloud storage apps
1. Proton Drive - It has some great features to collaborate and share files securely with its robust end-to-end encryption. This includes metadata and the file name, too. Also, it gives the flexibility to set permission controls and comply with HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO-27001. Currently, it supports secure link sharing on iOS and Android apps, but desktop sharing is still limited.
2. Tresorit - This is great for large businesses. It offers zero–knowledge E2EE and also two-factor authentication for all files (even available in the free plan). Even this complies with ISO-27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and a lot more. But, it only offers 3 GB in the free plan, and paid plans are a bit expensive.
3. Cryptee - It is an open-source and one of the underrated options for users having privacy concerns. Here, I saw that everything is client-side encrypted and has some great features like ghost folders for hidden access protection. But it only offers 100 GB in its free plan and does not have a native desktop application yet.
4. MEGA - I was impressed with its 20 GB free storage and its applications for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux. This made it easy to sync across different devices. The UI is beginner-friendly with end-to-end encryption.
Which cloud storage application should you ideally use?
After exploring all these cloud storage platforms, what do you think you must choose? Let me make it simpler for you. If you are someone who is used to Apple devices and mostly juggle between Notes, iPhone photos and Safari tabs, then iCloud can be most suitable for you.
If you are someone who often works with Microsoft 365 or Windows 11 or 12, OneDrive can be a perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a team that often collaborates on slides, docs and feedback loops, then Google Drive, Box or Dropbox can be great. They make collaborative sharing smoother and also offer features like version history, etc.
In case you have privacy concerns, then platforms that have zero-knowledge encryption or HIPAA compliance can be a stressbuster for you. Examples include pCloud (if you use it with Crypto), Sync.com.
Or if you just want to keep backups without any hassle, then Jottacloud or iDrive can take over with their ability to handle photos, documents, and entire device restore automatically.
It is better to start with a free plan or a trial and see it fits your workflow and third-party applications. If everything goes well, you can look forward to its paid plans.
An overview of the use-industry cases and UI
1. Google Drive
Best suited for - Small startups, the Education sector, and Marketing areas
Use case - Helps to collaborate on Google Slides/Docs/Sheets in real time. It also helps to plan content and close feedback loops smoothly.
How is the UI? - With a clean and clear interface, it is easy for the teams to make edits and integrate well with Gmail and Google Docs.
2. Sync.com
Best suited for - Freelancers, Individual business owners, Healthcare, and Legal areas
Use case - Offer HIPAA-compliant storage with secure file sharing features and client onboarding folders. It was very easy to work with its zero-knowledge encryption and manage sensitive contracts.
How is the UI? - It is simple and great for privacy-focused users. Also, it is highly secure and not that flashy.
3. iDrive
Best suited for - Small businesses, the IT industry, and for providing remote support
Use case - Helps to schedule file protection and smoothly supports full PC backups. Also, its ability to manage version history was great.
How is the UI? - Pretty functional and dashboard-heavy. It may take a little longer for beginners to get a thorough understanding of it.
4. iCloud
Best suited for - Professionals managing creatives and business consultants
Use case: It smoothly auto-syncs documents, photos, and notes across iOS and Mac devices. I also liked its creativity-focused features for brainstorming ideas.
How is the UI? - It is quite minimalist and works seamlessly. Most familiar to those who prefer working in the Apple ecosystem.
5. Dropbox
Best suited for - Design teams and other creative professionals
Use case - Manage large files effectively. It syncs folders well and also handles client reviews and approvals without any hassle.
How is the UI? - It is pretty intuitive and modern. Its paper and smart sync features make it more convenient.
6. Koofr
Best suited for - Developers, users using multiple accounts, and digital nomads
Use case - Offered centralized access to multiple cloud services and gave me a bird’s eye view when my files were scattered. Also, it has great storage optimization features and syncs well across different accounts.
How is the UI? - It has a clean and responsive UI. For advanced users, this is a bit underrated option.
7. Box
Best suited for - Large business enterprises, Finance, and Legal areas
Use case - Efficient at managing document access, audit trails, and approval flows. I was quite impressed with it. Also, I liked its ability to manage contracts with multi-level permissions and high security.
How is the UI? - UI is clean and very functional—perfect for large enterprises. An individual user may feel overwhelmed by it.
8. pCloud
Best suited for - Users who require long-term storage, Media, and Photography areas.
Use case - Its built-in media player is excellent. I used it for a YouTube creator, and it performed well. Also, I liked its ability to manage different portfolios and content archiving features.
How is the UI? - It is visually appealing with drag-and-drop features and media previews.
9. Microsoft OneDrive
Best suited for - Education sector, large teams, and skilled professionals in financial areas.
Use case - Collaboration on Excel and Word felt native during a training project. I also liked its integration with SharePoint and auto-sync features with Windows.
How is the UI? - Its UI is simple and familiar to Windows users. Also, I liked how it deeply integrates with Microsoft Office.
Best suited for - Individual business professionals and photographers
Use case - Smoothly backup large files, documents, and client visuals. I used it for a boutique design studio, and was amazed by its ability to manage unlimited files with cross-device access. Also, it is GDPR-compliant storage for assets, which is a plus point.
How is the UI? - Ui is very simple and easy to manage unlimited photos and files.
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