The Best Cloud Storage Deals This Week*
- pdfFiller — 10% Off Annual Plans + Unlimited Cloud Storage
- iDrive — 5TB of Cloud Backup at $24.88 for the First Year
- DropBox Business — 30-Day Free Trial With 10TB of Cloud Storage
- SugarSync Business — 30-Day Free Trial With 1TB of Cloud Storage
- Microsoft 365 Basic — $19.99 Per Year for 100GB of OneDrive Cloud Storage
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
File syncing and storage services, also called cloud storage services, provide seamless access to all your data—Word docs, PDFs, spreadsheets, photos, and any other digital assets—wherever you are. The best cloud storage services also add safety and security to your online life because when you sync files via the cloud, you create a backup of them by default. If you lose your laptop, all your files are still accessible to you when you log into your syncing service from any browser. When it comes to collaborating, some of the cloud storage services included here allow multiple people to edit files at the same time, with the version history saved automatically. It's a huge convenience.
If you don't yet have an online storage and syncing service, you should seriously consider getting one. Which one you choose depends on the kinds of files you store, how much security you need, whether you plan to collaborate with others, and which devices you own. The best online storage and syncing services are extremely user-friendly, though some have advanced customization for more experienced people. Find our best picks below, followed by a detailed guide to understanding cloud storage and file-sharing services.
Table of Contents
Microsoft OneDrive
Best Overall
Why We Picked It
OneDrive is a great storage and syncing option for just about anybody. It works on all major devices. Its functionality and design have reached a point of slick usability and reliability. The cost is more than reasonable seeing as you can get added OneDrive storage by paying for a Microsoft 365, which includes office apps. Because it provides automatic backup for documents, photos and other files in Windows and syncs documents in Microsoft's office apps, it's a natural choice for Windows or Microsoft 365 users.
Who It's For
If you use Microsoft 365 apps regularly, including the online version of the apps, using OneDrive for storage and syncing offers real benefits. And Windows users will be delighted that their Desktop, Documents, and Pictures are safely backed up to the cloud, and automatically restored when they get a new PC. It's also a great option for anyone looking for value in an online syncing and storage service. Free users can take advantage of the 5GB of storage, which isn't the most generous free version you can find, but it's in line with the competition.
PROS
- Excellent interface
- Clients for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows
- Well integrated with Windows and Microsoft 365
- Strong online photo presentation and management
- Powerful file sharing and collaborative editing
CONS
- Less free storage than some competitors
- Doesn't back up all folders on drive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Office Apps |
| File Size Limit | 15GB |
| Free Storage | 5GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
IDrive
Best Price
Why We Picked It
IDrive has long offered the best deal for online syncing and storage, giving you the most space per dollar and no limit on the number of devices you install it on. Beyond that, it's also a solid service, with apps for all major platforms and a bevy of features. For example, you can set IDrive to back up files to an external hard drive or a network drive. There's even support for creating a complete disk image, although it's limited to the Windows version. Its archiving capability means you can always find your files, even if you deleted them on the local computer.
Who It's For
IDrive is for anyone looking for the best price per TB for their online storage and syncing service. It's also appealing to those who want to take advantage of its archiving and continuous backup features.
PROS
- Free local backup
- Unlimited devices per account
- Fully encrypted
- Fast upload speeds
- Excellent value
CONS
- Storage isn't unlimited
- Limited Linux support
- Complete disk image backup only for Windows
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Backup |
| File Size Limit | 2GB |
| Free Storage | 10GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
Google Drive
Best for Google Workspace Users
Why We Picked It
Over the years, Google Drive has become easier to use locally, though it's always been a superb place to automatically store files you create using the Google Docs office apps. Google Drive has strong file sharing capabilities, and you get more free storage space than most competitors—15GB, though that space is shared with Gmail. If you go with Google Drive, look into paying for a Google One account. It's a subscription plan for a bundle of services, including additional cloud storage (starting at $1.99 per month for 100GB), photo effects in Google Photos, support by phone or chat, discounts on Google products, and a VPN service. It's rare and convenient to get that package bundled all together at a low price.
Who It's For
Google Drive is the natural choice for anyone who regularly works in Google Docs, Sheets, and other online apps; it integrates with many third-party online apps as a cloud storage option. It's also a great choice for people looking for a generous free online storage and syncing service.
PROS
- Generous free storage space
- Excellent productivity-suite collaboration
- Includes desktop-to-desktop file syncing
- Many third-party integrations
- Cross-platform apps
CONS
- No password-protection for shared files
- Mobile apps could do more; multiple apps required for all related functions
- Some privacy concerns
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Full service file storage, sharing, syncing, and collaboration |
| File Size Limit | 5TB |
| Free Storage | 15GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
Sync
Best for Simple, Straightforward Syncing
Why We Picked It
Sync is a reliable tool for storing your files online and syncing them among up to five devices. We love how user-friendly it is. Paid individual plans start at $96 per year for 2TB of storage space, which is a competitive price. It works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web, but not Linux.
Who It's For
Sync is a simple and straightforward service for anyone who doesn't want to store their files with one of the big tech giants. It's a great option for people who prefer simplicity over an excess of features. A free account comes with 5GB of storage space, making it competitive with most other major services. Linux users should look elsewhere, as Sync does not offer a Linux app.
PROS
- Simple and effective
- No individual file-size limit
- Client-side encryption means company can't access your files
- Works quietly and unobtrusively
- Supports syncing on up to five devices
CONS
- No direct local area network syncing
- No Linux app
- Limit of five devices per account, even paid
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Simplicity, Ease of Use |
| File Size Limit | Unlimited |
| Free Storage | 5GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
Apple iCloud Drive
Best for Mac and iPhone Users
Why We Picked It
Apple iCloud is a must for iPhone and Mac users, since it backs up photos, documents, and settings on their devices. It's among the simplest and most reliable storage and syncing services we've seen. It isn't ideal for people who like to have a lot of control over storage and syncing and the web client lacks some basic tools such as search, but it is a no-brainer solution for people who don't want to futz with it.
Who It's For
Apple iCloud is best for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users who don't want to think too hard about backing up and syncing their files, especially their photos.
PROS
- Tightly integrated with Apple products
- Capable Windows client and web access
- Fast uploads
CONS
- No Android or Linux clients
- Can only share files with people who have an Apple ID
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Apple Device Users |
| File Size Limit | 15GB |
| Free Storage | 5GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
Box (Personal)
Best Business Integrations
Why We Picked It
Though Box isn't highly competitive on price, it does offer dozens upon dozens of integrations with other services and a flexible web app that can open files using desktop software. The free version comes with a generous 10GB of storage space.
Who It's For
Ultimately, we find Box is better suited to business use than personal use, based on its features. The two use cases are different enough that we have a separate review of Box for Business. Anyone who likes Box for Business and wants to use it for the personal files as well will likely be happy with this service. It is a great option, however, for anyone who doesn't want to pay for online storage so long as they have less than 10GB's worth of stuff to store.
PROS
- Flexible web app that can open files using desktop software
- Integrations with over 1,500 applications
- Support for offline syncing
CONS
- Expensive for the amount of storage offered
- Low file-size limit
- Can't configure location of desktop syncing app
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Business Use, Compatibility |
| File Size Limit | 5GB |
| Free Storage | 10GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
Dropbox
Best Integration With Third-Party Services
Why We Picked It
Dropbox is an established player in the online storage and syncing space, and it continues to offer a reliable service that includes good, if sometimes tertiary, features (such as e-signatures).
Who It's For
While Dropbox doesn't offer anywhere close to the best price per TB of storage, it is a great option for people who are long-time users and don't want to switch to another service, and those who need a healthy stable of integration options.
PROS
- Plenty of additional features
- Integrations with thousands of applications
- Fast upload speeds
CONS
- Expensive
- Overly complex
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Simplicity, Ease of Use |
| File Size Limit | Unlimited |
| Free Storage | 2GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
Proton Drive
Best Privacy and Security
Why We Picked It
Proton Drive offers the best privacy and security of any of the services included here. Your files are fully encrypted at rest and in transit, and only you have the security key to unlock them. Even Proton employees are unable to access your files. You can even pay the company by sending cash through the mail, rather than using a credit card online, to protect your identity.
Who's It For?
The service is clearly for the security-minded user. It's not for those who want speed, as all that encryption exacts a performance hit. Proton Drive also lacks many convenience and productivity features, such as collaborative document editing, and there's no macOS or Linux versions yet.
PROS
- All files fully encrypted
- Simple sharing options
- Protected by Swiss privacy laws
- Free tier available
CONS
- No macOS or Linux apps (yet)
- Slow upload speeds
- No collaborative editing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Privacy |
| File Size Limit | Unlimited |
| Free Storage | 15GB |
| Online Editing | |
| File Versioning | |
| Windows App | |
| iOS App | |
| Android App |
What Can Cloud Storage Do for You?
The very best cloud storage services play nicely with other apps and online tools, making the experience of viewing and editing files that are stored online feel natural. Especially in business, you want the other software you use to be able to retrieve or access your content, so making sure you use a service that easily integrates with your existing tools is a big deal. Box and Dropbox are particularly strong in this regard.
The range of capabilities of cloud-based storage services is wider than you may realize. Many of them specialize in a specific area. For example, Dropbox focuses on keeping a synced folder accessible everywhere and in sharing folders with colleagues outside your company. Proton Drive emphasizes secure cloud storage. If you mostly store images, you might want a storage service that specializes in hosting photos (two top options are Google Photos with a Google One account and Adobe Lightroom). Some cloud storage providers, such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are generalists, offering not only folder and file syncing, but also media playing, device syncing, and backup. These products even double as collaboration software, offering real-time document co-editing.
Distinct from but overlapping in some cases with cloud storage are backup services, particularly ones that offer online backups. Some of them, such as Carbonite, specialize in data protection and recovery, while others like IDrive, combine data protection with syncing and sharing capabilities.
Most cloud services do offer some level of backup, almost as a consequence of their intended function. It follows logically that any files uploaded to a cloud service are also protected from disk failures, since there are copies of them in the cloud. But dedicated backup services sometimes can create a full disk image of your machine so you can restore not just your files, but everything, including system settings and programs. Syncing, by contrast, is about backing up and managing selected files only.
What Is the 'Cloud' in Cloud Storage?
There's a half-joke saying in the tech world, "There is no cloud. It's just someone else's computer." So, to clear up any confusion, the cloud part of cloud-based storage refers to putting your files somewhere other than your computer's hard drive. Usually, it means the service provider's servers.
Having data in the cloud gives you the ability to access your files through the internet. Your data is usually encrypted before making the journey over the internet to the provider's servers, and it remains encrypted while it lives on those servers.
Well-designed services don't upload a brand-new copy of your files every time you change one little thing. Instead, the file syncing service looks for changes to your files and uploads only them, saving your connection bandwidth.
You can access your cloud files through an app or utility software installed on your computer. Once it's installed, it usually shows a small notification icon and creates your synced folder structure that fits into Windows Explorer or the macOS Finder. You can also get to the files via your web browser. Of course, you need an internet connection for it to work, but if you temporarily are without a connection, that's okay. The service waits until the next time you do have a connection and takes care of business then.
For a deeper explanation, see our explainer on cloud computing.
Free vs. Paid Cloud Storage
Many services give you free cloud storage as part of their entry-level account. They usually come with some limitations, however, such as the amount of storage you get or a tight cap on the size of the files you can upload. We encourage you to sign up for the free tier of service first and try out the cloud service for several weeks before you commit to upgrading. This way, you can fully integrate the cloud service into your life for real-world testing. You get a feel for how it works and figure out what might go wrong with your setup.
What could possibly go wrong? Human error accounts for a good deal of cloud storage tragedies, but the dropped internet connection is another common troublemaker. Not to mention that every internet service suffers the occasional outage. Ask around (or just look through our review comments), and you'll hear sad stories of how cloud storage can go wrong. One of the benefits of paying for an account is that it usually comes with additional support from the provider, so if anything does go wrong, someone from the company can help you resolve the issue.
There are many other reasons to pay for cloud storage, from getting a lot more space (a terabyte really doesn't cost all that much anymore) to being able to upload huge files. That last benefit is relevant to graphic designers, video editors, and other visual artists who often host enormous files. Other perks of paying for your cloud storage often include increased access to file-version history (meaning you can restore an important business proposal to the version you had before your colleague made a bunch of erroneous changes), more security, and more features for collaboration and teamwork.
