Best Cloud Storage Services

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Cloud storage services are easy to use, secure, and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, making them more popular than ever. After thoroughly testing 10 of the best cloud storage services available, we identified pCloud as the clear winner in this category because it works with every device and operating system with a budget-friendly price tag for business and personal use.

The Best Cloud Storage Service for Most

If you want the best of the best for cloud storage, pCloud is the way to go for both business and personal use. It works with every device and operating system and features an excellent price point, making it an all-around top-notch cloud storage solution.

You can store files or schedule automated device backups, and the platform delivers real-time syncing across all your devices for a seamless mobile and desktop experience. 

The 5 Best Cloud Storage Services to Consider

1. pCloud – Best cloud storage service for most
2. Sync – Best for legal, healthcare, and accounting
3. IDrive – Best for personal backups
4. Icedrive – Best for personal cloud storage
5. Zoolz – Best for automated backups from any device

When it Make Sense to Invest into Cloud Storage Services

Not sure investing into a cloud storage service is the right choice? It might actually make more sense for your company than you think.

In fact, there are 3 great reasons why you should invest in a cloud storage service.

1. To Save Money
Cloud storage services help businesses save tons of money each year they would otherwise spend on physical hardware to store their files.

And if your business is big enough, unlimited storage options might wind up paying for themselves in the amount you save on the upkeep of servers, rent for the actual space, and troubleshooting/repair costs if something goes wrong and breaks. 

2. To Create Backups
It’s a central tenet of good computer use that you should ALWAYS back up your files. In fact, you should have backups of the backups just in case something happens.

Luckily, with a good cloud storage service, you can automatically back up your files without having to do a thing. This ensures your hard work won’t be lost in case of technical disasters like a fire in your building. 

3. To Access Files from Anywhere
With a cloud storage service, your files no longer have to exist just at the office. You’ll be able to access them from the coffee shop, your living room couch, the hostel you’re staying at while backpacking across Europe, and any other place with a wifi connection.

This allows you and your team great flexibility in terms of where and when you can work on your projects. 

Lastly, the best time to invest in cloud storage software is before you actually need it. If that time has already passed, the second-best time to invest is today.

#1. pCloud – The Best Cloud Storage Service for Most

pCloud is one of the best cloud storage services on the market. Whether you’re looking for personal storage space, cloud storage plus collaboration tools for your team, or automated device backups, pCloud offers world-class solutions for everyone. 

It’s compatible with virtually every device, and you can easily access your files from anywhere using pCloud’s mobile, desktop, and browser applications. 

The service also comes with the ability to revert files to older versions if something happens to your current file, you accidentally delete something you didn’t want to delete, a file becomes corrupted, or you’re unhappy with changes you’ve made. 

The recovery window is 15 days on the free plan and 30 days on paid plans. 

However, you have the option to extend your recovery window up to 365 days for an extra fee. Storing versions for up to a year could be overkill for most users, but this useful option is there if you need it for your work, industry, or personal preferences. 

If you’re interested in backing up your computer, pCloud makes this a breeze. In just a few clicks, you can backup copies of selected folders onto the cloud for easy access on your phone and to free up space on your computer. 

Plus, the platform automatically scans for file changes and updates those files in real-time across all your devices. 

As such, you can instantly access new files and ensure you always have the latest file version, regardless of the device you’re using. 

You can also share individual files or folders with friends and coworkers, making remote collaboration easy. However, one of pCloud’s standout features is the ability to customize your shared links with your own colors, logo, images, headline, and description. 

It’s an excellent option for businesses presenting files to clients or potential customers, but it’s also a fun way for personal users to share personalized links with friends and family. 

All pCloud plans come with standard 256-bit encryption, TLS/SSL tunnel protection to protect files as they move from your device to the cloud, and five copies of each file saved on different servers. 

For most users, this level of security is more than enough. 

But if you want added peace of mind or you’re dealing with sensitive information, you can upgrade to unbreakable military-grade encryption for a one-time fee of $175. This extra layer of security includes client-side encryption and zero-knowledge privacy for a truly secure cloud storage solution. 

Business users and teams get a few more features designed specifically to facilitate collaboration and easily manage users. With a business account, you can:

• Organize employees into teams
• Set group permissions in one click
• Comment on files to reduce email and chat threads
• Leverage advanced search features
• Access detailed activity logs
• Add or remove users with ease
• Share branded files with clients or customers

Business plans start at $29.97 per month for up to three users and an additional $9.99 per month per additional user. Each user gets 1 TB of storage space and an advanced encryption folder at no extra charge. You can try it out with a free 30-day trial to see if it’s right for you.

There are two plans to choose from for personal use, including 500 GB for $47.88 per year and 2 TB for $95.88 per year. 

You can also opt for a lifetime plan if you prefer not to have annual payments. You can get 500 GB for $175 or 2 TB for $350. Both payment options include all the features we talked about above, so the best one for you depends on your preferences and budget. 

Alternatively, you can choose pCloud’s family plan, which includes 2 TB and access for up to five users. It’s only available as a lifetime plan for $500. 

Sign up today and get your first 10 GB for free to try it out!

#2. Sync – The Best for Legal, Healthcare, and Accounting

Sync is a bit different than the other options on our list. It’s much simpler and may feel a bit dated at first glance. However, the company focuses heavily on security, making it perfect for legal, healthcare, and accounting businesses. 

Whenever you sign up, you’ll need to download the Sync installer. After running it, you’ll have a new Sync folder on your computer. 

All you have to do to store files in the cloud is drop them into that folder.

Sync also offers desktop, browser, and mobile applications with more features and functionality. Although the focus on simplicity and security extends to these applications, the desktop or web app is where most of your user and file management features live. 

With the desktop and web apps, you can easily upload files with advanced control over which users and devices on your team can access them. 

So, you get more control over your files using the desktop or web application than you do with the Sync folder on your computer. With that said, the Sync folder is an excellent and straightforward option if you’re the only one using your account. 

Regardless of how you upload files, they’re all secure, thanks to Sync’s end-to-end encryption. 

On top of that, TLS/SSL tunnels protect files while they’re in transit from your device to the cloud and other users. Sync also practices a no-knowledge policy with everyone using their services, meaning the company can’t access your files or data for any reason. 

Other providers charge for such advanced security measures, but you can rest assured that even the most sensitive client and customer data is always secure at no extra charge. 

Another thing that sets Sync apart from the rest is that it doesn’t allow third-party integrations. 

This can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s excellent for security, but it also means that you can’t connect it with the business tools you use every day. 

However, if you’re focused on security and privacy, Sync is unrivaled. 

When you’re ready to share files with clients and your team, you can set various parameters that control access as an added layer of security. You can set up:

• Automatic expiry dates
• Password-protected files
• Access notifications
• Access requests
• Download restrictions

These features combined create a hyper-secure sharing environment to ensure private information stays private even with shared files. 

In terms of user controls, you get complete control over what your team can (and can’t) do. You can also force the use of two-factor authentication to guarantee that unauthorized access never happens and everyone’s accounts stay secure. 

You can also remotely revoke access to any file at any given time, remotely lock connected devices, and require custom passwords. 

All of Sync’s user management features are incredibly granular, with the ability to set them at the user, file, device, or group level. 

Beyond basic functionality, Sync goes above and beyond with specific benefits and features for legal, healthcare, and accounting businesses to ensure you’re compliant with privacy regulations across the board. 

For legal and accounting businesses, you get peace of mind knowing that global data privacy compliance is built into the platform.

Sync is fully compliant with privacy laws in the US, Canada (PIPEDA), the UK, and the EU (GDPR). You can also securely share files with your employees and clients without worrying about data making its way into the wrong hands. 

Plus, it’s dead simple for your clients to use. They don’t have to download or install anything to view the files you share. 

As a result, all financial and private client information is secure, thus building trust and delivering an excellent customer experience with every interaction. 

Sync is 100% HIPAA compliant for healthcare businesses and offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to every customer outlining who’s responsible for what. So, all of your clients’ or patients’ private health information is safe, no matter what. 

There are three team plans and three individual plans to choose from, depending on the amount of storage space you need.

Business plans start at $5 per month per user with 1 TB of space per user. There are also options for 4 TB per user ($8/user/month) and 10 TB per user ($15/user/month) if you need more space. 

Individual plans start at $8 per month for up to 2 TB with higher tiers available. 

Get 5 GB for free to try it out and see if Sync Is right for you and your business today!

#3. IDrive – The Best for Personal Backups

If you’re looking for simple and cost-effective cloud storage services for backing up your personal devices, iDrive is our top recommendation. 

Whether you want to access files on all your devices, want an easy way to configure new devices, or want peace of mind knowing you can revert devices at any time, iDrive delivers all the features you need at an affordable price. 

It’s compatible with every operating system, including iOS, Windows, Android, and Mac. Plus, the personal plan supports an unlimited number of devices. So, you can back up everything in one place.

Aside from your phone and computer, you can also create backups for NAS devices, servers, USB drives, and external drives as well. 

After you’ve connected all your devices, you’ll enjoy real-time syncing from one device to the next. When you make changes to file, iDrive automatically uploads the new version to the cloud and syncs it across your connected devices. 

Plus, sync file storage doesn’t affect your backup storage, so you get the best of all worlds with synced files, standard cloud storage space, and complete device backups in one package. 

Unlike other cloud storage services, iDrive retains 30 versions of each file rather than holding them for a set amount of time. 

This ensures you don’t lose previous file versions just because they’re more than a month old. 

You can also retrieve deleted files for up to 30 days. You can do this via the desktop app or the web-based app that’s compatible with most modern browsers. 

iDrive’s SnapShot feature delivers a historical view of all device backups and makes it easy to revert devices back to any point in time. This is super helpful if your device gets hacked, fall victim to a virus, or even if you don’t like the changes you made. 

You can also create sector-level or file-level backups, depending on what you need. 

However, one of iDrive’s standout features is the ability to manage all of your devices from a centralized web-based console. 

From your console, you can manage device backups, restore devices, change application settings, and more. As such, you get complete control over all your devices in one place. 

You can also download the mobile app to access files on the go and backup your mobile devices in just a few taps. 

However, mobile functionality goes beyond that with features like:

• Timeline – a gallery of videos and photos sorted by date and location
• The ability to backup an iOS device and restore it on an Android (or vice versa)
• File previews to view files without having to download them
• Sharing and collaboration tools on the go

If you have a lot of data to backup or restore, you also have the option of using iDrive Express. With this feature, iDrive mails you an external hard drive to transfer large amounts of data. Simply put everything on the external drive and send it back with free return shipping. 

Within a few days, the iDrive team transfers everything into your cloud storage account without eating up all of your monthly bandwidth and taking less time than doing it yourself. 

A typical transfer of 3 TB of data would take up to 61 days with a standard network connection, but you can cut that time down to 5 – 10 days using iDrive Express. 

On the personal plan, you get one free Express transfer per year. After that, additional transfers are $59.95. 

iDrive uses standard 256-bit AES encryption to keep your files and devices secure while they’re in transit and stored within the cloud. You can also create a private encryption key to further secure your data at no extra charge. 

There are two plans to choose from, including a 5 TB plan for $52.12 for the first year and a 10 TB plan for $74.62 for the first year.

You can lock in these promotional rates for two years if you pay for them both years in advance. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to get the best deal. 

After your first year, those prices increase to $69.50 per year and $99.50 per year respectively. 

Try it free for up to 5 GB to see if it’s right for you today!

#4. Icedrive – The Best for Personal Cloud Storage

If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper solely for personal cloud storage, IceDrive is our #1 recommendation. It’s compatible with every operating system and comes with a desktop, web-based, and mobile app for easy access across all your devices. 

Its interface is minimal, clean, and very easy to use. Plus, you can mount your IceDrive storage folder and use it as you would a USB drive or any other folder on your computer. 

From there, you can upload, edit, delete, and open any file stored in the cloud as you would a regular file. This, paired with all three of IceDrive’s apps, makes it one of the most intuitive and comprehensive cloud storage solutions for personal use.

Plus, the service leverages intelligent cache control to ensure it always runs as fast as possible and delivers near-instant sync speeds from one device to the rest. 

If you don’t want to mount your cloud drive, you can use IceDrive’s desktop app instead. With it, you get all the same functionality as you would with a mounted drive. You can manage files, open them in their native program, delete them, and more. 

When you make changes, the system automatically downloads a temporary file to your device. 

Then, it continuously watches for changes, instantly uploads the latest version to your cloud, and seamlessly syncs to all of your devices in real-time. 

All the apps also include a built-in media player so you can watch videos, listen to audio, and preview documents of virtually every type without downloading them to your device. 

If you don’t want to install anything on your computer, you can use IceDrive’s web-browser app. It works with most modern browsers across all screen sizes, so it’s an excellent choice regardless of the device you’re using. 

With it, you can drag files to upload them, leverage keyboard shortcuts, and right-click to access the most important features. 

As such, it feels and works like an integrated piece of your operating system without having to download and install it on your device. 

The mobile app is available on Google Play and The App Store. It lets you do everything you can do on your desktop… on your phone or tablet. You can watch videos, listen to audio, preview files, upload files, and even create showcase pages to share with your friends and family. 

On top of that, you can create a backup of your phone or tablet with just one tap. 

However, the best part about IceDrive is that you get world-class security features without having to pay extra. It’s the only cloud storage service on the market that uses TwoFish encryption with 16-character keys on every plan (even the free one). 

You also get client-side encryption, including file and folder names. This ensures your files get encrypted before they ever leave your device and make their way to the cloud. 

IceDrive also delivers a no-knowledge service, meaning that the IceDrive team can’t access your files for any reason. As a result, no one can access your files except you and anyone you’ve given access to. 

When you’re ready to share files with your friends and family, you can protect them with a password to limit access and set expiration dates to limit long-term access. 

There are three different plans to choose from, including:

• Lite – $19.99 per year for 150 GB
• Pro – $49.99 per year for 1 TB
• Pro+ – $179.99 per year for 5 TB

These are some of the cheapest rates we saw during our research, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting an excellent deal with all the features and security you deserve. 

Alternatively, you can pay monthly or buy your storage space for life with a one-time fee. Lifetime plans are $59, $149, and $499 respectively. 

Take IceDrive for a test drive with 10 GB of storage space for free!

#5. Zoolz – The Best for Automated Backups from Any Device

If you’re looking for a better way to manage device backups, Zoolz is the way to go. Its AI-powered backup software leverages automation and cutting-edge technology to deliver a cloud storage solution unlike any other. 

The company also offers standard backup options, but Zoolz’s BigMIND solution is what sets it apart from the other options on our list. 

Zoolz offers the most comprehensive coverage of devices we’ve seen. It’s compatible with mobile devices, tablets, computers, servers, MSSQLs, NAS devices, other cloud accounts, and social media profiles. 

As such, you can create a backup of virtually anything in just a few clicks or taps. 

One of Zoolz’s standout features is the ability to choose between local storage, instant storage, and cold storage. You can store archives in cold storage to keep them safe in the long-term and other backups in local or instant storage for quick access. 

This TriBid technology helps secure data while saving money on storage costs for things you don’t need quick access to. 

Aside from that, all BigMIND plans come with numerous AI capabilities that make your cloud easier to use and search. They’re particularly handy for businesses with hundreds of users, but it’s also an excellent feature for anyone interested in a better way to manage device backups. 

When you upload something or backup a device, the system automatically searches the file’s contents and applies smart tags and descriptions based on what it contains. 

The software can identify objects in images, turn scanned images or receipts into searchable documents (in 22 different languages), recognize faces for easy photo organization, and automatically transcribe videos or audio. 

In doing so, you can effortlessly search for what you need, even if it’s an unnamed photo of a dog or a quote someone said in a video. 

It can even pull detailed information from photos, like who’s in the picture, where they are, what they’re doing, and the objects around them. So, you can pull up all the images you have of someone working or all the files that mention a client’s name. 

BigMIND also integrates with Alexa, making it even easier to search your cloud by voice. 

The software helps turn even the most unorganized cloud into a well-oiled machine with advanced search capabilities—all without you having to do anything extra. 

Aside from advanced technology, you also get all the essential features you need to manage device backups like a pro, including:

• On-demand or scheduled device backups
• The ability to configure new users in a few clicks
• iOS and Android mobile apps to access files from anywhere
• Advanced file searching across your entire business
• Automatic smart tagging and filtering options
• GDPR, HIPAA, FERPA, GLBA, and ITAR compliance

You can also create and apply computer-specific, team-specific, or user-specific configurations and deploy them in one click. As such, you can rest easy knowing that users only have access to what they need. 

There are three business plans, ranging in price from $15 per month for 100 GB and up to 10 users to $37.50 per month for 250 GB and up to 500 users.

While all of Zoolz’s BigMIND plans are excellent, we highly recommend the Premium plan since it includes all AI-powered features. You can add more users, storage space, SQLs, servers, and optical character recognition (OCR) pages before checking out. 

As such, it’s a scalable and flexible device backup service for businesses of all shapes and sizes. 

If you’re interested in cold storage space, there’s a smart archiving option with 1 TB of storage and access for up to 500 users. It comes with limited features, but it’s an excellent (and affordable) choice if you have data you don’t need to access often. 

Sign up for a free 14-day trial to see if Zoolz BigMIND is right for your team today!

Note: BigMIND is also available for individuals and families, starting at $2.99 per month. Your first 1 GB is free, and all pricing plans are competitive with the other options on our list.

Methodology for Choosing the Best Cloud Storage Service

The best cloud storage services for you and your team depend on various factors, including how you plan to use the space, the devices you have, and the features you need. 

It’s not always easy to understand the differences and how they should affect your decision, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. To help you out, we’ve put together a definitive methodology you can use as you decide which option is right for you. 

Personal vs. Business Use

Icedrive and pCloud are our top recommendations for personal use. They both have monthly, annual, and lifetime plans with varying storage limits, depending on what you need. 

And, both offer 10 GB of storage for free so you can try them out before you invest. 

However, choosing a business plan isn’t that simple. There are dozens of features to consider, such as effective version control, collaborative features, and enhanced security measures. 

Another critical consideration is sharing files with clients, customers, vendors, and partners. You should answer some questions about the platforms you’re considering in order to ensure you’re getting the sharing features you need from a business cloud storage plan:

• How easy is it to share something with someone outside of your team? 
• Can you restrict access so external users can’t make changes? 
• Can clients and customers view your files without downloading new software? 
• On top of that, can you revoke access later?

These are all necessary items to think about, especially since COVID-19 eliminated face-to-face interactions and most business communications happen virtually. 

Pricing is a consideration here, too. It’s pretty straightforward for personal use, but most of the business plans on our list are billed per user, per month. However, iDrive’s business plan includes unlimited users and devices, with different amounts of shared storage space available depending on what you need. 

Device Compatibility

The beauty of cloud-based storage is that files and data aren’t tied to a specific device. As such, you can view, access, manage, and edit files from anywhere. 

While it’s an exceptional benefit, it only works if your cloud storage service plays well with all of your devices. 

If it works on your laptop but isn’t compatible with your phone, you don’t get to enjoy easy access to all of your files while sitting down for coffee in your neighborhood Starbucks or waiting for your flight at the airport. 

Unless, of course, you bring your laptop with you. 

Some cloud storage services are only compatible with Apple devices. Some only work with Windows. And others span multiple operating systems with various mobile apps and browser-based access, too. 

However, one thing we found is that most cloud storage services are not compatible with Linux. 

In this case, you can still use browser-based cloud storage services without any issues. You just won’t be able to download and install an app on your computer. 

To ensure device and browser compatibility, make a quick list of the different operating systems and browsers you (and your team, in cases of business plans) use. 

For example, you may have a computer running Windows but your mobile is an iPhone and you use Google Chrome as your preferred browser. In this case, you need a provider that’s compatible across all platforms, like Icedrive or pCloud. 

Security and Encryption

Whether you’re looking for a personal or business solution, security measures aren’t something to gloss over. 

Of course, it’s particularly crucial for anyone dealing with sensitive information. 

Depending on your industry and location, you may also have specific guidelines for managing private customer data. If you fall under this category or are based in Canada or Europe—thus, facing stricter privacy requirements—Sync is our top recommendation.

With that said, security is still a top consideration for everyone else since different services offer varying encryption and protection levels. 

For example, most of the options on our list use AES encryption. But Icedrive takes things a step further with airtight Twofish encryption on every plan, making encryption keys 16 characters long (instead of 10, 12, or 14 with AES).

As such, Twofish encryption keys are harder to decipher, making your data more secure. 

On the other hand, services like pCloud charge a one-time fee if you want client-side encryption and zero-knowledge privacy, meaning that pCloud can never access what you store.

They offer AES for free, but you have to pay for additional security measures.

The right level of security for you depends on the sensitivity of your files and data. But for most users, AES or Twofish encryption will work just fine. 

Aside from encryption and data policies, business users should also consider other security measures, like:

• Document password protection
• Automatic, timed expiration for shared files
• Two-factor authentication
• Third-party tracking blockers
• Remote device lockouts
• Granular user permissions

Recovery Window and Backup Services

In the past, recovering corrupt, saved-over, or accidentally deleted files was formidable, if not impossible. Today, cloud storage services make it easier than ever.

You can even restore old versions if something happens or you’d like to undo changes quickly. 

Most businesses no longer use cloud storage as a backup for physical storage but as their primary storage space for files and documents company-wide. As such, file recovery is more pivotal than ever. 

With that said, different providers offer different recovery windows. For example, pCloud has its Rewind feature that allows you to restore files to specific versions made in the past.

But the recovery window is limited compared to other options on our list, with a recoverable period of just 15 days on the free plan and 30 days on the paid plan.

On the other hand, iDrive retains 30 versions of every file, so you can quickly revert to any version at any time. You can also fully restore deleted files for up to 30 days.

Aside from data recovery, regular backups are another common need from cloud storage services. 

Some providers offer automatic backups when things change on your device, and others deliver on-demand and scheduled—be it daily, weekly, or monthly—backups whenever you need them. 

Each provider offers different backup options, so it’s important to understand what you need before deciding. 

Sync Speeds

Sync speed refers to the time it takes for files to sync across all connected devices. While this is an essential consideration for most users, it’s absolutely crucial for collaborative teams.

Here’s a quick example. 

Let’s say six people are working on a slide deck. How long does it take the first person to upload it to the cloud? 

From there, how long does it take to sync across all of the devices? How long does it take the next person to download it?

It may not seem like a big deal, but those wasted minutes add up over time. 

All providers offer synchronization in some capacity or another, but they don’t all function at the same level. Some may deliver seamless sync speeds, but it could be spotty with other providers. 

With that said, it’s not always easy to get a clear picture of sync speeds without digging. 

So, you may want to test this out using the free plan for each service you’re considering to see which one works best with the standard file sizes your team works with regularly.

Summary

Looking for a good cloud storage solution? pCloud, iDrive, and Sync are our top choices. However, if you’re looking for something else, you can use the guide above to make the best choice for your business needs.