Cloud storage is easily one of the best options to store your files online, no matter how many or how large these files may be.
It is understandable that there are still risks when files are stored online such as hacking or unauthorized access, particularly when you are connected to an unsecured network.
Companies have continued improving their platforms in order to provide a secure way of storing files online. However, selecting which cloud storage service you should get can be challenging.
A Google search often leads to a lot of services popping up, with each company offering some features that may or may not exist with a different service.
To avoid that confusion, here are some of the best cloud storage options available right now.
1. IDrive
IDrive is highly recommended due to its very competitive rate. Other companies might offer unlimited storage, but IDrive has other features that are worth having.
A user may avail the US$50 [AUS$78] personal account, and IDrive will provide two terabytes of storage for an unlimited number of devices.
IDrive works with PCs, Macs, Android, iOS smartphones, and other gadgets. There is also a desktop client and a mobile app available.
In terms of security, there is an option for a private encryption key to be able to secure important files. A backup schedule can also be set. There is also a Snapshot feature that allows a historical view of data at a certain point in time for emergency recovery.
Worried about deleting files? IDrive allows “true archiving” wherein the files are placed in the archive until the user runs the “archive cleanup” option.
2. pCloud cloud storage
pCloud comes next due to the unlimited file size upload that it offers. Whether it is an extremely large 4K video file or a bunch of high-resolution photos, pCloud gets the job done. The only catch is the bandwidth limit, which is fine if the user is doing backups while on break.
A desktop and mobile application are also available for a seamless transfer from PC to cloud to mobile phones or vice versa.
Do not worry about security because pCloud is based in Switzerland which handles privacy issues seriously. For $5 a month, the company offers an option to “Crypto lock” individual files with a secure password.
pCloud is also one of the few companies that offer lifetime membership and in terms of value, it is well worth it.
For $175 the Premium lifetime membership offers a total of 500GB of storage. If a user needs more, the $350 Premium Plus option gives a total of 2TB storage. Both membership options allow 30 days of trash history and recovery.
3. OneDrive
For Windows PC users, Microsoft OneDrive might be the easiest to access as it comes with Windows 10 installation. It is also built-in to the File Explorer and offers users 5GB of online storage for free. The 1 terabyte plan is offered for $5 a month, while the unlimited file upload is available for $10 a month.
The Office365 subscription that comes with the unlimited option is a great added bonus for multiplatform access.
One great thing about OneDrive is the seamless integration into the Xbox platform as well as Windows computers. But recent updates have also introduced an iOS and Android app. The Apple version is available on the Mac AppStore but it does not work smoothly like the Windows version yet.
Another neat feature is the remote-access from one OneDrive unit to another. This allows a user to access an offline file from a different computer as long as it is associated with an existing OneDrive account.
4. Box
Box offers a great option for people do not want to rely on the usual Google Drive, One Drive or iCloud. The good thing about Box is it already has an Android app and it is also available on the AppStore.
Upon registration, there is an immediate 10GB free storage and the upgrade option to 100GB is offered for only $10 a month. For corporations, Box offers a plan that has more storage and features such as password protection, version history access, and search options.
All account types get the chance to share files and folders through a link. Plus, the ability to add comments and designate tasks works well for business users.
There is also support for Google Docs and other productivity software such as AutoCAD and Slack.
5. Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the best options for someone who is invested in Google’s ecosystem. The seamless integration through the Google One platform allows Gmail and Google Docs to communicate with each other perfectly.
It is also very simple to use for Chrome OS users and Android smartphone owners. Just a few clicks on the sign-up button allows the user to use their Gmail account for logging in.
Upon registration, Drive offers 15GB of storage and that includes files, Gmail, Google Docs and Photos.
For photographers, Google Photos allow backups to drive for free as long as the quality is set to “high.”
Upgrading more storage is just $2 a month for 100GB of storage, 3$ for 200GB storage. If you need a terabyte of storage, it is just $10 a month. For heavy users, $100 for 10 terabytes of storage is a great deal.
What to get?
Besides our picks, there are a lot more cloud storage options available, but before picking one, make sure that the feedback is great from other users and there are no security issues as well.
The budget also dictates what to get. Users have to make sure that the storage plan that they are willing to subscribe to will be maximized. It would be a waste if someone gets a 10GB plan, yet they’ll only be using it for Google documents.
Images courtesy of IDrive, pCloud, OneDrive, Box, Google, Pexels.