14 best cloud storage

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Cloud storage is a pretty handy tool not only for storing files, but also sharing them. It provides superior protection against accidental deletion or damage to your drive, and helps you share and access data from any internet-connected computer or smartphone. Thanks to these advantages, cloud storage is really convenient – much more practical than classic flash drives or external hard drives.

However, now almost every IT company offers its own 'clouds'. How to choose the right one? We've compiled a ranking of the 14 best cloud storage solutions that you can trust with the most valuable information.

14 best cloud storage

Nomination	a place	Cloud service	Rating
14 best cloud storage	1	Google drive	5.0
	2	Yandex.Disk	4.9
	3	Dropbox	4.8
	4	Mega	4.7
	5	Cloud Mail.ru	4.7
	6	OneDrive	4.7
	7	iCloud Drive	4.6
	8	SpiderOak	4.6
	9	Box	4.5
	10	OpenDrive	4.5
	11	NextCloud	4.4
	12	IDrive	4.3
	13	pCloud	4.2
	14	4shared	4.1

Google drive

Rating: 5.0

Why it is: Large volume on free accounts, many convenient additional services.

Google Drive cloud storage is included in the product package from the respective company. Therefore, by registering an account there, you can get access to other useful services – for example, 'Photos' with unlimited uploading of photos from smartphones; a package of office web applications 'Documents', 'Tables' and 'Presentations' for creating and editing the corresponding files; Backup and Sync tool to automatically synchronize folders on your computer (or between computers); and much more.

After registration, 15 GB is available. This number is shared across all Google services. However, experience shows that 15 GB is sufficient for most users.

For paid users, storage is available in 100 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 10 TB, 20 TB and 30 TB. The cost at the time of this writing is from 139 rubles per month. The storage can be shared with family members – partially leaving the quota for yourself, and partially transferring it to another user.

Advantages

• Access to many Google services when registering one account;
• Large quota of used space on free accounts;
• The ability to split a paid subscription between multiple users.

disadvantages

• Inconvenient desktop application, it is assumed that everything will be controlled through a browser;
• Unobvious free space management for some services;
• Unstable download and upload speed.

Yandex.Disk

Rating: 4.9

Why him: Easy-to-use apps and free web-based Microsoft Office access.

The cloud storage 'Yandex.Disk' offers users 10 GB of space for registration for free. And that will also be enough for most people. However, the main advantages of this service lie precisely in additional software that can be downloaded and installed on a computer.

So, Yandex.Disk boasts very convenient clients. The desktop application integrates well into the system and offers quick and easy management of user files. The mobile can also upload photos from a smartphone to the cloud – and storage space will not be wasted. Also, for Yandex.Disk users, web versions of the Office 365 application package Microsoft are available for creating and editing office documents.

Yandex.Disk cloud storage has two paid subscriptions – for 100 GB and for 1 TB. This volume is added to the current one. So any space can be shaped.

Advantages

• Free unlimited download of photos from your smartphone;
• Convenient and flexible paid subscription packages;
• Ability to use web versions of applications Microsoft Office 365.

disadvantages

• Advertising on the free version;
• Inconvenient file sharing interface, limited number of file downloads;
• Unobvious conditions for paid subscriptions.

Dropbox

Rating: 4.8

Why him: Integration with many online services.

Dropbox cloud storage is one of the first on the market. Therefore, many online services and even offline applications are associated with it.

Each user receives 2 GB of storage upon registration (less than other services in the rating). All standard cloud storage functions are available on the basic account – automatic upload and synchronization of data, file sharing, as well as the proprietary service Dropbox Cloud, which creates a common workspace for collaboration.

For private users, Dropbox offers two paid plans – Plus and Professional. The first one costs $ 9.99 per month at the time of this writing, provides access to 1 TB of space in the 'cloud' and two additional functions – offline file storage and the ability to completely erase the disk remotely. Professional starts at $ 19.99 monthly and gives you access to 2TB of storage and professional features.

Advantages

• Lots of professional features like full-text search or smart sync;
• Integration with a huge number of third-party services;
• Lots of options for organizing your online workspace.

disadvantages

• Only 2 GB for free users;
• There are a lot of restrictions for free users;
• Inflexibility of subscriptions.

Mega

Rating: 4.7

Why it is: 50 GB for new users and data encryption.

Mega cloud storage is a great service for users who fear that their data might somehow be intercepted or copied. The main advantage of this platform is encryption, and it is done at the web application level. Each time you upload or download files to Mega, they are encrypted, and to exchange them, you have to, for example, attach an encryption key to the link.

In addition, Mega offers the largest storage capacity in the ranking for free users. It is 50 gigabytes. This is enough to store most of the files that are 'not worth losing'. The service has few additional functions, but it is worth highlighting automatic backup for the data that is most valuable.

This cloud storage also has paid subscriptions. The minimum is 4.99 euros per month – for this money the user gets 200 GB of disk space. The maximum is 8 TB.

Advantages

• Full data encryption;
• The maximum amount of space for free users (50 gigabytes);
• Convenient browser extensions for active users of the storage.

disadvantages

• Low-functional desktop and mobile applications;
• Inconveniently implemented upload and download of files (due to encryption, these operations increase the load on the processor);
• Slow download and upload speed for free users.

Cloud Mail.ru

Rating: 4.7

Why it is: 32 GB on a free plan and deep integration into the operating system Windows.

'Cloud Mail.ru' is one of the best cloud storage for users who often work with data stored on a remote server from a computer. Its 'Disk-O' client integrates deeply into the desktop operating system Windows, creating a virtual hard disk. It also stores data from the 'cloud'.

This solution well structures the files stored in the cloud and simplifies control over them. Personal data is also clearly delineated.

In addition, 'Cloud Mail.ru' boasts a large amount of memory available to free users – 32 gigabytes. Additionally, you can purchase from 64 GB to 4 TB of space. Versioning is supported (backup of different versions of files), even at free plans. The download speed is not limited regardless of the type of account. The client for Android also supports automatic upload of photos and videos from the camera.

Advantages

• A lot of free space on the free plan – 32 gigabytes;
• Versioning support, including free;
• Comparatively low prices for plans with an average (256 GB – 1 TB) virtual hard disk space.

disadvantages

• Few additional features;
• Comparative high cost of some tariffs;
• Unusual mechanics of integrating the client into the operating system Windows, which makes it difficult to use in some cases.

OneDrive

Rating: 4.7

Why him: Deep integration into the operating system Windows, including files on demand and folder backups.

The main advantage of OneDrive cloud storage is deep client integration in Windows 10. It doesn't just fit into the file structure. OneDrive is able to automatically sync the Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders.

It is very convenient. For example, when reinstalling the operating system Windows 10, you just need to enter your username and password – and the files in these folders will be loaded from the 'cloud' automatically. No other service in the ranking offers such a deep and sophisticated integration. In addition, the client supports the “Files on Demand” function – only some documents are stored on the computer, the rest are downloaded at the first request. This is useful for ultrabooks and 'hybrids' with a small amount of permanent memory.

Free plans offer 5GB of storage. There is only one paid – for 50 GB. Additional storage can be obtained by purchasing an Office 365 subscription that includes 1 TB of OneDrive.

Advantages

• Deep integration into Windows 10, 'Protect folders' mode with user data;
• Files on Demand feature available on desktop operating systems;
• A useful Office 365 subscription that includes 1 TB of OneDrive and access to Microsoft Office.

disadvantages

• Little space on the free plan (only 5 GB);
• Inflexible paid rates;
• Demonstration of advertising in web clients at a free plan.

iCloud Drive

Rating: 4.6

Why it is: Dedicated cloud storage for product users Apple.

Purchasing access to iCloud Drive – whether paid or free – is mostly worthwhile if you already have one or more devices from the company Apple (for example, iPhone and a MacBook) . The client deeply integrates into proprietary operating systems iOS and macOS, offering synchronization of files, settings and even applications.

On mobile devices, iCloud Drive syncs photos and videos from your camera. This cloud storage also connects to Notes, Keynote, Numbers, Books and more. Backups from a smartphone or tablet are sent to it. Branded applications Apple support the collaboration of multiple users on the same document. Messages in iMessage are also synchronized.

But for working directly with files as with a classic cloud storage, iCloud Drive is less convenient than competitors. The free plan includes 5 GB of space, the paid ones – up to 2 TB.

Advantages

• Automatic content synchronization across devices Apple;
• Deep integration into other software Apple;
• Low prices for 50 GB and 200 GB of cloud storage.

disadvantages

• Not as convenient for classic file handling as competitors;
• Even when used on iOS 5GB fills up very quickly;
• There are no 'in-between' plans between 200GB and 2TB.

SpiderOak

Rating: 4.6

Why it is: Dedicated tool for syncing and backing up data.

SpiderOak differs slightly from its competitors in the ranking, since it is not exactly cloud storage in the classical sense of the term. It is a dedicated tool for wireless synchronization and data backup. After installing it, you are prompted to specify which folders on the computer will be backed up – self-selection is supported.

SpiderOak can be used to synchronize files between computers – similarly, by specifying the folders to sync. This allows you to quickly transfer work from one PC to another.

The tool works in fully automatic mode. It is enough to specify the folders for backup once and that's it. For free users, 2 GB of cloud storage is available, with a subscription you can purchase from 150 GB to 4 TB.

At the same time, files – both transmitted and stored in the SpiderOak 'cloud' – are protected by means of encryption.

Advantages

• Encryption of files transferred and stored in the cloud;
• Backup of self-selected folders;
• Low cost for paid subscriptions.

disadvantages

• This is not a cloud storage in the classical sense of the term;
• Little space on free plans, only 2 GB;
• Inconvenient mobile client interface.

Box

Rating: 4.5

Why it is: Dedicated cloud storage for collaboration and electronic document management.

Box cloud storage was originally intended for private users. But after it became almost impossible to compete with the leaders of the rating, it slightly changed its specialization. Now, Box is designed primarily for corporate users, as it offers powerful collaboration tools – including the distribution of user roles (specialists, managers, and so on), automatic document version history and granular control over access to documents.

However, it can also be used as a classic cloud storage. Box has both mobile applications and desktop clients, and special conditions for individual clients. Thus, the free plan provides 10 GB on a cloud drive, but limits the maximum size of a single file to 250 MB. For 10 euros per month (at the time of this writing), the user gets 100 GB of space and can upload files up to 5 GB.

Advantages

• Powerful collaboration tools (version control, role distribution, etc.);
• Unlimited cloud storage on corporate plans;
• 10 GB of free space on the cloud for users.

disadvantages

• Few paid tariff plans for regular users;
• Limit on the maximum size of the uploaded file;
• Few useful features for individual users.

OpenDrive

Rating: 4.5

Why it is: Low price for unlimited cloud storage.

OpenDrive cloud storage is well suited for users who plan to store and transfer a lot of files – or very large packages of data. Its main feature is an interesting pricing policy for paid subscriptions. He has two of them – a custom Custom for $ 5 a month (at the time of this writing) with 500 GB of space and full control over the 'cloud' parameters; and the full Unlimited, which costs $ 900 a month for a completely unlimited disc. And 10 GB is available for free.

In addition, the desktop client functionality is quite good. It is not only suitable for quick access to user files, but also for backing up folders. Moreover, the directories for the backup, as well as the frequency of this process, as well as some other parameters, the user chooses independently.

There is also a file encryption mode and a copy or download protection function.

Advantages

• Low price for fully unlimited cloud storage;
• Convenient tool for backing up catalogs from a computer;
• Copy or download protection function (allows the user with whom you have shared the file only to view it – without the ability to download).

disadvantages

• Inflexibility of paid tariffs;
• Relatively low speed of data exchange with cloud storage;
• Sometimes file syncing errors happen.

NextCloud

Rating: 4.4

Why it is: An open source toolkit for creating your own cloud storage.

Nextcloud differs from its competitors in the ranking in that it is not cloud storage. This is a set of tools for creating your own 'cloud' on a pre-rented VPS or a server that is configured independently and is located somewhere on the balcony. However, it supports many familiar functions.

So, using Nextcloud and VPS or your own server, you can create cloud storage with any desired (or available) limit on disk, full integration of the calendar, contact list, task list and other personal data. In this case, you yourself control your data. Using Nextcloud, you can set up synchronization between computers and smartphones, making sure that some tech giant like Google or Microsoft won't have access to your data.

It is clear that using Nextcloud requires technical knowledge and a server. However, it justifies itself.

Advantages

• Full control over personal data;
• Open source platform regularly reviewed by the user community for leaks;
• Wide functionality that allows Nextcloud to act as an alternative to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.

disadvantages

• This is not a cloud storage, but a set of tools for creating one;
• Requires VPS or full server;
• Serious technical knowledge required.

IDrive

Rating: 4.3

Why it is: A powerful and feature-rich cloud backup service.

IDrive, like some other platforms in the ranking, is not exactly cloud storage in the classic sense of the term. It is a cloud-based backup service. After registering and installing the client on the computer, the user is asked to select the folders, the contents of which will be regularly sent to the backup, and the frequency of this procedure.

The main advantage of the service in comparison with competitors is a huge version history. IDrive stores up to 30 versions of files, allowing you to quickly roll back unwanted changes. And it is, of course, available completely free of charge.

It also supports IDrive Express technology – creating an external media with a backup and regularly backing up data to it. You can also send entire disk images to the cloud for the fastest possible deployment.

The free plan offers 5 GB of storage space for backups. Up to 5 TB can be purchased for money, and payment is made annually.

Advantages

• Supports backup to external storage;
• Up to 30 versions in history;
• Supports disk image backup for the fastest possible deployment.

disadvantages

• This is not a cloud storage in the classical sense of the term;
• Inflexible paid tariffs (there are 2 TB and 5 TB – there is no smaller volume);
• Annual payment.

pCloud

Rating: 4.2

Why it is: High level of file protection using cryptographic methods, rates for lifetime disk use.

The pCloud service, according to its developers, uses cryptographic methods to keep user data private. To do this, it uses so-called 'zero knowledge proof', as well as methods to encrypt and decrypt files directly on the device. As a result, no pCloud administrators, hackers, or any government agency will be able to access the files.

However, this is a separate feature that requires payment. On free plans, pCloud is the most common cloud storage with 10 GB of space, little different from the rest in the rating. The main feature of the service is the possibility of a lifetime payment.

So, on tariffs 'Premium' and 'Premium Plus', having paid 175 or 350 euros once, respectively (at the time of this writing), you can get 500 GB or 2 TB for life. No annual fees, no subscriptions, etc. Once and for all.

Advantages

• Availability of lifetime tariff plans with one-time payments;
• Cryptographic unbreakable file encryption techniques;
• 10 GB of free space on a free plan.

disadvantages

• You will have to pay for cryptographic protection;
• Inflexibility of tariffs;
• Limit on downloading files by third-party users (via the 'Share' link).

4shared

Rating: 4.1

Why it is: Simple and easy-to-use file hosting service.

4shared is a convenient service for quickly publishing files, as well as their subsequent download. It is worth noting that in its free version it is not a private cloud storage – the data sent there will be available to all people on the Internet. Therefore, it is suitable for fast file sharing that does not require private placement – music, videos, books, and so on.

However, paying from $ 6.5 per month (at the time of this writing), you can get 100 GB of personal space in the 'cloud'. Files placed there will not appear in the 4shared search engine. Also, in the paid version of the service, you can share direct download links, which is convenient when exchanging data with friends.

In fact, 4shared is a classic file sharing service with a tied search system and in most cases no direct download links. And absolutely free, and also without an aggressive monetization system.

Advantages

• Search system in public files;
• Unlimited free downloads;
• There is a private disk mode, but paid.

disadvantages

• All downloaded files in free mode become public, anyone can find and view them;
• No applications for the computer, only for mobile operating systems;
• High price for paid subscription.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.