With our files getting bigger and bigger each day, cloud storage has become the go-to for storing our files. Cloud storage is a more secure, easy to access, and convenient mode of storing data. The ability of cloud storage software to sync data across multiple devices is something local storage doesn’t offer.
There are dozens of services that fall under the umbrella term (cloud storage) and many users interchangeably call them cloud backup, online storage, online drives, online backup, file hosting, file storage, and so on. Whether you need to store a couple of files, an operating system, or entire collections of pictures, images, or videos, this list of the most reliable and most value for money cloud storage services has got you covered.
1. IDrive
IDrive Inc. based in Calabasas, CA. is a privately held company specializing in cloud storage, online backup, and remote access. IDrive Inc. is a technology company that specializes in data backup applications. Its flagship product is IDrive, an online backup service available to Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android users. IDrive offers consumers to securely back up multiple computers, and mobile devices into one account for the same cost. Businesses can create multiple user accounts and manage the backups of their computers/servers with ease.
2. pCloud
Based in Switzerland, pCloud is a young forward-thinking team doing our best to make a significant impact on the rapidly growing IT market. At pCloud, they provide the world with a comprehensive easy-to-use cloud storage solution for individuals and businesses alike. Their approach incorporates the technical point-of-view with the end-user in mind. Other cloud services are either too technical and are not user-friendly, or they are not comprehensive enough for users to get everything they want out of cloud storage.
3. Backblaze
Backblaze, Inc. is a cloud storage and data backup company, founded in 2007 by Gleb Budman, Billy Ng, Nilay Patel, Brian Wilson, Tim Nufire, Damon Uyeda, and Casey Jones. Its two main products are its B2 Cloud Storage and Computer Backup services, targeted at both business and personal markets. Backblaze provides cloud storage and online backup that’s astonishingly easy to use and affordable.
The service makes use of AES encryption for security and uses data compression and bandwidth optimization to reduce upload and download times. Files that need to be restored can be delivered in the form of a digital download, on an external hard drive or flash drive. File versioning and history are available, however, there is a cap to 30 days or an additional cost per month.
4. IceDrive
IceDrive may only have been in the cloud storage business for a couple of years, but the firm offers a compelling solution and one that’s rather different from the traditional cloud locker. The key difference is that IceDrive’s online storage can be presented as a standard drive on your (Windows) system, just like your hard drive, with the idea being that it makes this storage easier and more intuitive to use.
It’s just the same as accessing a local drive, and you can use functions like opening or editing files with close to the same speed you’d get with a local operation – as we observed in our review, there’s almost no slowdown evident. Security is also a strong suit here, with IceDrive employing super-safe two-fish encryption on its servers, with the data leaving your machine encrypted client-side as well, to keep things even safer. The major weak point with IceDrive is the lack of any of the collaboration features and tricks you can pull off with the likes of OneDrive, for example.
5. Nordlocker
NordLocker is the world’s first end-to-end file encryption tool with a private cloud. They are trying to make sure that everyone who wants to protect their privacy can do that. NordLocker is developed by Nord Security, a company behind the NordVPN virtual private network, and is based in the UK and the Netherlands. Despite the product differences, they are all focused on helping people protect their privacy, stay secure online, and keep control of their data.
NordLocker allows you to sync all those files in the cloud between all your devices, and using the app is an absolute breeze – just drag-and-drop your files in, and they’re automatically encrypted and uploaded.
6. Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) is a file hosting service and synchronization service operated by Microsoft as part of its web version of Office. First launched in August 2007, OneDrive allows users to store files and personal data like Windows settings or BitLocker recovery keys in the cloud, share files, and sync files across Android, Windows Phone, and iOS mobile devices, Windows and macOS computers, and the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S consoles. Users can upload Microsoft Office documents to OneDrive.
7. Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage solution that allows you to save files online and access them anywhere from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can use Drive on your computer or mobile device to securely upload files and edit them online. You can also store unlimited high-definition photos on your mobile phone with the companion app Google Photos, and make use of Google’s office suite (now known as G Workspace).
Also, individuals upgrading to paid Google Drive plans will join Google One. The array of features delivered by Google Drive via One – which ties into Google’s Cloud platform – is bewildering and evolves continuously. At the time of writing, Google engineers were rolling out the ability to request approvals for Drive items and lock approved versions.
