Files are stored on servers in a data center, instead of directly on your device. (To be clear, we have not tested these - rather, we are just providing an overview and some analysis of some of the top options in the market.) What is cloud storage?Ĭloud storage is a type of computer data storage that allows your files to be immediately available on almost any internet-connected device anywhere.

We've compiled a guide to the most popular cloud storage services: how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and some lesser-known services if you want to get away from the mainstream.

The best cloud storage options usually feature individual and business plans, but for this article's purposes, we'll be focusing on plans for the average user. There are plenty of free cloud storage services available, with many offering upgraded paid plans, which means it's easy to find a plan that can meet your needs to keep your data stored safely. And that means you'll want to use the best cloud storage service available, which allows you to access your files whenever, wherever, while also saving space on your phone, tablet or computer.Ĭloud storage is also important for people working from home who have to share files with colleagues. Backing them up on an external storage drive is a great place to start, but you'll want to keep your most precious files somewhere that can never be lost, damaged or stolen. And should work on both PC and Mac (hence, no OneDrive in the mix.)Įdit: Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm thinking Box might be the way to go - has most of the requirements we need.Between work documents, family photos and (of course) memes, it's important to keep all your files safely stored and organized. Need something with backups in case someone accidentally deletes an entire folder. We need flexibility to add/remove access to folders (for example: freelancers working on a project). I'm speaking with sales to get their pitch for each, but that doesn't compare to real life experiences.ĭoes anyone have experiences they want to share about these? What pros and cons do you see? Thanks for the insights. We're currently evaluating three options: Google Drive for Work, Box, and Dropbox Pro.

And finally, I find it a bit buggy across the board. Secondly, there are no real backup or security features. For one, any person that creates a folder is the owner, making it difficult to manage. We're currently using the free version of Google Drive to manage files, but there's some big drawbacks.

Dropbox pro vs dropbox business