Dropbox is one of the best cloud storage options out there, but because of certain inconveniences more and more users are searching for cheaper Dropbox alternatives. Widely discusses issues are an increasing cost, sync limitations, and frequent data breaches.
We can hardly imagine our life today without using different cloud storage systems, but to feel secure and get all the necessary features for teamwork, we need a decent service. I don’t mean that Dropbox is inferior to analog platforms, but it is always possible to find a more fitting option for your specific needs.
If you also feel indignant about the 2GB storage space limitation in a free plan but don’t feel like conducting your own study in order to find the best alternative to Dropbox, then our overview will come in handy. Fortunately, there are many services to choose from and we selected the top 9 options that have many goodies to offer to users.
If none of the cloud storage services described in the article suit you, you can take advantage of free Dropbox apps. The variety is rather rich but mind that storage limit is also an issue in this case. For example, if you decide on the free Basic account, you get just 2GB of backup space and if you want more, you need to pay for it.
Sync offers users impressive double-layer security protection and flexible folder sharing options. If you value privacy and want to have productivity tools at your disposal, then Sync can be a great option to try. Using this Dropbox replacement, you can always be sure that your files are reliable protected and you don’t have to pay much for this. The most praised feature is that files are instantly synchronized across desktop and mobile devices.
Main Sync Features:
Sync allows sending files of any size to anyone, even if a person doesn't have a service account. Only users can permit others to access the stored files, the service itself can’t do it. Numerous people, who received access by link or invitation can seamlessly work with a set of folders, passwords, notifications, etc. With the help of the desktop version and mobile applications, you can constantly use all the functions of the service from anywhere and at any time.
If you choose this free alternative to Dropbox, you can greatly boost the productivity of your team. Either you work in the office, or remotely, you are always well-aware of the latest changes to the project and can present your own ideas in a very quick way. To track, who has accessed particular files, just look through the file audit logos. Sync also allows restoring deleted files.
A decent feature set and high-level security are what attracts users to pCloud. The program is available for almost all devices and platforms, and allows you to store large files and folders.
The best thing is that you can pay once and get a pCloud lifetime subscription. Any changes you make on pCloud are immediately displayed on your computer, phone or tablet. All your devices are instantly synchronized and you have constant access to files and to every change that you make. In case of accidental data loss, you can rely on the backup tool.
Main pCloud Features:
This service is similar to Dropbox in how files are transferred to cloud servers and are protected during this process. However, Dropbox employees can see your files, though the company claims that they follow strict confidentiality policies, the reality is a bit different.
Data in the pCloud cloud is stored in the "hot storage" mode. Therefore, pCloud copies your data to its servers multiple times to provide secure cloud storage without damaging files. Specifically, pCloud claims to store your data encrypted in at least 5 locations at the same time. In case one of the physical file storage is damaged, this pCloud module will simply be replaced, and the data will remain intact. You can also mark files as “favorite” for quick access.
Google Drive is a cloud-based file storage service and one of the most serious Dropbox competitors. The company ensures data safety and allows making changes to docs with friends and colleagues. The data is always available on Google Drive, no matter what happens with separate local drives. Google Drive gives you instant access to a set of text editing tools, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys. All these tasks and services are available for team interaction, regardless of the location of each of the participants.
Main Google Drive Features:
When you register, you get 15GB of free space and can increase it up to 30TB. Besides, you can use such programs as Docs and Gmail. With the help of Google Drive, it is possible to view documents, PDFs, snapshots, videos, and more. The service allows searching for files by name and internal content. The most praiseworthy feature is offline access.
Since Drive is a part of a Google account, you can enjoy advanced collaborative and file sharing features. It is possible to open access to files and directories to invited users, indicate who can see and edit documents, quickly access recently viewed files, and monitor statistics on file usage. Though most features are identical in Google Drive and Dropbox, they are realized in a bit different manner.
Box is a file-sharing service that amazes users with a rich variety of cooperative features accessible from any device. Anyone can sign up for a free personal account with Box, but its advanced file sharing and privacy options are specifically aimed at business users. In addition to the basic options of cloud storage, Box allows you to share files with your colleagues, assign tasks, leave comments, and receive notifications when a file is changed.
Main Box Features:
For business users, Box is the best alternative to Dropbox because it has a variety of collaboration tools and file privacy management. In total, there are 4 pricing plans. The Starter package is meant for a team consisting of 3-10 members and includes 100GB of storage. Box also gives you control over the privacy settings of your files. For example, you can decide who can view and open certain folders and files, and who can edit and upload documents. You can even password protect each file and set an end date for access to shared folders.
Both Dropbox and Google Drive are remarkable services in terms of collaboration. They offer several file sharing methods – by link, invite-only and external sharing, so you can easily choose a more fitting option. However, Box is more targeted at teams working together on the same project, as well as large companies that need to provide secure access to documents.
Many people believe that good online backup services cost a lot and are complicated to use, but Backblaze easily dispels this myth. Backblaze automatically backs up all your files, including documents, photos, music and movies. There are no limitations on the size or number of files. This is a very straightforward service, which makes it ideal for starters. The web interface is user-friendly and resembles the desktop app.
Main Backblaze Features:
Backblaze is also one of the few services like Dropbox that offer a private encryption key that only an account owner knows. Backblaze encrypts all of your files using industry-standard 128-bit AES, which is generally unbreakable. The service stores multiple copies of your files on numerous servers, so if one copy gets corrupted, there will be many other backups available to you.
Backblaze and Dropbox pursuit slightly different approaches to cloud storage. In other words, you need to define what you want to get and then it will be easier to determine what option suits you most. If you need a cloud backup service, then Backblaze is a sure favorite. It is agile, provides more backup features than the competitor, and keeps your data protected even if your computer fails. Besides, there is a separate service known as B2 Cloud Storage, which broadens file backup possibilities even more.
Amazon Drive is a service that allows you to access photos and videos that you store in the cloud, create reliable backups, saving space on your desktop and mobile devices, and keep your data safe in case of system failure. Though Amazon doesn’t work much on developing the service, there are still some cool features that allow it to compete with Dropbox. Of course, you won’t see here top-tier features, and the main focus is on backing up videos and photos, Amazon Drive is still a good option to consider for basic needs.
Main Amazon Drive Features:
Though most of the features in Dropbox and Amazon Drive are identical, there are some interesting differences to keep in mind. The former brags about co-op instruments and version history for stored files, and multiple software integrations. The product created by Adobe offers unlimited photo storage, nice subscription options (a free version included), and high upload rates.
Comparing the latest version of Amazon Drive with what it offered last year, we can notice some serious upgrades. Though the service still requires more serious work, the current feature set is worth praising. If you still can’t figure out what service suits you more, read this Google Drive vs Amazon Drive overview.
OneDrive cloud storage is built into Windows 10 and Office 365. It appears in File Explorer along with the physical media, but you can use it over the Internet by downloading an app for Windows, iOS, Android, or Windows Phone. You can store any files in OneDrive, such as photos, videos, and documents, and then access them from any Windows desktop or mobile device. The service organizes files by type, so it will be easy for you to find something.
Main OneDrive Features:
Microsoft OneDrive simplifies the process of transferring files to your favorite devices, and gives you more options for storing documents, photos and videos. The uploading process is identical to what you do in other cloud storage services. The best thing about this service similar to Dropbox is that you can simply drag and drop files and they will be automatically uploaded to your account and synced across all devices with Microsoft OneDrive installed.
Overall, OneDrive provides a simple, reliable, and seamless method for file sharing across multiple devices and automatically syncing data. If you intend to store your files and photos in the cloud, Microsoft OneDrive is one of the best options for you thanks to its autosaving and collaborative features. Learn more about OneDrive vs Dropbox to make an absolutely informed choice.
Tresorit is a cloud storage service for enhanced data protection and privacy. You can save files in it for free or for a fee. An abundance of security features makes it a wonderful Dropbox replacement for a corporate environment. Though it can’t offer as many features as the programs described above, it is still one of the best options in terms of data protection. If you feel like choosing Tresorit for your needs, just make sure the set of available tools is sufficient for you.
Main Tresorit Features:
The program solves the problem of convenient and safe storage and synchronization of files between multiple computers and mobile devices. For this purpose, it uses standard cloud technologies coupled with modern encryption algorithms (end-to-end encryption).
The developers have paid much attention to the security of data storage and transfer. This is why you can safely download and sync your files without being afraid that they will be stolen or intercepted. The program encrypts all user data using end-to-end encryption. Data is encrypted before sending it to the cloud. In addition, Tresorit provides complete control over the uploaded files. You can share encrypted files with other users, and you can close access to the file at any time.
