Cloud storage services are a great way to store and sync your media and documents. However, with so many services out there, it can be hard to choose one that suits your needs the best.
I picked out some of the top services that let you access and share your files seamlessly. In this article, I’ll talk about the benefits of cloud storage, and what to keep in mind when picking one, and I’ll share my picks for the best cloud storage services in 2024.
What Is Cloud Storage and Why Should I Use It?
Cloud storage services allow you to save your files in a different location using the internet. The service providers have storage servers and a network infrastructure that allows you to access your data anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a supported device and an internet connection.
Some of the advantages of cloud data storage include:
- Accessibility: You can access the cloud storage using an app on your phone or PC and use drag-and-drop to upload or download your files.
- Peace of Mind: Cloud storage services store your data on multiple servers meaning that your data will always have multiple backups, which keeps it safe even if it’s corrupted on one source
- Convenience: You don’t need to carry a storage device with you at all times. All you need is the app of cloud service to access the data.
- Scalable: Cloud storage is flexible, meaning you can upgrade or download your storage plan based on your current needs.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cloud Storage
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a cloud storage service.
- Security: One of the biggest concerns with using cloud storage for private data is privacy. Check to see if the provider offers encryption for your data on the cloud.
- Storage: A good cloud storage service plan should offer the amount of storage you need for your files. Thankfully, most providers have storage options, offering hundreds of gigabytes or even terabytes of storage.
- Performance: There are a lot of factors that can influence the performance of the service. These include the physical location, processing time, latency, and internet speeds. To make sure you get the best speeds possible, use a speedy internet. We recommend checking out Xfinity Internet plans as they provide speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Integration: Before choosing the best cloud service option, check if you need integration with other services. You can look for integration APIs or additional software for integration. Also, make sure the service supports your devices.
- Cost: This is another huge factor to consider when choosing a cloud storage service. Most services have a free tier that allows you to test them before buying. Compare the price per gigabyte. Make sure to check for additional costs like upload and download options.
Top 5 Best Cloud Storage Services for 2024
In my quest to find the best cloud storage services, I tried out more than 20 cloud services. Here are my picks for the five best cloud storage services.
1. OneDrive
| Storage | 5GB (Free) | 100GB($1.99/month) | 1TB($6.99/month) | 6TB($9.99/month) |
| Availability | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web | |||
| Security | Encrypted During Transmission | |||
| Standouts | Integration With Microsoft Teams | |||
OneDrive is an amazing option for users who are already using Microsoft’s services. The service has dedicated apps for most major operating systems, and you can get higher storage options with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
This is one of the best cloud storage for personal use, especially if you’re already using Microsoft Office.
Reasons To Buy
- Great User Interface
- Native Clients for Most Operating Systems
- Integration With Office and Windows
- Solid Options for Photo Management
Reasons To Avoid
- Less Free Storage
- No Zero-Knowledge Encryption
2. Google Drive
| Storage | 15GB(Free) | 100GB($1.99/month) | 2TB($9.99/month) |
| Availability | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web | ||
| Security | Encryption in Google’s Servers | ||
| Standouts | Seamless Collaboration Options | ||
Drive is a superb option for users who are already using Google’s services. You don’t even have to sign up for it if you already have a Google account as you get the 15GB for free.
One thing I love about Google Drive is its file-sharing capabilities. The paid tier bundles a lot of other services as well.
I recommend this for anyone who uses Google’s services regularly and is looking for a lot of storage at prices that won’t make you break the bank.
Reasons To Buy
- The Free Tier is Actually Useful
- Easy To Use
- Cross-Platform Functionality
- Excellent Collaboration Options
- File Syncing from Desktop-to-desktop
Reasons To Avoid
- Strongly Linked to Google’s Ecosystem
- Privacy Concerns
- No End-To-End Encryption
3. iCloud
| Storage | 5GB(Free) | 50GB($0.99) | 200GB($2.99) | 2TB($9.99) | 6TB($29.99) | 12TB($59.99) |
| Availability | iOS, macOS, Windows, Web | |||||
| Security | Advanced-Data Protection With End-To-End Encryption | |||||
| Standouts | Allows Device Backups and Photo Sharing | |||||
If you’re an iPhone or a macOS user, then iCloud might be the best cloud data storage for your needs. It can back up the settings, photos, and documents on your device. It also has one of the most intuitive user interfaces.
However, you’re going to have a tough time with it if you don’t have Apple devices. The lack of support on Android also makes it a bad option for some users.
I recommend using the Apple iCloud if you’re a macOS, iPad, or iPhone user looking for hassle-free cloud storage options.
Reasons To Buy
- Great Integration With the Apple Ecosystem
- No-Hassle User Interface
- Fast Upload and Download
- Great Client for Windows Users
Reasons To Avoid
- No Client for Linux or Android
- File Sharing Only for People With an Apple ID
4. Dropbox
| Storage | 2GB(Free) | 2TB($9.99/month) | 3TB($16.58/month) |
| Availability | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web | ||
| Security | Uses 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) | ||
| Standouts | Robust Sharing Capabilities | ||
Dropbox provides one of the most seamless file-sharing experiences, regardless of the device you’re using.
The service offers great integration options for a lot of services and has additional features built in. The interface is clean and elegant. Dropbox provides 256-bit AES encryption. However, the additional storage plans are a bit expensive.
I recommend this option if you’re looking for a solid cloud storage service with robust integration options.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy-To-Use User Interface
- Integrations with thousands of services
- Fast Upload and Download Speeds
- Great Mobile Apps
Reasons To Avoid
- Expensive Than Others
- Free Option Is Disappointing
- No End-To-End Encryption
5. MEGA
| Storage | 20GB(Free) | 2TB($10.66/month) | 8TB($21.33/month) | 16TB($31.99/month) |
| Availability | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web | |||
| Security | Zero-Knowledge Encryption | |||
| Standouts | User-Friendly File Manager | |||
MEGA is a great option for users who want a competitively priced cloud storage service that offers end-to-end encryption. Compared to the other options in this list, the free 20GB storage is generous.
The source code for MEGA is published and updated regularly on GitHub, which means that anyone can audit it for security issues.
I recommend MEGA for users who value privacy and data security and don’t need a lot of enterprise features or third-party integrations.
Reasons To Buy
- Zero-Knowledge Encryption
- The Free Storage Option Is Great
- User-Friendly Interface
- Media Previews
Reasons To Avoid
- Limited Integration Options
- Lackluster Collaboration Options
How to Make the Right Choice
The cloud storage services I picked in this article are just my picks. To make sure you choose the right one for you, I recommend signing up for as many options as you can and using the free tier.
Make sure you consider their security, storage, performance, integration, and cost. One thing you should keep in mind is that no matter what the storage providers say, your data is only private if stored locally and offline.
When transitioning to the cloud service, make sure you create a backup of your original data to ensure you don’t accidentally lose any data.
Wrapping Up
Cloud storage can be a great way to sync files across devices, create backups, or simply serve as additional storage space for your data.
Do you agree with my picks? Feel free to leave your suggestions for the best cloud storage services in the comments below.