Best Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage services are used by over 94% of all businesses globally, and over 82% of the workload is stored in the cloud. It is expected that by 2025, over 100 zettabytes or a trillion gigabytes will reside on the cloud.

That being said, this article will discuss what makes cloud services so popular with users and which cloud storage services are the best ones.

Cloud storage enables users to store their data on remote servers and access it over the Internet or a dedicated private network connection from anywhere at any time. The cloud storage service providers are the ones that manage, maintain, and operate the storage infrastructure.

Cloud storage is like a hard drive that exists virtually on the Internet, and you don't need to have any physical device to access your data.

Overall, cloud-based storage is considered secure because most of the top providers have data redundancy, which means that they store the same files in multiple physical locations to avoid human error, natural disasters, equipment malfunctions, etc.

Of course, cloud storage can be hacked, but it still offers more security features than onsite storage.

You can choose from the following three types of cloud storage services:

• Public
  This type of cloud storage enables users to connect to storage provided by a cloud service provider and used by other users as well. It is a form of IaaS. Around 19% of businesses use this type of storage.

• Private
  This type of cloud storage enables users to store their data on their own private server that can only be accessed via a private connection. Only 2% of businesses use this type of storage.

• Hybrid
  This type of cloud storage enables users to store their data on both private and public clouds. Around 76% of businesses use hybrid cloud storage.

To use cloud storage, you first need a storage provider that will store your data in the cloud so that you can access it at any time from any device. When this tool is activated, it creates a backup of your data and stores it in multiple physical locations, like a server in your office or a data center.

Basically, you use your device to access your data from a data center via the Internet.

• Data backups
  Cloud storage providers make multiple copies of your data and store them in various locations, so even if you get hacked, or your data is lost, you can access it and restore it easily.

• Easily accessible
  If your data is stored on the cloud, you will not need to carry a laptop, USB, hard drive, etc. everywhere you go because you can access your data from any device by logging into your cloud account.

• Updating and syncing files
  Most cloud providers have a sync feature that allows you to update and sync data across multiple devices without manually copying the data on each device. In most cases, you will need to download a cloud app called "Sync Client" and log into it on the devices you want to sync your data to.

• Remote work
  Cloud storage makes working remotely easier and more accessible because all your files are stored on your cloud account, and you can access them from your home, office, etc. Also, all progress is saved in the cloud, so you can easily continue your work if you change locations.

• Enhanced security
  Your cloud storage service provider keeps your data safe by storing it in multiple physical locations, enabling you to share files without using email, etc. Most providers also allow you to encrypt your data, protecting you from cyber attacks, malware, etc.

Choosing the right cloud storage provider for you or your business can be quite challenging. Before you settle on one, you should factor in the following:

• How much storage do you require

• How much you can spend

• What types of features do you need

• How often do you need to backup your data

• Who can access the data apart from you

• The security features you need, like password protection, data encryption, etc.

1. Google Drive

This is one of the most popular cloud storage service providers, with a market share of over 94%. It is a free platform that is easy to use, intuitive, simple to navigate, and highly scalable. It also has paid plans.

Key Features:

• Multiple users can access it.

• It provides version history.

• It is compatible with Google Docs and Google Classroom.

• The free plan includes 15GB of storage.

Best for: Storing photos, documents, and large amounts of data for both business and personal use.

2. iDrive

Is a paid cloud storage provider that is flexible and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, OS, and Android. It offers up to 5GB for free, but anything beyond that is paid. iDrive offers four different paid plans with different features.

Key Features:

• The iDrive backtrack restores data to previous versions.

• It allows you to take snapshots of your files.

• It has a custom dashboard from which you can manage users and files.

Best for: Storing large amounts of data.

3. pCloud

Is a provider that offers a free plan of up to 10GB of storage and other paid plans with more storage. It doesn't offer office suites, video content, and other such features like some of its competitors, but it does provide superior security and is accessible from all devices. pCloud is used by 1.39% of users.

Key Features:

• Restores data up to 30 days old.

• It enables users to password-protect files.

• It has two-factor authentication.

• It offers encryption for clients.

• It provides TLS or Transport Layer Security and SSL or Secure Sockets Layer encryption.

Best for: Lifetime plans.

4. IceDrive

Is a newer provider that imitates a hard drive and offers 10GB of storage for free. Additional storage is offered through paid plans, and IceDrive offers three different plans. To use it on a Windows PC, you have to download it and then drag and drop files from your computer. Aside from Windows, its also available on Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Key Features:

• Offers video and audio streaming.

• Uses Twofish algorithm encryption.

• Offers encryption for clients.

• Allows users to remove someone's access to data after a predetermined time.

Best for: Personal use.

5. Dropbox

Is the first cloud storage provider that became widely popular and offers one free plan with up to 2GB storage and two paid plans. It's easy to use and can be used either via dropbox.com or on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Dropbox is widely used, with a 66.2% market share.

Key Features:

• Offers real-time backup.

• Offers smart sync, which stores files online, saving local disk storage space.

• It enables users to protect files with passwords.

• Offers remote wipe.

• Provides file recovery.

• Has two-step verification.

Best for: Compatibility

6. Microsoft OneDrive

Is a built-in tool for users who have purchased Microsoft 365. Otherwise, it is available for purchase through the Microsoft One Drive for Business plan. It works on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, and Windows Phone devices. It's one of the most used cloud storage providers, with 39.35% of users using it.

Key Features:

• Has expiration dates for old files.

• Provides download blocks.

• Enables custom passwords for highly sensitive data.

• Provides version history.

Best for: Business use

7. Box

Is a provider that targets medium and large businesses collaborating on multiple documents. It offers plans for personal use, but it's best for business use. It offers a free plan of up to 10GB with a 250 per file size limit. It has three paid plans for additional storage. Box has a market share of 4.17%.

Key Features:

• It offers Cloud Content Management.

• It provides version history.

• It has real-time backup.

• It offers two-factor authentication.

• Offers unlimited cloud storage.

Best for: Unlimited cloud storage and business use.

8. iCloud

Is Apple's cloud storage that is part of macOS and iOS. It can be accessed on Windows computers, but it is best suited for Apple products. It offers up to 5GB of free storage and three paid plans for additional storage. It allows users to sync all data from old Apple devices instantly. Considering Apple has plenty of users, it has a 38.89% market share.

Key Features:

• It includes the iCloud Photo Library.

• Offers Family Sharing.

• Syncs Safari data.

• Offers iCloud Keychain.

Best for: Apple device users.

9. NordLocker

Uses many advanced security features like ECC, AES256, and Argon2 encryption protocols to ensure your data is safe. Also, because of its zero-knowledge approach, only you can decrypt your data. It offers up to 3GB of storage and has three paid plans for more storage.

Key Features:

• It has a local file vault.

• It provides automatic cloud backup.

Best for: Security

10. Flickr

Is an affordable cloud storage provider for storing videos and photos and preserving their quality. It offers a free plan with a capacity to store up to 1 000 photos and videos and two paid plans for additional storage.

Key Features:

• It offers EXIF or Exchangeable Image File data storage.

• It has its own app.

• It offers social media capabilities.

Best for: Storing photos.

It's no wonder that so many businesses have chosen the cloud as their storage service, considering it offers many benefits, like enhanced security, accessibility, ease of use, unlimited storage with some plans, etc.

So, don't be the one to miss out! You can choose any of the cloud storage providers listed in this article based on what you or your business need and transfer your data to the cloud, so you never lose it!