Best Cloud Storage Services

Written by Web Hosting Expert

August 3, 2022
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.

What Is a Cloud Storage?


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.

Are Cloud-Based Storages Secure?


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.

Types of Cloud Storage Services


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.

How Does a Cloud Storage Work?


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.

Benefits of Using Cloud Storage Services


  • 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.

How to Choose a Cloud Storage?


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.

The Best Cloud Storage Services: Top 10


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.

Pros

Beginner-friendly
Includes online office apps
Great for international teams
The prices for paid plans are flexible
Cons

Doesn't have as many features as other providers
Not good for all types of files
Doesn't have end-to-end encryption

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

Google Drive Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

Users can access files from anywhere
It has an excellent user interface
It has a great price range and discounts
It encrypts all data
Cons

Has issues with its customer support

Best for: Storing large amounts of data.

iDrive Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

It's GDPR compliant
It has a great user interface
It's excellent for team projects
It has good-value lifetime plans
Cons

Users have to pay for encryption
Its plans are more expensive than those of competitors

Best for: Lifetime plans.

pCloud Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

It's easy to share files
It can back up entire devices
It's GDRP-compliant
Cons

It does not have any third-party integrations.

Best for: Personal use.

IceDrive Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

Excellent for families that want to share files
Excellent for storing and sharing photos and videos
It offers great security features
Cons

Encryption is only available on paid plans

Best for: Compatibility

Dropbox Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

Great for collaborations
Offers fast synchronization
It's compatible with Microsoft Office
Easy to use
Cons

Has limited security features
Storage is limited

Best for: Business use

Microsoft OneDrive Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

It integrates with over 1 500 apps
It has excellent security features
It's excellent for collaboration
It has great features overall
It has great interfaces on the desktop and mobile apps across different operating systems
Cons

You need at least three users for the business plans
Versioning is not available for the free plan

Best for: Unlimited cloud storage and business use.

Box Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

It syncs various data like photos, videos, messages, calendars, contacts, etc.
Backups from apps are automatic
Synchronization is instant
Cons

It can only be used if you have Apple devices
Offers only 5GB of free storage

Best for: Apple device users.

iCloud

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.

Pros

Offers advanced security features
It is both GDPR and HIPAA-compliant
It's easy to use
Cons

It has no collaboration features
It's only available on Windows and Mac computers

Best for: Security

NordLocker Cloud Storage Service

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.

Pros

It's really easy to use
It preserves photo and video quality
It's really affordable
Cons

It doesn't offer any productivity tools
Not good for large files
All photos and videos are public by default

Best for: Storing photos.

Flickr Cloud Storage Service

The Bottom Line


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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I reach my storage allowance?

You’ll need to upgrade your package. Luckily, this is an incredibly easy process and can be fixed in no time at all with a call to the customer service team.

Will cloud hosted websites be backed up?

Yes, Verpex performs daily backups of all sites hosted.

How many websites can I host in the cloud?

Our cloud hosting packages allow up to 10 websites to be hosted simultaneously.

How easy is it to increase bandwidth on cloud servers?

Incredibly easy. Since you’re in a pool of other servers you can draw on those resources at any time. If you need to increase your bandwidth or storage limits just give us a call and it can be done instantly.

Bruno Mirchevski
About the Author
Bruno Mirchevski

Bruno Mirchevski is a web hosting services expert. He has spent years researching the niche, exploring the most diverse aspects of Shared, VPS, WordPress, Cloud Hosting, Dedicated Servers, Resellers, etc. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he can grant you meaningful insights on our blog, whether you are a beginner or a hosting pro.

View all posts by Bruno Mirchevski
Jivo Live Chat