Explaining what “the cloud” is to our parents or grandparents is an almost impossible task. However, these online mass storage systems have brought about a revolution when it comes to storing and sharing virtual information.
It was in 2007 when Dropbox kicked off a career that seems to have only just begun. In this comparison we are going to see the best cloud storage systems and their different characteristics , both free and paid.
The best cloud storage services
Here we present the main and best options if you are thinking of creating an account to be able to upload your files directly from your smartphone or computer.
Of course, all the services that we are going to talk about have their respective apps that you can download for free from which you can manage your files directly from your mobile.
5. Dropbox
Without a doubt, Dropbox is a safe bet. Not only is it the father of cloud storage, but it has a number of features that make it a must on this list. On the other hand, its limited space in the free version makes it lose places in this comparison of the best online storage systems .
From the outset, it is compatible with Windows, macOs, Android and even Linux . Of course, it has a comfortable and intuitive web version. For many it is one of the easiest and most comfortable services to use.
Regarding the upload limit (maximum weight that a single file can have to upload it to the cloud), Dropbox has no limit as long as you use the application for PC or mobile . However, if you access from the Web, there is a limit of 20GB, which is still a lot.
Undoubtedly, one of the main advantages of Dropbox over other cloud storage systems is its 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption and the possibility of putting password protection on links. An increase in security highly desired by the majority of the public.
- Space in the free version: 2GB .
- Space in the paid version: 1TB for 8.25 euros/month .
4. One Drive
The Windows cloud storage service appears as one of the best, especially for the good synergy it creates between other programs from the same company such as OneNote, Word, Excel and others.
The collaboration system is also especially good in One Drive , allowing multiple people to work on the same documents at the same time.
Available on all platforms (except Linux), it is one of the best cloud storage systems for belonging to the Windows group (and the advantages that this adds).
It may be a bit expensive and does not offer a large capacity in the free version but it allows uploading files up to 10GB ; it’s not bad at all.
- Space in the free version: 5GB .
- Space in the paid version: 50 GB for 2 euros/month, 1TB for 7 euros/month and 5TB for 10 euros/month.
3. Google Drive
Google Drive is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android , and like all the others it has a web version.
It has an encryption similar to that of Dropbox and also has other curious features such as a sophisticated file search system of all kinds. In addition, this becomes essential for those who have Android on their mobile phones and a Gmail account , since Google Drive allows us to copy all the information from our cell phone, including the list of contacts.
Probably the only major drawback is that the upload limit is 5GB , so let’s forget about uploading heavy files like games or HD movies.
- Space in the free version: 15GB .
- Space in the paid version: 100GB for 1.99 euros/month, 1TB for 9.99 euros/month , 10TB for 99.99 euros/month, 20TB for 199.99 euros/month and 30TB for 299.99 euros/ month.
2. iCloud Drive
Apple’s commitment to our list of best online storage systems could not be missing.
Some time ago iCloud lowered the price considerably so that the iPhone 6s could face its smartphone competitors because it had a very low capacity and not many people were encouraged to make a payment account.
Despite belonging to Apple, you can also use it in its web version and in Windows. A smart strategy considering that not everyone has a smartphone and an Apple computer at the same time.
Of course, this is the perfect bet if you have Apple devices and it has very competitive prices, despite belonging to the bitten apple.
- Space in the free version: 5GB .
- Space in the paid version: 50GB for 0.99 euros/month, 200GB for 2.99 euros/month and 2TB for 9.99 euros/month .
1. Amazon Cloud Drive
Of course, the owner of Amazon, being one of the richest people in the world, has been able to see the relevance of massive online storage systems in today’s society and has created his own service.
Amazon Drive is compatible for all platforms (except for Linux, which should use its Web version).
It has an incredible advantage that makes it add positions in this ranking until it reaches the top: it has no photo storage limit.
This, together with the fact that it has a paid version that offers unlimited storage for all the types of files you want for less than 7 euros per month. As if that were not enough, the Amazon system also allows you to make backup copies of the contents. Impossible to compete with something like this.
- Space in the free version: 5GB + unlimited photos .
- Space in the paid version: unlimited for 70 euros/year .
What is the best system for me
? Now it’s time to choose. As is often the case with the eternal Android vs. iOS war, it’s not a question of which is better, but rather which one best suits your needs.
However, taking this into account, we launch a general recommendation that can serve many undecided : combine Amazon Cloud Drive (paid version if you have a lot of material) with the iCloud system (if you have Apple) or Google Drive (if you have Android) , in its free versions to synchronize contacts and important files from your smartphone.
So you will have a large amount of storage (even with the free version of Amazon Drive, for providing unlimited photo storage) and a good system for working, synchronizing and managing files thanks to the integration of iCloud and Google Drive with iOS and Android respectively. .