This post introduces the top ten cloud storage and file sharing services, including their pricing plans and additional features. It you’re looking for the best option, read carefully before choosing.
A cloud storage and file sharing service is an online platform allowing users to store, manage, and share their files. These services provide a convenient way to access data from any device with an internet connection, ensuring that files are always available when needed.
In today's digital age, cloud storage and file sharing services are practically limitless. Major players such as Dropbox, Box, Google, Microsoft, and Apple, alongside smaller companies like MediaFire and Tresorit, provide online cloud storage solutions that facilitate file sharing, synchronization across various devices, and collaboration. Uploading a file to any of these services makes sharing it effortless.
There are ten cloud storage and file sharing services ranging from basic consumer services to enterprise-level solutions. This list isn't comprehensive but highlights some major providers and a few lesser-known vendors.
Box is a reliable file syncing and storage service emphasizing storage over syncing. Unlike other file syncing services, Box is designed for users to primarily access files through a browser, with desktop functionality as an additional feature. This approach suits businesses, especially those already operating mainly in the cloud, and leverages Box's collaboration and integration capabilities.
For individuals, there is a free plan available that includes 10GB of storage, a 250MB file upload limit, and the ability to share files with limited permissions. Although the file upload size limit can be restrictive for video files, the 10GB storage is quite generous. Additionally, Box offers a 14-day free trial for all its business plans.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features with business plans
Acquired by Citrix in 2011, ShareFile offers a tailored file-sharing site for businesses, enabling seamless sharing with clients, partners, colleagues, and others. For instance, an accountant might use ShareFile to securely share tax documents. The service boasts a range of features and tools for business users, including workflow management, document collaboration, e-signatures, and integration with Outlook and Gmail.
Security is a top priority, with enterprise-grade encryption and customizable permission settings. The ShareFile dashboard allows for easy user management and switching between personal and shared folders. The service provides full-featured apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. While there is no free plan, you can try the Premium version for 30 days without needing to enter a credit card. Additionally, ShareFile offers a virtual data room for five employee users, providing enhanced security, sharing, and control for sensitive information.
Free account
Paid accounts
All plans are for up to 5 employee users (additional employee user fees are $10–$24/user/month) and unlimited client users.
Additional features for business plans
Dropbox, like Box, is a major contender in the enterprise sector, known for its top-notch security and extensive management features. It also boasts a well-developed ecosystem of third-party integrations that enhance its service offerings. Both Dropbox and Box have consistently advanced their platforms, making either a strong choice for most businesses.
In recent updates, Dropbox has focused on enhancing productivity and teamwork. New features include the ability to create Microsoft Office or Google Docs/Sheets/Slides documents directly within Dropbox and an upgraded shared Spaces interface designed for seamless team collaboration.
For those interested in exploring the service, Dropbox offers a Basic plan with 2GB of storage at no cost for individuals. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of a 30-day free trial for any of their business plans.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
If you’re already using Google’s suite of services, Google Drive is an obvious choice due to its seamless integration with Google apps like Google Docs. However, even for those not deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, Google Drive remains a solid option thanks to its generous 15GB of free storage, which is shared across all Google services. For those looking to expand their storage, 200GB is available for just $30 per year.
With the Backup and Sync desktop client, you have the flexibility to select which folders on your Windows or macOS computer you want to sync with Google Drive, without being restricted to a specific folder. Although managing file permissions for shared links can sometimes be tricky—occasionally leading to access issues—collaborating on documents in real-time with Google’s productivity tools is highly efficient.
Beyond the free 15GB plan, Google Drive offers additional storage through the Google One plan for individuals. If you're looking for cloud storage and file-sharing services free, Google Drive might be your best choice. For businesses, there are options like Google Workspace, which includes Drive along with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and other productivity tools, or Workspace Essentials, which provides Drive along with Docs and Calendar but excludes Gmail. A 14-day free trial is available for business plans.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
If you have a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you likely have 5 GB of free iCloud storage included with your Apple ID. This free storage allows you to share folders and documents with other iCloud users. Although there is an iCloud app for Windows, it’s mostly useful for people who use both Apple devices and a Windows PC. Windows users generally do not sign up for iCloud since there’s no Android app for iCloud. Android users can access iCloud through a web browser, but they usually prefer Google’s cloud services for backing up photos and videos.
iCloud can automatically back up and sync folders from your computer, like Documents and Desktop, as well as photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad. However, with only 5 GB of free space, it can fill up quickly. Upgrading to a paid plan might be necessary, with 200 GB available for $3 per month, which is a good deal for Apple users.
While iCloud supports file sharing and encrypts files in transit and at rest, it is primarily a consumer service rather than a business solution.
Free account
Paid accounts
Apple offers the option to share iCloud storage plans with up to five family members. If you subscribe to Apple services like Apple Music or Apple TV+, you might be able to save money by bundling these services through Apple One.
Additional features for business plans
Upgrading your storage amount doesn’t give you additional features, unlike with other online storage services.
MediaFire might not be the most popular file sharing and storage service, but it offers attractive features for cost-conscious users. Its free plan provides 10GB of storage, similar to Box, and allows file uploads up to 4GB with ad support. Additionally, MediaFire scans files for viruses, a feature not always available in other services.
You can access MediaFire on Mac and Windows via a web browser, and there are apps for iOS and Android. Sharing files is easy with options to create one-time download links for Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and more. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
However, MediaFire lacks clear security information. The website doesn’t detail encryption or other data protection measures, and the company did not respond to our request for more details. Their Business plan offers some security features, but without specifics, it's wise to assume that MediaFire does not encrypt your data and may not be suitable for sensitive files.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
Microsoft OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage and file sharing services. It has undergone several name changes, from Windows Live Folders to Windows Live SkyDrive, and finally to its current branding. As is typical with Microsoft products, OneDrive’s features can differ between personal and business accounts.
OneDrive seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365/Office 365 and Microsoft’s mobile apps, offering real-time collaboration on Office documents. The free plan provides 5GB of storage, more than Dropbox but less than Google Drive. For those needing more space, the Microsoft 365 Personal plan includes 1TB of storage, while the Family plan offers 6TB. Paid plans also feature ransomware detection and recovery.
Security is robust, with enterprise-grade protections and malware scanning for downloaded files. Additionally, the “Personal Vault” feature provides two-step verification and auto-locks after 20 minutes of inactivity. OneDrive is accessible across all your devices.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
Previously known as YouSendIt, Hightail offers a collaboration-focused interface centered around “Spaces.” Each Space is created for specific projects, where you can set goals, request file approvals, track activities, and manage drafts with access codes.
Hightail integrates smoothly with other file-sharing services, allowing you to drag and drop files from your computer, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive directly into a Space. It facilitates integration with third-party applications and provides dedicated apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Additionally, it features automatic synchronization of desktop folders.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
SugarSync offers a flexible syncing model that sets it apart from other services. Unlike Dropbox, you don’t need to keep all your files in a specific folder. Instead, you can choose any folders on your hard drive to sync to the cloud using the SugarSync desktop client. The service will also create a default syncing folder called My SugarSync on your computer for those who prefer a designated space.
However, SugarSync lacks some features that might be crucial for business users. It does not support two-factor authentication and offers limited third-party tool integrations beyond Microsoft Outlook. While the company adheres to standard data protection practices, including encryption of data in transit and at rest, these limitations could be significant for some users.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
European cloud storage provider Tresorit made headlines with a $50,000 hacking contest, claiming that no one breached their servers. The company caters to security-conscious users with promises of end-to-end encryption, compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, TISAX, FINRA, and ITAR, ISO 27001 certification, and protection under Swiss privacy laws. Tresorit also supports data residency options for customers in various locations, including the UK, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, France, Singapore, the Netherlands, Dubai, Brazil, and the U.S. states of Virginia and California.
Tresorit provides a range of personal, business, and enterprise plans. The service is user-friendly, allowing you to sync a designated folder, called a “Tresor”, on your hard drive. All plans include plugins for Outlook and Gmail.
Free account
Paid accounts
Additional features for business plans
AnyViewer is a well-regarded tool for remote access and support, but it also offers robust file transfer capabilities. Whether you’re providing remote technical support and need to transfer files between your device and a client’s device, or work from home and need to transfer sensitive or confidential data between your work computer and home computer, AnyViewer got you covered.
The following are the benefits of using AnyViewer for file transfer rather than a cloud storage and file sharing service:
See how to use AnyViewer for instant file transfer:
Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both devices.
Step 2. Open AnyViewer on the remote device and complete the simple sign-up process.
Step 3.Log into your local device using the same AnyViewer account.
Step 4. Go to the "Device" section, find your remote devices, and select "File transfer."
Step 5. Seamlessly transfer files between the two devices.
For even faster transfer speeds, consider upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise plan.
In conclusion, cloud storage and file-sharing services have become indispensable tools for both personal and professional use. With a diverse array of options like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box, users can find solutions tailored to their needs, whether for simple file storage or complex business operations. While free plans offer basic features, exploring paid options can provide enhanced security, greater storage capacity, and advanced collaborative tools.
Additionally, for those seeking instant file transfers, tools like AnyViewer offer secure, direct file transfers without the need for cloud storage. Understanding these services helps you choose the right solution for your specific requirements and preferences.
