Featuring the best cloud service providers for consumers and businesses.
It is quite clear that people and businesses will continue the trend of reducing their need to rely on expensive hardware and infrastructure when placing files and applications in the cloud.
Given the multitude of cloud storage providers, you should be careful when choosing a provider that offers the maximum amount of storage and low-cost bandwidth, while keeping your data secure.
This list represents our top 7 selections for cloud storage. All offer a free level that allows you to see if they are right for you before you hand over any hard-earned money.
1. Dropbox
Veteran Cloud Storage Provider
The grandfather of cloud storage, Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage rather miserly, but this can be increased up to 16 GB for free by linking your Dropbox to social networks and referral friends to join the service.
Dropbox Business subscriptions allow users to collaborate at work and give each person unlimited space in a personal Dropbox account. There are also enhanced features for file recovery and version control. Business prices start from around $12.50 per user per month (£10, around AU $16.50), or you can try it for free with a 30-day trial.
Price: 2GB free. 1TB for $10 per month (£6.58, about AU$11) with Dropbox Plus
2. Google Drive
A smart choice for Google fans and G Suite users
Google Drive is a natural choice for Android device owners because it’s integrated, but users on other platforms can also appreciate the generous free storage.
You can also store high-definition photos on your mobile phone with the companion Google Photos application, and make use of Google’s own office suite (now known as G Suite).
The disadvantages include the fact that the web interface is not very easy to use, although Windows and Mac users can download a desktop application to drag and drop files easily.
Price: 15GB free. 100GB for $1.99 per month (£1.59, about AU$2.50). 1TB for $9.99 per month (£8, about AU $13). 10 TB for $99.99 per month (£74, about AU$130).
3. Mega
It puts a premium on security
With an incredibly generous free level and a simple drag and drop interface, New Zealand-based Mega[VIDEO] is one of the heavyweights of cloud storage. There’s a handy mobile application that lets you upload files and photos, as well as synchronize clients with desktop machines.
Mega claims that all data stored in its cloud is encrypted on its device before it reaches the company’s servers.
As the company releases the source code to its synchronization client, experts can verify that there are no vulnerabilities.
Price: 50GB free. 200GB for $6 per month (£4.50, €4.99, about AU$7.50). 1TB for $12 per month (£9, €9.99, about AU $16). 4 TB for $23 per month (£17, €19.99, about AU $30). 8 TB for $35 per month (£26, €29.99, about AU$46).
4. OneDrive
Backed by Microsoft and ideal for Windows users
OneDrive is integrated into the Windows 10 file browser. You don’t have to download an additional application; it’s there to use right away, which is obviously very convenient for those who have made the leap to the newest Microsoft operating system.
The Microsoft Photos application can also use OneDrive to synchronize images across your devices. There’s an app for Android and iOS devices, and there’s even one on the App Store for Mac users (though it’s been getting mixed reviews).
Price: 5GB free. 50 GB for $3 per month (£1.99, about AU$4). 1TB for $8 per month (£5.99, about AU$11). 5TB for $11 per month (£7.99, about AU$14)۔
5. iCloud
Cloud storage locker at competitive prices from Apple
If you want to back up your iPhone to iCloud, you’ll need more than Apple’s free 5GB allocation, but compared to rivals, iCloud prices are very reasonable.
The Mac Finder application integrates iCloud Drive, where you can store the files you want. Documents created in the iWork suite are also saved in iCloud and can be synchronized across your devices. Windows users can also synchronize their files with iCloud Drive using the official client and access iWork applications on the iCloud website.
Price: 5GB free. 50 GB for $0.99 per month (£0.79, AU $ 1.49). 200 GB for $ 2.99 (£ 2.24, AU $ 4). 2 TB for $ 9.99 (£ 8, AU $ 13)
6. Box
Known service with some powerful business options
Box’s website currently seems to be boosting its business plans, as clicking on “register” takes you to the pricing page, where for $15 per user (£11, about AU$19) you can benefit from advanced collaboration and unlimited storage options. But there is also a free 10 GB option.
Since Box has been around for a while, it supports several major applications, including Google Docs and Office 365. The Box Sync client is available on the download page for Mac and Windows, and there is also an official Android client.
Price: 10GB free. 100GB for about $10 per month (£7.50, about AU $13)
7. NextCloud
DIY Cloud Storage Solution
NextCloud is not an online cloud storage provider but offers free software to download and install a cloud storage service on your own server. Using a server on your home network for cloud storage is much faster. You can also enable encryption and make sure that information never leaves your home network, which is much more secure.
If you have no server or IT experience, you can even buy a pre-configured NextCloud Box from the website that comes with a 1TB hard drive and will work with a cheap Raspberry Pi board to keep your data synchronized.
Price: Free to install and use. Self-hosting, so storage costs vary. NextCloud Box costs $79.99 (about £60, about AU$100), although it sold out in most locations, you may find some on your site.