Best Cloud Storage Software Options [CNET]
There are plenty of free cloud storage services available, whether your needs are professional or personal. Many offer upgraded paid plans, which means it’s easy to find a cloud service plan that can meet your needs to keep your data stored safely. There are a variety of storage size options and some even have unlimited storage, but for this article’s purposes, we’ll be focusing on plans for the average person.
There are many paid cloud storage options and finding the right one for you can be difficult. We’ve compiled a guide to the most popular cloud storage providers: how they work, their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve even included some lesser-known services if you want to get away from the mainstream. To be clear, we haven’t tested these services — this is an overview and some analysis of some of the top options in the market.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage services offer a type of computer data storage that allows your files to be immediately available on almost any internet-connected device anywhere. Files are stored on servers in a data center, instead of directly on your device.
Cloud storage comparison
Google Drive | Microsoft One Drive | Apple iCloud | Dropbox | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free storage | 15GB | 5GB | 5GB | 2GB |
Paid plans | Basic offers 100GB of storage for $2 a month ($20 annually); Premium offers 2TB of storage for $10 a month ($100 annually); AI Premium offers 2TB of storage with Gemini support for $20 a month. | Microsoft 365 Basic offers 100GB of storage for $2 a month ($20 annually); Microsoft 365 Personal offers 1TB of storage and costs $7 a month ($70 annually); Microsoft 365 Family offers 6TB of storage and costs $10 a month ($100 annually) | iCloud Plus offers 50GB for $1 a month; 200GB for $3 a month; 2TB for $10 a month; 6TB for $30 a month; 12TB for $60 a month | Dropbox Plus offers 2TB of storage for $12 a month (or $120 billed annually); Dropbox Essentials offers 3TB for $20 a month (or $204 billed annually) |
Supported OS | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android and browsers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android and browsers | MacOS, iOS, Windows, Apple TV and browsers | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux and browsers |
Best cloud storage service options
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Pros
- Affordable, customizable personal plans with features that make sense for the average user
- Neat management in a dedicated app
- Easy to use for existing Google accounts
Cons
- No VPN included anymore
How much free space you get
Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage.
What you’ll pay for
If you’re looking to expand your personal plan (which defaults as a basic free account), you’ll need to check out Google One.
Google One offers four different membership plans: Free, Basic, Premium and AI Premium. The Basic plan provides 100GB for $2 per month. The Google One app makes it easy to manage your account, swap between plans, free up account storage and take advantage of special member benefits. The AI Premium tier, which sets you back $20 per month, includes 2TB of storage along with a Gemini Advanced chatbot support. Gemini even seamlessly integrates into Google apps like Gmail and Google Docs to help you edit drafts or create visuals for Slides presentations.
If you visit Google’s Workspace website, you’ll see business plans between $6 and $18 per month per user — the Enterprise plan, which supports 1,000 video meeting participants and offers 5TB of total storage, doesn’t have a price listed (it says “Contact sales for pricing”). Every business plan comes with a 14-day free trial.
Supported OS
Google One and Google Drive business accounts are supported across Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows and web browsers.
Bottom line
If you’re looking to expand your personal storage, Google One is an easy-to-use app that demystifies cloud storage and how to get the most out of your plan.
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Pros
- Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family offer a ton of storage for a reasonable price
Cons
- There isn’t a middle-ground option to get a ton of storage without extra features
How much free space you get
Microsoft OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage with the Free account.
What you’ll pay for
Microsoft has a robust selection of plans. For personal needs, users can choose between Microsoft 365 Free, Basic, Personal and Family plans. Personal and Family offer the most bang for your buck, but if you’re just looking for storage, these options are loaded with features you don’t need. Microsoft 365’s entry-level Basic tier includes 100GB of storage for $20 annually (or $2 monthly) which might be a better choice if the free 5GB plan is a bit too limiting, but the 1TB and 6TB plans are overkill.
Supported OS
Microsoft OneDrive works on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS and browsers.
Bottom line
Microsoft’s plans offer generous packages at reasonable prices for the average user.
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Pros
- Paid tiers are affordable
- Strong focus on privacy
- Homekit integration
Cons
- Account creation only available on iOS
- Not all Plus subscribers use HomeKit
How much free space you get
Apple iCloud offers 5GB of free storage for all Apple device owners.
What you’ll pay for
If 5GB isn’t enough space, you can upgrade to iCloud Plus and get 50GB for $1 per month, 200GB for $3 per month, 2TB for $10 per month, 6TB for $30 per month or 12TB for $60 per month. All paid plans include Private Relay, Hide My Email, HomeKit Secure Video and Family Sharing for up to five family members.
Supported OS
Apple’s iCloud storage is available for MacOS, iOS, TVOS, Windows and browsers.
Bottom line
Apple iCloud is an easy cloud storage service for Apple users to check out because it’s already native to the device. Upgrading from the basic tier is easy and Apple thankfully doesn’t tuck away useful features behind the highest-priced plan.