The cloud refers to a network of computers owned by one person or company, where other people or companies can store their data. In other words, cloud storage is virtual storage that can span across many different physical storage devices.
It is one kind of service used to manage, backup, and maintain data remotely and make the data available to users via the network. It has made sharing and collaboration easier for the user.
Due to its wide, anytime, and anywhere accessibility, the number of people using cloud storage increases day by day to share their important files. People and businesses can transfer their storage from local storage to cloud storage. Cloud storage is cost-effective, secure, reliable, multi-tenant, scalable, and efficient. Cloud has the enormous potential to develop as a substitute for legacy storage.
Many cloud storage services are available today, and many offer free plans for a limited amount of space. Here, we have a list of the best cloud storage solutions for homes and offices.
1. IDrive
2. pCloud
pCloud is a secure cloud storage solution where users can share and store their files easily. It has some attractive features like an intuitive interface, good value, enticing lifetime subscription. It provides free space up to 10GB. The service is available on all desktop and mobile platforms, with users able to log in through the website.
3. OneDrive
Microsoft’s OneDrive is a cloud storage service that provides new users with 7 gigabytes of free storage, with additional storage space available for purchase. It supports Office Web Apps, allowing users to create, edit, and share Microsoft Office documents directly from their web browser. It has many attractive features like ready to use on Windows file restoration features.
4. Apple iCloud
Apple launched iCloud in 2011. It enables users to always have the most up-to-date information on their Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.). iCloud is especially useful for sharing photos, calendars, and other files with other people. You don’t need an Apple device to have an iCloud account, but you can only access your data if you use an Apple device or a PC with the iCloud software installed. You can, however, get web-only access to your account, which allows you to create new documents—for example, use ‘Pages’ to create letters, flyers, and other documents; ‘Numbers’ to create spreadsheets; and ‘Keynote’ to create presentations. For any documents you create in iCloud, you have 1 GB of free storage.
5. Google Drive
Since it is integrated with Android, it becomes an auto choice for the users. It provides free space up to 15GB. Users can store a variety of files on Google Drive. It allows users to share files with specific email addresses, the general public, or anyone who has the file’s link (for example, if you email a link to your friends). You already have access to Google Drive if you have a Gmail account. Users of Google Drive can also collaborate and make changes to files simultaneously, which is useful for teams and groups.
6. Box
Box has been around for a while, and it’s integrated into several popular apps like Google Docs and Office 365. It’s also integrated with G-Suite, so Docs, Sheets, and Slides are automatically saved and managed in Box. The Box Sync client for Mac and Windows and an official Android client can be downloaded from the Downloads page. It has attractive features like data loss protection on business plans, plays nicely with many apps, unlimited storage on most business plans, and a 250MB upload limit on free accounts. It provides free space up to 10GB.
7. Mega
Mega provides the most generous free option. It has some attractive features like easy to use, lots of free storage, poor collaboration options, and open source. Mega is also quite popular and has focused greatly on security since its creation. For free accounts, the storage limit is 50 GB, whereas, for paid accounts, it varies from 500 GB to 4 TB, along with growing available bandwidths.
8. Dropbox
Another most popular cloud storage service is Dropbox.com. It was founded in 2007 by a man who constantly forgot to bring his flash drive with him. Dropbox protects your data by encrypting it, and everything you upload is kept private by default. Dropbox has various plans for both individuals and businesses, but it all starts with two gigabytes of free storage.
9. NextCloud
NextCloud isn’t an online cloud storage service, but it does provide free software that allows users to download and install a cloud storage service on their server. Using a home network server for cloud storage is much faster, allows for encryption, and ensures that the data never leaves the home network, making it far safer.
10. SpiderOak
SpiderOak is part of a growing trend of cloud storage providers with zero-knowledge security. According to the website, your data is encrypted before syncing after you install the client. The SpiderOakOne client is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. SpiderOak offers an easier, secure and free online sharing, backup, sync, access, as well as a storage solution for Linux, Windows, and Mac.
