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FIVE PICKED

Software & Productivity · The 5 best

Cloud Storage

Services for storing, syncing and sharing your files securely across all your devices. We compared the options and narrowed them down to five. Each one is ranked, with a clear note on who it suits best.

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The 5 at a glance

Comparison of the 5 picks for Cloud Storage
ToolBest forStarting price
Rank 1pCloudPeople who want to avoid monthly subscriptionsFree plan available; paid from about $5/month
Rank 2Sync.comPrivacy-minded users and small businessesFree plan available; paid from about $5/month (billed yearly)
Rank 3Proton DrivePrivacy-first users already in the Proton ecosystemFree plan available; paid from about $4/month
Rank 4IcedriveUsers who want an easy cloud drive with plenty of free spaceFree plan available; paid from about $5/month (billed yearly)
Rank 5DropboxCollaboration and sharing across many appsFree plan available; paid from about $10/month

Our 5 picks, ranked

  1. Rank 1

    pCloud

    Cloud storage with a pay-once lifetime option.

    Best forPeople who want to avoid monthly subscriptions

    What it does

    pCloud stores and syncs your files across devices and lets you share links easily. It is one of the few services that offers lifetime plans.

    Strengths

    • Lifetime plans available
    • 10 GB free to start
    • Easy file sync and sharing
    • Optional encryption add-on

    Good to know: Encryption is a paid add-on, and lifetime plans cost more upfront.

  2. Rank 2

    Sync.com

    Private cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption.

    Best forPrivacy-minded users and small businesses

    What it does

    Sync.com stores and shares your files with end-to-end encryption, so only you can read them.

    Strengths

    • Zero-knowledge encryption on every plan
    • Good value for the storage
    • 5 GB free to start
    • Easy file sharing

    Good to know: Plans limit how many devices you can connect, so check the details before you choose.

  3. Rank 3

    Proton Drive

    Encrypted storage from the makers of Proton Mail.

    Best forPrivacy-first users already in the Proton ecosystem

    What it does

    Proton Drive stores your files with end-to-end encryption and works alongside Proton’s mail, VPN and password tools.

    Strengths

    • End-to-end encryption by default
    • Swiss-based, with strong privacy laws
    • A free plan to start
    • Works with other Proton apps

    Good to know: It costs more per gigabyte than some rivals, and because files are encrypted, losing your password can make recovery difficult.

  4. Rank 4

    Icedrive

    A simple cloud drive that feels like a normal folder.

    Best forUsers who want an easy cloud drive with plenty of free space

    What it does

    Icedrive gives you cloud storage that can appear as a drive on your computer, with sharing tools and optional encryption.

    Strengths

    • 10 GB free storage
    • Cloud drive that appears like a folder on your computer
    • Optional zero-knowledge encryption on paid plans
    • Affordable plans

    Good to know: Plans offer less storage than some rivals, and it is a newer service.

  5. Rank 5

    Dropbox

    The classic file sync service, with great apps and sharing.

    Best forCollaboration and sharing across many apps

    What it does

    Dropbox keeps your files in sync across devices and makes it easy to share and work on them with others.

    Strengths

    • Reliable file sync
    • Easy sharing and collaboration
    • Works with lots of other apps
    • A free plan with 2 GB

    Good to know: Free storage is small, and Dropbox does not use zero-knowledge encryption.