The very idea of cloud storage was once inaccessible and even ethereal—I’ll admit thinking that it had something to do with magic satellites when I first heard the term.
Now, “the cloud” feels much more down to earth, and companies of all sizes benefit from cloud content collaboration software. With all of the cloud-based software tools on the market, collaborating with internal peers and external clients has never been easier.
Cloud storage, a type of cloud computing, allows businesses to streamline their file collaboration abilities by transferring data or sharing it in a centralized online space. Free options usually grant users 5–20 GB of storage space for their data, and sometimes include content creation and simultaneous editing capabilities to make collaboration a breeze. Luckily, if you need more storage space than what a free product might offer, most paid options are available for a low monthly fee per user.
For each qualifying product, we created a profile to give a snapshot of what it is and what it does, and to offer some insight into the product features. To help you narrow down file storage and sharing offerings, we have covered a variety of solutions ranked by user satisfaction score as of July 19, 2019.
| TIP: Still think of the cloud as a confusing, unapproachable sci-fi concept? Check out our recently published article, 11 Myths About Cloud Storage, to better familiarize yourself with the idea.. |
What are the top 10 best free cloud storage products in 2019?
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Box
- WeTransfer
- Koofr
- pCloud
- Zoho Docs
- Apple iCloud
- Axway Syncplicity
- Tresorit
For each product we provide:
- An overview
- Free and paid options details
- Highlighted features
- What users like and dislike*
The best free cloud storage products in 2019
Product reviews and G2 Crowd star ratings were updated as of August 22, 2019
1. Google Drive
Product Name: Google Drive
Overview
Google Drive is an all-inclusive cloud storage and collaboration tool from a small up-and-coming company you probably haven’t heard of. Beyond offering file storage and easy sharing functionality, Google Drive also grants users access to its suite of file creation tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Featuring device syncing, a plethora of supported file types, and simultaneous editing capabilities, Google’s comprehensive file storage and sharing software has made itself a necessity for individual users and businesses alike.
Free option
- Individual users can take advantage of up to 15 GB of cloud storage space for free.
Paid option
- Basic, $6/month per user: 30 GB of Drive storage and Google’s professional office suite
- Business, $12/month per user: Unlimited cloud storage (or 1 TB per user if fewer than 5 users) plus Google’s enhanced office suite
- Enterprise, $25/month per user: Everything offered in the Business package plus advanced controls and capabilities
Features
- Content creation
- Cloud data backup
- Simultaneous editing
- Multi-format support
Image courtesy of Google
What users like
“Google Drive is fast in both uploading and downloading, in some cases even faster than Apple's AirDrop and Skype's file sharing. Also, its office suite is fantastic when it comes to collaborative projects. Google Office Suite has the best real-time collaboration tools in Google Docs, Google Slides and Google Sheets. These are amazing tools that allowed me to get the job done as a group unlike Dropbox where two people cannot work on the same document.”
— Google Drive review by Cho Yin Y.
What users dislike
“The formatting options are not as robust as some standard office suites like MS Office or LibreOffice. For most documents all of the needed formatting options are available, but when writing more technical documents there are some limitations. There is no easy method for changing the font size of inserted math equations. Including images is straightforward, but there are not direct ways to anchor them to different sides or parts of the page.”
— Google Drive review by Paul H.
2. Dropbox
Product Name: Dropbox
Overview
Dropbox provides a workplace-oriented collaboration platform with robust file sharing and storage capabilities. Users can easily share work with each other and clients thanks to Dropbox’s cloud storage and syncing functionalities. However, unlike Google Docs, Dropbox does not offer any content creation tools. It’s simply a place to drop and share files.
Free option
- The Basic package with 2 GB of storage is free.
Paid option
- Plus, $9.99/month (billed annually): 1 TB of storage
- Professional, $19.99/month (billed annually): 2 TB of storage
Features
- Intuitive user interface
- Simultaneous editing
- File syncing
- Multi-format support
Image courtesy of Dropbox
What users like
“It has a large amount of space in its free version and I can share my work files with my team in real time. In my daily tasks it helps me to keep the team up to date on the projects because the documents can be edited very quickly and easily. It allows me to have different types of files on a single platform in order to have them at hand when I need the information.”
— Dropbox review from Alexander H.
What users dislike
“Syncing can sometimes throttle network bandwidth. Have to mirror the entire folder on your hard drive. Would be better if you could selectively sync files.”
— Dropbox review from Neil J.
| Related: Learn more about cloud security and how to step up your cybersecurity efforts. |
3. Box
Product Name: Box
Overview
Box brings cloud storage and sharing capabilities to every aspect of a business. Its deep, native integration with a variety of useful products and apps—including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Adobe—helps content flow seamlessly across an organization. Box is useful for companies looking to operate within a cloud-based ecosystem.
Free option
- The free Personal Starter pack grants 1 user 10 GB of storage.
Paid option
- Business Starter, $5/month per user (billed monthly): Up to 10 users with 100 GB of storage per user
- Business, $15/month per user (billed monthly): Unlimited storage and unlimited users
- Enterprise, custom pricing: Includes advanced features such as premier content security and management
Features
- Multi-format support
- Integration with hundreds of applications
- Security controls
Image courtesy of Box
What users like
“I find this software to be extremely user-friendly which is very important in my business. I am a professional photographer and work with a number of clients that are not computer-savvy. To have a place where I can easily send them to download their high-resolution image files is key. I have been trying to find a solution for some time that was affordable and simple to use. Box fits both of these criteria.”
— Box review from Nicole H.
What users dislike
“Users have a great ability to share data and documents between them, but in an eventuality where they are doing a project that has a considerable size, it is necessary to pay special attention when it is synchronizing, since the file can interrupt the process in the middle of the action and have upload failures, compromising other users who need to use the document elsewhere.”
— Box review from Felipe A.
4. WeTransfer
Product Name: WeTransfer
Overview
WeTransfer is a web-based file sharing platform. It’s instantly ready to use as soon as you navigate to WeTransfer’s site. While the free option doesn’t offer cloud storage, it does offer the quick and easy basics on an accessible platform: Simply navigate to WeTransfer's site and share a file with any of your collaborators.
Free option
- WeTransfer’s free application doesn’t feature cloud storage, but it does grant unlimited file transfers of up to 2 GB at a time.
Paid option
- WeTransfer Plus, $12/month or $120/year per user: 100 GB of storage and transfers of up to 20 GB at a time
Features
- Simple file sharing
- Accessible web-based UI
- No account necessary
Image courtesy of WeTransfer
What users like
“I like how simple and easy it is to both upload and download the files. I can upload and send multiple files at once, including very large ones, and it is just dummy-proof. Also, I find that their feature of letting you know when the person downloads your file is super useful, especially for business purposes.”
— WeTransfer review from Ligia D.
What users dislike
“I wish there were an app that could be downloaded onto the desktop that is browser independent that will work with WeTransfer.”
— WeTransfer review from Paul L.
5. Koofr
Product Name: Koofr
Overview
Koofr is a file storage and sharing tool that brings all of your files together under one umbrella. Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud-based storage accounts can all be linked to Koofr to make everything accessible in one place. All files stored and shared are secured on Koofr’s EU-based servers.
Free option
- The free basic account grants users 2 GB of storage, with the option to invite friends to earn up to 10 GB of storage total.
Paid option
- Upgraded accounts start at €0.50 and offer 10 GB–1 TB of storage, plus added features.
Features
- No individual file size limits
- No file type limits
- Two-step verification
- Simultaneous editing
- Integration with other cloud services
Image courtesy of Koofr
What users like
“Koofr as a service is great! Fast download and upload speeds! Your website is well designed and allows you to perform all actions easily. What I like most about the service is that they offer a two-step verification to improve security.”
— Koofr review from Juan Pablo A.
What users dislike
“We do not like the integration between the platform of Koofr and Google Drive (in general, we do not like any of its integrations with the G Suite) because it does not show adequate performance with analytics. We do not like the slowness with which we work when using Opera and Safari, and its performance in Android phones (regardless of the range).”
— Koofr review from Henry A.
6. pCloud
Product Name: pCloud
Overview
pCloud is a multiplatform file storage and sharing tool that gives its users full control over secure day-to-day collaboration. It doesn’t offer its own content creation tools like Google Drive, but it does allow collaborators to edit uploaded files.
Free option
- The Free option grants 20 GB of storage per user.
Paid option
- Premium, $3.99/month per user: 500 GB of storage per user
- Best Seller, $7.99/month per user: 2 TB of storage per user
- Business, $9.99/month per user (or $49.95/month for 5 users): 1 TB of storage per user, plus shared folder collaboration, client-side encryption, and unlimited file sizes
Features
- File versioning
- Device syncing
- Web interface
Image courtesy of pCloud
What users like
“pCloud is an excellent cloud storage service. It has compatibility with several image and video file extensions. It has an easy-to-use interface and a lightweight Windows installer. It is also very easy to drag the files to the program window. In addition, it offers a trial version to determine if you should implement it in your organization or not.”
— pCloud review from Danilo A.
What users dislike
“I'm not a huge fan of pCloud's customer support thus far. The first time I reached out to them I received a canned response that did not address my question, and I had to escalate the ticket to a supervisor who solved my issue quickly. But unlike Dropbox, at least ALL customers have access to prompt support.”
— pCloud review from Stephen S.
7. Zoho Docs
Product Name: Zoho Docs
Overview
Zoho Docs allows users to create, store, share, and collaborate on documents of almost any format. This product sticks to two main functions: document storage and management and document editing and collaborating.
Free option
- The free option grants 25 GB of storage per user for up to 25 users.
Paid option
- Standard, $5/month per user: 50 GB of storage per user
- Premium, $8/month per user: 100 GB of storage per user
Features
- No software installation
- File preview
- Simultaneous editing
- Varied template options
Image courtesy of Zoho
What users like
“I do not have to download it and use space on my computer. It is easy to use and can be used in all areas of work. Besides, I do not need to save anything of what I do because everything is automatically saved in the cloud. In my work I frequently use this software to create countless documents such as reports, letters and minutes about the performance of my students.”
— Zoho Docs review from Keilys R.
What users dislike
“I'm a big fan of ease-of-use features. I was hoping that Zoho Docs would have a feature similar to Dropbox for Mac, where you can copy shareable links right from the context menu in the Finder App. In order to share a file using Zoho Docs on a Mac, you have to place the document in the folder and then navigate to the web app to find the file and share it—all this despite having downloaded and installed a desktop app on my computer. This should be a no-brainer feature implementation.”
— Zoho Docs review from Chris H.
8. Apple iCloud
Product Name: Apple iCloud
Overview
Apple iCloud touts itself as a product that goes beyond file sharing and storage. The product is built into every new iOS and Mac device and allows users to seamlessly access their calendar, contacts, and files from whatever device they’re on. File sharing works similarly to Google Drive’s shareable links, and iCloud enables users to create and edit content together on Apple’s Pages, Numbers, Keynotes, and Notes software.
Free option
- The free option grants 5 GB of storage per user.
Paid option
- 50 GB of storage per user for $0.99/month per user
- 200 GB of storage per user for $2.99/month per user
- 1 TB of storage per user for $9.99/month per user
Features
- Content creation
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Two-factor authentication
- Device locator capability
Image courtesy of Apple
What users like
“With iCloud I am able to sync all my devices in one place. Files I start on my computer are also accessible on my iPad, iPhone, laptop, and work desktop. I also have access to text messages, pictures, videos, and apps. No matter where I start to work on something it will always be accessible no matter what device I’m using.”
— Apple iCloud review from Brian J.
What users dislike
“I think something that they should improve for their users is to increase free storage that is only 5 GB—the competition offers more. Another thing that I do not like is that it is not so easy to move the files to other platforms that are not from Apple.”
— Apple iCloud review from Aleni G.
9. Axway Syncplicity
Product Name: Axway Syncplicity
Overview
Syncplicity is a content collaboration platform for cultivating a seamless digital workplace. Like Koofr, it serves as a cloud-based ecosystem for a business’ workflow and files. It handles all unstructured data across the enterprise through a choice of public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid infrastructure.
Free option
- The Free Personal Edition gives users 10 GB of storage space.
Paid option
- Paid Personal Edition, $5/month per user: 100 GB of storage space
- Business Edition, $5/month per user: 300 GB total to 3 users, plus 5 GB per additional user
- Enterprise Edition, contact vendor for pricing: 10 TB total to 25 users with the option to purchase additional storage
Features
- Unlimited file size
- Simultaneous editing
- Unlimited external collaborators
Image courtesy of Axway
What users like
“Syncplicity makes working on multiple computers flawless. I am able to start work on one computer and if needed I can go to another that is registered with the Syncplicity app and complete the task. Syncplicity minimized the storage devices I now need to carry.”
— Syncplicity review from a user in Airlines/Aviation.
10. Tresorit
Product Name: Tresorit
Overview
Tresorit is another cloud content and collaboration tool that offers end-to-end encrypted file sync and sharing with a flexible permission system to make cloud collaboration secure. The software allows users to manage who can add, edit, and view shared data. Like Koofr, its EU-based infrastructure makes it an attractive pick for those wanting to follow local European data security laws.
Free option
- The web-based application grants 5 GB of storage for personal use.
Paid option
- Small Business, $20/month per user (billed annually): 1 TB total of encrypted storage for 2–10 users
- Business, $24/month per user (billed annually): 1 TB total of encrypted storage for for 10–100 users, plus added features
- Enterprise, $24/month per user (billed annually): Custom encrypted storage for 100-plus users, plus a full feature set
Features
- Secure access on up to 10 devices per user
- Deleted file restore
- Password-protected file sharing links
- Flexible permissions
Image courtesy of Tresorit
What users like
“It’s simple, it just works, it is hosted in Europe and follows local European data security laws. We use it across our company and are very happy with the performance. Also the sync does not use computer power unlike some American services…”
— Tresorit review from Claus K.
What users dislike
“Enabling verification in two steps in case of loss of my devices has been somewhat difficult to use since it was not entirely clear how to proceed in case of loss or theft.”
— Tresorit review from a user.
Next steps
When searching for a cloud-based file storage and sharing tool that’s right for you, it’s important to keep key features in mind. Do you need software that allows for content creation and simultaneous editing to make real-time collaboration snappy and intuitive? Or do you simply need a place to store your files and enable other users to access them? Do you need the storage space, or are you just looking for a way to securely transfer files between collaborators? All of these considerations make some software a better fit than others. Be sure to read through verified user reviews to make the best choice for your needs.
If you’re concerned about keeping your company’s cloud content secure, you can learn more about cloud security to put your mind at ease.
Want to learn more? Discover what cached data is or check out the women in cloud computing that are making waves.
*Reviews edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity.
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Adam Crivello
Adam is a research analyst focused on dev software. He started at G2 in July 2019 and leverages his background in comedy writing and coding to provide engaging, informative research content while building his software expertise. In his free time he enjoys cooking, playing video games, writing and performing comedy, and avoiding sports talk.
