Dropbox provides a secure cloud-based storage service to a global audience. It enables you to safely store and access files and documents in the cloud from any device.
However, if you place a priority on data privacy and aspects like performance, usability, and remote syncing, choosing the best service becomes more difficult. No doubt, Dropbox excels in this regard, but it's not the best.
While it's a well-known name in the industry, there are plenty of excellent alternatives. So, which Dropbox alternatives are the best? And how do they stack up against the competition?
1. Google Drive
We're sure you've already experienced the wonders of Google Drive if you have a Gmail account. Google Drive is a full-featured solution that combines cloud storage, email, and office productivity.
You should take note, however, that this storage is shared throughout your Google accounts. So, if you use Google Photos heavily, you will notice that your storage space goes down more quickly.
Besides that, the productivity features of Google Drive include Google's office suite, Calendar, and Keep. In addition to proprietary services, it integrates with many third-party applications—which is a huge plus.
In comparison to Dropbox, Google Drive offers 15GB of storage. That's quite a bit more if you're only interested in storing small-sized photographs and documents in a remote cloud. So, overall, the feature set is more comprehensive than Dropbox's.
2. Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a fairly popular Dropbox alternative. There is a good chance that if you have been using the company's operating system—you already know how to use it.
If you are not a Google user, the availability of online versions of Office applications sweetens the deal in favor of Microsoft OneDrive. A good thing is that it's very well integrated with Windows—which makes it easy for most people to use.
Besides that, it's great for storing sensitive documents and photographs. OneDrive offers a 5GB storage capacity to every new user. For an extra $69.99 per year, you can enjoy 1TB of space. That's significantly more capacity than Dropbox's default paid storage space.
This is why Microsoft OneDrive retains a good lead in the cloud storage industry and is currently one of the best Dropbox alternatives.
3. iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is another cloud-based storage service that allows Apple ID holders to securely store images, files, notes, passwords, and other data. You can utilize this Dropbox alternative to sync your data across all of your Apple devices.
Additionally, it enables you to easily share data and backup your iPhone and iPad. You can save whatever file you choose. Moreover, Apple users receive 5GB of free storage, after which they must subscribe to a plan.
Thankfully, you can choose which apps to use with the service and which features to turn on or off. You can also organize your files using folders, rename them, and color-code them.
The good thing is that it is capable of mapping folders on the Mac Desktop and Documents. While reliable device syncing is a plus, a downside is its limited integration options.
4. MEGA
Mega is another well-known cloud storage service. If you're not interested in the cloud services offered by Google and Microsoft, you should get this one. It offers 20GB of free storage, which is more than sufficient for many users.
Mega's objective is to provide the best security in an easy-to-use manner. The best thing we liked is that uploading files to its secure server is quick, as is synchronizing. This is due to the user-friendly interface, which simplifies sharing files with a single click.
Mega's privacy, speed, ease of use, and sharing features are slightly better than Dropbox's. In terms of raw speed, it is way faster than Dropbox, which is quite impressive.
Additionally, it also includes features such as easy previewing of files prior to downloading. So, if you want to download a large-sized ZIP file, you can easily preview its contents before downloading it.
5. Box
Box is designed for businesses and is one of the most affordable cloud storage providers. It's a collaborative service that allows people to work together online and share data, as well as upload and download data that other people have shared.
It offers lump-sum storage of 100GB for $10 per month per user. In comparison to Dropbox, Box offers significantly greater security and data privacy. While it's primarily targeted at businesses and enterprise users, you can use the free plan too.
With the integration of Microsoft 365 and even Google Workplace, you can create your office documents easily directly from its dashboard. Moreover, if you spend most of your time on your smartphone, you can quickly store and manage cloud files using Box app.
However, Box has another ace up its hand that no other provider has. In addition to Microsoft 365 and Google Workplace, you can also create and edit Apple iWork documents.
6. pCloud
pCloud is another inexpensive Dropbox alternative. You can keep your data in the pCloud for future access by simply uploading files via your smartphone's share button. In comparison to Dropbox, pCloud's free plan includes 10GB of storage space.
As a bonus, it gives new customers 5GB of extra storage space when they refer a friend. The premium plans begin at $4.99 per user per month. Unlike other providers, where you've to opt for a monthly or yearly subscription, you can pay $175 for lifetime access.
In exchange, your pCloud account will receive a 500GB upgrade in online storage space. It also includes automated camera upload and selectable offline access, as well as device-to-device sync.
Thankfully, just like other alternatives, it makes no compromises in terms of security. During and after the transfer, files stored in pCloud are protected with 256-bit AES encryption.
7. Sync.com
Sync.com is a cloud-based storage service for users from a variety of different enterprises. However, you can also use it as a private or individual user. It can store important data, files, movies, and images, and make these files available offline too.
Sync.com offers you 5GB of free storage for storing your files and documents. Additionally, it gives remote lockout device services for better security. This is the best way to keep your cloud storage data safe on a single device.
In addition, you can manage password access, email notifications, expiration dates, and upload capacities too. A plus is that you can share access to any file via a link—so, users do not need to have a Sync account to view the file.
Seeking the Best Dropbox Alternative
Without a doubt, Dropbox is one of the best cloud-based storage solutions available. You can easily access your files and folders from any remote location or device.
However, because the free plan doesn't have much space for backups, subscription plans are the only option for the majority of users. Thankfully, you shouldn't need to be concerned.
If you're simply holding back owing to the limited features of the free plan, feel free to try one of the suggested alternatives.