As our digital lives become increasingly complex, finding enough space to adequately store our photos, videos, documents, and other important files can be a real challenge. Cloud storage has emerged as a convenient solution to this problem by allowing you to store your files remotely on servers that you access over the internet. However, with so many cloud storage providers available today, it can get confusing when trying to figure out the best place to buy cloud storage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the main options to consider when purchasing cloud storage.
Major Providers to Buy Cloud Storage
Many of the biggest and most well-known names in technology now offer popular cloud storage services:
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is fully integrated with Google’s suite of Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This makes it a great choice if you already use these other Google services. Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage space just for signing up for a Google account. Paid plans start at 100GB of storage for $1.99 per month. An advantage of Google Drive is that it works seamlessly across all devices – Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox pioneered the simple folder syncing and seamless file-sharing model that many cloud storage services now use. With Dropbox, you simply drag and drop files into your designated Dropbox folder, and they automatically sync to the cloud and across all your devices. Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage, with paid plans providing up to 2TB of space for $9.99 per month. Business plans are also available, making Dropbox popular among teams and workgroups.
3. Microsoft OneDrive
For Windows users, Microsoft OneDrive offers the tightest integration with Windows 10 and Office 365. OneDrive storage comes included for free with Office 365 subscriptions. Even without Office, you still get 5GB of free OneDrive space just for having a Microsoft account. Paid OneDrive plans provide up to 6TB of storage, starting at 100GB for just $1.99 per month. OneDrive makes an excellent cloud storage solution for accessing your files anytime on Windows PCs, tablets, and phones.
4. Apple iCloud
Apple iCloud is a cloud storage service designed specifically for Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. iCloud offers 5GB of free storage space, with paid plans providing up to 2TB for $9.99 monthly. A key benefit of iCloud is that it works seamlessly across Apple devices for things like automatically backing up photos and syncing documents. If you live in the Apple ecosystem, iCloud makes accessing your files on any Apple gadget a breeze.
5. Megadisk
Megadisk is a cloud storage provider that emphasizes security, affordable pricing, and useful productivity features. All files are encrypted locally before transfer and storage. Megadisk offers 10GB of free storage, with paid plans starting at 50GB for €0.49 per month. It also provides integrated online document editors and an image gallery. For those looking to buy cloud storage with more space but want to stay on a budget, Megadisk is worth considering.
6. Amazon Drive
For Amazon Prime members, Amazon Drive provides free unlimited full-resolution photo storage as well as 5GB of space for videos and files. For non-Prime users, paid plans start at 100GB for $1.99 per month. Amazon Drive provides reliable storage that works great for backing up and accessing files on Amazon devices like Fire tablets and Kindles. The service does lack some of the collaboration features of other providers.
These major brand name services provide convenient cloud storage options and are trusted names in tech. However, third-party storage providers often offer better pricing, more features, and greater storage capacity.
Key Third-Party Cloud Storage Providers
In addition to the major brand name companies above, there are a number of excellent independent cloud storage platforms to consider:
7. pCloud
pCloud is well-known for offering lifetime cloud storage plans. This means you pay once and get to keep the storage forever. For example, you can get 500GB of lifetime storage for a one-time payment of $175. pCloud also provides beneficial features like file sharing and video streaming right from the service.
8. Sync.com
For those whose top priority is privacy, Sync.com is a great option focused on security. It provides 5GB of free storage, with paid plans offering up to 6TB for $20 per month when billed annually. All files are protected with zero-knowledge encryption, meaning only you can access them. Sync.com also allows you to recover previous versions of files.
9. IDrive
IDrive offers a seamless blend of both cloud backup and storage functionality. It stands out for providing extremely affordable pricing, with plans starting at just $3.48 per month for 1TB. IDrive can back up your entire computer and operating system or just some selected files and folders, giving you versatility.
10. MEGA
MEGA stands out for offering a very generous free tier with 50GB of storage space. Paid plans allow you to expand up to 16TB of storage. MEGA utilizes end-to-end encryption and has a strong focus on privacy and security. However, it does have some controversies in its past regarding ownership.
The major advantage of these third-party cloud storage services is that storage is their primary focus, rather than just being an additional service they offer. This gives them more incentive to compete aggressively on pricing, storage capacity, and useful features for consumers.
What to Look For When Buying Cloud Storage
When trying to decide where to buy cloud storage, there are several key factors you should consider:
I. Storage Amount Needed
Consider how much storage space you realistically need. Many providers offer free tiers from 5GB up to 50 GB. For additional capacity, look for a paid plan that fits your needs and budget. You can always expand and upgrade your plan later if needed.
II. Security Features
Pay attention to what security features are offered, like zero-knowledge encryption and two-factor authentication. End-to-end encryption where only you hold the keys is ideal for privacy.
III. Ease of Use
Look for simple, user-friendly interfaces, especially if you aren’t very tech-savvy. Many providers offer desktop and mobile apps to complement web access. This makes accessing your files from any device a breeze.
IV. File Sharing Options
If you need to collaborate with others or access files across multiple devices, pay attention to the file sharing options provided. Link sharing, user management permissions, and document co-editing are useful features.
V. Price
Compare the pricing across different providers’s plans. Watch for promotional deals and discounts when available too. Buying annually instead of monthly can offer big savings with some services.
VII. Brand Reputation
While tempted by a cheap unknown provider, it’s usually smart to stick with established brands that others trust and recommend. This helps avoid risks and pitfalls when storing your precious data.
VIII. Backup vs. Sync
Some services are geared more towards continuous backup and data protection, while others focus on syncing for real-time file access and collaboration. Choose the approach that best matches your needs.
By carefully weighing factors such as these when researching providers, you’ll be able to select the ideal cloud storage service to purchase based on your specific needs and priorities.
Where to Buy Cloud Storage: Direct or Third-Party Sites?
When ready to finally purchase cloud storage, you have two main options:
- Sign up directly through the storage provider’s website
- Buy a discounted gift card from a third-party deal site
Signing up directly through the cloud storage company’s website is the most straightforward option. You can easily compare plans, sign up for an account, and immediately start using the service. Most providers offer free trials and money-back guarantees for their paid plans.
However, signing up directly does mean paying the normal retail cost for the cloud storage plans. This is where third-party discount deal sites. These sites frequently sell discounted gift cards for top cloud storage brands. Therefore, you can check these out as well before you buy cloud storage.
Summing Up
The world of cloud storage continues rapidly expanding. By carefully researching providers, understanding your needs, and watching for promotional deals, you can find the ideal service for affordably expanding your digital storage capacity in the cloud. The right cloud storage solution will provide you with a handy place to securely access your files from anywhere, across all your devices.
