Cloud storage and different backup services offer a broad range of features which can be really helpful for you in long term usage. They do not only offer plans for personal storage but also for businesses.
You must keep in mind your requirements before selecting a cloud storage service. Different factors that must be considered for this purpose include the versatility of the service, the storage size they are providing, their costs and the security they provide for your data. Other things that should be kept in mind include the usage ease, any additional features as well as the customer support facilities. This article will provide you detailed information about the best cloud storage services available in the market and what you should avail.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is a facility that helps to store data in a physical drive. This data can be accessible to users online by means of software through any device with an internet connection. The users can access the data at any time and place thus the term ‘Cloud’ is used for this storage service. A multi-cloud service is used for the people who utilize multiple cloud services at the same time.
There are also some self hosted cloud services which provides storage by an on the premises infrastructure. Unlike other cloud storage services the self hosted one is not managed by servers rather you have to manage these by yourself.
Another service StaaS a third party based infrastructure managed by an external source and data center. It provides the facility of storing large amount of data online. They are also sometimes referred to as storage and syncing platforms as they provide the collaboration facility as well.
Hybrid cloud storage is a combination of both cloud and local private or public storage. This is the best service for people who want the benefits of both storage types. The aim of this hybrid storage is to facilitate businesses rather than individuals.
Cloud sync technology not only provides link sharing, file versioning offered by StaaS service providers but also allow the larger businesses to make inter-colleague collaborations and much more.
The top 3 highly rated cloud storage services include:
IDrive – provides one of the best cloud storage services with top notch security and numerous features. Apart from that it is affordable and available for various operating systems including Windows, Linux, Android and iOS.
Google Drive – best known for its high performance and seamless integration. It has various easy to use tools that make workflow easier and swift.
Dropbox – a more affordable means to file sharing and storage that is not only easy to use but also provide freedom to use third party applications for integrating. [i]
Best Cloud Storage Services
- IDrive
iDrive has been selected as the overall best option for most users. It has a storage capacity of 5TB and you can use it on unlimited number of devices, it provides end-to-end encryption. It is available in the cost of $3.98 per year. For a storage capacity of 5TB and unlimited devices the cost is about $59.62 per year and for a storage capacity of 10TB and unlimited devices the cost is about $74.62 annually.
Some of the reasons for buying this cloud storage is it’s compatibility with most of the devices as well as most operating systems and the availability of unlimited user plans. Another benefit of this cloud storage is that it is very easy to use and also affordable for most users.
However some of the downsides of this service include lack of unlimited storage, slow downloading speed and lack of two-factor authentication which may interfere with the security.
It is a great option for people looking for a service that provides value for money and compatibility with a number of operating systems and devices.
- Google Drive
Google Drive has been selected as the all in one option operated by Google Workspace. It has a storage capacity of 2TB and you can use it on unlimited number of devices, it provides encrypted transfer. On opening a new account on Google Drive you get a free storage of about 15 GB. It is available in the cost of $1.99 per month for 100GB by Google One. For a maximum storage capacity of 30TB the cost is about $299.99 per month.
Some of the reasons for buying this cloud storage is it’s provision of Workspace, Android and Chromebook integration and cloud sync with a number of easy to use features. Another benefit of this cloud storage is that it is every easy to use.
However some of the limitations of this service include lack of end-to-end encryption, somewhat low security and complex web interface.
- Dropbox
Dropbox has been selected as the best file sharing option over the Cloud. You can easily share large sized files through its file sharing features. It has a storage capacity of 3TB, you can use it on unlimited number of devices, and it provides at rest and in transit encryption options. It is available for free with the storage of 2GB mostly suitable for personal usage. The plus plan is available in the cost of $9.99 per month for 2GB storage and 2GB per file transfer. For a family plan with storage and transferring facilities for about 6 users the cost is about $16.99 per month.
Some of the reasons for buying this storage service is it’s easy to use features, provision of services on unlimited devices, free plan that is appealing for most personal users and a freedom to integrate with third party applications. It provides an impressive security service for your files with an option of two-factor authentication.
However some of the limitations of this service include it being more expensive, only file storing option allowing the application integration as compared to the competitive storage service providers. Another downside is the lack of backup features.
- Zoolz Cloud Backup
Another popular and well reputed storage platform is the Zoolz backup. It comes with a storage capacity of 1TB and capability of using with unlimited devices. It provides end-to-end encryption with a cost of $49.95 for one year.
It offers the advantages of being streamlined with minimal system effect, attractive user interface and hybrid storage. Some limitations of this cloud storage are that it lacks live backup features, its high price and fuzzy mobile applications.[ii]
[i] https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/cloud-storage-providers/
[ii] https://www.tomsguide.com/buying-guide/best-cloud-storage
