File syncing and storage services, also known as cloud storage services, offer major convenience. They let you back up and access your data—documents, photos, video, and other file types—on any compatible device with an internet connection. Some even allow multiple people to edit files simultaneously, which is a huge plus when working with several collaborators. PCMag has been testing and reviewing cloud storage services for more than 15 years. We rate them based on ease of use, reliability, platforms, extra features, and price. Microsoft OneDrive is our top pick overall, earning our Editors’ Choice award and a rare five-star rating. However, many other compelling choices are available depending on your needs and budget, so read on for the best cloud storage services we’ve tested.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 17, 2025: With this update, our lineup of recommended cloud backup services remains unchanged. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
(Credit: Microsoft)
(Credit: Microsoft)
Pros & Cons
Excellent interface
Clients for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows
Seamless Microsoft 365 and Windows integration
Strong online photo presentation and management
Powerful file sharing and collaborative editing
Many new features are available only for organizations
Why We Picked It
OneDrive is a terrific storage and syncing option for nearly anyone who wants to backup files to the cloud, and its functionality and design have achieved a level of top-tier usability and reliability. The cost is more than reasonable, considering you get 5GB of storage for free and much more by paying for Microsoft 365 (starting at $9.95 per month), which includes Office apps.
Who It’s For
Businesses that use Microsoft 365: Businesses using Microsoft 365 apps, including the online versions, can leverage the integrated OneDrive for storage and syncing. Windows users in particular will be delighted that their Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are safely backed up to the cloud and automatically restored when they set up a new Windows PC.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Office Apps
File Size Limit
15GB
Free Storage
5GB
Learn More
Microsoft OneDrive Review
(Credit: Proton)
(Credit: Proton)
Pros & Cons
All files fully encrypted
Flexible sharing options
Protected by Swiss privacy laws
Free tier available
Somewhat slow upload speeds
No Linux app
Why We Picked It
Proton Drive offers the best security of the cloud storage and file-sharing services we’ve tested, as it adheres to strict Swiss privacy laws. Your data is fully encrypted at rest and in transit, and only you have the security key to unlock it. Even Proton employees are unable to access your files. You can even pay the company by sending cash through the mail, rather than using a credit card online, to protect your identity.
Who’s It For?
People who value privacy and security: Proton Drive is ideal if you don’t want snooping eyes looking at your data. You won’t get many extras (like spreadsheet or presentation editing) or speedy uploads (all that encryption comes with a performance hit), but that sacrifice comes with peace of mind.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Privacy
File Size Limit
Unlimited
Free Storage
5GB
Learn More
Proton Drive Review
(Credit: Google)
(Credit: Google)
Pros & Cons
Generous free storage space
Excellent productivity suite collaboration
Includes desktop-to-desktop file syncing
Many third-party integrations
Cross-platform apps
No password protection for shared files
Anyone with your email can place items in your account
Multiple apps required for all related functions
Some privacy concerns
Why We Picked It
Google Drive offers robust file-sharing capabilities, and you receive more free storage space than many competitors—15GB, although this space is shared with Gmail. If you opt for Google Drive, consider investing in a Google One account. It’s a subscription plan that includes many extras, such as additional cloud storage (starting at $1.99 per month for 100GB), phone and chat support, and a VPN service. It’s rare and convenient to get that package bundled all together at a low price.
Who It’s For
Google Docs users: It’s the no-brainer choice if you regularly work in Google’s many online office apps. After all, a created Google document or spreadsheet automatically saves to Google Drive, so you don’t need to look for another service.
Businesses requiring app integrations: Google Drive integrates well with numerous third-party online apps, including Slack and Zoom, allowing you to create and share documents directly from within those tools.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Full service file storage, sharing, syncing, and collaboration
File Size Limit
5TB
Free Storage
15GB
Learn More
Google Drive Review
(Credit: IDrive)
(Credit: IDrive)
Pros & Cons
Free local backup
Unlimited devices per account
Fully encrypted
Fast upload speeds
Excellent value
Inexpensive add-on for backups of Microsoft and Google accounts
Storage isn’t unlimited
Limited Linux support
Complete disk image backup only for Windows
Why We Picked It
IDrive is a cloud storage and file-syncing service with a bevy of features. For example, you can set IDrive to back up files to an external hard drive or a network drive, or create a complete disk image (although the latter option is limited to the Windows version).
Who It’s For
Budget-minded businesses: Cloud storage doesn’t get much cheaper than this. The IDrive Mini plan offers 200GB of storage for an incredibly low annual price of $2.99.
Companies needing data recovery: IDrive’s archiving and continuous backup features are crucial when disaster strikes, ensuring you can always find your files, even if you’ve deleted them.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Backup
File Size Limit
2GB
Free Storage
10GB
(Credit: Sync)
(Credit: Sync)
Best for Simple, Straightforward Syncing
Sync
Pros & Cons
Extremely easy to use
Client-side encryption means Sync can’t access your files
Multiple sync and download options
No file size limits
Lacks local area network syncing
Only offers annual plans
Why We Picked It
Sync is a reliable tool for storing your files online and syncing them across multiple devices. Not only is it easy to use (and includes 5GB of storage with free accounts), but it also has apps on nearly every major platform: Sync works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and the web. It’s not available on Linux, but workarounds are available.
Who It’s For
People who want simple cloud storage: Sync is basic; it won’t dazzle you with a deep feature set. Instead, it’s the service to turn to if you prefer simplicity over a features glut—or you’d rather not store your files with one of the big tech giants.
Businesses: Despite its relatively no-frills nature, Sync offers welcome business-friendly features, including client-side encryption for enhanced security and no file size limitations for large uploads.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Simplicity, Ease of Use
File Size Limit
Unlimited
Free Storage
5GB
(Credit: Apple)
(Credit: Apple)
Pros & Cons
Tightly integrated with Apple products
5GB of free storage
Low cost
Capable Windows client and web access
Only lets you share files with people who have an Apple ID
Lacks Android and Linux apps
Why We Picked It
Unsurprisingly, iCloud Drive is a must-have for Apple users, as it backs up photos, documents, and settings across your devices with ease. If the free 5GB storage capacity isn’t enough, you can upgrade to iCloud+ (starting at $0.99 per month for 50GB of storage).
Who It’s For
Apple fans: On Apple hardware, iCloud Drive is seamlessly integrated into the operating system. As a result, it’s ideal for iPad, iPhone, and Mac users who prefer not to worry about manually backing up and syncing their files. Just set and forget.
People with multiple online accounts: iCloud Drive features a password manager called Keychain. Enable it, and you can sync passwords across devices—even to Windows computers, courtesy of a browser extension.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Apple Device Users
File Size Limit
15GB
Free Storage
5GB
Learn More
Apple iCloud Drive Review
(Credit: Box)
(Credit: Box)
Pros & Cons
Flexible web app that can open files using desktop software
Integrations with more than 1,500 applications
Offline file access
Free version
Pricey for the amount of storage offered
Low file-size limit
Can’t configure location of desktop syncing app
Why We Picked It
Although Box isn’t highly competitive in terms of price, it offers more than 1,500 integrations with other services, including Microsoft Teams and Slack. In a nice touch, Box opens Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, and other files using the Box Tools desktop app.
Who It’s For
Free users: Box’s free version includes a generous 10GB of storage and a 5GB individual file limit. That’s enough space for people who frequently work with documents and spreadsheets, not large multimedia files.
Businesses: Need more features? You should check out Box for Business, which includes a whiteboarding tool, enhanced security, and unlimited storage with most plans.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Business Use, Compatibility
File Size Limit
5GB
Free Storage
10GB
Learn More
Box (Personal) Review
Best for Useful Extra Tools
Dropbox
Pros & Cons
Plenty of additional features
Integrations with thousands of applications
Fast upload speeds
Why We Picked It
Dropbox is a well-established player in the online storage and syncing space, offering both free and paid plans. With the free tier, you get 2GB of storage and the ability to install the Dropbox app on three devices. With the paid tiers (starting at $11.99 per month or $119.88 per year for Plus), you get terabytes of storage and no device limitations.
Who It’s For
People who need a large toolset: Dropbox offers more than just cloud storage and file-syncing features. You can use it to edit documents online, take screenshots, record your screen, manage passwords, and apply e-signatures.
Businesses: Dropbox App Center lets you install integrations that enhance the app’s functionality. For example, you can share Dropbox files in Gmail conversations or automatically send files to folders using IFTTT or Zapier.
Specs & Configurations
Emphasis
Simplicity, Ease of Use
File Size Limit
Unlimited
Free Storage
2GB
Learn More
Dropbox Review
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The Best Cloud Storage and File-Sharing Services for 2025
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Cloud Storage and File-Sharing Services for 2025
What Can Cloud Storage Do for You?
The best cloud storage services integrate nicely with other apps and online tools, making the experience of viewing and editing files stored online feel natural. You want the other software you use to be able to retrieve or access your content, so it’s important that you select a service that easily integrates with your existing tools.
(Credit: Google/PCMag)
The various cloud storage services specialize in different areas. For example, Dropbox focuses on keeping a synced folder on all your compatible devices and sharing folders with colleagues outside your company. Proton Drive emphasizes highly secure cloud storage. If you primarily store images, you may want a storage service that specializes in hosting photos (the two top options are Adobe Lightroom and Google Photos, available through a Google One account). Some cloud storage providers, such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are generalists, offering features like folder and file syncing, media playback, and backup. These products serve as collaboration software, allowing multiple people to edit the same file in real-time.
Distinct from, but overlapping in some cases with, cloud storage are backup services, particularly those that create online backups. For example, Acronis Cyber Protect specializes in data protection and recovery, while IDrive combines data protection with syncing and sharing capabilities.
Most cloud services provide some form of backup due to their intended function. Files uploaded to a cloud service are also protected from disk failures, as multiple copies of them are stored in the cloud. However, some dedicated backup services can create a full disk image of your PC, allowing you to restore everything, including system settings and programs. Syncing, by contrast, is about backing up and managing specific files (documents, images, and so on).
(Credit: Box/PCMag)
What Is the ‘Cloud’ in Cloud Storage?
There’s a half-joke in the tech world: “There is no cloud. It’s just someone else’s computer.” To clear up any confusion, the cloud part of cloud-based storage refers to storing files somewhere other than your computer’s hard drive. Usually, it means the service provider’s servers.
Having data in the cloud lets you access your files online. The data is usually encrypted before it travels over the internet to the provider’s servers, and it remains encrypted while it resides there. Well-designed services don’t upload new file copies every time you make a change. Instead, the file syncing service looks for changes and uploads only them.
(Credit: Dropbox/PCMag)
You can access your cloud files through an app or utility software installed on your computer. Once it’s installed, the software typically displays a small notification icon and creates a synced folder structure that integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer or the macOS Finder. You can also access files via a web browser. Of course, you need an internet connection for it to work. But if you are temporarily without a connection, that’s OK. The cloud service waits until the next time you have a connection and then takes care of business. For a deeper explanation, see our explainer on cloud computing.
Recommended by Our Editors
Free vs. Paid Cloud Storage
Many services give you free cloud storage as part of their entry-level accounts. They usually come with limitations, such as storage file size caps. We encourage you to sign up for the free tier of cloud storage to test the service before committing to a paid account. That way, you can fully integrate the cloud service into your life for real-world testing.
(Credit: Microsoft/PCMag)
What could possibly go wrong? Human error accounts for many cloud storage tragedies, but the dropped internet connection is another common troublemaker—not to mention that every internet service suffers the occasional outage. Ask around (or just look through our review comments), and you’ll hear sad stories of how cloud storage can go wrong. One of the benefits of paying for an account is that it usually comes with additional support from the provider, so if anything bad happens, someone from the company can help you resolve the issue.
There are many other reasons to pay for cloud storage, from getting a lot more space (a terabyte doesn’t cost all that much anymore) to being able to upload huge files. That last benefit is particularly relevant to graphic designers, video editors, and other visual artists who often work with enormous files. Other benefits of paying for cloud storage include increased access to file version history (enabling you to restore an important business proposal to its original version before your colleague made numerous erroneous changes), enhanced security, and additional features for collaboration and teamwork.
