The best alternatives to Google Drive

Google’s easy-to-use interface makes Google Drive the preferred choice for inpiduals and businesses alike. However, when it comes to collaboration and secure file management, you have other options. In fact, many of the features offered by other file sharing backup solutions are identical to those of Google Drive.

In this article, we name the four best alternatives to Google Drive, including most of its features.

The alternatives

Our recommendations for the four best alternatives to Google Drive are as follows:

1. Box
2. mailbox
3. Microsoft one unit
4. pCloud

Essential functions of a collaborative cloud storage service

Our decision was based on whether the cloud platform shared the following features with Google Drive. These are particularly important for those working remotely or in teams.

Cross-platform compatibility

Our four cloud file sharing services are compatible with all devices, meaning that even large teams, working with different devices and operating systems, can access the latest identical version of a file in real time.

Automatic file synchronization

Automatic file syncing is arguably the most important feature of a cloud storage service. The reason is that it ensures that all users of any shared information are “on the same page.” This is particularly important for partners or teams working together to edit and refine the same content.

Automatic file syncing also ensures that all devices and platforms owned by a single storage cloud user are always “in sync.” Files will always be updated with the latest information, whether accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.

Real-time collaboration

To be comparable to Google Drive, all users of the service must be able to edit and comment on documents in real time. This is what makes Google Docs such an efficient workspace for teams.

Effortless file sharing

Like Google Drive, the cloud service must be secure while allowing collaborators to create links that can be easily shared via email or text message.

Version history

Google Drive also allows you to offer users the version history of Google Docs. This helps users keep track of all changes and prevents draft documents from being lost, so there is never a breakdown in communication or misunderstandings between teams.

Free storage

Google Drive offers users 15 GB of free space, as long as they have signed up for a Gmail account with Google. All of our best Google Drive alternatives picks also offer free and paid plans.

The four best Google Drive alternatives

Here is our evaluation of the four best Google Drive alternatives.

1. Box

Box is a great option for business users looking for cloud storage that prioritizes data protection and security. An established cloud storage solution, it was originally developed for personal users in 2005 and then focused on business users in 2009. The platform also features advanced encryption and is ideal for businesses working with large teams and sensitive information.

Like Google Drive Box, it offers an easy-to-use interface with team collaboration, file sharing, and version history. It also has a free version with a generous 10GB of free cloud storage, as long as you keep the file size limit at 250GB.

Advantages

• End-to-end encryption
• Activity Tracking
• Integrates with 400 business integrations

Cons

• 250GB file size limit in free version

2. Mailbox

Dropbox predates Google Drive as a pioneer in cloud storage and file sharing. Founded in 2007, not much has changed since then. Like Google, Dropbox gives permissioned users the ability to collaborate from anywhere. Like Google Docs, Dropbox offers a file version history and a way to recover lost files.

Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage and also paid plans of up to 3 TB per user that come with a “Try it free for 30 days” offer.

Advantages

• Fast loading speeds
• Unlimited file sizes
• Integrates with thousands of applications.

Cons

• Offers only 2 billion free storage
• Expensive

3. Microsoft One Drive

Formerly known as SkyDrive, Microsoft’s file-sharing service, now known as Microsoft One Drive, allows registered users to share and sync files. Fully integrated with Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel, streaming service, email, to-do list, calendar and more.

Microsoft One Drive is free for anyone who purchases a computer with Microsoft 365 installed with three additional paid plans offering storage up to 100GB to 6TB.

Advantages

• Strong encryption protects data
• Access to files can be restricted
• One-click file sharing via email

Cons

• The file limit is 300,000 files.
• Cannot backup PSP files

4.pCloud

Founded in 2013, pCloud is a newer cloud storage solution with fast file sync, media file sharing, and real-time sync. It also offers a feature called “crypto folders”, which are encrypted at the client end. Even pCloud, the service provider, does not know the content of your files. Only the user can decrypt it with a special Crypto Pass.

pCloud offers users 10GB of free storage just for signing up for their plan and then an upgrade to affordable lifetime plans. All of which means you’ll never have to deal with monthly or annual payments again.

Advantages

• Economical lifetime subscription
• The file can be set to expire
• Transmission function
• Create playlist

Cons

• Version history is cleared after 30 days in the free version
• Lacks some collaboration tools.
• No built-in document editor

Frequent questions

Can I replace Google Drive completely with any of these best Google Drive alternatives?

Any of the recommended cloud storage solutions can replace your free version of Google Drive. That said, not all of them come with built-in Google Drive features, such as email, streaming services, or Excel sheets. It’s important to research the free and paid plans of the four Google Drive alternatives before purchasing.

Who owns the data stored in a cloud?

The person or company that pays for cloud storage, or has the encryption password, typically owns the data in a cloud. Any provider that tells you otherwise is not providing the secure platform promised. Be wary of any cloud storage provider that claims ownership of your data once you’ve uploaded it to their cloud.

Is cloud storage safer than storing data on my computer?

Cloud storage is much more secure than storing data on a hard drive or computer, as it is less vulnerable to ransomware. Your data is also stored securely in the cloud if your hardware or software fails.

What is cloud encryption?

Cloud encryption is the process of transforming data into codes before it can be transferred to a cloud. This distorts the data in your files and makes them unreadable to unauthorized users and malware until you access your files with your password.

Choose the solution that suits your approach

The best alternative to Google Drive will be the one that suits your needs. Dropbox works well with personal users who prefer an established brand, while Box is ideal for businesses. Microsoft One Drive is best for Microsoft 365 users and pCloud suits those who need a file backup solution with full encryption. All of these options share the collaboration and file syncing features that have made Google Drive so popular.