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Businesses are steadily moving from local storage to remote storage and processing in the cloud. Although it’s important to store sensitive documents and media in a secure place locally, a distributed workforce needs a cloud storage solution like Dropbox.
Dropbox alternatives are readily available to enterprise customers via affordable paid plans. Apps like Dropbox do more than store files, providing users collaboration opportunities, as well as freeing up local device space.
Read more:Dropbox Software
Dropbox was among the pioneers of cloud storage service and continues to be popular. However, several alternatives to Dropbox can offer teams a different solution that better matches their needs to share files and collaborate.
Here are some features to look for:
More affordable plans, including free storage
Bigger storage offerings
Scalable plans
Responsive support
Multiple levels of security, including data encryption
Compliance to global standards in data privacy
Audit trails, reporting, versioning, backup, and recovery
Here is a list of the top Dropbox alternatives, in no particular order. Each of these Dropbox competitors can provide teams with ample cloud storage space, easy accessibility, and secure file sharing through encryption.
Google Drive
Google Drive provides cloud storage for work and personal use. The free storage platform enables Google account holders to store, share, and collaborate on files and folders. The service works across devices, so a user can easily access content on any mobile device or desktop. With encryption and malware scanning, Google Drive also ensures that files accessed and shared are safe.
As a cloud-native storage platform, Google Drive poses minimal risk to local files and devices. Integration with cloud collaboration apps like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides allow teams to create and share content quickly.
Google Drive also works with Microsoft Office files, PDFs, CAD files, and other file types without the need to convert formats. For individuals, a free plan for the first 15GB of storage space is available. Plans for teams and enterprises are also available.
Pros
Works seamlessly with Google Workspace apps
Reliable syncing across devices
Large file sharing
Cons
Users report some issues with automatic downloading
Users wish for more consistent support
Amazon Drive
Amazon Drive is a secure cloud storage service for photos, videos, and files. Amazon account users get a free plan with 5GB of storage with Amazon Photos. They can save, organize, share, and access files on desktop, mobile, and tablet.
Amazon Drive also offers file backup and photo printing services. US users can order photo prints and photo books using the Prints service. For increased storage space, users can upgrade to 100GB with the option to pay monthly or yearly. This plan can store about 50,000 photos (2MB file size each) or 14 hours of 1080p HD video. Other plans offer 1TB and 2TB of cloud storage space.
Pros
Ease of use and setup
Reliable service
Mobile apps
Cons
Pricing for extra storage is high
Users report syncing issues
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service with personal and business plans. Users can save photos and files that they can then access from any device. Teams use it to collaborate using shareable links, expiring access, and configured policies.
Microsoft OneDrive also connects to files across Microsoft 365. OneDrive offers a free basic plan with a 5GB limit. Other premium plans include a standalone plan for 100GB, Business plans with 1TB storage, and Microsoft 365 plans.
Other features include data encryption, identity verification, ransomware detection and recovery, file restoration, password-protected sharing links, multi-page scan and save, access to Office for the web, and PC folder backup, among others.
Pros
Single sign-on feature
Secured file sharing
Smooth backup process that happens in the background
Cons
Slow download of larger files
Some reports of version conflicts between users working on the same file
iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is a service that enables Apple account holders to securely store photos, files, notes, passwords, and other data in the cloud. This Dropbox alternative allows users to keep their files up-to-date across their Apple devices. It also makes it easy for users to share files and backup their iPhone and iPad.
iCloud’s Drive includes 5GB of free storage and a free email account. Built into every Apple device, users can choose which apps to use the service with, and which features to turn on or off. Users can also organize the files with folders, rename them, and tag them with colors. When users make a change, the app makes the update across all devices. It can also map folders in the Mac Desktop and Documents.
Pros
Reliable device syncing
High availability and performance
Ease of setup and use
Cons
Limited integration
Simultaneous editing is not as straightforward as with other services
Citrix ShareFile
Citrix ShareFile is an online service that enables users to sync, store, and share files securely from any device. It helps create time-saving workflows for businesses, and allows teams to give feedback, request approvals, co-edit documents, and use e-signatures while tracking files in real-time.
Further, this Dropbox competitor provides bank-level data encryption with customizable security settings and compliance with many regulatory and industry guidelines — including HIPAA, HITECH, FINRA, and CFPB.
ShareFile allows users to have secure file access anywhere with unlimited cloud storage. Encryption protects files, emails, and attachments in transit and at rest. It also provides live training sessions, onboarding for users and their clients, and support via phone and email. A free 30-day trial is available.
Pros
Role-based access
File management
Ease of administration and reporting
Cons
File transfer scheduling feature needs improvement
Users say Citrix customer support response takes time
Box
Box provides secure cloud storage, workflows, and collaboration. Users can securely collaborate on content from anywhere on any device. The service includes advanced security controls, intelligent threat detection, complete information governance, and strict data privacy compliance. Users can safely annotate, edit, review, and share files, as well as assign tasks.
Box is a platform that supports the entire content lifecycle, from file creation to sharing, co-editing, e-signatures, classification, and retention. This Dropbox alternative also has built-in integrations with many popular tools like Zoom, Slack, Salesforce, NetSuite, and Office 365.
Pros
Reliable performance
Secure file sharing
Efficient transferring of large files
Cons
Simultaneous editing features need improvement
Some features, like security controls and APIs, are only available as premium add-ons
Egnyte
Egnyte is a platform for securely managing digital content. It is one of those Dropbox alternatives that provides information governance capabilities like locating sensitive data, controlling risks, automating compliance, and protecting against various security threats.
At the same time, Egnyte supports employee productivity by providing access to the most recent and relevant files, easy sharing, and seamless collaboration.
Egnyte plans support 1TB minimum file storage, with up to 100GB maximum file size. It works on mobile, web, and desktop devices. Aside from content collaboration, it also has features for data access punishment and built-in ransomware protection.
Pros
Reliable file storage
Secure file sharing
Responsive customer support
Cons
Users wish for a UI update
Co-authoring is only possible through integration with Office Online and Google Workspace
Backblaze
Backblaze is an online backup and cloud storage services provider. Its B2 Cloud Storage service give users a storage space where they can build applications, safeguard their data, and increase productivity. It is ideal for developers, IT administrators, managed service providers, and teams that work on huge volumes of media. Users can download their data, or have it shipped by mail via USB or hard drive media.
Backblaze allows users to scale up and down as needed. Users get cost-effective, Amazon S3-compatible storage that’s more affordable than many competiors. Aside from the cloud storage service, it also offers business data backup for VM servers, computer servers, network-attached storage, and workstations.
A personal computer backup service that includes support for unlimited files and unlimited file storage sizes is also available. Users can also access their files with native iOS and Android apps.
Pros
High storage capacity
Backup services
Responsive support
Cons
Limited alerts and notifications
Users wish for a more user-friendly UI
Tresorit
Tresorit offers cloud storage for business with end-to-end encryption. It provides users a secure space where they can store, sync, and share files within the organization, as well as with external partners. The software replaces email attachments with encrypted files, so users can send and receive files safely from anyone.
Tresorit works across devices and web browsers. It is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and via the web. A plugin for Outlook and Gmail are available for free in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, and all Chromium-based browsers supporting Chrome extensions. Business plans include at least 1TB of encrypted cloud storage space.
Pros
Reliable device syncing
Secure file sharing
Users highly approve of its privacy policy
Cons
Not ideal for simultaneous editing activities
Pricing is on the higher side
pCloud
pCloud is a secure cloud storage service for individuals, families, and businesses. Users can store their documents, photos, music, videos, and work files. An app compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android lets users access and use their stored files in the cloud as if saved locally. It also simplifies the process of backing up folders.
pCloud enables users to send, receive, and work together on files. It has multiple file sharing options, including for large files. Crypto encryption protects sensitive files on any device. Individual users can choose between annual or one-time lifetime payments.
The Family plan allows up to five members to share 2TB of cloud storage, while the Business plan includes 1TB per user, teams and access control, and 180-day file versioning to track and restore older versions of files.
Pros
Dropbox is a cloud storage and file syncing service that provides users a secure online space to store their files. Users access the latest copy of files consistently from any device. It offers file sharing through secure web links; it’s easy for teams to send files to a recipient with or without a Dropbox account.
The cloud storage service also offers collaboration tools so teams can manage tasks, track file updates, and work together in sync with internal and external stakeholders. It provides multiple layers of security such as encryption, SSO, 2-step verification, sharing controls, file permissions, recovery, and versioning to keep files and digital assets secure. A free plan includes 2GB of storage.
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Ready to Try a Dropbox Alternative for Your Business?
Cloud storage services like Dropbox provide users a tool for easy collaboration, file syncing across devices, and quick access to information. Users who are looking for a different cloud storage solution for sending very large files or managing team collaboration can check our list to find the right Dropbox alternative.
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Jose Santos is a long-time contributing writer for project-management.com. He is a subject matter expert in the field of project management and has many years of experience writing about project management software and tools. He has written hundreds of articles for the project management industry, including numerous software reviews, book reviews, training site reviews, and more.