Want A Secure Cloud Storage Solution? Here Are The 5 Best & Cheapest Cloud Storage Services In 2023
Everyone is getting access to fast internet as time moves forward, and cloud storage is now more convenient than ever. Gone are the days when you had to carry a USB storage drive everywhere for a few important files because now you can access them online securely from all your devices. Hence, we have shortlisted some of the best and cheapest cloud storage services in 2023.
Cloud storage’s emergence was revolutionary on its own, but not everyone had completely switched to it until recently. Today, even smartphone OEMs like OnePlus have their cloud storage services that you can use to store private files. Above all, your files should be secure enough to ensure privacy, so choosing the right cloud storage service is essential.
5 best & cheapest cloud storage services in 2023
Note: Services mentioned in this list are not in any order of preference.
1. Google Drive
Price: Free plan with 15 GB storage, paid plans starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB.
Google’s Drive cloud storage platform is probably the most-used cloud storage service in the world. Likewise, it has its reasons for being popular because it doesn’t disappoint. Drive is a fast and secure platform where you can conveniently upload and access files on any device without limitations.
On its free plan, each user gets 15 GB of free storage under Google Workspace to store and manage files. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Google One, a subscription service for additional storage, which starts at $1.99/month for 100 GB. Drive isn’t just a cloud storage service; it comes bundled with Google Photos, Docs, Slides, and Sheets — which are a part of Google Workspace where you can manage files and work on them via the integrated interface.
Pros
- Free 15 GB cloud storage for every registered user
- Google Photos, Slides, Docs, and Sheets integration
- Access files from any device
- High transfer speeds
Cons
- Little to no flexibility outside of Google services
- Has a limit to file sharing
2. OneDrive
Price: Free plan with 5 GB storage, paid plans starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB.
Microsoft’s OneDrive is yet another powerful cloud storage solution among the best and cheapest cloud storage services. Similar to Google Drive, you can store files on OneDrive and access work on them using Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Likewise, the OneDrive service is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite that the majority of the world uses.
On the free plan, you only get 5 GB of lifetime free storage to store files. However, you can always upgrade to a paid plan starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB or a Microsoft 365 subscription which includes OneDrive. Overall, OneDrive is an excellent choice if you’re a Windows user, as it offers exceptional OneDrive integration for easier access.
Pros
- Free 5 GB storage for registered users
- Microsoft 365 suite integration
- Built-in Windows integration
- High transfer speeds
Cons
- Less free storage
- Less compatibility with other services
3. Mega
Price: Free plan with 20 GB storage, paid plans starting from $4.23/month (paid yearly).
Further, Mega makes it to the list of the best and cheapest cloud storage services in 2023. The storage service is often unheard of among users, but it’s an excellent platform for sharing cloud storage files easily. Mega’s unique quality is that it offers encryption of stored files, and everyone viewing them requires a security key.
Moreover, you get 20 GB of lifetime free storage, which is considerably higher than most services offer in 2023. If you’re worried about the security and privacy of your files stored online, look no further. Likewise, Mega is all about privacy, and you can rely on it to securely store files online.
Pros
- Fast and extremely secure cloud storage
- 20 GB of lifetime free storage space
- High transfer speeds
- Secure sharing of stored files
Cons
- Minor file availability issues
- Less integration capabilities with other services
4. Dropbox
Price: Free plan with 2 GB storage, paid plans starting at $9.99/month for 2 TB.
Next up, Dropbox isn’t an uncommon name among cloud storage users. The service was among the first few ones that offered reliable cloud storage solutions when it became mainstream. Likewise, Dropbox is still relevant today and offers exceptional features to its users.
While it only offers 2 GB of free storage to its users, the other features make up for it. Several third-party platforms offer Dropbox integration to quickly access and upload your files when required. Overall, Dropbox is among the best and cheapest cloud storage services that you can choose in 2023.
Pros
- 2 GB of free cloud storage for registered users
- Seamless integrations with many third-party apps
- Fast and secure sharing of files
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Very little free storage
- Faces downtime sometimes
5. IDrive
Price: Free plan with 10 GB storage, paid plans starting at $7.46/year for 500 GB.
IDrive is the final entree on the list of the best and cheapest cloud storage services in 2023. If you are looking for a cost-effective backup and storage solution, IDrive is the way to go. It offers 10 GB of free cloud storage for registered users and has relatively cheaper paid plans too.
Irrespective of the subscription plan, you can set up IDrive to automatically back up and sync your data from your computer in a few minutes. Moreover, you can also create backups of external disks or Network-Attached Storage (NAS) drives. All in all, IDrive offers a value-for-money cloud storage solution that’s easy to use.
Pros
- Free plan with 10 GB of lifetime free storage
- Automatic backup and sync for computers
- Access files on any device
- Cost-effective paid plans
Cons
- Not optimal for file storage
- High prices for short-term plans
What to look for in a cloud storage service
There are several relevant factors that make a cloud storage service ideal. Likewise, if you really want to purchase cloud storage, you should keep the below things in mind.
Security: Above all, if you’re storing your personal data online, its security matters the most. A great cloud storage service must have excellent encryption features and protect your data at all costs.
Usability: Cloud storage services are like file folders. An ideal cloud storage platform should have an easy-to-use user interface and file management options that help you manage your data conveniently.
Transfer Speed: Online data storage is supposed to be convenient, and how fast you can upload and download your files is essential.
File Access: Cloud storage is all about convenience, so an ideal cloud storage service should let you access your files from anywhere via any device.
Which one is the best?
While there are numerous cloud storage services available, we have only picked the ones that check most boxes. It’s essential that your files stored online are secure and easy to access. Hence, you can rely on the services mentioned above to store personal files. If you’re having trouble picking one, we recommend using Google Drive for a seamless experience, Mega for maximum security, and IDrive for a worthy backup solution.
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