Nowadays, you all have used cloud storage in some way. Cloud storage simplifies life, whether it is saving photos, videos, documents, office files, or backups.
Many individuals are familiar with such well-known services as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
However, these are not the only alternatives. It has numerous cloud storage options that are safer, less expensive, more private, or better suited to certain purposes.
In this article, I will describe what cloud storage is, why people seek alternatives, and then explain the best cloud storage alternatives in very simple language so that anyone can understand.
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage means storing your files not just on your computer or phone, but also on the internet. Your information or data is stored on large corporate servers. The internet gives you the ability to access your files anytime, anywhere.
An example is that when you post pictures on the cloud storage, you can view them on your phone, laptop, or tablet without having to copy them manually.
The alternative to cloud storage services is sought by people, as the services that are popular are not always able to satisfy the needs of everyone.
The various users have diverse issues, and thus they seek alternatives that are favourable to them. The following is an easy-to-understand and simple explanation.
Why do people look for Cloud storage alternatives?
1. Security and Privacy Issues
Many cloud storage vendors can scan or read user data. Some people store personal photos, valuable documents, or business records, and they may not be comfortable with this.
They seek alternatives that are well encrypted and provide complete privacy, where only the user is able to view the files.
2. Limited Free Storage
The most commonly used cloud storage technologies offer limited free space. Once the storage reaches full capacity, users have no option but to delete files or purchase a paid plan.
Due to this shortage, a good number of individuals are looking elsewhere for more free storage or cheaper packages.
3. High Subscription Costs
Monthly and annual subscriptions may be costly, particularly to students, freelancers, or small business owners. Over time, these costs add up. People will be keen on cloud storage services that have lower plans or one-time lifetime payments.
4. Anxiety about Data Loss or Bans of Account
There have been no reported cases of accounts being suspended, hacked, or blocked without prior notice. This could result in the loss of valuable information.
Having all of your data on a single platform is something many people avoid, opting instead for cloud storage options or backup services.
5. Better Control Over Data
Other users desire the ability to manage the storage of their data. The self-hosted cloud storage services will enable users to control their servers and determine who will have access to their files.
6. Storage for Specific Needs
The needs of different people are different. Some desire storage of photos, some backups, and work files. Cloud storage solutions usually have dedicated capabilities that would be more appropriate for these particular functions.
7. Quick and improved performance
Cloud services that are popular in one place may be slow in another. Users look for options that offer better upload and download speeds with stable performance.
8.No Ads and Less Tracking
Certain cloud systems display advertisements or monitor where people go. Individuals who desire a clean and distraction-free experience may choose to use those options that do not display advertisements and do not gather data they do not need.
9. Ethical Preference and Open-Source Preference
Numerous users are in favour of open-source and privacy-conscious firms. They prefer cloud storage options that are transparent and ethical in data practices.
Cloud storage alternatives
1. PCloud
pCloud is an online file storage system in which you can store files on the cloud and retrieve them at any time.
Features:
Saves files, shares files, lifetime plans, and mobile and computer work.
Pros:
- Lifetime plan (pay once)
- Fast and easy to use
- Good for photos and videos
Cons:
- Full encryption costs extra
- Not fully private by default
2. MEGA
MEGA is a cloud storage provider that has high free storage space and good privacy.
Features:
Large free space, secure working space, and end-to-end encryption.
Pros:
- Very high free storage
- Strong privacy protection
- Good for large files
Cons
- Free users have limitations on downloading
- Paid plans are expensive
3. Sync.com
Sync.com is a privacy-driven personal and business cloud storage.
Features:
Zero-knowledge, secure sharing, file backup
Pros:
- Very secure and private
- Safe file sharing
- Good for professionals
Cons:
- Limited free storage
- Slower syncing sometimes
4. Icedrive
Icedrive is a new cloud storage that operates as a hard drive on your computer.
Features:
On-demand drive, drive encryption, and lifetime drive plans.Pros:
- Clean and simple design
- Affordable lifetime plans
- Easy for beginners
Cons:
- Limited free features
- No online file editing
5. Internxt
Internxt is a cloud storage platform that is designed primarily to offer privacy and data security.
Features:
Secure, open-source, zero-knowledge encryption.
Pros:
- Strong privacy protection
- No ads or tracking
- Data fully encrypted
Cons:
- Very small free storage
- A few extra features
6. Tresorit
Tresorit is a secure cloud storage primarily used by companies.
Features:
End-to-end encryption, collaboration within the team, and business security.
Pros:
- Very high security
- Ideal for sensitive files
- Reliable for teams
Cons:
- Expensive plans
- Inappropriate with individual users.
7. Nextcloud
Nextcloud also allows you to create your own cloud storage with your own server.
Features:
Hosted storage, complete control of data, and apps customised.
Pros:
- Full control over data
- Maximum privacy
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Needs technical knowledge
- Maintenance and installation are needed.
Still confused? Now I will tell you how you can make a good decision related to this.
How to find the best cloud storage alternative?
The selection of the right cloud storage is based on the needs. Individuals store photos, videos, work files, backups, and private files on the cloud.
The following points will help you in making the most appropriate decision.
1. Understand Your Purpose
- Determine the reason why you require cloud storage.
- For photos and videos, you require additional storage space.
- In the case of office/study files, security and file sharing are relevant.
- A service that offers excellent encryption is recommended in case privacy is the primary factor.
Knowing your purpose makes the decision easier.
2. Choose the extent of storage required
- Documents and PDFs will not require large storage.
- Medium storage will be applicable for photos and videos.
- Backups and large files demand big storage.
In case you do not want to pay, find services that will provide you with more storage that is free.
3. Check Privacy and Security
- Personal or sensitive files are important for privacy.
- Select cloud storage with end-to-end or zero-knowledge encryption.
This is to make sure that only you access your files, and Important documents should be stored using privacy-related storage.
4. Compare Pricing and Plans
- Some cloud services are free but have limited options.
- Check the monthly or yearly fees.
- Others provide lifetime plans, a single payment.
- Long-term savings are better in lifetime plans.
Free or cheap plans might be popular among students and other casual users.
5. Check Ease of Use
- Cloud storage must be easy to use and simple.
- Find hassle-free uploading and cross-device syncing.
- An interface that is difficult to use is a time-waster
Beginners might opt for friendly sites.
6. File Sharing Features: look
- Determine whether you have to share files with other people
- Free cloud storage has a sharing link and access control
- Sharing by use of passwords is more secure.
7. Take into account the speed and performance
- The upload and download speeds must be high.
- Large files can be exasperating since the syncing process is slow.
The free plan can be tested to check performance.
8. Decide on Hosted and Self-Hosted Storage
- Hosted cloud storage is under the control of a company.
- It is simple and the most suitable for the majority of users.
- Self-hosted storage provides complete access to data.
It is appropriate for technical users, and it requires maintenance.
9. Match Features To Your Requirements
- Choose between the size of storage, privacy, price, or sharing.
- Select a service that suits your requirements.
Do not choose a service because it is a popular one.
10. Try Before You Pay
- The majority of cloud storage services provide free service.
- Test speed and functionality with the free version.
Only when you are content upgrading.
FAQs
What is the difference between hosted and self-hosted cloud storage?
- Hosted cloud storage – Controlled by the organisation, user-friendly.
- Self-hosted cloud storage – It is your own server, complete control, but it needs technical expertise.
What is the best cloud storage that would suit me?
Test your requirements: memory, security, price, usability, ability to share, and performance. Compare prices and use free plans till you pay.
Is free cloud storage safe?
Yes, the majority of the free cloud storage is safe. However, with sensitive files, select those with high encryption and an effective privacy policy.
Is it possible to upgrade in the future, in case I begin with free storage?
Yes, nearly every cloud storage service has the option of becoming a paying customer to get more space and additional features.
What cloud storage is the most privacy-friendly?
Services such as Sync.com, Internxt, and Tresorit are reputed to have good privacy and end-to-end encryption.
Is it possible to use cloud storage at work and in school?
Yes. Cloud services are also appropriate for office and school projects since most of them allow sharing files, collaboration, and accessing files using any device.
Do you require internet access in cloud storage?
Yes, you require an internet connection to upload or download files. Some services can be accessed offline post- sync.
Conclusion
The selection of the optimal cloud storage option is dependent on your requirements. Consider such aspects as storage area, privacy, costs, convenience, and file sharing capabilities.
This is possible by knowing the features that are most important to you and comparing them, so that a cloud storage service that is both safe and economical to use can be chosen.
