Google Drive Alternatives

If you’re a business owner, educator, IT developer, or anyone working in a team-based environment dependent on safe file storage and easy sharing, you’ve probably heard of Google Drive. You might even be using it.  Below find the few Google Drive Alternatives.

Google Drive is at the forefront of the cloud-based storage and file sharing industry, and reasonably so. With millions of users, it’s one of the most popular products in this category. 

While Google Drive is arguably the most popular, it’s not the only option available. Some users prefer a more secure solution without limits on file size, and others prefer the ease of use.

Read Also – The 5 HubSpot Alternatives You Can Use in 2021!

Each alternative has its pros and cons, but everyone prefers a different workflow style.

Today, I’m going to walk you through seven of the best Google Drive alternatives so you can decide for yourself which one might best fit your needs.  

1. Dropbox

Dropbox has been around for about 14 years, and it’s one of the most popular storage solutions available. 

Dropbox is for students, business owners, managers, and freelancers alike. 

Pros

  • Automatic file backup 
  • Ease of use
  • Software integration
  • Offline working

Cons

  • Lack of high-level security
  • Limited free storage space
  • No real time-editing like Google Drive offers (you can make some comments, but that’s it.)

Dropbox Pricing

When you sign up for Dropbox Basic, you’re given 2 GB of storage space for free.

For anyone who manages a lot of data, you probably already know that’s not much space. Thankfully, Dropbox Plus only costs $10 per month and increases your storage to 2 TB.

Dropbox Professional will cost you $20 per month and give you 3 TB of storage space. If that’s still not enough, there is an enterprise version of Dropbox, and you can find the pricing by contacting Dropbox directly. 

Read also – Google Ranking Factors Affecting Page Visibility

2. Sync.com

Sync.com’s function is very simple: to keep a folder on your computer (and any other device with the client software) in sync with the cloud, all with end-to-end data encryption. 

Sync.com might not be the best solution for businesses or teams attempting to sync loads of files at a time. This is the unfortunate downside to data encryption, but if you work alone or with only a few other people, Sync.com might just be the option for you. 

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Respect of privacy 
  • Data security 

Cons

  • Syncing difficulties due to encryption
  • Spotty customer support 

Sync.com Pricing

Sync.com is free to sign up with and gives you 15 GB of free storage if you recruit ten others to sign up.

The Basic plan gets you 2 TB of storage for $8 per month; the Standard plan gets you 3 TB of storage for $12 per month; the Plus plan gets you 4 TB of storage for $15 per month.

They also offer plans for teams, which can get you up to 10 TB per user. 

3. NordLocker

NordLocker is a new and less common mode of file storage, and you actually need to use something like Dropbox or Google Drive to share files. That being said, NordLocker’s value comes from the security and file encryption. 

NordLocker’s extreme level of security makes it best for anyone dealing with sensitive information. It only offers 500 GB of storage, so if you’re using it, make sure you use it only for sensitive data.

Pros

  • Extremely secure
  • The simple drag-and-drop style interface
  • Transparent privacy policy

Cons

  • Third-party programs are required for file sharing 
  • No two-factor identification 
  • Files can only be shared with other NordLocker users

NordLocker Pricing

This is an affordable service with plans ranging from $1.49 per month to about $50 per year. 

Read also – The 100 Best Google Chrome Extensions

4. OneDrive

Microsoft’s OneDrive is a cloud-based file storage and device synchronization service that predates Google Drive and Apple’s iCloud services.

Despite it being deeply integrated with Microsoft’s systems, this service is also compatible with Android and iOS systems.

Seamless integration with Windows systems makes OneDrive a great option for schools, businesses, and anyone using Windows as a means to store and share files. 

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use 
  • Customizable to reflect multiple departments and teams
  • Access files from anywhere

Cons

  • Lack of customer support
  • Susceptible to software bugs resulting in file corruption

OneDrive Pricing

OneDrive gives you 5 GB of cloud storage for free, making it a great option for students and everyday individual use.

If that’s not enough, you can purchase a Family Plan for $9.99 per month and receive 6 TB of cloud storage.

If you’re a business owner, you can get unlimited cloud storage for $10 per month per user or 1 TB of storage for $5/month per user.

5. pCloud

pCloud is another affordable cloud storage service that gives you 10 GB of secure storage space for free. This service also allows you to send files up to 5 GB in size to anyone, whether they use PCloud or not. 

This service is for individuals and businesses alike, as they offer plans for both. The easy-to-use platform guarantees a smooth transition into the cloud for anyone with storage needs. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Option to lock your files with encryption before uploading to the cloud

Cons

  • Extra charges for encryption
  • No document integration

pCloud Pricing

With pCloud, you can purchase annual plans or lifetime plans (one-time payment!) for individuals and businesses.

The individual plans range from $4.99 per month, or about $50 per year to $9.99 per month, or about $100 annually. 

6. SpiderOak

SpiderOak is one of the more expensive options on this list, but for good reason. This service uses end-to-end encryption to protect all of your file storage needs.

Unlike some of their secure competitors, SpiderOak gives you an option to share files with a unique link that expires after three days.

SpiderOak is best for anyone dealing with the storage and maintenance of sensitive information, and anyone who simply wants to rest assured knowing that their data is protected. 

Pros

  • Extremely secure storage
  • Above-average upload and download speeds
  • Drag-and-drop sync feature

Cons

  • Interface is difficult to use
  • More expensive than its competitors
  • No video streaming option

Pricing

SpiderOak goes to great lengths to keep your data secure, so their product is a little more expensive. Prices range from $6 per month for 150 GB of storage to $29 per month for 5 TB of storage.

Read also – Mr Doob Google Gravity – What is it and How does it Work?

7. BrandFolder

Brandfolder is an easy-to-use and almost fully customizable cloud storage solution. The program itself looks and operates intuitively, and the service is affordable. 

This is a great option for anyone who regularly manages digital assets such as photographs and videos. 

Pros

  • Customizable
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Outstanding customer service and support

Cons

  • File organization and search difficulties
  • Occasional bugs resulting in unnecessary file tagging

Brandfolder Pricing

This is the most expensive option, coming in at $1600 per feature, but they offer a free trial. 

Conclusion

Everyone’s needs are different, so if Google Drive hasn’t been filling your cloud storage and file sharing needs, don’t hesitate to look into these services.

They can help you work more efficiently, be more productive, and keep your files safe!

Author Bio

Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech Grand Duke to help them with their online marketing.

Read Also – 8 Teachable Alternatives You Should Switch to in 2021