The Best Cloud Storage and File-Sharing Services for 2026

OneDrive is a terrific storage and syncing option for nearly anyone who wants to backup files to the cloud, and its functionality and design have achieved a level of top-tier usability and reliability. The cost is more than reasonable, considering you get 5GB of storage for free and much more by paying for Microsoft 365 (starting at $9.95 per month), which includes Office apps.

Businesses that use Microsoft 365: Businesses using Microsoft 365 apps, including the online versions, can leverage the integrated OneDrive for storage and syncing. Windows users in particular will be delighted that their Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are safely backed up to the cloud and automatically restored when they set up a new Windows PC.

Proton Drive offers the best security of the cloud storage and file-sharing services we've tested, as it adheres to strict Swiss privacy laws. Your data is fully encrypted at rest and in transit, and only you have the security key to unlock it. Even Proton employees are unable to access your files. You can even pay the company by sending cash through the mail, rather than using a credit card online, to protect your identity.

People who value privacy and security: Proton Drive is ideal if you don't want snooping eyes looking at your data. You won't get many extras (like spreadsheet or presentation editing) or speedy uploads (all that encryption comes with a performance hit), but that sacrifice comes with peace of mind.

Google Drive offers robust file-sharing capabilities, and you receive more free storage space than many competitors—15GB, although this space is shared with Gmail. If you opt for Google Drive, consider investing in a Google One account. It's a subscription plan that includes many extras, such as additional cloud storage (starting at $1.99 per month for 100GB), phone and chat support, and a VPN service. It's rare and convenient to get that package bundled all together at a low price.

Google Docs users: It's the no-brainer choice if you regularly work in Google's many online office apps. After all, a created Google document or spreadsheet automatically saves to Google Drive, so you don't need to look for another service.

Businesses requiring app integrations: Google Drive integrates well with numerous third-party online apps, including Slack and Zoom, allowing you to create and share documents directly from within those tools.

IDrive is a cloud storage and file-syncing service with a bevy of features. For example, you can set IDrive to back up files to an external hard drive or a network drive, or create a complete disk image (although the latter option is limited to the Windows version).

Budget-minded businesses: Cloud storage doesn't get much cheaper than this. The IDrive Mini plan offers 200GB of storage for an incredibly low annual price of $2.99.

Companies needing data recovery: IDrive's archiving and continuous backup features are crucial when disaster strikes, ensuring you can always find your files, even if you've deleted them.

Sync is a reliable tool for storing your files online and syncing them across multiple devices. Not only is it easy to use (and includes 5GB of storage with free accounts), but it also has apps on nearly every major platform: Sync works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and the web. It's not available on Linux, but workarounds are available.

People who want simple cloud storage: Sync is basic; it won't dazzle you with a deep feature set. Instead, it's the service to turn to if you prefer simplicity over a features glut—or you'd rather not store your files with one of the big tech giants.

Businesses: Despite its relatively no-frills nature, Sync offers welcome business-friendly features, including client-side encryption for enhanced security and no file size limitations for large uploads.

Unsurprisingly, iCloud Drive is a must-have for Apple users, as it backs up photos, documents, and settings across your devices with ease. If the free 5GB storage capacity isn't enough, you can upgrade to iCloud+ (starting at $0.99 per month for 50GB of storage).

Apple fans: On Apple hardware, iCloud Drive is seamlessly integrated into the operating system. As a result, it's ideal for iPad, iPhone, and Mac users who prefer not to worry about manually backing up and syncing their files. Just set and forget.

People with multiple online accounts: iCloud Drive features a password manager called Keychain. Enable it, and you can sync passwords across devices—even to Windows computers, courtesy of a browser extension.

Although Box isn't highly competitive in terms of price, it offers more than 1,500 integrations with other services, including Microsoft Teams and Slack. In a nice touch, Box opens Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, and other files using the Box Tools desktop app.

Free users: Box's free version includes a generous 10GB of storage and a 5GB individual file limit. That's enough space for people who frequently work with documents and spreadsheets, not large multimedia files.

Businesses: Need more features? You should check out Box for Business, which includes a whiteboarding tool, enhanced security, and unlimited storage with most plans.

Dropbox is a well-established player in the online storage and syncing space, offering both free and paid plans. With the free tier, you get 2GB of storage and the ability to install the Dropbox app on three devices. With the paid tiers (starting at $11.99 per month or $119.88 per year for Plus), you get terabytes of storage and no device limitations.

People who need a large toolset: Dropbox offers more than just cloud storage and file-syncing features. You can use it to edit documents online, take screenshots, record your screen, manage passwords, and apply e-signatures.

Businesses: Dropbox App Center lets you install integrations that enhance the app's functionality. For example, you can share Dropbox files in Gmail conversations or automatically send files to folders using IFTTT or Zapier.