At times, Google Drive may not be the most suitable file storage solution for your needs. Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives available.
What makes Google Drive less than ideal in certain situations? Many users find it challenging to grasp the platform’s features and functionalities, despite its widespread use. Additionally, some have reservations regarding its pricing, security measures, or overall capabilities. Fortunately, other viable options exist.
What is Google Drive & why consider alternatives?
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that enables users to store, share, and collaborate on files across various devices. it’s alternatives are considered keeping in mind the following factors-
- Security and Privacy
- Storage
- Collaboration
- Offline Access
- File Compatibility
- Ecosystem Preferences
- Ease of Use
- Team Collaboration
In this article, we will explore twelve alternatives to Google Drive that merit consideration.
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1. Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive serves as a storage solution for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It shares many features with Google Drive, allowing users to store documents, synchronize data between the cloud and their desktop, and collaborate in real time. The user interface of Microsoft OneDrive is intuitive, making it particularly accessible for those familiar with Microsoft products. It is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. While the desktop version of OneDrive is integrated into Windows, users will need to download the Google Drive app separately.
In terms of security and privacy, OneDrive offers features comparable to those of Google Drive, with one notable addition. The OneDrive Personal Vault provides an enhanced security option for files stored within it, requiring authentication methods such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, a PIN, or a code sent via email or SMS. The free version of OneDrive offers 5GB of storage, with more extensive plans available at reasonable prices. It is also included in the Microsoft 365 subscription.
Pricing of Microsoft OneDrive
- Free plan- 5GB
- Standalone-100GB/month for Rs. 149.
- Microsoft 365 Personal- 1TB/year for Rs. 4899.
- Microsoft 365 Family- 6TB total for Rs. 6199 for a year.
- Microsoft OneDrive for Business pricing varies.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox has established itself as a leading storage platform since its inception in 2007. It was among the pioneers in introducing cloud storage to users, gaining popularity even prior to the launch of Google Drive. Dropbox employs a more robust encryption method for files at rest compared to Google Drive, making it a more secure option. Users have the ability to set passwords for individual shared files, utilize remote device wipe features, and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
In terms of synchronization, Dropbox operates more efficiently across devices than Google Drive, as it updates only the changes made to files instead of re-uploading or downloading the entire file. While larger files may take longer to sync than smaller ones, Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage, which can be increased to a maximum of 19GB through a referral program.
Pricing of Dropbox
- Free Plan-2GB
- Essentials Plan- 3TB for 16.58 USD/year.
- Business Plan- 9TB for 15 USD/year.
- Professional plan pricing varies.
3. Box Storage
Box may not be as widely recognized as other cloud storage services, yet it presents a strong choice for both businesses and individuals. Its appeal lies in the availability of unlimited storage plans and robust collaboration features. Box seamlessly integrates with Google and Microsoft, allowing users to create Microsoft Office or Google Workspace documents directly within the platform. While file sharing resembles that of Google Drive, Box offers superior management capabilities. However, a notable drawback is the stringent upload size limits. Users on the free plan can only upload files up to 250MB, while even the more expensive plans cap uploads at 5GB.
Pricing of Box
- Individual- Free Plan- 10GB storage.
- Personal Pro-100GB storage at Rs. 785 for a month.
- Business Starter- 100GB storage for a month at Rs. 410
- Business- Unlimited storage for 3 users at Rs.1160/month.
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4. Sync
Sync is a secure file storage and sharing solution that employs end-to-end encryption, akin to other secure alternatives. It generates encryption keys locally instead of on servers, ensuring that even Sync itself cannot access your files. While Sync does not offer integrated applications for collaboration, it serves as an effective means of safeguarding your data. Additionally, Sync accounts include a feature known as Sync Vault, where files stored in the vault are not automatically synchronized across other devices.
Pricing of Sync
- Personal- 200GB storage per month at 6 USD
- Solo Basic- 2TB storage per month at 8 USD
- Solo Professional- 6TB storage per month at 20 USD.
- Teams Standard- 1TB storage per month at 6 USD.
- Teams+ Unlimited- Unlimited storage per month at 15 USD.
- Enterprise- A minimum of 100 users are needed to use this plan.
5. iCloud
iCloud is the leading cloud storage solution offered by Apple, sharing similarities with Google Drive. Users of iPhones or other iOS devices automatically have an iCloud account, as Apple encourages backing up phone files and data through this service. This integration gives iCloud an edge over Google Drive, making it a preferred choice for Apple device users. While it functions effectively on Apple devices, its compatibility with Android is limited, resulting in some features being unavailable on those platforms.
Pricing of iCloud
- Free plan- 5GB
- 50GB- Rs. 75/month
- 200GB-Rs. 219/month
- 2TB- Rs. 749/month
6. pCloud
pCloud stands out as one of the most secure cloud storage solutions available in India. Its security measures encrypt files directly on your device, reducing their vulnerability once uploaded to the cloud. Notably, pCloud cannot access your files because the encryption key is not stored on its servers. Users can easily share files by creating shared folders or inviting others to access specific files. pCloud provides 10GB of free storage, along with options for lifetime subscription plans for enhanced access.
Pricing of pCloud
- Premium- 500GB for a year at 49.99 USD
- Premium Plus- 2TB for a year at 99.99 USD
- Lifetime premium plan- 500GB for 199/299 USD one-time payment
- Lifetime premium plus plan- 2TB for 399/599 USD one-time payment
- Ultra- 10TB priced at 1190 USD
7. Kdan Cloud
Kdan provides a suite of productivity and creativity applications designed primarily for mobile use. It includes cloud storage solutions and integrates seamlessly with native Kdan applications such as Animation Desk, NoteLedge, and Write-on Video. Users can also access PDFs and Microsoft Office documents directly through Kdan. The platform’s file-sharing features facilitate collaboration, while user permissions and password protection ensure the confidentiality of files.
Pricing of Kdan Cloud-
- Kdan Cloud Basic- Free Plan- 2GB
- Kdan Cloud- 500GB for 9.99 USD/year
- Document 365- 1TB for 59.99/year
- Creativity 365- 1TB for 59.99/year
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8. JustCloud
JustCloud is a cloud storage service that offers similar file storage and sharing capabilities as Google Drive. It provides automatic synchronization between desktop and cloud, along with features like automatic backups and a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. However, JustCloud tends to be pricier than Google Drive, particularly for users who prefer not to engage in 2-year subscription commitments.
Pricing of JustCloud-
- Home/Pro- 250GB for 7.61 USD/month
- Premium- 1TB for 8.19 USD/month
- Ultimate- 4TB for 10.69 USD/month
9. MEGA
MEGA is a cloud storage platform that provides users with 20GB of free storage. It facilitates collaboration through file sharing, private and group messaging, and file versioning. The service employs end-to-end encryption to ensure the security of files. Users can configure desktop and mobile applications for automatic synchronization with the cloud, enabling streaming of any file stored in their MEGA account. However, it lacks some of the productivity and document editing capabilities found in Google Drive.
Pricing of MEGA-
- Free plan- 20GB
- Pro Lite- 400GB for Rs. 4450/year
- Pro I-2TB for Rs. 8910/year
- Pro II-8TB for Rs. 17,803/year
- Pro III- 16GB for Rs. 26,705/year
10. NordLocker
NordLocker cloud storage provides a level of encryption and data security that is not available with Google Drive. It features end-to-end encryption across all subscription plans and is significantly more cost-effective than Google Drive. The platform is user-friendly and compatible with all operating systems. Additionally, it supports drag-and-drop functionality for enhanced usability, and file transfers are executed swiftly. Organizing files is straightforward, and NordLocker offers backup and synchronization capabilities across various devices.
Pricing of NordLocker
- Free plan- 3GB USD/month
- 500GB plan- 7.99 USD/month
- 2TB plan- 19.99 USD/month
11. DigiBoxx
DigiBoxx stands out as one of the most cost-effective cloud storage solutions in India. For those seeking increased storage capacity at competitive rates, DigiBoxx is a viable option. As a homegrown service, it ensures that the data stored is governed by Indian regulations. Notable features include integration with Gmail and access through a desktop application.
Pricing of DigiBoxx
- Free plan- 20GB
- 100GB- Rs. 30/month
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12. IceDrive
IceDrive, headquartered in the UK, adheres to GDPR regulations. It provides various features, including increased bandwidth, data protection through client-side encryption, password protection, and link and file sharing timeouts. A free account grants you 10GB of storage, although it does not include encryption.
Pricing of IceDrive-
- 1TB- 6 USD/month
- 3TB- 12 USD/month
- 10TB- 30 USD/month
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