Top Cloud Storage Services to Consider Aside from Google Drive

The trend in storage networks nowadays is shifting towards having cloud storage. Of course, you will still need a secured network in your company premises or within your home-- but having cloud storage even for just your backup is ideal.

Having a cloud storage backup makes sure that you will still have access to your files in case of cyberattacks, corruption, or even natural calamities. One of the advantages of cloud storage is that someone else will be helping you with your responsibility in keeping your data safe.

Keeping your network servers and storage devices safe is necessary at all times. Regardless if you are running a business or if you are using it for personal purposes-- you want to keep your private and sensitive data safe. Having a cloud storage backup will help you prepare for worst-case scenarios.

What is a Cloud Storage Service All About?

Cloud storage is a resource such as computing power and storage that you can access remotely online. Some cloud storage services are free while some come with a fee.

You can think of cloud storage as a self-storage unit, but instead of physical items, you are storing files within it.

There are many services under the cloud storage category such as cloud backup, online storage, online drives, online backup, file hosting, file storage, and many more.

This virtual space can be accessed through a browser or a desktop/mobile application. Although it is called a cloud storage service, it is not managed by sky people. Your files are in a data center, in a server, on a hard drive, or on an SSD.

What's Up With Cloud Storage in 2022?

Cloud storage is not a new concept, it has been around for a while and it was popularized by Amazon in 2006. However, it is gaining more attention nowadays due to its usefulness and the convenience it brings to its users.

Google recently announced that it will implement some changes in its cloud storage services. Some of these changes include cutting back on their previously unlimited Google Photos. Google will also start deleting files in Google Drive after only 30 days and remove dormant Google accounts in the near future.

These changes are necessary to improve the security of Google's cloud storage services.

There is also a drop in the number of HDD sales in the consumer market, while there is an increase in enterprises.

These statistics show that there is a strong demand for data storage from service providers and hyper-scalers.

Best Cloud Storage Services to Consider this 2022

There are lots of cloud storage service providers out there, but here are the best cloud services to consider aside from GoogleDrive:

IDrive Cloud Storage

If you are looking for an affordable cloud storage service, then look no further-- IDrive got your back. It has a free tier of 5GB and allows you to use an unlimited number of devices. You can get access to 5TB of storage for just US$3.98 for personal use!

IDrive is fast and easy to use while still offering good security. However, this cloud storage service provider does not have a two-factor authentication option for its accounts.

IDrive offers constant syncing of your files. Its web interface allows users to share files by email, Facebook, and Twitter. It does not automatically delete files from the server which is good news for click-happy users. This feature lessens the risk of accidentally deleting important files or data. This cloud storage service can save up to 30 versions of all the files in your account.

IDrive has IDrive Express which sends you a physical hard disk drive if you lose all your data. This option allows you to restore all of your backed-up files easily.

Microsoft OneDrive

If you are a big fan of Microsoft, OneDrive may be for you. Like IDrive, OneDrive offers a free tier of 5GB. You can get up to 1TB for US$59.99 a year. OneDrive will allow you to up to 30 devices.

OneDrive comes with Microsoft 365. It will also allow you to edit files online without requiring you to download them first. However, it does not really have any other advanced features.

Much like GoogleDrive to Google users, OneDrive is a good fit for Microsoft users. OneDrive offers smooth integration with Outlook.com and it works nicely with Windows 10. This cloud storage service also offers a selection of reasonable mobile apps to facilitate access on the move.

OneDrive allows its users to share files with other people even if they don't have an account yet. You, as the owner, can customize permissions. If you have Microsoft 365, previously known as Office 365, you automatically get 1TB of space per user for free with an option to boost it up.

NordLocker

Is security your topmost priority? Say no more and check out NordLocker. This cloud storage service takes its security seriously. It has a free tier of 3G and for US$3.99-- you can gain access to up to 500GB of storage.

This cloud storage service provider has a user-friendly app on top of its highly secured services. It is so easy to use, anyone can learn it in no time! The only downside is that it does not offer as much storage under their free tier compared to the other options.

You may be thinking that NordLocker sounds kind of familiar. It's because it is a product by the same people who created NordVPN.

NordLocker is an effective storage cloud service that allows you to create a cloud storage locker. It protects your data with encryption which makes it one of the safest cloud storage options.

This cloud storage service lets you sync all those files in the cloud between all your devices. It uses a simple drag-and-drop method that automatically encrypts and uploads your files.

Due to security reasons, file sharing is only possible within the NordLocker app. All users must sign up for an account before they can access the shared file.

As mentioned previously, NordLocker takes security seriously. Your files can only be decrypted by yourself.

On a Final Note

Many cloud storage service providers are available out there and Google Drive is one of the most used ones due to its integration with Gmail accounts. The cloud storage services on this list are some of the best ones that you should consider. But there is no harm in searching further if you feel like you need something else.

Remember, the best cloud storage service is the one that works for you.