The Best Google Drive Alternatives

Google’s user-friendly interface makes Google Drive the go-to choice for both individuals and businesses. However, when it comes to secure file management, and collaboration, you do have other options. In fact, many of the features offered in other file-sharing back-up solutions are identical to Google Drive.

In this article, we name the four best alternatives to Google Drive, that include most of its features.

The Alternatives

Our recommendations for the four best alternatives to Google Drive are as follows:

1. Box
2. Dropbox
3. Microsoft One Drive
4. pCloud

Must-Have Features of a Collaborative Cloud Storage Service

Our decision was based on whether the cloud platform shared the following features with Google Drive. These are particularly important for those working remotely or in teams.

Cross Platform Compatibility

All four of our cloud file-sharing services have compatibility with all devices, meaning that even large teams, all working with different devices and operating systems, can access the identical latest version of a file in real-time.

Automatic File Synchronization

Automatic file synchronization is possibly the most important feature of a cloud storage service. The reason being, it ensures that all users of any shared information are “on the same page.” This is particularly important for partners or teams working together to edit and refine the same content.

Automatic file synchronization also makes sure that all of the devices and platforms owned by a single user of the storage cloud are always “in sync.” Files will always be updated with the latest information, whether it be accessed on a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer.

Real-Time Collaboration

To be comparable to Google Drive, all users of the service must be able to edit and comment on documents in real-time. This is what makes Google Docs such an efficient workspace for teams.

Effortless File Sharing

Like Google Drive, the cloud service must be secure, yet also allow collaborators to create links that can easily be shared by email or text.

Version History

Google Drive also allows offers users of Google Docs version history. This helps users track all changes and prevents the loss of document drafts, so there is never a communication breakdown or misunderstanding between teams.

Free Storage

Google Drive offers users 15 GB of free space, as long as they have registered for a Gmail account with Google. All of our choices for best alternatives to Google Drive also offer free and paid plans.

The Four Best Google Drive Alternatives

Here is our assessment of the four best Google Drive alternatives.

1. Box

Box is a great choice for business users looking for cloud storage that prioritizes data protection and security. An established cloud storage solution, it was originally developed for personal users in 2005 and then focused on business users in 2009. The platform also features advanced encryption and is ideal for businesses that work with large teams and sensitive information.

Like Google Drive Box offers a user-friendly interface with team collaboration, file sharing, and version history. It also has a free version with a generous 10GB of free cloud storage as long as you keep your file size limit to 250GB.

Pros

• End-to-end encryption
• Activity tracking
• Integrates with 400 business integrations

Cons

• File size limit of 250GB on free version

2. Dropbox

Dropbox predates Google Drive as a pioneer in cloud storage and file-sharing. Founded in 2007, it hasn’t changed much since. Like Google, Dropbox offers users with permission the ability to collaborate from anywhere. Like Google Docs, Dropbox offers a file version history and way of recovering lost files.

Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage and also paid plans for up to 3TB per user that come with a “Try free for 30 days” offer.

Pros

• Fast upload speeds
• Unlimited file sizes
• Integrates with thousands of applications

Cons

• Offers only 2B of free storage
• Expensive

3. Microsoft One Drive

Formerly known as SkyDrive, Microsoft’s file-sharing service, now known as Microsoft One Drive, enables registered users to share and synchronize files. Fully integrated with Microsoft Office Suite, which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, it’s a streaming service, email, a To-Do list, calendar, and more.

Microsoft One Drive is free for anyone who buys a computer with Microsoft 365 installed with three additional paid plans that offer storage from up to 100GB to 6TB.

Pros

• Strong encryption protects data
• Access to files can be restricted
• One click file sharing by email

Cons

• The file limit is 300,000 files
• It cannot back up PSP files

4.pCloud

Founded in 2013, pCloud is a newer cloud storage solution with fast-file syncing, media-file sharing, and real-time synchronization. It also offers a feature called “crypto folders”, which are encrypted on the client end. Even pCloud, the service provider, does not know the contents of your files. Only the user can decrypt it with a special Crypto Pass.

pCloud offers users free 10GB worth of storage just for signing up for their plan, and then an upgrade to an inexpensive lifetime plans. All of which means you never have to deal with monthly or annual payments again.

Pros

• Inexpensive life-time subscription
• File can be set up to expire
• Streaming feature
• Creates playlist

Cons

• Version history is wiped after 30 days on free version
• Lacks some collaboration tools
• No inbuilt document editor

FAQS

Can I replace Google Drive entirely with any of these best Google Drive alternatives?

Any of the recommended cloud storage solutions can replace your free version of Google Drive. That said, not all come with Google Drive’s integrated bells and whistles such as email, streaming services or excel sheets. It is important to research the free and paid plans of all four Google Drive alternatives before you buy.

Who owns the data stored on a cloud?

The individual or business that pays for the cloud storage, or has the encryption password, typically owns the data on a cloud. Any provider that tells you otherwise isn’t offering you the promised secure platform. Beware of any cloud storage provider that claims ownership of your data once you have uploaded it to their cloud.

Is cloud storage more secure than storing data on my computer?

Cloud storage is much more secure than storing data on a hard drive or a computer since it’s less vulnerable to ransomware. Your data is also stored safely in the cloud if your hardware or software happens to crash.

What is cloud encryption?

Cloud encryption is the process of transforming data into codes before it can be transferred to a cloud. This distorts the data in your files and renders it unreadable to unauthorized users and malware until you access your files with your password.

Choose the Solution That Fits Your Focus

The best Google Drive alternative is going to be the one that fits your needs. Dropbox works well with personal users who prefer an established brand, while Box is great for business. Microsoft One Drive is best for Microsoft 365 users and pCloud suits those that need a file backup solution with full encryption. All of these choices share the collaborative and file-syncing features that have made Google Drive so popular.

Are you looking for an alternative to Google Drive? If so, which solution in our article interests you the most? Let us know in the comments section below.