In the world of cloud-based file storage mediums, Google Drive is hailed as one of the most popular options. Yet, there are many reasons why you may want to keep your options open and look for Google Drive Alternatives. It could be that you have hit that 15 GB cap after which you just don’t want to pay Google or maybe you are extra concerned about the security and don’t want Google to snoop into whatever it is that you are storing. Although Google is vigilant with your security, still.
Best Google Drive Alternatives 2021
Here are some of the best Google Drive alternatives that offer great file uploading and sharing capabilities, offer powerful security measures, and that is extremely easy to get accustomed with –
List of Contents
1. Acronis Cloud Backup
Pricing: Starts at US$ 49.99 | Available for – Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
Acronis Cloud Backup is a cloud backup solution that also arms you with an antivirus. Plus, it even lets you create a backup of your operating system. Whether you risk losing your data to all sorts of operating system failures or whether you risk losing your data to cyberattacks, Acronis Cloud Backup has got your back. The free version offers 1 TB of Acronis cloud space.
Easy to use and easy to manage
Schedule backups as and when you want
Choose to create full or incremental backups
Advanced antimalware protection protects you from cyberattacks
Create restore points and restore system
Web filtering doesn’t let miscreants access your data
No cross-platform functionality
Set up is time taking
Backup speed can be improved
2. IceDrive
Pricing: Starts US$ 1.67 for 150 GB Storage | Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Ice Drive is one of the best free alternatives to Google Drive. Soon after signing up for an account, you get 10 GB of free storage space. This cloud storage medium suits the needs of people from all walks of life. It offers spectacular cross-platform functionality, in that you can sync data seamlessly between your computer and smartphones. Again, in terms of security, Ice Drive moves mountains.
Two fish, zero-knowledge and client-side encryption
A virtual drive is created on your desktop just like the native drives
Intelligent cache-control fastens the application even more
Edit, delete, upload and open files with utmost ease
Built-in media player that can read all popular formats
Absence of selective sync
You may encounter a few bugs and glitches when working with it since the Ice Drive is relatively new
Two-factor authentication is not available
3. Sync.com
Pricing: US$ 5 per month billed annually | Platform Supported: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
Sync.com is one of the best Google Drive Alternatives especially when it comes to the privacy factor. The free plan offers you up to 5 GB of free storage. There is an option to automatically sync data which ensures that all devices are synced simultaneously. And, not to forget it offers two-factor authentication and zero-knowledge encryption. The latter means that the service provider has no knowledge about your data.
High privacy compliance
Easy file storing and sharing options
Zero-knowledge encryption
Fast file upload speed
Easy data accessibility
Prompt customer support
Annual payments may make it a slightly pricier option
Syncing can at times be slow
4. Dropbox
Pricing: Starts at US$ 9.99 per month | Platforms Supported: Web, Windows, iOS , Android, iOS
If you are looking for a free Google Drive alternative, you can’t ignore Dropbox. It offers you 2 GB of free storage, and you can subsequently increase the free storage through referrals. It has been around for quite a while now and is used both by individuals as well as business organizations. Dropbox is powered by LAN and block-level file sync that makes uploading of especially the larger files much faster in comparison to Google Drive. It integrates well with Google Workspace and Office 365 apps.
Fast uploading of files whether on a laptop, desktop, or smartphone
Synchronization of files is one of the best in the industry
Action history is shown
Dropbox vault lets you secure files using a PIN
Fast and easy setup
Dropbox offers full-text search with the help of which you can search files by extension, file name, and keywords within a file
Drag and copying of files is at times glitchy
Link sharing at times acts up
5. pCloud
Pricing: Starts at US$ 4.99 per month for 500 GB storage | Platforms supported: iOS, Android, Web, Windows
Although pCloud might be one of the newest Google Drive alternatives, it is one of the best on the block. It has an easy-to-use interface and one of the best cross-platform functionality. It offers you better control over files, so much so that you can well collaborate with friends on single files. If you are heading for the free version, pCloud offers up to 10 GB of free storage.
The selective sync feature helps you select specific folders so that not all information is synced
pCloud offers pCloud Crypto that encrypts the files before they are sent to storage
It has built-in document viewers and media players so that media and other files can be accessed directly from within the application
One of the best cloud storage mediums for storing music
It offers client-side encryption
Offers up to 2 TB storage which can prove to be less for bigger organizations
Zero-knowledge encryption is a payable feature
6. NordLocker
Pricing: US$ 3.99 per month for 500 GB storage| OS Supported: Web, Windows and Mac
Nord is renowned in the world of VPNs. But, what’s lesser-known is the fact that it also has a pretty decent cloud storage medium, something that can give GoogleDrive and the likes a run for the money. It is one of those Google Drive alternatives that offers Zero-knowledge security. As for the free version, you get 3 GB free.
No restrictions on file size
Files can be uploaded and shared seamlessly
Automatic data backup functionality
Great integration with Google Drive and Dropbox
Simple drag and drop to encrypt files
Stringent high-end encryption
encrypted cloud helps prevent piracy of shared files
Available only for Windows and Mac
Pricing options can be costlier
7. OneDrive
Pricing: Starts at Approx US$ 2 for 200 MB | Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
OneDrive is one of the leading cloud storage mediums out there and comes from the house of Microsoft which makes it a trustworthy Google Drive Alternative. Being a Microsoft product, it abides with Microsoft 365 products very well. It offers 5 GB of free storage space and also gives you an opportunity to earn extra free space as well. It is used by several Fortune 500 companies.
Windows users especially will find it easier to work with OneDrive and a host of other Microsoft products
Great collaboration features
File syncing and sharing is seamless across devices
Comes preinstalled with Windows
At an organizational level, you can create directories as per department
Uploading and opening large files may be time-consuming
Syncing big files may be a problem
8. Koofr
Pricing: Starts At 0.5 € per month for 10 GB | Platforms available: Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, Web
Another Google Drive alternative that you can look at is Koofr which offers 2 GB worth of free storage space. Moreover, with referrals, you can get 2 GB worth of free storage space. It offers remarkable security and great file uploading, sharing, and syncing services. It also lets you connect with multiple cloud accounts i.e. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. You can look for all your devices and clouds right from within 1 app.
Transfer secured using SSL and TLS encryption
Each of your files is secured at 3 physically separate locations
No restriction on file size limits
Unified search engine
Ability to choose folders that you want to sync
Free storage available is very less as compared to many competitors
Zero-knowledge encryption not available
9. Box Drive
Pricing – US$ 5 per month per user | Platforms available – Windows, Android, iOS, Mac
Box Drive is a smart and efficient way to work with your cloud files and that too right from your Windows desktop or Mac. You can edit them just like any file that you would have stored on your Mac or Windows locally. Plus, you can make collaborative workspaces out of your folders and invite team members as well. The free version for individual users offers up to 10 GB worth of free storage space and a 250 MB file upload limit.
Clean and simple interface
Invite team members to work on folders
Two-factor authentication
Highly secured file sharing
Integration with G Suite and Office 365
Prompt customer support
1 file version is supported with the free version
UI can be better as it takes way too many clicks to get things done
Pricing can be better
10. Carbonite
Pricing- starts at US$ 4 per month billed annually | Platforms- Mac and Windows
Carbonite has carved a niche in the world of online backup services and is a potential contender as a Google Drive alternative. There is no free forever version as many of its counterparts, but, Carbonite lets you try the service for 15 days where you can upload as many files as you want. And, even with the free version, Carbonite provides you with a prompt customer service.
Encrypted and secure cloud storage
Automatic backup facility available
Unlimited backup
Paid versions also offer antivirus protection and external hard drive backup
When the continuous facility is chosen, Carbonite continuously updates your backup
The cloud storage service is a bit at the costlier end and there is no forever free storage
Restrained version history
Bandwidth allocation cannot be controlled
Wrapping Up:
So, these were some of the best Google Drive Alternatives. Do let us know in the comments section which is the one that is used to store and share your files. For more such content, keep reading Tweak Library. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.