With interoperability between devices being a huge factor in choosing the devices you buy, many large manufacturers have focused their efforts on creating ecosystems, rather than single devices.
Apple’s ecosystem is the best example of this since you can pretty much carry your tasks on the devices you own without needing to deliberately switch between them. One huge part of this is online storage. Apple has iCloud, but it isn’t the ideal cloud service to use, especially if you own other devices.
Cloud services can be a great way to be able to access your files from any platform. As long as you have a supported device like iOS, Android, or Windows, and a fast internet like Spectrum, you can access your files anywhere.
So, here are my picks for the best cloud storage services that you can use on most of your devices
Google Drive
Google Drive is a great option to use for storing your files online, especially if you have multiple devices using various operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The browser version of Google Drive can be accessed on most modern browsers, so it doesn’t matter too much if you’re using Windows, Linux, or macOS. Besides its accessibility, Google Drive can offer 15GB of free storage. And if you’re someone who works on services offered by Google like Docs, Sheets, or Slides, you’re in for a treat since your files are going to sync automatically.
The apps for iPhone and Android are great to use as well, with a nice, fast interface. The interface of Google Drive also allows you to share files with others privately or publicly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free Storage is Great | Some Privacy Concerns |
| Private and Public Sharing | |
| Online File Editing |
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft’s answer to Google Drive and Apple iCloud. OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage services you can use.
If you’re a Windows 11 or 10 user, you should find the app pre-installed with the operating system. As a bonus, it can back up your entire system, including your wallpapers, browser settings, and documents you have saved.
While you shouldn’t trust the security of any online drive service, Microsoft offers a degree of additional security with the personal vault feature that you need to use multi-factor authentication for. The files are encrypted using BitLocker and are re-encrypted after a few minutes if not used.
Although the free storage offered isn’t a lot, they offer great pricing which makes it a great option to use if you own multiple devices, with your main one being Windows.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great Interface | Less Free Storage |
| Integration with Windows and Office | |
| Dedicated Clients |
Dropbox
If you don’t want to be bound by the shackles of Microsoft and Google, then Dropbox can be a great option to use for storing your files.
While its prices aren’t the most competitive, it offers a lot of features and integration with other services. The service is extremely fast as well. However, the syncing options aren’t the best, and it’s better suited for use as a folder where you can keep your files, rather than a service that backs up your files.
It also has several underrated features that you probably won’t find on other storage services anytime soon, like a capture tool for taking screenshots, an e-signature service, and integration with IFTTT and Zapier.
| Pros | Cons |
| A Lot of Extra Features | Expensive |
| Integration With Other Applications | |
| Fast Speeds |
IDrive
IDrive is the best option to use if you’re looking for the best price per gigabyte for storing your files.
The service has dedicated clients for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. While there is a command line-only interface for Linux, it’s intended for use with servers and you will have to email their support team to get it.
IDrive also has a simple web interface that allows you to upload and download files without needing to download the app on your device. They claim that all uploaded files use 256-bit AES encryption, which is an industry standard.
IDrive uses multi-factor authentication as well. You can use one-time passcodes that are sent using an authenticator app, or you can receive a code using email or SMS. During testing, the upload and download speeds were great and were only beaten by the speed of Dropbox.
| Pros | Cons |
| Full Encryption | Limited Linux Support |
| Fast Speeds | |
| Great Value |
While several online storage services offer free online storage, you’re not going to be able to store a lot of large files. While Google Drive offers a generous 15 GB storage for free, this is also linked to your email, which means you’re going to get less free storage.
Before you choose a storage option for your needs, make sure it’s available on the device you want to get it for.
Stay in touch to get more updates & news on USA Upmagazine!
