Cloud storage allows you to keep a large number of files in remote data storage. They eliminate the need to carry a flash drive, save space on your hard drive, and are convenient for sharing files with friends and colleagues.

In this article let’s analyze 5 best cloud storages that are relevant in 2022.

What to pay attention to when choosing a cloud

The most important features and capabilities of services:

• storage size;
• the amount of free space;
• cost;
• the ability to view and edit files within the storage;
• recovery of deleted files;
• level of data protection;
• additional features.

The best cloud storage in 2022

We present the top 7 best cloud storage services. We will start, of course, with the most popular – Google and Yandex services:

1. Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage service from Google. In it you can edit files, provide access to colleagues to work together on documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The service is linked to other Google tools – Calendar, Tasks and Google Keep. It is one of the most popular services for working with documents in the cloud.

• Storage size: 15 GB, 100 GB, 200 GB and 2 TB.
• Free space: 15 GB

Additional features:

– There is integration with popular services: Slack, Autodesk, Adobe, amoCRM and document add-ons (over 100). For example, you can add emoji to Google Doc, icons, diagrams and forms without leaving the document.

– By subscribing, you can get up to 10% cashback on the purchase of any device in the Google Store, points on your Google Play balance, discounts on hotel reservations, and much more.

– You can search for files not only by name, but also by document content.

– You can set the degree of privacy of the document (you can open it for reading, commenting or editing).

– You can work with documents in offline mode.

– High data safety: encryption using HTTPS protocol, Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) algorithm, double RSA-2048 encryption keys.

2. Dropbox

Dropbox can be called the third most popular service after Yandex.Disk and Google Drive. In addition to storing files there is a function of synchronizing data in real time from any device and the ability to send large files of 2 GB and 100 GB (depending on the tariff). The service has a feature for collaborative work on files.

• Files can be shared even with users who are not registered in Dropbox.
• Storage size: 2TB, 3TB, 5TB, unlimited volume on the most expensive plan.
• Volume of free space: no, but there is a trial plan for 14 days.
• Cost: from $11.99/month for personal use and from $19.99/month for business.

Additional features of the service:

– Remote wipe feature on a lost device. If a phone, tablet or laptop is lost, you can delete data on that device and not worry about it falling into the wrong hands.

– Optical character recognition in scanned documents. Convenient if you need to find information without having to open all the scans on the disk.

– Possibility to restore deleted files within 30 days (180 days for Dropbox Business users).

– Collaboration tools: workgroup management, Dropbox Paper, the version and activity log for tracking the team’s tasks, comments and notes form, document scanning feature.

– Integration with other services: Trello, Zapier, Salesforce, Slack, Gmail, Outlook.

– There is software for PC.

– Built-in electronic signature tool HelloSign.

– Automatic data backup function.

– Data security tools: ability to set document privacy level, option to restrict file downloading, password protection of content, setting file access expiration date.

– 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption for file security. 3.

3. Pcloud

Pcloud is a European file storage service with an emphasis on file security. The company is based in Switzerland and operates under the laws of that country, which is very serious about data protection. Another peculiarity of the service is that there is no limit on the size of the uploaded files and you can buy storage forever.

• Storage size: 500 GB and 2 TB.
• Volume of free space: none.
• Cost: from €47.88 for a year for 500 GB or €175 for 500 GB for life.

Additional features of the service:

– The ability to buy 500GB or 2TB forever without having to pay monthly.

– Unlimited file size and download and upload speeds.

– Statistics on file links.

– Built-in video and audio player.

– Ability to restore the account version in a range of up to 180 days or files from the trash within 30 days.

– Synchronization with Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive.

4. Box

Box is an American file storage and sharing service.

Box is an American service for storing and sharing files. Box is not just a cloud service, but also a tool for automating business processes. In Box you can create tasks for the team, share files, set up roles for employees and view statistics. In other words, it is a cloud storage + mini-CRM.

• Storage size: 10 GB, 100 GB, unlimited storage on some Business plans.
• Volume of free space: 10 GB.
• Cost: from 9 euro per month for a personal plan and from 6 euro for the business plan.

Additional features of the service:

– Integration with more than 1 500 services.

– Admin panel for collaborative work on files, assigning roles, viewing statistics.

– Possibility to create tasks to work with files.

5. Fex.net

Fex.net is a simple service for data storage and exchange. Little feature, but it is cheap. In fact, there are only 3 main functions – uploading files to the cloud, watching videos in the service and the ability to share a link to the file.

• Storage size: 16 GB, 128 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB.
• Volume of free space: no, but there is a test period of 7 days.
• Cost: about $2 per 1TB, gigabytes are cheaper.

Additional features of the service:

– FEX ID app for viewing files on Smart TV, there are also mobile apps.

– Restore files within 7 days of expiration of mandatory storage.

What about iCloud? We decided not to add this service to the selection, since it is by default embedded in iOS and Mac OS. Only 5 GB are available for free, but it is easier to pay for extra gigabytes for convenience than to look for other services. Android users of iCloud are not available.

Conclusion

Cloud services are a useful thing. They do not take up space and do not need to be carried around like a normal flash drive or external hard drive. They cannot be lost (just don’t forget your username and password), they are secure (again, as long as you don’t give out your login data) and they can be used to exchange files remotely in a couple of clicks. An important plus – with cloud storage you don’t have to worry about the safety of your files if your gadget gets lost or your computer’s hard drive crashes.