Finding the best online document storage service for your files can feel overwhelming. In this article, we simplify the process by breaking down the best bang-for-your-buck cloud storage providers. From best-in-class privacy and security to the leading services for collaboration, there’s something for everyone.
Written by Dan Ginn ( Writer, Script Editor )
Last Updated: 31 Aug'24 2024-08-31T12:32:00+00:00
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Key Takeaways: The Best Online Document StorageFacts & Expert Analysis: Cloud Storage for Documents
Having the ability to save, sync and share documents online is vital for businesses, professionals and students. All the leading cloud services offer effective and secure online document storage, but some naturally do it better than others. In this article, we look at the best five options when it comes to storing your documents in the cloud.
The best online document storage solution you can use right now is Sync.com because of its excellent security features, prioritization of privacy and competitive pricing. It’s also packed with a host of useful features for file versioning that ensure you never lose or permanently override an important document.
However, it’s not the only option available, and some users may prefer form over function, with more mainstream services. In this article, we’ve put together a list that targets all types of users, ensuring there’s something for everyone and that you can make the best-informed choice as to where to store your documents.
Meet the expertsDan Ginn ( Writer, Script Editor )
Dan Ginn is a seasoned tech writer with deep expertise in cloud storage solutions and data management. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Dan has contributed to top tech publications like Digital Trends and TechRadar. His work at Cloudwards, where he not only writes but also edits video scripts, demonstrates his proficiency in online data backup and SaaS-related content. Dan’s insights into cloud infrastructure and remote file access are enriched by his personal interests in photography and travel, offering a distinct perspective on digital technology trends.
Aleksander Hougen ( Co-Chief Editor )
Aleksander Hougen, the co-chief editor at Cloudwards, is an expert in cloud storage and related technologies. With a solid academic background in software engineering, including a Bachelor’s and a Postgraduate Certificate, Aleksander offers a profound understanding of cloud computing, data management and digital security. His expertise extends to cloud backup solutions, secure data storage and the broader spectrum of cloud services. His educational background enables him to demystify technical topics, making them accessible and empowering for technology enthusiasts.
05/20/2024 Facts checkedThere are several factors to consider when choosing the best storage option for your documents. Security, ease of use, collaboration features, offline access and storage capacity are all integral parts of the best online document cloud storage services.
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If you handle sensitive files, then security has to be at the forefront of your decision. So, cloud storage services that offer end-to-end encryption and are a zero-knowledge provider should certainly catch your attention. It means you, the user, can have peace of mind that your documents remain private and that you have full control of who can see and use your data.
For those of you who are part of a team that collaborates on documents simultaneously, then ease of use is likely what you want. The likes of Google Drive and Dropbox are often the go-to online document storage solutions for collaboration, as they offer features that allow a team to work on a document with little-to-no complication.
However, the tech sphere is still waiting for an online cloud storage service that ticks all the boxes. Some excel in areas where others don’t, and vice versa. Yet what is available on the market right now is still high quality. Even if the perfect service is yet to exist, we’re confident in recommending all of the below online document storage providers.
These selections cover all the bases you would expect. Plus, we’re going to break down each service to help you understand what they do, how they do it and which one is best for you. You can also read our document management best practices guide to learn more.
Our top picks for the best cloud storage services will appeal to a range of users, including small to large businesses.
Sync.com Review | The Most Secure Cloud Storage Available?
Sync.com may be a polarizing selection for our best option for online document storage, as its limited options for collaboration will surely be a turnoff for some. However, the benefits that the platform offers far outweigh its limitations.
The cloud service offers best-in-class security for your documents. With must-have features like end-to-end encryption (across all plans), users can enjoy peace of mind that their documents are safe from potential cyberattacks.
If you’re someone who constantly edits your documents, then Sync.com — the best cloud storage for versioning — is likely to be your best friend. The versioning feature allows users to access older versions of files, which is particularly useful if you’ve made edits you later wish didn’t. Plus, if you accidentally delete a file, there’s no need to worry. Sync.com offers a deleted file recovery option, which doesn’t count toward your selected cloud storage quota.
Like a lot of online document cloud storage services, users are able to download the Sync.com desktop app directly onto their computer. Doing this generates what the company calls a “sync” folder. When users save their documents to the folder, it then automatically syncs them to the cloud. If you want to learn more about our favorite cloud storage service, check out our Sync.com review.
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For businesses, it’s hard to recommend any other service than Egnyte. In fact, we ranked it as the best EFSS (enterprise file sync and share) provider. Egnyte’s EFSS system allows for fluid and secure file sharing across multiple users in your business — but that’s not all.
Egnyte separates its storage space between both private and collaborative folders. This gives you full control over which documents are accessible for multiple employees and which folders remain private to one or more selected users.
The level of third-party integration makes Egnyte an extremely attractive option. It offers native support for both Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, but it doesn’t stop there. Egnyte supports an integrated form builder and Adobe Sign, on top of a long list of add-ons that can help you efficiently run your business.
However, when it comes to the amount of storage space available, Egnyte perplexes us with its offering. For example, the Team plan gives users 1TB of shared storage, while the Business plan also offers the same 1TB of shared storage for twice the cost.
You do get an extra 10GB of storage for each employee that you include in the Business plan. Users on the Business plan all have access to features like local file caching, public cloud file caching (for fast access to files) and mobile PDF annotation, all of which are lacking on the Team plan. We’re not sure if this is really enough to warrant an upgrade, but if you need the extra storage space, then the Business plan should be your preferred choice.
We would prefer to see the storage options more competitive when it comes to price. However, when you consider all the other additional features the platform offers, overall, the cost of the service certainly feels worth it. To learn about what Egnyte can do for your business, check out our full Egnyte review.
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