Google Drive is a real giant holding almost a third of the global cloud storage market. It is a public service that automatically connects to any Google account. By purchasing an Android smartphone, registering on an analytics platform, or creating a Gmail account, you automatically get access to the online storage. Thanks to this expansion policy, more than 3 billion accounts are currently registered with Google Drive.
It seems that in such a situation, you don't have to think twice. The top service will be a great choice of cloud storage for both personal use and business. And yet, many users are looking for Google Drive alternatives. Everyone has their reasons. For some users, Google Drive cannot provide important functions, others are worried about data privacy, and the rest are not satisfied with the subscription plans.
To help you select cloud storage, we've compiled the list of best alternatives to Google Drive. To select them, we used the criteria that users pay attention to — functionality, security, and cost-effectiveness. Of course, we also considered other characteristics, such as storage capacity, integration with other services, the availability of mobile applications, etc. So, let's take a look at the cloud storage market in 2024.
What Is Google Drive
As we mentioned above, Google Drive is a cloud storage service that automatically connects to your Google account. It is part of a group of services for teamwork and productivity called Google Workspace and is included in a large set of web applications called G Suite. It features such popular applications as Google Sheets for working with spreadsheets, Google Docs for editing text documents online, Google Calendar for scheduling and workflows, and Google Meet and Chat for productive communications.
By default, each user gets 15 GB of storage for free. But you should keep in mind that it is divided between all Google Workspace services. Usually, a significant part of this space is filled with emails from Gmail, photos from Google Photos, and video conference recordings from Google Meet. That's why many users decide to upgrade to a paid plan that comes at the following prices:
- 100 GB — $1.8/month;
- 200 GB — $2.7/month;
- 2 TB — $9.11/month.
Other subscription plans are available for businesses:
- 30 GB for each user — $6 per month;
- 2 TB — $12;
- 5 TB — $18.
The Google Workspace platform has a broad functionality. It allows you to create and edit online files of various types — text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, sketches, survey forms, maps, etc. It has convenient sharing tools — you can give users permission to view, comment, or edit your materials. The platform also allows you to share files with other Google Drive users in a couple of clicks. Moreover, business subscription holders get access to Gemini AI, which can generate emails, to-do lists, and even strategic plans.
Google Workspace supports the integration of more than 5,000 third-party web services and applications. So you can connect it to your existing workflows without wasting time, effort, or resources. In addition, the platform is available to you on any device — desktop and mobile, with different types of OS.
It seems like everything is perfect. But there are reasons to look for alternatives to Google Drive for businesses and personal use.
Why Consider a Google Drive Alternative
Like all general-purpose services, Google Drive tries to provide its users with the widest and most generalized list of features. And because of this, it loses out in highly specialized niches where the subtle nuances of workflows are crucial. For example, Google Drive has limited automation capabilities and doesn't allow you to combine files into collections and create portals for sharing data outside the platform. You can solve some of these issues by integrating third-party services. But, at the very least, it's a time-consuming and complicated process. And in many cases, connecting additional tools will require more costs.
Speaking of costs, Google's subscription plans are quite affordable, which makes them accessible to a wide range of individual and professional users. And yet, if you try hard enough, you can find even better options. When you choose a cloud storage service that you intend to use for years to come, every dollar counts.
And finally, we come to the argument that causes the most heated debates — security. When you sign up for an account, you agree to give Google access to all the data in its cloud storage. Moreover, it can be used by third parties — partners of the technology company. The opinion that information from your documents is used to train neural networks, improve software, and track trends is widely discussed. It seems that such goals are quite rational and noble. But these are only declarations of intent — no one can guarantee that the data will not be used for other purposes.
Furthermore, users looking for alternatives to Google Drive have serious doubts about protection against hacker attacks. Although the developers are constantly closing security holes, there are still phishing emails, malware files, and forms for stealing personal data within the platform. Of course, simple cybersecurity rules can minimize the threat, but the problem is still not completely solved.
That's why Google Drive hasn't become the same monopolist as the search engine created by the same tech company. And that's why we are looking at alternative services with unique advantages.
Best Alternatives to Google Drive in 2024
1. Pics.io
If you want to expand the functionality of your cloud storage, you don't have to look for an alternative, disrupt your established workflows, and waste resources on migration. Sometimes, it's enough to connect Google Drive digital asset management system. Pics.io DAM is just such a platform. It connects to existing storages — you can use Amazon S3, Google Drive, or opt for your own storage. Pics.io provides access to the following unique features:
- File sharing. You can combine materials from different folders and virtual media into shared collections called websites. It's very convenient when working on projects — all the files of any format you need are available via a single link. Inboxes are the opposite. Your partners can upload files to folders via a link — they don't need to register and create paid accounts.
- Version control. The Pics.io platform allows you to view all previous versions of text documents, images, and other materials. You can compare them, highlight changes, and quickly revert to previous versions. Users can approve or reject edits, leave comments, and tag other teammates.
- Metadata management. In Pics.io, files can be organized with the help of metadata tags. This makes it easier to sort files by project, link photos to product SKUs, etc. Moreover, you can also add custom metadata fields for faster search. Built-in AI helps to tag files automatically with relevant keywords and save time.
- Image editing. The platform has its own graphic editor that can handle simple tasks. It allows you to apply filters and watermarks, manage color schemes, change the resolution and proportions, and cut out individual fragments of images.
- Security. This digital asset management system keeps your files safe. You can use SSO logins and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your media.
- User permissions. Pics.io DAM offers granular access control to all the features and files. You can set us permissions and access levels for both internal and external users depending on their responsibilities.
Pics.io subscription plans start at $50 per month. The following subscription plans are available for businesses:
- 10 users — $150 per month;
- 50 users — $600;
- 100 users — $1,100;
- more than 100 users - special price for enterprises.
You can test Pics.io functionality for free for 7 days, without linking a bank card and long-term commitments.
2. Microsoft OneDrive
If you combine Google Drive with Microsoft Office, you will get OneDrive. The interface of this service is very similar to the graphical shell of the Windows OS, so the vast majority of users will not have to study it — everything is intuitive. What's more, the OneDrive desktop app is included as standard software on new Windows PCs — all you have to do is click on the icon and choose a plan.
OneDrive will also be one of the secure alternatives to Google Drive. The service allows you to set an additional level of protection — authorization by face or fingerprint scanning, PIN, and a one-time password sent by email or SMS.
The basic subscription provides less space than Google — 5 GB for free. In general, OneDrive's subscription plans are quite affordable:
- 100 GB — $1.51 per month, for 1 user only;
- 1 TB — $4.85 for 1 user;
- 6 TB — $6.65, family subscription, which can include up to 6 users.
The advantage of the service is that a separate drive is allocated for the mailbox — 15 GB in the free version, and 50 GB in the paid version.
3. Dropbox
It is one of the oldest players in the cloud storage market. Dropbox attracts attention with its security guarantees. The company does not provide access to user data to third parties. It offers two-factor authentication and the possibility to remotely delete information from the device in case of theft, loss, or hacker attack.
Another advantage will be the increased speed of processing large files — RAW images, database backups, 3D models, etc. It is possible thanks to copying individual blocks of information. If you have sufficient bandwidth, you will never complain about slow downloads.
Speed and privacy cost a lot of money. You get only 2 GB of free storage. For additional storage, you will have to pay more than with Google:
- 2 TB — $11.99 per month;
- 3 TB — $19.99;
- From 3 users — $12 per month per user for 9 TB or $18 per month per user for 15 TB.
4. pCloud
If you think that Dropbox provides a high level of protection, you haven't seen the pCloud offer. The service allows you to encrypt files before uploading them and store the keys on your PC. This ensures that even the data center owners will not be able to access your information.
pCloud will be one of the best Google Drive alternatives for collaborating on projects. Similar to Pics.io, it allows you to involve third-party participants in your workflows without subscribing to cloud storage. They can send you files or download the materials needed with a link and password.
pCloud also has an unusual pricing policy. You can get 500 GB for $49.99 per year or 2 TB for $99.99. But many users will be more interested in a lifetime subscription:
- 500 GB for $199 with no additional payments in the future;
- 2 TB — $399;
- 10 TB — $1,190.
There is no demo version, but you can request a refund within 14 days.
5. Box
It is a great solution for those who work with clients and partners using different cloud storages. Box has ready-made integrations with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. You can also connect to other services using software adapters.
Another advantage of Box is advanced rights and permissions settings for each user. The service allows you to grant access to certain digital assets or restrict their use in a couple of clicks. It is especially convenient for working in large teams.
Box can be one of the best Google Drive free alternatives as its basic version comes with 10 GB of storage. However, there is one crucial thing to keep in mind: the maximum file size is limited to 250 MB. The cost of paid plans is closer to the average market level:
- 100 GB — $4.5 per month;
- 100 GB with the ability to upload files up to 5 GB — $9;
- Unlimited storage for business — from $13.5 to $31.5 per user, depending on the functionality and file size.
6. Sync
It is another secure cloud storage service that stores encryption keys locally. But Sync goes further even compared to pCloud. The service offers Vault, a storage within the storage that can be accessed with additional two-factor authentication. Files in it are uploaded only manually — they cannot be shared or synchronized with local media.
Sync can be one of the full-fledged alternatives to Google Drive. It has file-sharing features for editing files and version control. In addition, you can create client portals to share data with external participants in workflows.
The free version provides you with 5 GB of storage, but you will have to distribute each file separately, without collections and folders. In general, the service's pricing policy is quite affordable:
- 2 TB — $8 per month;
- 6 TB — $20;
- Unlimited storage for business — from $15 for each user.
7. iCloud
It is a standard cloud storage for all Apple devices with special terms of use for their owners. But there are no restrictions on operating systems — the service is available for both Windows and Android. Overall, it's a fairly simple solution with basic data sorting and distribution functionality, and it's more suitable for personal use than for business.
iCloud is among the best free Google Drive alternatives. 5 GB of disk space is available to everyone, although the amount may be higher for owners of Apple devices. Pricing plans are set individually for each region, so it is important to check local subscription terms before subscribing. The following prices apply in the United States:
- 50 GB — $0.99 per month;
- 200 GB — $2.99;
- 2 TB — $9.99;
- 6 TB — $29.99;
- 12 TB — $59.99.
8. Amazon Drive
The well-known tech company started later than Google and Microsoft but is trying its best to catch up. It already offers tools for collaborating on projects, sharing file collections in a few clicks, and securely protecting data. It also has tools for integrating cloud storage with other Amazon products and third-party applications, including MS Office.
One of the key features is the possibility of creating a family storage for 4 users. Each of them can upload an unlimited number of photos with a resolution of up to 8 MP and up to 20 GB of video to the cloud. These multimedia files can be displayed on Amazon Fire TVs and accessed using voice commands.
If you're looking for free alternatives to Google Drive, Amazon Cloud with its 5GB of storage and family storage is a pretty interesting option. Paid plans are also not very expensive:
- 100 GB — $1.99 per month;
- 1 TB — $6.99;
- 2 TB — $11.99;
- 3 TB — $14.99;
- Each additional terabyte costs $5 per month.
9. MEGA
It is an all-in-one solution for freelancers, small businesses, and large companies. In addition to cloud storage, the company offers automatic synchronization, server backup, VPN for secure Internet use and blocking, and a corporate messenger. If necessary, MEGA can be integrated into existing Amazon S3 storage.
The service is also one of the best Google Drive alternatives free of charge. The free version provides you with a generous 20 GB of storage but comes with limited functionality and file-sharing restrictions. Other plans are closer to the average price level:
- 2 TB — $10.84 per month;
- 8 TB — $21.70;
- 16 TB — $32.56.
10. NordLocker
It is a cloud storage with a focus on cybersecurity. It allows you to encrypt files with keys resistant to cracking — Poly1305, Argon2, XChaCha20, and EdDSA. They have a higher security level than the industry standard AES256.
NordLocker has an app with a user-friendly interface that allows you to encrypt and send files to the cloud storage using the drag-n-drop method. It also provides functions for sorting, intelligent search, and backup of digital assets. Files can be shared via links, with time limits and individual access rules set for each file.
NordLocker free storage has 3 GB of storage without the possibility of file sharing. For 500 GB, you will have to pay $7.99 per month, for 2 TB — $19.99.
11. SpiderOak
It's another secure storage with a unique three-component encryption technology. One of them involves storing keys in space — for this purpose, storages in the network of commercial satellites are used. SpiderOak is perfect for creating backups from an unlimited number of devices. The service allows you to quickly recover deleted files and view the version history of digital assets.
SpiderOak's conditionally free version is a 14-day trial period. After that, you have to pay according to the subscription plans:
- 150 GB — $6 per month;
- 400 GB — $11;
- 2 TB — $14;
- 5 TB — $29.
12. Backblaze
It is a specialized backup service that will serve as a great alternative to traditional cloud storage. Its key advantage is the simplest subscription terms. You pay $7 per month for each device with no storage limitations. Devices can even include enterprise-level servers and file drives.
Backblaze doesn't have any distribution or shared access features. However, if your device is damaged or stolen, you can order the recovered files to be sent to a USB drive or hard drive. It will be convenient if you have restrictions on downloading data from the Internet.
13. Egnyte Enterprise
It is one of the best alternatives for Google Drive for business. The platform is similar to its top competitor in terms of functionality — it has the functions of quick file distribution, setting up access rights, and editing basic file types without downloading. Its key advantage is the integration of AI into most modules.
Egnyte Enterprise allows you to use AI to quickly access files, generate emails, create to-do lists, and even build action plans for teams. This helps automate many workflows and makes it easier to learn how to use the service. No more complicated steps — you can submit requests in simple words and get the desired result.
Egnyte Enterprise has a 15-day trial period. The subscription plan for small businesses allows you to register up to 10 users. Each user gets 1 TB of storage, which costs $10 per month. To register more users, you need to pay $20 for each account.
14. iDrive Team
It's a corporate storage with affordable prices and a wide range of features. With it, you can quickly share files, set individual permissions for each team member, and set up data backup from any device — be it a USB drive or a server.
The service offers only annual subscriptions without trial versions:
- 5 users with 1 TB — $99.95;
- 10 users — $199.50;
- 25 users — $499.50;
- 50 users — $999.50.
In the first year, you can get a 40 to 80% discount on the cost of the subscription plan, depending on the specific number of users and the terms of current promotions.
15. Citrix Content Collaboration
It's more of a productivity platform than a regular cloud storage. It is aimed at large businesses, so its terms of use and subscription plans will not be convenient for individual users. The service offers workflow automation functions using AI — it can search for files, generate text snippets, arrange newsletters, alert you to changes in documents, and offer integrations with third-party applications. Another Citrix advantage is the built-in analytics module. It evaluates the effectiveness of each user, allowing managers to make appropriate personnel decisions.
Citrix provides a fixed amount of memory for each user account — 1 TB. But its cost will depend on the functionality:
- Basic version — $10 per month;
- With advanced data protection — $16;
- With the possibility to distribute files outside the platform — $25;
- With a full-fledged analytics system — $67.5.
16. Tresorit
It is one of the corporate alternatives of Google Drive designed for large companies. One of its advantages is the possibility to flexibly adjust the number of user accounts and functionality. Tresorit's interface includes an administrator panel for centralized management of the authority of each team member. It also has an analytics module that will answer questions about which files are most often used within certain projects and which accounts make the biggest contribution to the result.
A free subscription to Tresorit gives you 3 GB of storage with minimal features — you can only share individual files. For each user account with 1 TB of storage, you'll have to pay $14.95 per month, and for 3 TB — $19. If you want to activate the email encryption function, you will have to pay an additional $5, and for the electronic signature system — $54.
17. ShareFile
From the name, it is clear that this is primarily a file-sharing service. And it's all about secure file sharing with crack-resistant encryption that's ahead of current industry standards. ShareFile allows you to create client portals for transferring and receiving data outside the platform, work on projects in a team, and approve documents with electronic signatures.
The service has a 30-day trial period. After it expires, you'll have to pay for one of the subscription plans, which costs from $11 to $75 per month for each user. The company calls the amount of storage "sufficient" — it is adjusted individually for each client according to their needs.
18. Zoho WorkDrive
It is a comprehensive platform for collaborative work on projects. It has built-in applications for viewing and editing 200 file formats without downloading to a computer. Zoho WorkDrive also has a corporate video conferencing service with screen sharing and recording features.
In the Google Drive comparison alternatives, the platform also stands out for its increased security. Several solutions have been implemented to protect data, such as AES256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and locking individual digital assets with an additional password.
Zoho WorkDrive has the following subscription plans:
- 1 TB per team — minimum of 3 users, $3 per user;
- 3 TB — $6;
- 5 TB — $11.
Corporate clients are provided with a trial period or a free demo — the terms are discussed individually.
Conclusion
Although Google Drive ranks first in the global cloud storage market thanks to its balanced subscription plans and a wide range of features, it has strong competitors. They offer a higher level of information security, highly specialized functionality, and affordable subscription plans. Therefore, it is never a bad idea to look at other options before signing up for a long-term subscription.
When choosing a cloud storage service, focus on your needs in terms of disk space, file distribution capabilities, and sharing settings. Do not forget about data protection methods, the possibility of restoring it in case of accidental deletion, and the functions of version control of digital assets. Another crucial factor will be integrations with other software — web services and mobile and desktop applications.
Did you enjoy this article? Give Pics.io a try — or book a demo with us, and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.
