Cloud storage is brilliant. Loads of online space that you can use to store files, back them up, share them between devices and easily collaborate with family, friends and colleagues?
Awesome. But I’ve tried free cloud storage providers and hit a brick wall regarding space, access and features. Some free products limit how much capacity you get, others only let you access files across a handful of devices and yet more don’t allow much in the way of collaboration or high-end security.
I decided it was time to try a paid cloud storage option that could provide online storage that could successfully underpin my family, work and home life without restrictions.
I’ve tried five different paid cloud storage providers for size and found that one stood out for me – but on the way I unveiled a quintet of highly different products that all excel in their own ways
- Read on to find out which one I chose, and don’t forget to delve into our guides to the best cloud storage of 2023 and the best web-hosting options if you need more online inspiration.
1. Strong all-rounder: iDrive
2. Great option for maximum security: Internxt
3. Easy to use, but not quite good enough: Sync.com
4. A strong contender: Nordlocker
5. Fantastic value: pCloud
6. Final verdict
Strong all-rounder
Great option for maximum security
Easy to use, but not quite good enough
A strong contender
Fantastic value
Final verdict
I was fed up with free cloud storage: here’s why I chose IDrive
It’s not the cloud storage product I paid for in the end, though – that honor goes to IDrive.
Why? It’s pretty straightforward, really. It’s brimming with features, I can back up an unlimited number of devices, it has excellent security protocols including end-to-end encryption and it was fast and consistent. Many of the services I tried had small issues, but the biggest genuine criticism I could level at IDrive is a modest interface – and that’s barely a criticism at all.
Internxt might be more your style if you want added security, pCloud is a top option for long-term usage and NordLocker ties in with other products like NordPass, but IDrive is the cloud storage for me.
No matter what package you go for, I’d recommend searching around for a deal – most providers have them frequently. That’s crucial considering how high the cost of living is at the moment.
For me, though, IDrive is the winner – and I intend to use it for years. Cloud storage is crucial, and I’m glad I’ve got the right one.
