- Verified 10 Nov 2026Every profile shows where facts came from
- Unknowns labelledGaps are stated, never guessed
- No paid placementNo affiliate links, ratings or reviews
- Not a rankingAlphabetical by default; fit notes, not scores
What is Cloud Storage & File Sharing?
Cloud storage services keep files online so they sync across devices and can be shared securely. Options range from suite-bundled storage and enterprise content platforms to zero-knowledge encrypted services and low-cost backup and object storage.
Cloud storage decides how teams share files, how securely data is held and what it costs as storage grows.
This category covers sync-and-share (Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive), enterprise content (Box, Egnyte), encrypted storage (Sync.com, Tresorit, MEGA, pCloud) and backup and object storage (Backblaze).
Business plans typically cost $5 to $25 per user a month, often with 3-user minimums. The profiles below summarise dated 2026 sources and are research aids, not rankings.
Best cloud storage and file sharing software by need.
Shortlists built from what each sourced profile documents, listed alphabetically, not ranked. Open a profile for limits, prices and sources.
Best free cloud storage and file sharing software
6 of 12 profiles document a free plan.
Cloud storage and file sharing software for small businesses
3 of 12 profiles are documented mainly for small and mid-size teams.
Cloud storage and file sharing software for enterprises
7 of 12 profiles are documented for large enterprises.
Cloud Storage & File Sharing compared: browse and filter
Search and filters update this list on the page and do not create new URLs, so every profile stays crawlable and linkable.
Backblaze
Backblaze · Cloud backup and object storage
Low-cost cloud backup and B2 object storage at $6.95 per TB a month, with the first 10 GB free.
- 10 GB free (B2)
- Pay as you go
- Cloud
- Backup + object storage
- Independent sources
Best for Teams wanting cheap backup and S3-compatible storage
Key capabilities- Storage
- Free tier
- Egress
- Price
PricingB2 $6.95 per TB a month (first 10 GB free); Computer Backup about $9 per computer a month.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyBox
Box · Enterprise content cloud
An enterprise content management and file sharing platform, from $5 per user a month (Business Starter, annual) with unlimited storage from Business.
- Per user
- Annual or monthly
- Cloud
- Enterprise content
- Independent sources
Best for Regulated enterprises needing governed content sharing
Key capabilities- Business Starter
- Business
- Business Plus
- Tiers
PricingBusiness Starter $5, Business $15, Business Plus $25 per user a month (annual); 3-user minimum.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyDropbox
Dropbox · Cloud storage and file sync
The file sync pioneer, with 2 GB free and team plans from $15 per user a month (Standard, annual) including 3 TB of team storage.
- Free plan
- Per user
- Cloud
- File sync
- Independent sources
Best for Teams wanting reliable sync and easy sharing across platforms
Key capabilities- Standard
- Advanced
- Enterprise
- Basic
PricingFree 2 GB; Plus 2 TB $9.99 a month; Standard $15 and Advanced $24 per user a month (annual).Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyEgnyte
Egnyte · Hybrid content governance platform
A content collaboration and governance platform for hybrid cloud and on-premises files, from $22 per user a month (Business, annual).
- Per user
- Annual
- Cloud + hybrid
- Governance
- Independent sources
Best for Firms needing hybrid file access with governance
Key capabilities- Business
- Enterprise Lite
- Elite
- Hybrid
PricingBusiness $22, Enterprise Lite $39, Elite $48 per user a month (annual); Ultimate custom.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyGoogle Drive
Google · Cloud storage in Google Workspace
Google's cloud storage, with 15 GB free and business storage via Google Workspace from $7 per user a month (Business Starter, annual).
- Free 15 GB
- Per user (Workspace)
- Cloud
- Google Workspace
- Independent sources
Best for Teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Key capabilities- Business Starter
- Business Standard
- Business Plus
- Free
PricingFree 15 GB; Google One from $1.99 a month; Workspace $7, $14, $22 per user a month (annual).Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyMEGA
MEGA · Encrypted cloud storage
Encrypted cloud storage with about 20 GB free and paid plans priced in euros, including Pro Flexi from EUR 15 a month for 3 TB.
- Free 20 GB
- EUR pricing
- Cloud
- Encrypted
- Independent sources
Best for Users sharing large files who want a big free tier
Key capabilities- Free
- Pro Flexi
- Business
- Overage
PricingFree about 20 GB; Pro Flexi from EUR 15 a month (3 TB); Business usage-based.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyMicrosoft OneDrive
Microsoft · Cloud storage in Microsoft 365
Microsoft's cloud storage, now sold to new business customers only inside Microsoft 365 plans from $7 per user a month (1 TB each).
- In Microsoft 365
- Per user
- Cloud
- 1 TB per user
- Independent sources
Best for Organisations already on Microsoft 365
Key capabilities- Business Basic
- Business Premium with Copilot
- Storage
- Standalone Plan 1/2
PricingBusiness: via Microsoft 365 from $7 per user a month (annual, 1 TB); personal: Microsoft 365 Personal $99.99 a year.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlypCloud
pCloud · Cloud storage with lifetime plans
Swiss cloud storage known for lifetime plans (2 TB for $499 one-time) and business plans from $9.99 per user a month.
- Lifetime plans
- Per user (business)
- Cloud
- Swiss provider
- Independent sources
Best for Individuals and small teams wanting to pay once for storage
Key capabilities- 500 GB
- 2 TB
- 10 TB
- Business
PricingLifetime 500 GB $219, 2 TB $499, 10 TB $1,499; Business $9.99 per user a month (monthly), 3-user minimum.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly-
Proton Drive
Proton AG · End-to-end encrypted cloud storage
Proton’s end-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Switzerland, with 5 GB free, Drive Plus 200 GB from $2.99 a month and bundles with Mail, VPN and Pass.
- Free plan
- Cloud
- Independent sources
Best for Privacy-focused individuals
Key capabilities- Free 5 GB
- 200 GB to 500 GB
- Photo backup
- End-to-end encryption
PricingFree 5 GB; Drive Plus from $2.99 a month billed annually.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly Sync.com
Sync.com · Zero-knowledge cloud storage
Canadian zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage with 5 GB free and Teams plans from $6 per user a month (1 TB, annual).
- Free plan
- Per user
- Cloud
- Zero-knowledge
- Independent sources
Best for Privacy-focused small businesses wanting encrypted storage
Key capabilities- 1 TB
- 2 TB
- 10 TB
- Encryption
PricingFree 5 GB; Teams 1 TB $6, 2 TB $9, 10 TB $15 per user a month (annual), 3-user minimum.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyTresorit
Tresorit · End-to-end encrypted file sharing
Zero-knowledge encrypted file sharing for businesses, with business plans estimated at $14.50 to $18 per user a month and a 3-user minimum.
- Free trial
- Per user
- Cloud
- Zero-knowledge
- Independent sources
Best for Businesses needing zero-knowledge encryption with enterprise controls
Key capabilities- Business
- Business Plus
- Business Pro
- Encryption
PricingBusiness about $14.50 to $18 per user a month (estimate; quote-based); 3-user minimum.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly-
Zoho WorkDrive
Zoho Corporation · Team file storage and collaboration (SaaS)
Zoho’s team file storage with pooled storage per team, granular permissions and built-in office apps, priced from about €3 per user a month.
- Free trial
- Cloud
- Independent sources
Best for Zoho customers
Key capabilities- Team folders
- Upload limits
- Desktop sync
- Writer, Sheet, Show
PricingStarter about €3 per user a month.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly
No listings match these filters.
Listings are ordered alphabetically by default. They are not ranked, and there are no user ratings or paid placements.
Cloud Storage & File Sharing compared on key criteria.
Summaries come from each profile; open a profile for sources and caveats.
| Product | Pricing model | Starting price | Free plan | Encryption | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backblaze | Pay as you go | $6.95/TB/mo (B2) | Yes (10 GB B2) | Provider-managed | Backup, object storage |
| Box | Per user | $5/user/mo (annual) | Not documented | Provider-managed | Regulated enterprises |
| Dropbox | Per user | $15/user/mo (annual) | Yes (2 GB) | Server-side | Sync and sharing |
| Egnyte | Per user (annual) | $22/user/mo | No | Provider-managed | Hybrid governance |
| Google Drive | Per user (Workspace) | $7/user/mo (annual) | Yes (15 GB) | Provider-managed | Google Workspace teams |
| MEGA | Flat / usage | EUR 15/mo (Pro Flexi) | Yes (~20 GB) | Encrypted (caveats) | Large files |
| Microsoft OneDrive | Bundled with M365 | $7/user/mo (M365 Basic) | Thin free tier | Provider-managed | Microsoft 365 orgs |
| pCloud | Lifetime or subscription | $219 one-time (500 GB) | Not stated | E2E add-on | Pay-once storage |
| Sync.com | Per user | $6/user/mo (annual) | Yes (5 GB) | Zero-knowledge | Privacy SMBs |
| Tresorit | Per user (quote) | ~$14.50/user/mo (est.) | No; 14-day trial | Zero-knowledge | Secure enterprise sharing |
Which Cloud Storage & File Sharing option fits which situation.
- BackblazeMay suit Teams wanting cheap backup and S3-compatible storage
- BoxMay suit Regulated enterprises needing governed content sharing
- DropboxMay suit Teams wanting reliable sync and easy sharing across platforms
- EgnyteMay suit Firms needing hybrid file access with governance
- Google DriveMay suit Teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
- MEGAMay suit Users sharing large files who want a big free tier
- Microsoft OneDriveMay suit Organisations already on Microsoft 365
- pCloudMay suit Individuals and small teams wanting to pay once for storage
- Sync.comMay suit Privacy-focused small businesses wanting encrypted storage
- TresoritMay suit Businesses needing zero-knowledge encryption with enterprise controls
Based on each profile's documented strengths and limits. These are fit notes, not rankings: test options against your own requirements.
Key features and capabilities of Cloud Storage & File Sharing.
The capabilities that define the category. Not every product offers all of them, and depth varies a lot between entry-level and enterprise tools.
File sync
Access files on all devices.
Sharing links
Share with permissions.
Version history
Restore earlier versions.
Team folders
Shared spaces.
Search
Find files quickly.
Security controls
Encryption and access policies.
Integrations
Office and collaboration tools.
Backup and recovery
Protect against loss.
How businesses use Cloud Storage & File Sharing.
- 01
Remote work
Access files anywhere.
- 02
Client sharing
Share deliverables.
- 03
Large files
Send big files.
- 04
Backup
Protect documents.
- 05
Team folders
Shared resources.
Who uses Cloud Storage & File Sharing and what problems it solves.
Small businesses
Share files with staff and clients.
Enterprises
Govern content and external sharing.
Privacy-sensitive firms
Encrypt files so the provider cannot read them.
IT and developers
Back up machines and store data cheaply.
What Cloud Storage & File Sharing changes in practice.
Practical outcomes teams report when the category is implemented well. Results depend on adoption, data quality and process, so we do not quote percentages.
Access anywhere
Cloud files.
Safe sharing
Controlled links.
Recovery
Version history.
Collaboration
Shared folders.
Features and criteria to evaluate in Cloud Storage & File Sharing.
Storage model
Per user, pooled or unlimited.
Encryption
Provider-managed, zero-knowledge or add-on.
Collaboration
Co-editing, comments and external links.
Minimums and billing
Many plans need 3 users and annual terms.
Admin and governance
Permissions, retention and audit logs.
Ecosystem
Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or neutral.
How to choose Cloud Storage & File Sharing: a step-by-step approach.
- 1
Audit current storage
Measure data size and growth.
- 2
Classify sensitive data
Decide where zero-knowledge is needed.
- 3
Match your suite
Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace may include storage.
- 4
Trial with real folders
Test sync speed and sharing.
- 5
Plan migration
Preserve permissions and folder structure.
- 6
Set retention and backup
Sync is not the same as backup.
Questions to ask before you buy
- How much storage is included per user?
- What sharing controls exist?
- How is data encrypted?
- Which integrations are native?
Common mistakes when choosing Cloud Storage & File Sharing.
Treating sync as backup
Deleted files sync everywhere; keep separate backups.
Ignoring user minimums
Many plans bill at least 3 users.
Overlooking egress fees
Object storage can charge for downloads.
Losing permissions in migration
Map sharing settings before moving.
Paying twice for storage
Check what your office suite already includes.
Cloud Storage & File Sharing key terms explained.
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Only you hold the keys; the provider cannot read files.
- Pooled storage
- Storage shared across a team rather than per user.
- Object storage
- Storage for files accessed by API, such as S3-compatible buckets.
- Egress
- Data downloaded out of a storage service.
- Version history
- Previous versions of files kept for recovery.
- Lifetime plan
- Storage bought with a one-time payment.
Cloud Storage & File Sharing comparisons.
9 side-by-side comparisons with a feature table, pricing, strengths and limits, and best-fit scenarios. No winner is declared in any of them.
Alternatives to popular cloud storage and file sharing software.
Every product in this category has a guide comparing its main alternatives and competitors on pricing, free plan, features and fit.
Cloud Storage & File Sharing questions and answers
What is the best free cloud storage and file sharing software?
6 of the 12 cloud storage and file sharing software profiles here document a free plan: Backblaze, Dropbox, Google Drive, MEGA, Microsoft OneDrive and Sync.com. Free plans and tiers usually cap users, records or usage, so check each profile for limits. The list is alphabetical, not a ranking.
What is the best cloud storage and file sharing software for small businesses?
Products documented mainly for small and mid-size teams include MEGA, pCloud and Sync.com. MEGA may suit users sharing large files who want a big free tier. pCloud may suit individuals and small teams wanting to pay once for storage. Sync.com may suit privacy-focused small businesses wanting encrypted storage. The best fit depends on your sales or work process and budget, so trial two or three.
Which cloud storage and file sharing software suits large enterprises?
7 profiles are documented for large enterprises: Backblaze, Box, Dropbox, Egnyte, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Tresorit. Larger rollouts should also check SSO, permissions, audit logs, data residency and contract terms on each profile.
Where can I find alternatives to a specific storage service?
Every product in this category has its own alternatives guide, for example Box alternatives, Dropbox alternatives and Sync.com alternatives. Each guide compares the main competitors on pricing, free plan, features and fit.
What is the best cloud storage for business?
Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive suit most teams; Box and Egnyte add governance; Sync.com and Tresorit add zero-knowledge encryption. This list is not a ranking.
Can you still buy OneDrive for Business standalone?
A September 2026 guide says standalone plans were retired for new customers on 31 May 2026; OneDrive now comes inside Microsoft 365.
Which cloud storage is end-to-end encrypted?
Sync.com and Tresorit offer zero-knowledge encryption by default; pCloud offers it as an add-on.
Which cloud storage has lifetime plans?
pCloud sells one-time lifetime plans for individuals.
Narrow your Cloud Storage & File Sharing shortlist.
Open a profile for sources and pricing, read an alternatives guide, or talk to Stack18 if off-the-shelf is not the answer.
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