dropbox business plan storage

Dropbox Business cloud storage review

A top-quality cloud storage provider for businesses.

Tom's Guide Verdict

Although more expensive than many of its competitors, Dropbox Business plans are feature-rich and perfect for companies requiring a premium cloud storage solution.

Extensive list of business-specific features

Impressive third-party integrations

No end-to-end encryption

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Dropbox was an early adopter of the cloud storage model and has spent many years perfecting its platform. Today it is a leader in enterprise-oriented cloud storage plans. If you’re looking for a premium cloud storage and backup solution for your organization, we think Dropbox is one of the best cloud storage platforms, and should be one of your top choices. 

In our Dropbox Business review, we examine the platform’s strengths and weaknesses and consider which businesses would benefit most from Dropbox’s services, as well as whether it ranks among the best cloud storage for business .

Dropbox Business: Plans and pricing

There are three tiers of Dropbox Business plans: Essentials, Business, and Business Plus.  There's also a bespoke enterprise plan for larger businesses. If you pay annually instead of monthly, you get a discount of around 20%.

The Essentials plan, priced at $22 a month , is tailored for individual professionals, providing a substantial 3TB of storage and the capability to deliver large files up to 100GB. This plan also offers a security net with a 180-day window to restore deleted files, alongside features like track file engagement, unlimited signature requests, PDF editing, and video recording, reviewing, and editing functionalities.

Stepping up, the Business plan at $24 per user per month is crafted for teams comprising three or more members, with a starting storage capacity of 9TB for the team. Additional features tailored for team collaboration include setup for admins and tracking content sharing, alongside the core features of PDF editing, video management, and unlimited signature requests carried over from the Essentials plan.

For larger teams or smaller companies, the Business Plus plan at $32 per user a month elevates the offerings further, starting with a generous 15TB of team storage and boosting the large file delivery capacity to 250 GB. This plan extends the restoration window for deleted files to a full year, while also introducing tiered admin roles, suspicious activity alerts, and compliance tracking, augmenting the collaborative and security framework for managing and sharing files within a team.

Dropbox Business: Features

Dropbox is one of the most feature-rich cloud storage platforms, making it incredibly powerful, intuitive, and engaging to use. This section explores some of the most essential Dropbox features from a business point of view. 

Dropbox Business customers can use several file sharing features to collaborate more effectively with both colleagues and clients. Link sharing enables users to easily share files up to 2GB in size, while shared folders and groups enable teams within the company to share and collaborate on documents from a single location. 

Another component of the platform’s file-sharing framework we like is the ability to control permissions at all levels, from entire drives to folders to individual files. File owners can choose whether the recipient has view-only access or full editing privileges.

These features combined make it straightforward for businesses to work effectively online and share data and documents quickly and stress-free.

Dropbox Paper is one of the more innovative business-specific cloud storage features we’ve seen. It enables employees to collaborate in a relatively unstructured way, adding thoughts, comments, agendas, or anything else that comes to mind. Think of it as an office whiteboard, but online. 

If you’re the type of company that likes to brainstorm ideas and bounce ideas around the office regularly, then this might be the perfect feature for you.

Dropbox doesn’t just enable users to upload individual files and folders to its servers, but also allows them to back up an entire device. For businesses, this means you won’t have to subscribe to a backup service in addition to your cloud storage solution, saving time and money.

This also means you can back up all your business computers to a centralized location, ensuring that all employee and work data is safe in the case of an office accident, hack, or hardware malfunction.

Dropbox Business: Interface and in use

Dropbox clients are available on almost all platforms across desktop and mobile devices, including iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. All apps share a similar interface that is easy to navigate and bug-free. 

Users can also access the platform from their web browser, which we found to be not quite as polished as the app experience, but impressive nonetheless. 

In short, there’s very little to complain about when it comes to Dropbox’s interface. It’s clean, comfortable to use, and bug-free. You can rely on Dropbox to work for your employees time after time after time.

Dropbox Business: Support

Like most cloud storage platforms, Dropbox maintains an extensive online help center, containing everything from tutorials to how-to guides to technical explainers. If you’re looking to learn more about Dropbox and how to make the most of its features, this is the place to head. 

If you need more personalized support, customers can also contact Dropbox support via email. Unfortunately, Dropbox makes it difficult to get in contact, and we had to spend a considerable amount of time (around 15 minutes) searching the website before managing to speak to a Dropbox representative.

Dropbox Business: Security

Dropbox is a highly secure cloud storage platform and one we’re confident you can trust to protect your organization’s most important files. 

Secure cloud storage starts with encryption because you need to know your files won’t be compromised in a data breach. Fortunately, Dropbox employs a raft of encryption frameworks, including AES 256-bit encryption at rest and 128-bit TLS/SSL encryption for in-transit files. 

Beyond encryption, Dropbox also provides business customers with a suite of enterprise-specific team controls that ensure that data can only be accessed by the appropriate persons. This is important for medium and large companies that don’t want all users to have universal access privileges. 

Audit logs are another feature that protect enterprise customers by enabling IT administrators to assess how the platform is being used. They can also help identify weak points early, before they become major security issues.

Alternatives to Dropbox Business

  IDrive vs Carbonite

•  Google Drive vs OneDrive

•  IDrive vs Backblaze

•  Google Drive vs Dropbox

•  IDrive vs Dropbox vs pCloud

•  OneDrive vs Dropbox vs Google Drive

Dropbox’s main competition are providers like Microsoft OneDrive and IDrive . All three are established players in the cloud storage market with impressive feature lists and security frameworks. 

Businesses that already use Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint might prefer to go with OneDrive for Business , which is deeply integrated into these apps. 

Similarly, organizations needing maximum storage space at more affordable prices than those offered by Dropbox might want to consider IDrive Business , one of the most affordable storage platforms available.

Dropbox Business: Final verdict

Dropbox is one of the best cloud storage platforms and is unlikely to disappoint any business that chooses to invest. It comes packed with enterprise-specific features as well as a top-quality security framework, and an impressive range of mobile and desktop applications. Integrations with third-party platforms such as Slack and Zoom are another big plus. 

Although Dropbox is one of the most expensive cloud storage providers, we think it may be the best choice for companies that won’t compromise on quality.

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Dropbox for Business review

Dropbox keeps your files secure and organized.

TechRadar Verdict

Dropbox makes storing, sharing, and syncing files across your organization easy. It keeps your files secure and also fosters collaboration within the enterprise.

Collaborative features

Advanced security

Intuitive interface

Restrictive storage space

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

• Plans and pricing
• Features and utilities
• Interface and In Use
• Competitors
• Final verdict

Document management is one of the most vital aspects of running a business. Every organization generates a significant volume of documents for everyday tasks, e.g., contracts, invoices, performance reports, etc. If there’s no formal system to store and organize these documents, they can easily get misplaced.

Dropbox is a popular file storage and document management tool. It offers a business package that enables advanced file storage, organization, and collaboration. Businesses can easily store and collaborate on documents using Dropbox. We’re reviewing this app to help you decide if it’s a good choice for your organization. We’ll cover its critical aspects, including pricing, features, ease of use, customer support, etc. 

Dropbox for Business: Plans and pricing

Dropbox offers three enterprise pricing plans: Business , Business Plus , and Enterprise , each requiring at least three users. The Business plan costs $20 per user per month. It gives access to 9 TB of storage and large file delivery of up to 100 GB. Users on this plan also have up to 180 days to restore deleted files.

The Business Plus plan costs $26 per user per month. It offers 15 TB of storage and large file delivery of up to 250 GB. On this plan, Dropbox retains deleted files for 1 year, during which you can restore them.

The Enterprise plan has no standard pricing. It's very customizable; you'll choose the number of users, storage level, and the integrations you want. The price depends on your requirements, which you'll negotiate with Dropbox's sales team. 

Dropbox offers 30-day free trials for its plans. You can use this free trial to test the platform’s features before making a final decision. In most cases, Dropbox doesn’t issue refunds, so ensure you like your plan before paying. 

Dropbox’s business plans are costly for small enterprises and freelance teams, starting at $20 per user monthly. This platform best suits mid-size or large companies with sizeable IT budgets.

Dropbox for Business: Features and utilities

Dropbox offers many advanced features for business users, including:

Storage is the first thing to consider when choosing a document management solution. You want a platform offering enough storage for your company’s numerous files. Dropbox’s lowest business plan offers 9 TB of storage, sufficient for mid-sized businesses. It might not be enough for massive companies storing equally massive volumes of data, but the good news is that Dropbox allows you to buy more storage space in 1 TB increments.

Besides, if you choose the custom Enterprise plan, you can negotiate with Dropbox’s sales team about the storage space you need beforehand. 

Dropbox Transfer (large file delivery)

Dropbox allows users to share huge files. You can send files of up to 100 GB or 250 GB, depending on your subscription plan. You only need to create a shared link, and the recipient can view or download your file. The shared file size does not count toward your Dropbox storage, so don’t fear running out of space.

This feature is vital to enterprise users, who often need to send voluminous files and folders that most email providers can’t contain. You only need to share a link to the file with the recipient; Dropbox handles the storage. You can password-protect the shared link or set an expiration date to secure sensitive files. Recipients can view and comment on files you share with them.

Restoring deleting files

It’s not unheard of to mistakenly delete important files you’ll look for later. The good news is that Dropbox allows you to restore deleted files to a specified time limit. On the Business plan, Dropbox keeps deleted files for 180 days, during which you can recover them. On the Business Plus plan, Dropbox keeps the files for a whole year, giving you ample opportunity to recover what you deleted unknowingly.

In essence, Dropbox offers a recycle bin that keeps your files for a while before they’re permanently deleted.

Security is a non-negotiable consideration when choosing a document management platform, and Dropbox shines in this area. It uses 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption to keep files secure. As the name suggests, 256-bit encryption uses keys of 256 bits to encrypt files, making them virtually unbreakable.

In a hypothetical brute-force attack, a hacker must run through zillions of possible key combinations (2^256) to decrypt your file, which is impossible with current technology. Hence, be assured your files are safe on Dropbox’s end.

On your end, endeavor to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all enterprise accounts. Two-factor authentication requires two modes of identification before granting access to an account, the first being the correct username and password and the second a unique one-time PIN sent to a phone number or email address associated with the account. You can turn on two-step verification on your Dropbox account anytime. 

Collaboration 

There are endless file storage/document management services on the market. Dropbox differentiates itself by emphasizing collaborative features. Multiple people within your organization can collaborate on the same documents to achieve common goals. For example, you can share a video with a colleague, and they’ll drop comments on different timestamps suggesting how to improve the video. Multiple people can edit the same document simultaneously, and you can monitor all their changes in real-time.

Dropbox has version history, so you can revert to previous versions of a document if needed. You can set up admin roles for specific accounts. These accounts can view audits of every change someone makes to a document and take action when required. When you share a file with another colleague, you can manage visibility and access, e.g., allowing only specific people to edit it.

Electronic signatures

Dropbox makes it easy to add electronic signatures to your documents. For example, if you create a contract, you can sign it digitally and request signatures directly from the other parties. Every involved party signs the contract electronically, which is legally binding, just like physical signatures. 

PDF editing

Dropbox allows you to edit PDF files directly. If someone sends a PDF file that needs some changes, you don’t need to use an external app to implement them. Instead, you can edit the file directly on Dropbox and send it back. You don't need any advanced technical knowledge to do this; all that’s required is having the file uploaded to your Dropbox account.

Remote device wipe

You can wipe Dropbox files remotely from a device that gets stolen or misplaced. To do this, the administrator can delete files from a specific device when it comes online. This feature helps prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands and causing significant damage. 

Administrators can also remotely log out of devices, which has the same effect as a remote wipe.

Dropbox for Business: Interface and In Use

One of the best things about Dropbox is its user interface. The platform has an intuitive, visually appealing interface that users will likely enjoy. The interface utilizes colors and appealing graphics to make Dropbox enjoyable to use. It can get complicated when using some features, but Dropbox has a great interface overall. 

Dropbox for Business: Support

Dropbox users can access many support resources when needed. You can first visit the Help Center, which contains extensive user guides and manuals concerning all Dropbox features. If you face any issues, this Help Center is the ideal first place to consult.

If the Help Center isn’t satisfactory, you can contact Dropbox’s support team directly via email, live chat, or telephone. Dropbox’s support team is available 24/7. 

There’s also a helpful Dropbox Community forum where users exchange solutions to each other’s problems.

Dropbox for Business: Competitors

Dropbox has many competitors in the file storage and management space. The main competitor we’d like to highlight is Box . 

Box offers unlimited storage on some business plans, unlike Dropbox, which restricts it and charges extra once you exceed your allocated limit. Box also has a broader library of third-party integrations than Dropbox. Its integrations and collaborative features are not as good as Dropbox’s, but it can be a better option for large businesses more after function than form. 

Dropbox for Business: Final verdict

Dropbox is overall an effective document storage and management software. It allows companies to store and share documents securely, with extensive collaborative features to keep the workflow smooth. The main drawback is that Dropbox is expensive for small teams, starting from $20 per user monthly.  

We've also listed the best cloud backup .

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Dropbox Basic is anything but basic

Sure, Dropbox is best known for our best-in-class cloud storage, but that’s only the beginning of what we have to offer. Check out all the powerful features included for free with Dropbox Basic.

Don’t have Dropbox? Get a Dropbox free account.

Dropbox Desktop App

Drag and drop.

Keep all your work organized how you like it. With the Desktop app, you can simply drag and drop files and folders from your desktop right to Dropbox.

Dropbox Backup

Keep your digital life safe with Dropbox Backup. With our automatic, always-on cloud computer backup, you can quickly and smoothly recover from whatever life throws your way.

Dropbox Mobile App

The Dropbox mobile app turns your phone into a handheld document scanner. Scan, edit, and share important documents all within the app.

Camera Uploads

Keep your memories safe and secure by automatically backing up your mobile device’s photos and videos in full resolution with camera uploads.

What you get with Dropbox Basic

Organization

Dropbox Sign

Dropbox Capture

Dropbox Passwords

Dropbox Transfer

Dropbox Paper

PDF Editing

File recovery

Dropbox Basic

Get the most out of your Dropbox plan today

• Send large files
• Folder sharing
• Link sharing
• Password protection
• File permissions
• File and folder organization
• File transfer
• Send long videos
• Watermarking
• Work remotely and offline
• Transfer photos

File backup

• File recovery and history
• Remote wipe
• Photo storage
• How much is 1TB
• Cloud security
• Document storage
• Computer backup
• Annotations
• Task management
• Brainstorming template
• Project planning template
• Meeting minutes template
• Timeline template
• Social media calendar template
• Screen capture
• Screen recorder
• Document Scanner
• Scan to PDF
• File viewer
• App integrations
• App extensions
• Electronic signatures

Powerful cloud storage for all your files

Back up any file or folder

No matter the file or folder you’re trying to back up —from photos and videos to large CAD files and PowerPoint presentations—you can store it safely using cloud storage solutions from Dropbox.

Access your files from multiple devices

Dropbox offers one central hub for online file storage, file sharing , and syncing . Whether you’re at work or on the road, your files are synced across your devices and accessible in real time. Access your Dropbox account with desktop apps on Windows and Mac, our mobile app for iOS or Android devices, and on the web through your browser.

Protect your data

If your device is lost or stolen, rest easy knowing your data’s safe.  Remote wipe  lets you clear all the files and folders from your missing device’s Dropbox account. All of your files are secure in cloud storage and backed up multiple times.

Recover your files

Accidentally delete a file or save a new version of a file you’re not happy with? No problem. Dropbox stores copies of all deleted files and folders for 30 days—or as many as 180 days for Dropbox Business users—including previous versions of files, so you can easily recover them . We also provide confirmation warnings on the desktop when team members move or delete files. They’ll know what happens when they take action, and fewer files will be lost accidentally.

Get the right amount of storage space for you

Need more storage space? Dropbox has a range of cloud storage solutions that will offer you the right amount of online storage—no matter how much you need.

Frequently asked questions

What is cloud storage.

Cloud storage is off-site storage that’s maintained by a third party. Cloud storage safely and securely saves your data to a remote database so you don’t have to store your data and files to your computer hard drive or other storage device.  

Cloud storage has many advantages over hard drive storage. First, you don’t have to physically possess the storage device as you would with a flash drive, for example, so you don’t run the risk of losing irreplaceable data. Second, cloud storage makes it easy to share content. Just share a Dropbox folder with a coworker and they can instantly access the content within it. Another great reason to use cloud storage is the cost savings. It’s much more affordable—and smart—to buy unlimited cloud storage for a nominal fee rather than buying and maintaining lots of hard drive storage space.

How does cloud storage work?

In cloud computing, cloud storage services work as a network of connected data servers collectively used to share and access your files across devices. Cloud storage providers own and maintain the offsite servers that make up this network at their data centers. Users can upload files to the servers and access their cloud data via website, desktop app, or mobile app.

What are the benefits of cloud storage?

Cloud storage benefits include easily storing, accessing, and protecting your data via the internet. You can streamline work and outdated storage systems by uploading nearly any file and accessing it from multiple devices. You can also rest easy knowing all your important data is backed up in a safe, offsite location. This is especially useful in times of disaster recovery and if your hard drive lets you down.

Reducing resources used to manage data is an additional benefit of online storage for businesses. Teams can choose the right cloud storage space and pricing that works for their needs, while also cutting energy and maintenance costs associated with data management.

Why should I use Dropbox as my cloud storage service?

Dropbox offers various cloud storage options. Whether you’re an individual, small business, or large company, using Dropbox for cloud storage lets you store everything safely in the cloud and access file uploads from multiple devices. The benefits of Dropbox for business users include various storage space options to fit your team’s needs, collaboration and productivity tools , and robust data protection, including two-factor authentication.

How much does cloud storage cost?

The cost of cloud storage depends on the amount of space you actually need. Dropbox cloud storage offers a range of plans that uniquely meet personal, small, and large business plan needs—from 2TB to unlimited space.  For those who don’t need a lot of storage, Dropbox Basic is a free plan with 2GB of storage.

How do I access cloud storage?

You can access your cloud storage with Dropbox on your phone using the Dropbox app as long as your phone is connected to wifi. You can also access cloud storage via a Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems one of two ways: either through the web on dropbox.com or with our desktop app. You just need to make sure your device is connected to the internet to upload and access your files.

See more features

File sharing

Share any file or folder easily with anyone, hassle free

Explore file sharing

Productivity tools

Use Dropbox tools to be more productive in the workplace

Explore productivity tools

Online document storage

Manage documents online with simple and secure cloud storage

Explore document storage

Backup your files and protect against data loss simply and securely

Explore online file backup

Secure cloud storage for all your data

Centralize organization data with team folders

Some teams have access to the new team folder structure. If you see a folder icon with one person on it on dropbox.com, you have access to the new team space. Learn more about the team space.  

If you don’t have this folder, your team has standard team folders. Keep reading to learn more.

Not using Dropbox yet? See how Dropbox makes managing file permissions easy.

Team folders help your members stay organized and get in sync. Team folders are created by an admin, and are an organization-owned place to share files with team members and outside contributors working on the same projects.

Note: Team admins can manage permissions to create new top-level team folders . By default, everyone can create team folders on Business and Business Plus teams.

Team folders are first shared with Dropbox groups , which include members who perform similar functions (e.g. a finance group). Then, the admin who created the team folder sets the correct access level (view or edit) for each group.

Subfolders created in a team folder can also be shared with individual team members and people outside the team. As with groups, the admin can set view or edit permissions of individual members in subfolders.  

Follow these steps to get started with groups:

• Log in to dropbox.com with your admin credentials.
• Click  Admin console .
• Click  Content .
• Click New folder .
• Give your team folder a name.
• You can go to the  groups page  to create groups.
• Remember, team folders must be shared with Dropbox groups, not individuals.

Next, we'll discuss sharing subfolders of team folders with individuals that are inside or outside the organization. To create a subfolder (a folder that is inside of the team folder):

• Click the team folder.
• Name the subfolder.
• Click Create.
• You can share subfolders with individuals or other groups, and you can change their permissions to Can edit or Can view .
• Verify that access permissions are correct.

To centralize your organization's data, encourage team members to move  shared folders that they own  into a team folder. Any shared folder owner can move a shared folder that they own into the team folder. With this step, shared folder owners transfer ownership of files from themselves to the organization.

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Community answers

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The team folder manager is a tool for organizing a Dropbox team folder structure. Learn how to create, manage, rename, and archive team folders.

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Other ways to get help

Team Folders

Dropbox team folders are a powerful sharing tool with automatic sync features and permissions controls. Learn how admins create and manage team folders, as well as how they're viewed by the team.

What are team folders and how do I create one?

Team folders are one of the most important tools in Dropbox Business.

As an end user, I can see that I'm a member of two team folders in my Dropbox. And I can see those right here as indicated by these building icons.

Here, you can see I'm part of the engineering team folder and the sales team folder. Team folders are folders that are typically created by team admins and rolled out to their end users. The idea is that an admin can create these folders programmatically with whatever hierarchy and membership structure that they would like, and enroll them out to end users versus regular folders or regular shared folders that a user can create themselves and share with whoever they'd like.

So the core advantage of team folders is that they're created, owned, and managed by team admins. Team folders can often be compared to Windows network drives, and that's a comparison that'll make sense for customers coming from a more traditional Windows environment.

Team folders, like all Dropbox folders, are synced across all your devices. So you have web access, and then I can go to my desktop, and I can see those same two team folders, sales and engineering.

If I go to the admin console, I can navigate to the content tab and see and manage all my team folders that are created. Actually, go to this team in shared tab.

To create a team folder, I can click on the upper right. You can also set a sync default, so if an admin has a larger team folder, maybe they don't want it to automatically sync to a user's desktop, and you can enable or disable that right here.

Once I create that folder, I can add a group to it. And since this is a sales demo, I'll maybe add the sales group. And I'll give them edit access, and I'll click add. So I have my DBX sales demo, and I'll manage it.

And I can modify the settings of this folder with this gear icon. The folder membership is set to anyone. That means that potentially people outside of my team could be added to this folder. Oftentimes, admins will want to make a team folder more secure, so they'll say only team members can be added to this folder. So who can add people to these team folders? Right now, it's set to team members who can edit. But to make this more secure, I can say that only team admins can add access to this folder. I can prevent this folder from being accessed via link if I'd like to, and I can enable or disable viewer info within this folder as well.

Within this sales team folder, I can create another folder. So now I'm creating a hierarchy where I have DBX sales demo at the top level and DBX subfolder. So the subfolder can be managed independently. If I hit manage, you'll see that the members from the level above roll downwards, and here you can see them.

Now I can also add a group at this level, so I could if I wanted to add my marketing group to this level, or I could add an individual user to this level as well. If I were to add someone to this level, which is the sub-level, they would not get access to the level above this. So this is a good way to control permissions, and this is what we call waterfall permissions. So here I'll just add my marketing group, and I'll give them, in this case, view access to this folder. And there we can see that that folder was just shared with that second group. So here we can see the marketing group.

Now I can also break this inheritance chain if I'd like by removing this group that rolled downwards. So you'll recall we assigned the sales group at the top level, and that group rolled down. Now we can actually remove this group to break this inheritance chain, and we would call that subtractive permissioning. This does have some scale limits. So, make sure you talk to your TSS team member on an ideal that you might want to use subtractive permissioning, where you'd remove these permissions.

Other ways to get help

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Sync.com vs Dropbox in 2024: Which Cloud Storage Provider Wins?

Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process .

Sync.com and Dropbox compete for your cloud storage subscription dollars. They share some strong similarities; however, the differences between the two services are noticeable in the areas of privacy, affordability and collaboration. We take a look at the two services in our Sync.com vs Dropbox article.

Last Updated: 31 Jan'24 2024-01-31T13:10:00+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: Dropbox vs Sync.com

• The main difference between Sync.com and Dropbox is private encryption. Every Sync.com account has zero-knowledge encryption. Dropbox accounts don’t get this.
• Sync.com and Dropbox have excellent file sharing and syncing features and both support selective sync through the respective desktop apps.
• Sync.com and Dropbox support integrations with MS Office. Dropbox also connects with Google Workspace.

Sync.com and Dropbox are two of the more prominent names in cloud storage and are among the best cloud storage services available. Each offers excellent cloud features, particularly with regard to file sharing and syncing. However, the differences between the two are significant. We compare the two to help you decide in our Sync.com vs Dropbox article.

Consumers choosing between Sync.com or Dropbox will either get private and secure cloud storage or a highly collaborative platform with plenty of external integrations. However, the similarities and differences between the two go deeper. Let’s explore.

Updated Sync.com’s plans and pricing.

This article was rewritten with a new format to include updated comparisons, including plans and pricing.

Updated to reflect Dropbox Advanced changing from unlimited to 5TB of storage per user.

How Did We Rate Dropbox vs Sync.com

As a review site, we’ve spent countless hours with over 100 cloud storage reviews, including Sync.com and Dropbox. As you’ll see in our Sync.com review and Dropbox review , we rigorously tested each service. Areas we examined include security, privacy, speed and sharing, giving us a thorough understanding to conduct this comparison.

Sync.com vs Dropbox: Similarities & Differences

Sync.com and Dropbox are two of the most popular cloud services, and for good reason. Both are excellent file sharing and syncing options, and each has a desktop application that supports selective sync. However, the differences between the two are noticeable. Sync.com has zero-knowledge encryption , while Dropbox collects data on how you use its product. 

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Similarities

On the surface, it may seem like Sync.com and Dropbox don’t share many similarities. However, both handle file sharing and syncing in much the same way and use similar security protocols.

Sharing files with Sync.com is one of the service’s best features. You’ll see a blue “share” button whenever you hover over a folder or file. If you want to share a folder, you can share it as a link or invite collaborators. Advanced sharing features, like inviting collaborators, let you use email addresses to share the folder. However, the recipient will need a Sync.com account to access it. 

If you create a link, you can securely share files or folders with anyone, as Sync.com encrypts the link address. For files, creating a link is the only sharing option. However, with a free account, you can add up to three password-protected links for an extra layer of security. Other settings, specifically creating a shared folder, require the paid version. 

Dropbox sharing works well and is a strong part of its service. You can share a folder directly by adding email addresses or creating a link to share, as needed. Additionally, you can make the folder view-only or allow editing. Dropbox does not allow additional settings for folder sharing when using an email.

If you create a link to share a folder, you can choose between a link for editing or viewing. You’ll also see additional options, where you can set passwords or disable downloads. However, these options are only available with a Professional plan or better. Sharing files with a link has the same options available.

Sync.com has flexible file syncing features that include selective sync. Selective sync lets you determine what you want to sync with your account. The main folder is called “sync,” and everything you upload falls under it. To access syncing options, you’ll need to download the desktop app. From the “advanced” tab on a Mac, you’ll see all the folders currently synced with your account. You can deselect as needed, which helps free up disk space.

Dropbox has excellent file-syncing features, as it supports selective sync and lets you designate whether you want to keep a folder offline or in the cloud. The desktop app shows sync options under the “sync” tab in settings. You can choose if you want new files to be online only automatically. Smart sync lets you choose which folders to sync with your account.

Desktop Apps

Sync.com’s desktop app is an extension of your account on the web as a virtual drive. It creates a folder on your computer, and everything you designate to sync will have a green check mark next to it. If not, you’ll see a gray icon. Any files you add, or work done with offline access, won’t sync with your account.

Recently, Sync.com launched the beta version of CloudFiles. This feature lets you to select files and folders for exclusive storage in the cloud while keeping them visible on your computer. We have a guide that looks at how to use Sync CloudFiles .

Dropbox’s desktop app works in much the same way. It creates a folder showing the items you synced to your Dropbox account. When you choose not to sync a folder, it will not appear on your computer’s sync folder. Folders you designate for online-only access won’t take up additional storage space on your computer. Dropbox also has a Linux client (making it onto our list of the best cloud storage for Linux ), something that Sync.com lacks.

Security is a strong aspect of Sync.com. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data while at rest on its servers. Additionally, Sync.com has TLS/SSL encryption protocols to protect data in transit. These security features protect against common cyberattacks such as brute force or a man-in-the-middle attack. For example, a brute-force attack happens when cyber criminals use trial and error to guess your login credentials.

Dropbox uses the same security protocols to protect your data on its servers and while in transit. Additionally, Dropbox and Sync.com support two-factor authentication . Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to the login process, which helps keep accounts safe if your login credentials are compromised.

User Interface

Sync.com keeps its user interface to a minimum which keeps things uncluttered, if not basic. You can find information about your files — like version history — within the menu that populates when you select one. Although you can’t right-click on an item to pull up a menu, Sync.com doesn’t get in your way while you work with your data.

Dropbox’s user interface takes a similar approach, although it populates more on the screen, making it less user-friendly than Sync.com. Ironically, the main “home” tab in the left side panel does not show you your main folders and files. Instead, it shows suggestions based on your use of Dropbox and any recent activity. The “all files” tab takes you to your data. 

If you need to access a menu for a file or folder, you can right-click on it to pull up the same menu you’d see if you selected the checkbox. A sidebar on the right contains additional information about the selected item, such as recent activity or the last time it was modified.

Differences

Privacy is an area where Sync.com and Dropbox differ significantly. Additionally, collaboration and integrations are two more areas where each cloud service differs.

Sync.com and Dropbox could not be more different regarding how each handles privacy. Unlike Dropbox, Sync.com is zero-knowledge and uses end-to-end encryption for the entire account, meaning you control the encryption keys needed to decrypt your account. Sync.com applies this encryption to free plans, meaning every account has client-side encryption. 

Users don’t have to worry about how Sync.com uses their data. In our experience studying privacy policies, there’s nothing that raises a red flag. Sync.com collects only the data it needs to keep your account working.

Dropbox’s privacy policy takes the opposite approach, as it is up front about the data it collects and how it uses it. Dropbox does monitor how you use its service. Additionally, Dropbox does not have zero-knowledge encryption, meaning the data you store is potentially accessible by someone other than you. With the recent purchase of Boxcrytor , however, private encryption is coming to Dropbox business accounts.

Collaboration

Dropbox users have access to many tools and advanced features that support a collaborative environment. In addition to the ease of sharing, as covered previously, Dropbox has several built-in apps. Dropbox Paper is a prime example. This web-based word processor allows you to invite others with a Dropbox account to collaborate in real time on a document. 

Dropbox Sign lets you send documents with a request for a digital signature or allows you to digitally sign documents yourself. Dropbox Invoice — in alpha testing as of the time of writing this article — enables you to create and send invoices, which is perfect for freelancers.

Sync.com has fewer tools or features that support collaboration. Under the “sharing” dropdown from the menu on your account, you’ll see an option called “team shares.” Team shares let you invite other Sync.com users to work on the documents in a folder. You won’t be able to collaborate in real time within the Sync.com app; however, changes you make to the folder’s contents will sync between everyone invited.

Integrations

As a highly secure service, Sync.com gets much credit for supporting connections to MS Office. You can open Microsoft file types — such as Word or Excel — within your Sync.com account. Sync.com will establish a connection to Microsoft Office Online, where you can work on and edit your document. Once finished, Sync.com saves your changes.

Dropbox supports connections to MS Office and Google Workspace , allowing you to create Google Docs or Microsoft PowerPoint files from your account, like you were using Google Drive (check out our Google Drive review ). Additionally, Dropbox has an app center that supports integrations with many popular third-party apps, like Adobe Acrobat DC, Canva or Zoom. 

Sync.com has generous file versions, making it one of the best cloud storage services for versioning . It does not limit how many versions of a file you have, only the number of days Sync.com will keep versions. A free plan gets 30 days; paid plans get either 180 days or 365 days. If you need file recovery, free accounts have 30 days, while paid accounts get a full year.

Dropbox also has generous file versioning tied to your account, but it lacks compared to Sync.com. Instead of limiting the number of versions, it just limits how long it will keep them. Dropbox Basic, Plus and Family get 30 days. Standard, Professional and Dropbox One have 180 days of file versions, while Advanced and Enterprise get a full year. Additionally, paid plans can purchase the extended file history add-on, giving any plan 365 days of versioning.

Sync.com has affordable paid plans for individuals. The Solo Basic plan, available only as an annual subscription, has 2TB of storage for $96 . The Solo Professional has 6TB for $240 annually or $24 monthly. If you already have the 5GB of free storage and just need a little more, Sync.com has a Personal plan for that has of storage. All Sync.com new plan upgrades have a 30-day money-back guarantee .

Dropbox has two individual plans if you need more storage than the 2GB of free storage. The Plus plan has 2TB of storage for $119.88 annually or $11.99 monthly. The Professional plan has of storage for per year or monthly.

Sync.com and Dropbox have plans for businesses. Sync for Teams has three plans, starting with 1TB of storage at $72 per user per month for three or more users. Dropbox has several team plans , with a few additional business plans on a different page.

Dropbox business plans start with the Standard plan. It has 5TB of storage for a minimum of three users at $18 per user per month. The Advanced plan has 15TB for $30 per user per month, with a minimum of three licenses.

Which Is Better: Sync.com vs Dropbox?

Sync.com has just enough flexibility in its service while offering private encryption for everything contained in an account. Integration with MS Office helps keep it competitive with cloud storage services focused on collaboration and productivity. Additionally, Sync.com’s file versioning is very generous, even on its free plan .

Dropbox is easily the better choice overall for collaboration and productivity. It has connections to MS Office and Google Workspace, comes with several homegrown apps and has an app center with additional external connections.

We Recommend Sync.com if You Want…

• Private encryption : Sync.com has zero-knowledge encryption that protects accounts from unauthorized access.
• More Control With File versioning : Free accounts with Sync.com get 30 days of file versioning. Paid accounts get 180 or 365 days.
• Affordable storage & Better Value : Sync.com’s paid plans, including Sync for Teams, are affordable. Additionally, the Teams Unlimited plan has unlimited storage space.

We Recommend Dropbox if You Want…

• Business cloud storage : Dropbox’s business plans are geared toward freelancers or teams, with plenty of storage, though with no unlimited options.
• Third-party integrations : With integrations including MS Office, Google Workspace, Zoom and Adobe, Dropbox supports a team’s preferred productivity tools.
• More Features & Built-in apps : Dropbox has several homegrown collaboration apps, such as Dropbox Transfer, Paper or Sign.

If You Want to Consider Other Services, Check Out…

pCloud is an excellent cloud storage solution with strong security and sharing. Subscribing to pCloud Crypto unlocks the encryption folder located in an account. Anything stored in this folder has zero-knowledge, client-side encryption. We cover more in our pCloud review .

MEGA is another service that, like Sync.com, offers zero-knowledge encryption for the entire account, even free ones. It has a robust 20GB free version, which is a good amount of cloud storage to do more than just give it a try. To learn more, check out our MEGA review and Sync.com vs MEGA guide. 

Box gears most of its plans for businesses and supports connections to Google and Microsoft. It’s a very secure cloud service with built-in apps like Box Notes . Read our Box review to see all the details.

Egnyte is one of the most customizable business cloud storage solutions. Businesses have a wide range of settings to choose from. It rates highly as one of the best business cloud storage options. Our Egnyte review goes into more depth.

The Verdict: Why We Think Sync.com Wins Overall

Sync.com edges out Dropbox with its stringent private encryption and connections to Microsoft apps. Its file sharing and versioning are excellent features. It’s also more affordable and offers better value for money in terms of storage space, making it the better service for most users.

However, Dropbox is the clear choice for collaboration and productivity and would suit business users better. 

Have you used Sync.com or Dropbox? Did we leave out a great cloud feature? What other cloud storage providers would you recommend? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for taking the time to read our article.

FAQ: Dropbox vs Sync.com Comparison

With zero-knowledge encryption and a privacy policy that protects its consumers, Sync.com is more secure than Dropbox. However, Dropbox recently purchased Boxcryptor with the intent to bring private encryption to its business plans.

Dropbox is a solid option for businesses that want to maximize collaboration and productivity. Sync.com offers excellent privacy and zero-knowledge encryption for every account, even free ones .

OneDrive competes with Dropbox for cloud storage that enhances collaboration and productivity. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Word and Excel.

Our company has been using Dropbox for 5 years. We have had numerous problems. Conflicted files… Dropbox randomly crashing or freezing… slow syncing. Their customer service is a joke. Their only answer for problems is to buy a more expensive plan. We just want something simple and dependable.

Given the new “upgrade” that Dropbox is forcing on its business customers, which adds zero new functionality, but makes it harder for everyone to get to their files, I’ve about had it with them. Their focus is on what *they* think is cool tech and not at all on how people/businesses actually use cloud storage. For all the “bells and whistles” they’ve added, half have disappeared because they were useless and instead wasted millions of R&D dollars and shareholder value. This comparison did a great job of contrasting the two products. Thanks.

I’ve used both Sync.com and Dropbox. Sync.com’s superb privacy makes it hands down my choice for any private/personal data. Even remotely private. (No one needs to know my favorite movies and music, so they can market to me.) And it’s file and folder sharing feature is easy to use, and secure. Some friends have looked into Sync.com after I used it to share data with them.

Sync.com’s one shortcoming has been that it’s Selective Sync was limited to the folder level. And after marking a folder as selective sync, it’s content remains on your system until you delete it. A bit of a pain. And the first few times you do this, you are a little nervous when deleting the files off the system.

I’m therefore really excited about Sync.com’s new CloudFile option, currently in beta. It allows you to mark files and folders as cloud only. And unlike with Selective Sync, you still see a placeholder for the file or folder. I’ve been using the beta and really like it. I think Selective Sync combined with CloudFile is a killer combo. Selective Sync lets you completely ignore folders on specific systems (don’t need my work stuff on my couch surfing laptop), and CloudFile lets you save disk space by not having infrequently accessed files on your system, but still gives you the placeholder to remind you it’s there.

When CloudFile comes out of beta, I think it will really help them win over some people that may be hesitant to leave Dropbox.

Hi Aleksandar Kochovski,

Thanks for this helpful article. I recently started another cloud service for personal use, OneDrive, and I’m not really satisfied. It takes ages to upload a big batch of files if you internet is not really fast (/normal home connection), but more importantly, it refuses to upload files with certain symbols in the document name (/, ?, etc.).

Now this could be fixed if OneDrive tells me which files it refused to upload, but it didn’t. That means I will have to go through all my folders to see which document names contain these symbols.. It made me realise this cloud service it not for me (or I didn’t find a proper workaround).

Can you tell me which cloud services don’t have problems with uploading documents names with ‘special’ symbols?

Kind regards, Nina

Dropbox users keeps asking for file/extension ignore (ie: don’t synch *.log, *.tmp, *.bak, etc), and are ignored. Sync let you do that and it’s an essential feature not mentioned on this article. Autocad users have double size per *.bak files so dropbox is doubling bandwidth and space for the lack of that feature.

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Go from idea to done with Dropbox

Store and share files. Sign and send documents. Record screens and comment. All with Dropbox.

For professionals

For large organisations.

• 3 TB of storage

Transfer files up to 100 GB

180 days to restore deleted files

• Track file engagement
• Unlimited signature requests
• PDF editing
• Record, review and edit video
• Starts at 9 TB for the team

Set up admins

Know what content is shared

For companies

• Starts at 15 TB for the team

Transfer files up to 250 GB

1 year to restore deleted files

Set up tiered admin roles

Suspicious activity alerts

Compliance tracking

• Customise number of users
• Customise storage

Transfer files up to  250 GB

Enterprise-grade security

Integrations with best-in-class security solutions

Live support from dedicated experts

Compare plans

Top Lifetime Cloud Storage Deals Compared

May 8, 2024

in Cloud Storage

Our content is reader-supported . If you click on our links, we may earn a commission.  How we review .

Are you looking for the best lifetime cloud storage but don’t know where to start? Then, here is a rundown of all the  best lifetime cloud storage plans  that are available right now!

The two best one-time payment cloud storage services  out there that are trusted, reputable, and legitimate are:

Secure lifetime cloud storage plans of up to 2 TB so you never worry about upgrading your storage ever again! One-time payment - no monthly or yearly payments, no additional costs!

Exclusive five-year cloud storage plans of up to 10TB. No recurring subscription obligations or direct debits, one easy payment to secure your storage for the next 5 years!

Key Takeaways:

pCloud and Icedrive offer lifetime plans that save you money in the long run, with pCloud favored for overall features and Icedrive for price and privacy.

Free cloud storage options like Sync.com, Google Drive, and Dropbox provide alternatives, but have no lifetime access plans.

Reddit is a great place to learn more about lifetime cloud storage. Here are a few Reddit posts that I think you’ll find interesting. Check them out and join the discussion!

Best cloud storage with lifetime storage option in 2023? by u/BigCruiseMissile in cloudstorage

Is there a secure and private one-time payment lifetime cloud storage service that offers 2TB? by u/Kalesaidso in privacy

Suggested Provider for lifetime storage? by u/MagnsOpim in cloudstorage

Top Lifetime Cloud Storage Deals in 2024

1. pcloud (best overall and best value cloud storage in 2024).

Storage: 10 GB to Unlimited Storage

Free storage : 10GB free cloud storage

Platforms : Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

Pricing : 500GB ($199 once) or 2TB ($399 once)

Quick summary: pCloud is a secure and easy-to-use Swiss-based storage provider that lets you store up to 10GB for free, and it offers lifetime plans for up to 10TB which makes its service cheaper in the long run because you won’t have to worry about renewal fees.

Website : www.pcloud.com/lifetime

pCloud will always be the  top-of-mind choice for   secure cloud storage services,  especially for more official, business, and professional.

pCloud Lifetime Plans Pricing

Though pCloud is a bit pricier, it’s worth the price for the extra layers of security and the fast sync you’re getting. These are the individual plans:

• Premium: 500 GB storage for $570 ( now $199 )
• Premium Plus: 2 TB storage for $1,140 ( now $399 )
• Custom: 10 TB storage for $6,000 ( now $1,190 )

For more advanced cloud storage, they charge additional fees. You can check the pricing of their  lifetime   family plan  and  business plans  on their website. The billing is usually per cloud accounts user.

For this next section, we’ll elaborate and explain more about the benefits and drawbacks.

Benefit #1: Secure and Private: Zero-Knowledge Encryption and Two-Factor Authentication

If you’re wondering what  zero-knowledge encryption  is, it’s literally what the name implies.

pCloud has zero knowledge  of the files and information in your storage and personal account. Only YOU and the people you provide access to will know.

Personally, I appreciate this particular feature, especially with the surge of  privacy invasion issues  from many major online companies, server providers, and social media platforms.

Though I’m not saying that pCloud  completely  eliminates that, these extra measures already make a big difference in security and privacy.

Benefit #2: Efficient: Fast and Automatic Sync

Of course, if we’re talking about a cloud storage provider for professional use, we need it to work  fast and efficiently  for more productivity.

As someone who can be impatient at times, I appreciate a provider that allows quick file sharing, uploading, and downloading. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy this benefit too!

Benefit #3: Convenient and Easy to Use

One of the best things I like about this plan is the many features that make it  user-friendly  and  convenient to use.

Some of these are:

• Integrated video and audio player
• Easy and customizable file sharing
• Accessible on all devices
• Has collaboration tools for easy sharing
• Allows monthly plans
• Compatible with Apple and Windows devices
• pCloud backup gives you secure cloud backup for PC and Mac

Benefit #4: For Long-Term Use

Since it’s a lifetime plan , you can use the services pCloud offers for as long as they’re in business.

This is one of the reasons why despite the cost, it’s considered an  investment,  especially for business operations that require secure storage space.

Only Drawback: Pricing

Unfortunately, you can’t really expect all this goodness for free. The basic lifetime subscription is not exactly cheap.

And if you want to  level up your security , there are additional costs.

The  pCloud Encryption  is an  additional $480 (now $125).  But you’ll be paying for multi-layers of protection for  client-side encryption  and additional  zero-knowledge privacy .

You can know more about  pCloud Encryption  on their website.

Though cloud storage services more or less work the same, there are a few things that stand out from pCloud that would probably make it  THE  best cloud storage service for you and your needs.

• You’re confident of its security and privacy
• Efficient; best for productivity
• Convenient and easy to use
• For long-term use

But of course, we can’t ignore the price points, especially if you’ll compare them to others on the list.

• Extra encryption costs more
• Pricier (but worth the value)

Visit the pcloud.com website for all the latest deals

… or read my detailed pCloud review

Secure, efficient, and user-friendly - pCloud offers the best in cloud storage. Today, you can save 50% or more on lifetime plans. Don't miss this limited-time offer to safeguard your digital life for less!

2. Icedrive (Best budget cloud storage lifetime plans)

Storage: 10GB to 10TB

Pricing : 150GB ($189 once), 3TB ($399 once), 10TB ($999 once)

Quick summary: Icedrive offers some really remarkable features, high security, and competitive pricing but falls short in the collaboration department and in the lack of support. Get rid of the hassle of recurring payments with lifetime packages

Website : www.icedrive.net/lifetime-plans

I have to admit though, that pCloud can be a little expensive.

If you’re on a budget and don’t really need all of the features that pCloud offers,  Icedrive can still offer you the basic benefits you need and want from pCloud  – from the cloud storage service to the security encryptions.

One glaring difference is that  Icedrive isn’t as flexible in file sharing  – which may be an important need for bigger businesses and companies.

But if you’re looking for cloud storage for  personal cloud storage or small-group use , then you’re in for a treat!

Honestly, the benefits of pCloud and Icedrive are at par with each other. There are just some benefits and drawbacks that would be more beneficial/detrimental to certain circumstances!

Icedrive Lifetime Plans Pricing

Icedrive lets you choose between  monthly, yearly,  and  lifetime subscriptions.

Update : Icedrive has stopped offering lifetime (“99-years” long) plans; they now offer exclusive five-year plans with no recurring subscription obligations or direct debits, one easy payment.

Each of them (except for the monthly subscription) comes with 3 cloud storage options. Since we’re talking about  lifetime subscriptions  here, I’ll list the packages under the lifetime plans.

• Lite:  150 GB of storage; was $198 but is now $189
• Pro III:  3 TB of storage; was $749 but is now $399
• Pro X:  10 TB of storage; was $1,499 but is now $999

You can also get  10 GB of storage for free  by just simply creating an account! For personal use, this is already a win. Read more about their plans  here .

Benefits #1 and #2: Cheap, No Need for Extra Payment for Security; Generous Icedrive Features

I’ll merge these two because they go hand-in-hand.

Icedrive is generally more generous with its features, and they don’t really charge high for the kind of service you’re getting.

If you’ll need to pay for extra encryption for pCloud, Icedrive already hands it to you through those plans – believing that  “privacy is an inherent human right.”

I don’t know about you, but I like that a lot!

And if you’re  not satisfied  with their services, you can  get your money back  within the first 2 weeks or  14-days  of purchase.

Benefit #3: The Security is Still Really GOOD.

If you head on to the encryption page on their  website , you’ll immediately see the security measures they’ve incorporated, such as:

• Twofish Encryption
• Client-side Encryption
• Zero-Knowledge Encryption

Yes, all these are on top of the  256-bit AES encryption . Thanks, Icedrive!

There’s also a  Share Timeout feature,  which allows you to set a  duration  for the files you’ve shared. Once it expires, it’s no longer accessible to others. It’s like a professional Snapchat!

But kidding aside, it’s an important feature to have for more  confidential files  that you don’t want to turn over to people  forever.

Benefit #4: It Works Like a Hard Drive.

If you’re used to the hard drive or USB interface, you’ll enjoy the overall look and integration of the Icedrive.

You download it on your computer device, and it works as if it’s part of your operating system. No need to go to a website to log in each time!

Even for the mobile app version, it works like a charm. It’s as if your files are on your phones – for both IOS and Android.

Drawback #1: No Block-Level Sync

Though this is more of an advanced tech-savvy concern, I still think it’s worth the mention.

Block-Level Sync is basically a cloud feature that allows you to  edit only certain parts of a file . So if you have some minor edits to do, you  don’t have to change the entire file .

Unfortunately for Icedrive, this option  isn’t  available.

But if you’re a non-techy user or don’t really mind the upgrades, you can’t really tell the big difference.

Drawback #2: Not for Productivity (Fewer Collaboration Tools)

As mentioned, it’s more suitable for  personal cloud storage  and not really for heavy productivity or work setting.

The collaboration options are  fewer , the file-sharing  isn’t  as fast, and there are  no upload links.  As we said earlier – the interface is more  integrated-into-your-operating-system  type.

Icedrive  can be more useful for  cold storage  too (pun slightly intended).

As much as I love Icedrive for personal or small-scale use, I’d have to be honest and say that if you’re using it for large-scale work and business,  pCloud will be the better choice.

Drawback #3: No Chat Support for Troubleshooting

This may not be a basic feature that affects the functionality of Icedrive as a cloud storage per se, but it’s a factor to consider.

What if you encounter some technical problems beyond your control, and you need to retrieve some important files, right? Who will you approach for some cloud storage solution?

Though it’s unlikely to happen (probably why they didn’t find the need to make one), it’d be nicer to have a chat support system, don’t you think?

Here are some of the benefits that differentiate Icedrive from pCloud.

• No extra payment for client-side encryption
• Icedrive is very generous with features.
• You can set the time of the files you shared
• Security is also good
• Works like a hard drive
• Money-back guarantee

Though I personally think Icedrive works well, you may need to consider these too:

• No block-level sync
• Not for productivity or work
• Fewer collaboration tools
• No chat support for troubleshooting

Visit the Icedrive.com website for all the latest deals

… or read my detailed Icedrive review

Get top-tier cloud storage with robust security, generous features, and the user-friendly interface of a hard drive. Discover Icedrive's different plans, tailored for personal use and small groups.

3. Internxt (“Lifetime” cloud storage newcomer in 2024)

Storage: 10GB to 20TB

Pricing : 2TB ($599 once), 5TB $1,099 (once) or 10TB ($1,599 once)

Quick summary: Internxt is a cloud storage service that offers lifetime plans, using decentralized technology for added security and reliability. With high-speed uploads and downloads and an easy-to-use interface, Internxt is an excellent option for those looking for long-term, secure storage solution.

Website : www.internxt.com

Internxt is a newcomer cloud storage service that offers generous lifetime storage plans.

Internxt is a newcomer cloud storage service that offers generous lifetime storage plans. Although it was founded in 2020, it’s already building a loyal following. The company boasts over a million users worldwide and more than 30 awards and recognitions in the field.

When it comes to collaboration and productivity features, Internxt definitely isn’t the flashiest option on the market. However, what they lack in certain features they make up for with a strong commitment to keeping your data safe.

If you’re looking for a cloud storage provider that takes privacy and security seriously, Internxt is a top competitor.

Internxt use decentralized technology, meaning that files are stored on multiple servers around the world, making it more secure and less vulnerable to hacking or data loss.

Internxt Lifetime Plans Pricing

Internxt lets you choose between  monthly, yearly,  and  lifetime subscriptions.

Since we’re talking about  lifetime cloud storage access  here, I’ll list the packages under the lifetime plans.

• 2TB:  2 TB of lifetime access storage is $599
• 5TB:  5 TB of storage is $1,099
• 10TB:  10 TB of storage is $1,599

You can also get  10 GB of storage for free  by just simply creating an account! For personal use, this is already a big win. Read more about their plans  here .

Internxt Pros and Cons

• Easy to use, well-designed, and user-friendly interface
• Good customer support
• Reasonably priced plans, especially the 2TB individual plan
• Decentralized technology for added security
• High-speed uploads and downloads
• Easy-to-use interface
• Lifetime plans for a one-time payment of $599
• Lacking collaboration and productivity features
• Limited to certain file types
• No file versioning
• Limited third-party apps integration

If you’re looking for a secure, long-term cloud storage solution, give Internxt a try. Sign up for a lifetime storage plan today and experience the security and reliability of decentralized technology.

Visit the Internxt.com website for all the latest deals

… or read my detailed Internxt review

Cloud storage with excellent security and privacy features for all your files and photos. Lifetime plans for a one-time payment of $599. Use WSR25 on checkout and get 25% off on all plans.

Other Cloud Storage Services [No Lifetime Deals]

But don’t be disappointed!

If we take lifetime plans out of the equation, there are  A LOT  of cloud storage options out there that work as well.

The best part is that some of them provide unlimited cloud storage for free!

• Free plan : 5 GB of free storage
• Storage : 5 GB - Unlimited
• Current deal: Get 2TB secure cloud storage from $8/mo
• Website : www.sync.com

This could easily be part of our top 2 best cloud storage providers on our list, if not for the lack of lifetime subscription.

But if you’re looking for a cloud service that’s perfect for  accounting,   legal,  and  healthcare businesses,  go for Sync.com .

When we speak of security, I’m willing to put my full trust in Sync.com because (if I may use the word) they’re the more ethical choice.

More than the fancy interface, they’re all about protecting you – making it safe for legal privacy practices.

Here are their affordable and user-friendly pricing packages (note that all of them allow unlimited shares and transfer):

• Business Pro Teams Standard:  1TB of storage per user for 2-100 users at $8/month (when paid annually)
• Business Pro Teams Plus:  4TB of storage per user for 2-100 users at $6/month (when paid yearly)
• Business Pro Teams Advanced:  10TB of storage per user for 2-100o users at $15/month (when paid annually)
• Free:  You’ll also get 5GB free space upon signing up!

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits you’ll get from Sync.com:

• 100%  HIPAA  compliant
• You’re in control – access expiry, sharing permission, etc.
• Automatic syncing
• 24/7 in-house support and customer service
• Doesn’t allow third-party integrations (safe)
• Files are password protected
• Read my Sync.com review
• Doesn’t allow third-party integrations (not as accessible for sharing)
• No lifetime subscription (too bad, really!)

IDrive Cloud Backup and Storage Solutions

• Free plan : 10 GB of free storage
• Storage : 10 GB - 50 TB
• Current deal: Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)
• Website : www.idrive.com

IDrive provides a plan with 5GB of free cloud storage. No catch or anything; it’s just really for you to experience their cloud services before you decide to upgrade!

But take note that IDrive is  backup  and not really cloud storage. There’s a fine line between these two.

Basically, IDrive is a place for you to store your backups, but it’s not your actual and main storage.  Whether that’s a pro or a con now depends on you and your needs.

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits you’ll get from IDrive:

• Affordable (price increases as you go)
• Conveniently compatible for all devices (Windows PC, Mac desktop app, mobile app, tablet, etc.)
• Automatic cloud backup
• Remote management
• Business plan, personal plan, and team plan are all available
• Secure with the 256 bit AES encryption
• Read my IDrive review
• Not exactly cloud storage (if that’s what you’re looking for)
• Slow download/upload
• No monthly and lifetime plan (only yearly)
• No unlimited backups

• Free plan : 2 GB of free storage
• Storage : 2 GB - 3 TB
• Current deal: Get 2TB cloud storage from just $9.99/mo
• Website : www.dropbox.com

You’re probably familiar with DropBox since it used to be one of the  most known  cloud storage providers.

Such as when your file is too big, emails would usually suggest using DropBox to deliver them. That’s one of the beauties of cloud storage !

If you don’t really need an elaborate cloud storage provider, DropBox is actually a good cloud storage solution, especially for syncing folders and if you just need the speed.

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits you’ll get from DropBox:

• Trusted and long-standing in the market
• A lot of collaboration options (email, Canvas, Slack, etc.) means easier file sharing
• Affordable for 16TB of storage
• Offers a free plan with 2GB of free space
• Not the most secure for storage  (no advanced encryptions, two-factor authentication, or anything like that)
• Only for short-term and personal use
• No lifetime permanent cloud storage
• Find out what the best Dropbox alternatives are

Google Drive

• Free plan : 15 GB of free storage
• Storage : 15 GB - 30 TB
• Current deal: Get 100 GB storage from $1.99 per month
• Website : drive.google.com

As long as you have Google emails (GMails), you’ve surely used Google Drive (GDrive) for file sharing and storage at least once.

Since almost everyone has a Gmail by now, it’s also the  most accessible cloud storage space  that’s user-friendly and easy to share.

But accessibility has a disadvantage too, which is the  lack of privacy .

You may recognize the basic Google Drive more with its free storage, but it also has  Workspace , which is already paid for and is similar to other business plans.

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits you’ll get from Google Drive:

• Accessible – almost everyone uses or is familiar with GDrive
• Comes with a free plan with 15GB of free storage and no restrictions
• Easy to use and user-friendly
• Works on any PC device and mobile apps alike
• Google ecosystem
• Not the most secure in terms of files (no passwords, authentication, encryptions)
• Not the most secure in terms of personal information and data
• Find out what the best Google Drive alternatives are

Microsoft OneDrive

• Storage : 100 GB - Unlimited
• Website : onedrive.live.com

OneDrive, also known as Apple’s iCloud counterpart, is best for  Windows and PC users . It’s affordable and allows you to upgrade from an individual to a family and business plan.

One similarity OneDrive has with other plans on the list is also comes with a free plan with 5GB free storage space.

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits you’ll get from OneDrive:

• Linked with Windows operating system and Microsoft
• They offer different business plans: Business 1, Business 2, 365 Business Basic, 365 Standard.
• Business 1:  1TB of storage space for $5 monthly (paid yearly)
• Business 2:  Unlimited cloud storage space with security for $10 monthly (paid yearly)
• 365 Business Basic:  1TB of storage space with Microsoft Office Essentials apps for $6 monthly
• 365 Standard:  1TB of storage space with all Microsoft Office apps and tools for $15 monthly
• No zero-knowledge encryption
• Not the most secure
• Find out what the best Microsoft OneDrive alternatives are

This is the most convenient option for Apple users, especially if you’re already  within the Apple ecosystem.

You can easily access your files across different Apple devices as long as you’re logged in to the same Apple ID. It also comes with family plans good for 6 users per household.

Even if you haven’t availed of the actual plan, you’ll already have access to 5GB of free storage on your Apple device.

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits you’ll get:

• Multiple cloud storage options (50GB, 200GB, and 2TB)
• Very convenient for Apple devices
• Can also be used as a cloud backup
• Secure enough
• Limited to Apple devices and users only
• Limited features, see what the best iCloud alternatives are

Cloud Storage Glossary

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out with cloud storage, or someone looking to brush up on their knowledge, this glossary is your go-to resource for clear and concise definitions.

• Example: When you send a message on Signal, it is encrypted on your device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device, preventing others, including Signal, from viewing its contents.
• Example: When using a zero-knowledge cloud storage service like SpiderOak, even the service providers cannot access or decrypt your data; only you have the key to do so.
• Example: A smartphone might have an internal storage capacity of 64 GB, capable of holding thousands of photos, songs, or several hours of video.
• Example: An external hard drive with 1 TB of storage can hold around 250,000 songs, 200,000 photos, or about 500 hours of HD video.
• Example: Sharing a folder through Google Drive with your team members so they can view and edit the documents inside.
• Example: Editing a report on your laptop and having those changes automatically reflected in the same file on your tablet via Dropbox.
• Example: Using Apple’s Time Machine to regularly backup your entire Mac, so you can restore your system to a previous state if needed.
• Example: Microsoft OneDrive saving each version of a document as you make changes, enabling you to revert to an earlier version if necessary.
• Example: Accessing your online banking account, where you enter your password (first factor) and then a code sent to your phone (second factor).
• Example: When you store files in a cloud service like Tresorit, it uses AES encryption to secure your files, making them unreadable to anyone without the decryption key.
• Example: A file encryption program offering TwoFish as an option to encrypt your personal files before uploading them to a cloud server.
• Example: A cloud storage service like Box updating its policies and security measures to ensure GDPR compliance, safeguarding the personal data of its EU customers.
• Example: Generating a shareable link in Dropbox for a video file, which you then send to a friend, allowing them to download the video directly.
• Example: Google Drive maintaining a history of all changes made to a document for 30 days, giving you the option to restore an earlier version if needed.

Go here for more cloud storage glossary terms .

Common Questions Answered

Our verdict ⭐.

So, there you have it for the best lifetime cloud storage.

I know it’s probably disappointing that you just have 2 to choose from, but unfortunately, there aren’t many lifetime cloud storage providers that are actually  good  as of date .

Best Overall and Best Value: pCloud

Bagging two of our awards, this is the one for your business and productivity’s file storage needs. It takes pride in its  fast and feature-filled cloud storage with advanced encryption for good network drives.

The only drawback is the  expensive price tag and the additional charge for encryption . But if you look at it as a business investment for lifetime storage, I’d say it’s worth it.

Best Budget: Icedrive

Coming in as a close second,  Icedrive can also provide you with the security and privacy  you need  without charging extra . It’s  a lot cheaper  than pCloud, but still gives the services that you’d expect from a cloud storage company.

A bonus pro worth mentioning is the  free plan of 10TB of storage upon the creation of an account . You just won’t have the client-side encryption, but for a  free plan?  10TB is already an EXCELLENT bargain.

The biggest drawback it has that tipped the scale towards pCloud is the productivity aspect.  pCloud outperforms Icedrive in terms of productivity by a lot .

So to sum it all up, here are the premier cloud storage providers.

• pCloud   (Best Overall and Best Value. Learn more here )
• Icedrive   (Best Budget. Learn more here )
• Sync.com  (Best Overall Among the Non-Lifetime plans)

Next up are our runner-ups. They perform well and have affordable pricing for what they are. They just don’t have lifetime cloud storage plans.

• iDrive   (Best Cloud Back-Up)
• DropBox   (Most Established Cloud Storage Service)
• Google Drive   (Most Accessible Cloud Storage)
• OneDrive   (Best Cloud Storage Service for A Windows User)

So, Have You Found the Best Cloud Storage for You?

I hope this review was helpful in your search for the best lifetime cloud storage  for you.

At least now, I know you’re ready to bid your goodbyes to hard drives and hard copies!

As you saw, there are a lot of things to consider. What works for others might not work for you – and vice versa.

That’s I encourage you to assess your own needs and circumstances, so you can choose the best cloud storage tailored to fit you.

How We Review Cloud Storage: Our Methodology

Choosing the right cloud storage isn’t just about following trends; it’s about finding what genuinely works for you. Here’s our hands-on, no-nonsense methodology for reviewing cloud storage services:

Signing Up Ourselves

• First-Hand Experience:  We create our own accounts, going through the same process you would to understand each service’s setup and beginner friendliness.

Performance Testing: The Nitty-Gritty

• Upload/Download Speeds:  We test these in various conditions to evaluate real-world performance.
• File Sharing Speeds:  We assess how quickly and efficiently each service shares files between users, an often overlooked but crucial aspect.
• Handling Different File Types:  We upload and download diverse file types and sizes to gauge service versatility.

Customer Support: Real-World Interaction

• Testing Response and Effectiveness:  We engage with customer support, posing real issues to evaluate their problem-solving capabilities, and the time it takes to get a reply.

Security: Delving Deeper

• Encryption and Data Protection:  We examine their use of encryption, focusing on client-side options for enhanced security.
• Privacy Policies:  Our analysis includes reviewing their privacy practices, especially regarding data logging.
• Data Recovery Options:  We test how effective their recovery features are in the event of data loss.

Cost Analysis: Value for Money

• Pricing Structure:  We compare the cost against the features offered, evaluating both monthly and annual plans.
• Lifetime Cloud Storage Deals:  We specifically look for and assess the value of lifetime storage options, a significant factor for long-term planning.
• Evaluating Free Storage:  We explore the viability and limitations of free storage offerings, understanding their role in the overall value proposition.

Feature Deep-Dive: Uncovering Extras

• Unique Features:  We look for features that set each service apart, focusing on functionality and user benefits.
• Compatibility and Integration:  How well does the service integrate with different platforms and ecosystems?
• Exploring Free Storage Options:  We evaluate the quality and limitations of their free storage offerings.

User Experience: Practical Usability

• Interface and Navigation:  We delve into how intuitive and user-friendly their interfaces are.
• Device Accessibility:  We test on various devices to assess accessibility and functionality.

Learn more about our  review methodology here .

References:

• https://cloud.google.com/learn/what-is-cloud-storage
• https://www.pcloud.com/help/general-help-center/what-is-pcloud-lifetime
• https://community.icedrive.net/

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About Author

Matt Ahlgren

Mathias Ahlgren is the CEO and founder of Website Rating, steering a global team of editors and writers. He holds a master's in information science and management. His career pivoted to SEO after early web development experiences during university. With over 15 years in SEO, digital marketing, and web developmens. His focus also includes website security, evidenced by a certificate in Cyber Security. This diverse expertise underpins his leadership at Website Rating.

The "WSR Team" is the collective group of expert editors and writers specializing in technology, internet security, digital marketing, and web development. Passionate about the digital realm, they produce well-researched, insightful, and accessible content. Their commitment to accuracy and clarity makes Website Rating a trusted resource for staying informed in the dynamic digital world.

Shimon Brathwaite

Shimon is a seasoned cybersecurity professional and published author of "Cybersecurity Law: Protect Yourself and Your Customers", and writer at Website Rating, primarily focuses on topics related to cloud storage and backup solutions. Additionally, his expertise extends to areas such as VPNs and password managers, where he offers valuable insights and thorough research to guide readers through these important cybersecurity tools.

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