19 Best Dropbox Alternatives & Competitors You Need To Know About in 2024!

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that lets you store your photos, videos, and documents online. It offers 2GB of free storage space for your first year. Dropbox is pretty great, and it is not the right fit for many of you. There are better alternatives to Dropbox that are more secure and offer a wider variety of features.

Dropbox is undoubtedly one of the most popular cloud storage solutions right now, with over 600 million customers globally. Dropbox allows users to share files with other people by sharing folders or individual files with others and sending links to specific files or folders.

Dropbox also makes it easy to collaborate on projects with colleagues or clients using its shared folder feature, which allows multiple people to work on the same document simultaneously in real-time without worrying about who has made changes since the last time they looked at it.

What is Dropbox? 

Dropbox is a cloud-based file management service that allows users to store all their important files, documents, and images at a single location and access them from any device synced up to the internet. You can use Dropbox for work as well as for personal use. Users can quickly share and collaborate on files and other documents, even with those who don’t have a Dropbox account.

Dropbox offers a Free Basic plan for a single user with 2 GB of storage space. The Plus plan is priced at $9.99/user/month, with 2 TB of encrypted storage. The Family plan is priced at $16.99/6 users/month, with 2 TB of encrypted storage.

19 powerful Dropbox alternatives worth your consideration in 2024

1. pCloud 

With client-side encryption and zero-knowledge privacy, pCloud delivers Swiss data security as a Swiss corporation. Because the encryption happens before your data is uploaded from your device to pCloud’s servers, the client-side encryption feature secures your files from unauthorized access. 

On the other hand, the zero-knowledge privacy feature prevents the service provider from seeing your encryption keys because they’re only exposed to you, the creator.

pCloud includes mobile apps (Android and iOS) and desktop apps (Windows, Linux, and Mac). In addition, pCloud’s web platform is accessible from any of the most popular web browsers.

pCloud pros & cons:

Pros: 

• Basic Up to 10GB of free cloud storage is included with a pCloud account.
• Amazing one-time payments for programs that last a lifetime
• Usability across several devices
• TLS/SSL channel protection; 256-bit AES encryption for all files; 5 copies of your files on various servers) are among the most advanced security features available.
• Multiple file-sharing solutions are available.

Cons:

• Extra charges apply for pCloud Crypto 
• client-side encryption 
• zero-knowledge privacy 
• multi-layer protection

pCloud pricing plans:

Up to 10GB of storage space is available with the Free Forever plan. Premium options for pCloud start at $3.99 per month for yearly subscriptions. The cloud storage service gives 500GB of disc space and 500GB of data transmission bandwidth for sharing in its Premium tiers.

Premium Plus bundles with 2TB of cloud storage are also available. pCloud, unlike most other cloud storage companies, offers a lifetime plan for only $175. It’s a one-time fee for 500GB of storage space that you’ll have for the rest of your life.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive is a free cloud storage service that is part of the Google applications suite. It comes with 15GB of free storage space and lets you back up all of your photos and videos at a reduced quality without them counting against your free account storage.

For customers who merely want to back up their personal and work files, Google Drive is one of the best solutions.

Google Drive pros & cons:

Pros: 

• Access to your content is encrypted and safe.
• Ad customization isn’t done with your files.
• Docs, Sheets, Slides, Microsoft Office, Slack, Salesforce, DocuSign, Autodesk, and more apps and tools are all integrated.
• It includes Google’s AI and search engine, which can help you find files up to 50% faster.
• Offers 15GB of cloud storage for free

Cons:

• There is no limitless storage with any of the paid options.
• There are no plans for unlimited cloud storage.

Google Drive pricing plans:

15GB of cloud storage is included in the free plan. Furthermore, if you back up a low-quality version of an image or video, Google Drive doesn’t count it against your storage usage.

The Basic plan, which costs $1.99 per month and includes 100GB of storage, is the most affordable option. The Standard plan costs $2.99 per month and includes 200GB of cloud storage. Finally, for $9.99 per month, you can have 2TB of storage with the Premium plan.

Also checkout – 9 Best Google tools for Project Management

3. Internxt

The best Dropbox alternative concerning privacy and security, Internxt is an open-source cloud storage service built on blockchain. All files uploaded or shared through the service are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring user files are safe, sound, and inaccessible to all first and third parties.

What Internxt lacks in age compared to Dropbox, it more than makes up for in safety and ethics. Championing zero-knowledge technology and sticking to an iron-clad user service model, the service puts users’ right to privacy above all else. Unique features include limits on the number of file downloads, a convenient backup setup, and absolute user control of data access. 

Internxt comes standard with all 3 of its primary privacy-loaded services: Drive, Photos, and Send. The service is available on all devices and operating systems, and thanks to its fast upload and download speeds, transferring (from Dropbox) is straightforward and effortless.

Internxt pros & cons:

Pros:

• No unauthorized access to your information
• 100% open-source and transparent
• All data uploaded, stored, and shared is end-to-end encrypted
• Ability to limit the number of times a file can be shared
• Included access to Internxt Drive, Photos, and Send at no extra cost
• Free premium 10GB plan

Cons:

• Young service
• Lacking integration with some third-party apps

Internxt pricing plans:

Internxt beats Dropbox in pricing, offering a free 10GB plan and comparable 2TB subscription for only $11.50/month. Internxt also provides a 20GB plan for $1.15/month and a 200GB plan for $5.15/month. All Internxt plans (including the free plan) have all features enabled, with no throttling! Annual and business plans are also available.

4. Box

Another dropbox alternative box is a cloud storage service for companies and collaborative teams. It comes with various tools and features that can help you optimize your productivity and collaborate with your teams, customers, partners, and vendors more effectively. It’s designed to make your job easier.

Box pros & cons:

Pros: 

• End-to-end data protection, granular user rights with seven sharing roles, two-factor authentication (2FA) for internal and external users, and multi-layered watermarking for data leak prevention.
• One location for editing, reviewing, and sharing files, as well as task assignment
• There are over 1500 business app connectors (Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, and many others)
• Tools for automating workflows (pre-built departmental workflow templates, custom-configured templates, and an intuitive no-code workflow builder)

Cons:

• No lifetime Storage Solutions 

Box pricing plans:

The free individual plan from Box includes up to 10GB of storage space and a 250MB file upload restriction. Individuals can choose from only one premium plan, including up to 100GB of cloud storage for $10 per month.

5. NordLocker 

NordLocker is a secure cloud storage solution that works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Nord Security, the firm behind NordVPN, NordPass, and NordLayer, created NordLocker.

NordLocker has a robust zero-knowledge policy and uses cutting-edge encryption. NordLocker employs the world’s most trusted encryption algorithms and advanced ciphers to provide complete data protection.

NordLocker pros & cons:

Pros: 

• Pros:
• NordLocker subscribers get 3GB of free secure cloud storage space.
• Both local and cloud lockers allow you to add files.
• Content backup to the cloud and automatic cross-platform synchronization
• You can work on your documents and open files directly from your lockers (no decryption needed)
• Money-back guarantee for 30 days

Cons:

• There are no plans for unlimited cloud storage

NordLocker pricing plans:

3GB of safe cloud storage space is included in the free plan. There are two premium options available from NordLocker: 500GB and 2TB.

The 500GB plan is $3.19 per month for the first year and includes priority service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you don’t want to commit for a year, you can purchase a $7.99 monthly subscription.

The 2TB package starts at $7.99 per month for the first year-long membership. A $19.99 monthly subscription is also available.

6. OneDrive 

Microsoft’s OneDrive is an easy-to-use cloud storage solution. Its basic package includes 5GB of storage capacity. The best part about Microsoft OneDrive is that if you also use Microsoft Office, the Microsoft 365 Personal plan gives you 1TB of cloud storage plus a complimentary subscription to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows and Mac) for only $69.99 per year.

OneDrive pros & cons:

Pros: 

• Free cloud storage for photos and files of up to 5GB
• All of your photographs, files, and documents are accessible.
• Easy file sharing with family and friends and the ability to collaborate in real-time on Office files and documents.
• Option to back up your phone’s photographs automatically.
• Advanced sync technology

Cons:

• The free plan does not include ransomware detection and recovery, file restoration, and password-protected sharing links.
• There are no plans for unlimited cloud storage.

OneDrive pricing plans:

Premium plans for Microsoft OneDrive start at $1.99 per month. OneDrive Standalone is the most basic paid OneDrive subscription. It’s designed for home usage and comes with 100GB of cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Personal (1TB of cloud storage for $69.99/year) and Microsoft 365 Family (6TB of cloud storage for $99.99/year; up to 6 users) are two different premium OneDrive home plans. Both of them provide a free Microsoft Office app subscription.

7. Tresorit 

Tresorit calls itself an “ultra-secure” internet storage and sharing solution. Businesses and collaborative teams are Tresorit’s primary consumers, but it also has intentions for individuals. SAP, Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions, D-Orbit, Erste Bank, and other significant brands worldwide use its service.

Tresorit pros & cons:

Pros: 

• Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage
• Encrypted links provide secure file sharing inside and outside your company/organization.
• Physical security and 24-hour monitoring
• Available on all mobile devices and web browsers
• The interface is simple to use
• Authentication using two factors (2FA)
• Available in a variety of languages
• 14-day free trial

Cons:

• The free plan does not include ransomware detection and recovery, file restoration, and password-protected sharing links.
• There are no plans for unlimited cloud storage.

Tresorit pricing plans:

Tresorit’s free subscription comes with 3GB of encrypted cloud storage and the ability to share files up to 250MB with others. Tresorit offers two individual programs as well as three business bundles.

8. Icedrive

Icedrive was established in the year 2019. Icedrive, despite being new to the market, has already created a solid first impression. The unbreakable Twofish encryption technique, client-side encryption, zero-knowledge privacy, intuitive interface design, and competitive costs are just a few features.

The unique drive-mounting software is one of Icedrive’s outstanding features. This makes your cloud storage feel like a real hard drive without the requirement for synchronization or bandwidth usage.

Icedrive pros & cons:

Pros: 

• A generous 10GB of cloud storage is provided for free.
• Zero-knowledge encryption on the client-side
• Uninterrupted cloud storage services require a lot of bandwidth.
• Passwords are used to restrict access to shared files.
• Web, desktop & laptop, and mobile & tablet apps that are clean and easy to use

Cons:

• On the free plan, there is no client-side encryption.

Icedrive pricing plans:

Icedrive has three premium plans: Lite, Pro, and Pro+, as well as a generous 10 GB free plan.

9. Sync

Sync.com is a Canadian-based collaborative cloud storage business that seeks to make storing data in the cloud more affordable. The free plan includes its basic collaboration features and 5GB of safe storage.

It provides free programs for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web, allowing you to sync and access your files anywhere. Additionally, all Sync plans have a remote device lockout option that you may use to disable your Sync account’s logged-in devices if they are lost or stolen. This improves your security and privacy significantly.

Sync pros & cons:

Pros: 

• All Sync plans include end-to-end encryption and a built-in SOC (System and Organization Controls). Type 1 compliance, file history and recovery, real-time backup and sync, and extensive share controls are just a few available features.
• There will be no tracking by other parties (you are the sole owner of your data)
• Secure links allow you to share an unlimited number of files and folders.
• Offline access and a 99.9% uptime guarantee

Cons:

• There are no plans for unlimited cloud storage.

Sync pricing plans:

Sync.com’s free plan offers 5GB of secure cloud storage but comes with a data transfer limit. Sync.com’s paid plans for teams start at $60 per year per user and offer unlimited data transfer and robust security and privacy features.

10. Mega 

MEGA’s free plan has a large storage limit, one of its most prominent features. This is one of the most comprehensive free plans available. You receive 50GB of data storage for free, with an additional 10GB per invite. This is particularly impressive given that most of these services provide between 2 and 5GB of free data storage.

Another fantastic feature of this service is the high level of security. You will need to create your encryption key, which will be kept secret even from MEGA staff. Only you have access to the information you’ve saved in the cloud. This service is simple to use, and its apps are intuitive.

Mega pros & cons:

Pros: 

• TLS GDPR compliant for all users globally, end-to-end secured with AES-128.
• Supports two-factor authentication
• There are both free and premium plans available.
• There is no data stored in the United States.
• There is a lot of storage space available.
• Versioning of files
• Transparency reports are published every year.

Cons:

• Not open-source
• Complicated Free plan 
• Collaboration options are limited.
• There is no live chat or phone help available.
• There are no publicly available third-party audits or testing.

Mega pricing plans:

As previously indicated, Mega offers a free subscription with 50GB of storage space. If this isn’t enough, you can upgrade to one of their paid plans. Fortunately, you have a wide range of possibilities from which to choose. Pro-Lite is their first premium plan, which gives 200GB for $4.99 per month.

For $29.99 per month, you can obtain up to 8TB of storage space. As a result, it is also an excellent choice for small organizations, as it provides ample storage space. You do, however, have a monthly bandwidth limit that you can’t exceed unless you pay extra. Before you buy one of their plans, double-check the maximum bandwidth.

11. NextCloud 

Nextcloud is a self-hosted productivity tool that lets users collaborate on projects, send and receive emails, manage calendars, and hold video conversations without exposing their personal information. You can choose your server to store your files and easily access, manage, share, and sync them. Nextcloud is a complete on-premises solution that allows for collaboration without any compliance or security problems. Its versatility gives you complete control over your data, making it one of the most impressive Dropbox alternatives. You can safeguard, manage, and monitor data and communication across your organization using Nextcloud.

Nextcloud pros & cons:

Pros: 

• File versioning
• Free and open-source software
• File sharing made simple
• Collaboration
• A cloud solution that complies with GDPR
• Personal data management that is integrated
• Version tracking is an optional feature.
• Integration with third-party apps is an option.

Cons:

• Third-party scanning of your system
• Clunky at times 
• The web interface can be slow at times

Nextcloud pricing plans:

A Free trial is available. The Basic plan is available for 100 users for €36/user/year, the Standard plan is available for 100 users for €65/user/year, the Premium plan is available for 100 users for €95.50/user/year.

12. MediaFire 

MediaFire allows users to simplify workflow and share photos, videos, audio, or docs. You can count on MediaFire for fast and secure storage and collaboration on files. The tool supports a wide range of formats for easy storage of all your files and accesses them from anywhere. Users can also share files through links and the tool also supports bulk uploads and downloads. MediaFire is available across platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Free users get 10 GB storage and up to 50 GB with bonuses. MediaFire is more than a file sharing and storage tool as it offers a list of handy features to facilitate users with more flexibility and convenience.

MediaFire pros & cons 

Pros: 

• 10 GB free storage 
• Huge file size uploads allowed
• Great transfer speeds
• Minimal interface
• Easy to use for even non-technical employees
• Reliable and secure platform
• Cost-effective consumption-based model
• Regular virus checks  

Cons: 

• No file encryption
• Average customer support
• App hangs often
• Very few integrations

MediaFire pricing plans: 

The Pro plan is priced at $3.75/user/month. The Business plan is priced at $40/month for 100 users. 

13. Cloudup 

Cloudup is a notable Dropbox alternative for businesses and individuals alike. It offers free storage of up to 200 GB, which is more than adequate for users to store their photos, videos, and music. Though the tool is not as flexible and efficient as some other file storage tools, its hassle-free sharing process makes it a serious contender to be considered when you go looking for an alternative to Dropbox. Cloudup lets you instantly and securely share anything, without having to wait for uploads or downloads. And, it offers all of that without any additional costs. Cloudup streams can be shared using secure URL links which can even be password-protected. 

Cloudup pros & cons 

Pros: 

• Plenty of free storage
• Fast sharing using links
• Password protection
• Share and view files on any platform 
• Simple drag-and-drop files
• Instant sharing and uploading without additional costs

Cons: 

• Speed can get slow at times
• Risk of data hacking 
• Lack of adequate support to the user

Cloudup pricing plans:

Completely Free with 200 GB storage

14. Redbooth 

Redbooth is another popular alternative to Dropbox. This web-based tool helps teams manage tasks and communication so projects get completed faster and easier. Used by corporate giants like Coca-Cola and Starbucks, Redbooth helps teams manage tasks simultaneously, stay on track with existing projects, and start new ones instantly with pre-built templates. Project managers can stay connected with their teams through iOS and Android apps. Based on the to-do list system, the platform has advanced features and has integrations with apps like Slack, Dropbox, and Gmail. 

Redbooth pros & cons 

Pros: 

• Well-designed user interface
• Easy to learn and use
• Low monthly cost
• Smooth and easy project management
• Facilitates team collaboration
• Packed with many thoughtful features

Cons: 

• Limited features
• Limited customer support
• Weak mobile app

Redbooth pricing plans: 

The Pro plan is priced at $9/user/month, the Business plan is priced at $15/user/month, and the Enterprise plan is available on quote.

15. Quip

Quip is Salesforce’s productivity platform that enables enterprises to work together, delivering modern collaboration securely and simply across any device. Its advanced security features help build trust, transparency, and compliance for the most security-conscious organizations. Quip is a collaborative productivity software suite that allows groups of people to create, and edit documents and spreadsheets as a group, usually for business purposes. 

Quip pros & cons

Pros: 

• Quick to set up 
• Easy to use
• Free version available
• Supported by Zapier
• Combines team messaging with collaborative document creation
• Mobile-optimized
• Rich communication features
• Easy access to information

Cons: 

• No team calendar
• Interface could be more sophisticated
• No rich markup tools
• Limited integrations
• Lacks explicit limits on storage space for free accounts

Quip pricing plans:

The Quip starter is priced for $10/user/month, billed annually. The Quip Plus plan is priced at $25/user/month, billed annually. The Salesforce Anywhere Advanced plan is priced at $100/user/month, billed annually. 

16. CloudMe

CloudMe is a top-ranking Dropbox alternative for businesses and professionals across the world. CloudMe combines cloud storage with the synchronization of data, which allows you to sync your mobile camera roll with your tablet or TV. Apart from that, it also allows users to sync doc files and media across computers and mobile devices. This feature makes it easy for you to share and receive files with friends and colleagues. CloudMe is considered the best cloud/sync storage service in Europe and offers a secure and rich experience across all types of clients. 

CloudMe pros & cons 

Pros: 

• Advanced features
• Quick downloads
• Supports Android and iOS 
• Lots of sharing options
• Servers based on the privacy-focused Sweden
• File restoration
• File backup

Cons: 

• The data doesn’t get encrypted with the server
• Slow upload speeds
• Max storage limit of 500 GB

CloudMe pricing plans: 

The Team plan is priced at 149 Euros per month for 5 users. The Business plan is priced at 279 Euros for 15 users. The Enterprise plan is priced at 759 Euros with 50 users.  

17. Zoho Docs

Zoho Docs is one of the most underestimated Dropbox alternatives today. It is versatile and proficient online file management for teams and individuals. The tool allows you and your team to share a secure and collaborative workspace where everyone can access everything in real-time. From documents to images, pictures to spreadsheets, presentations to music and movies, you can carry all your files with you wherever you go. With all your files stored in a centralized location, you can conveniently share them with your friends and colleagues while on the go. Built-in Zoho Office editors allow you to write/edit documents and work in sync with your colleagues. Zoho Docs also lets you create a stunning presentation and publish the same to your audience. 

Zoho Docs pros & cons 

Pros: 

• Easy file management
• Acts as an additional drive for your files
• Highly secure platform for file storage 
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Excellent online editing tools
• File sharing and collaboration are breezes 
• Integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive, and Adobe Sign
• In-app chat

Cons: 

• Per-user fees can add up 
• Steep learning curve
• Complicated, inconsistent integration
• Call scheduling is cumbersome
• The mobile app is missing 

Zoho Docs pricing plans: 

The Standard Plan is priced at $4/user/month, billed annually. The Premium plan is priced at $6.4/user/month, billed annually. 

18. SpiderOak

SpiderOak is strongly recommended as one of the top-rated Dropbox alternatives for businesses because it is the first and only firm to incorporate blockchain technology for security. SpiderOak is a multiple user and device backup solution with a centralized management console. When it comes to cloud data management, this tool is fast, reliable, and secure. The only drawback is that the tool does not offer any free plan. SpiderOak focuses heavily on advanced security features, including end-to-end encryption and Zero-knowledge service, and is easily one of the most cloud data management platforms available today. The tool is best for those who want more control over the settings and preferences. 

SpiderOak pros & cons 

Pros: 

• Top-notch security and privacy
• Can be used on multiple devices
• Sync functionality
• Excellent speed
• Professional customer support
• End-to-end encryption
• Supports an unlimited number of computers per account
• Well-designed, full-featured desktop application

Cons: 

• Expensive
• No disk imaging
• No phone or chat support
• No unlimited plans
• No longer offers mobile apps 

SpiderOak pricing plans: 

A Free 21-day trial is available. The paid personal plan starts at $69 per year for 150 GB of space. For $149 annually, you can get 2TB of space. The largest Personal plan offers 5TB of online storage for a whopping $320 per year. 

19. Amazon Drive 

Amazon Drive is a cloud storage service provided by Amazon, the e-commerce powerhouse. Secure file backups, easy sharing and preview, cloud storage, and on-demand photo printing via the Amazon Prints service are all available if you want to save all of your beautiful memories.

All you need is an Amazon account to access unrivaled cloud storage. You can access your images, movies, and data on various devices, including your computer and mobile phone, whenever the need arises. Amazon Drive has different storage plans ranging from 100GB to 30TB, so you’ll have many alternatives to match your demands.

Amazon Drive pros & cons:

Pros: 

• The setup is simple.
• 5 GB of cloud storage for free
• Uploading entire folders is now possible.
• Backups are performed automatically and regularly (you can edit your schedule anytime)
• With an Amazon Prime subscription, you get unlimited photo storage.
• There are various ways to share your content, including via links, email, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cons:

• There are no plans for unlimited cloud storage.
• There is no limitless storage with any of the premium options.

Amazon Drive pricing plans:

If the free plan’s 5GB of cloud storage isn’t enough for you, you may upgrade your account to one of the premium options. There are 13 excellent options available on Amazon Drive. The most basic one costs $19.99 per year and includes 100GB of cloud storage capacity.

The most expensive package has 30TB of cloud storage capacity and costs around $1,800 per year. I recommend going with the $59.99/year plan with 1TB of storage capacity to get the most bang for your cash.

Understanding the fundamental limitations of Dropbox

To fully realize the need to explore better alternatives to Dropbox, we first need to explore the platform’s limitations. Here are the fundamental limitations of Dropbox: 

• Free users are only given a limited amount of storage. 
• Expensive pricing compared to its competitors.
• It is Cumbersome to organize files and folders within the platform. 
• Clunky user interface.
• It is a heavy platform to operate. 
• Fundamental difficulties in sharing content.
• Oversaturation of tools leads to overcomplication and clutter. 

Exploring the pricing options of Dropbox 

Dropbox pricing options vary depending on how much space you want to use and how many devices you want to share. Ergo, let us explore them each individually: 

• Plus Plan  – $9.99 / month
• Family Plan – $16.99 / month
• Professional Plan – $16.58 / month
• Standard Plan – $12.50 / user / month
• Advanced Plan – $20 / user / month

In Conclusion: understanding the need for finding alternatives to Dropbox

Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage service providers. It has many features and is convenient for users who need to access their data from any device.

Despite its popularity, there are alternatives to Dropbox that might be better for specific use cases. One example would be Google Drive, which provides similar features without the monthly subscription fee.

In conclusion, while Dropbox is a reliable service that offers excellent features and reliability, some other competitors out there have similar or better features.

FAQs