Cloud storage: which one to choose for storing data

What is cloud storage and why do you need it?

Cloud storage is an online service for storing files on remote servers. Put simply, it’s your personal hard drive on the Internet, which you can access from any device (phone, tablet, laptop or computer).

Why do we need cloud storage? There are several reasons:

1. Protection against data loss: if something happens to any of your devices, the files in the cloud won’t disappear.
2. Convenience: no need to carry a USB stick or email files to yourself.
3. Collaboration: cloud storage services allow you to share files with colleagues and edit documents together in real time.

To access cloud storage, you only need one thing: a stable Internet connection and an account with the service.

The most popular cloud services: review and comparison

Let's look at the main cloud services used by millions of people around the world.

1. Dropbox — a classic cloud storage service

Dropbox was one of the first popular cloud storage services, introducing users to the very idea of ​​file synchronization across devices. Today, it remains a reliable and convenient tool, especially for team collaboration.

The free storage is only 2GB, which is one of the smallest among other options. However, Dropbox's paid plans are primarily aimed at businesses and teams, offering features such as advanced collaboration capabilities, detailed file change history, integration with many third-party services, and more.

Due to its limited free storage, Dropbox is no longer the best choice among free cloud storage services. However, for teams looking for a reliable file sharing service with advanced features, it's a worthy option.

2. Google Диск is your one-stop storage solution for any device

Google Drive is arguably the most well-known cloud storage service in the world. If you have a Google account, you automatically have a cloud drive. New accounts now receive 5 GB of free storage, instead of the usual 15 GB, which is shared between Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. You can only access the 15 GB after linking your phone number.

The main advantage of Google's cloud services is their deep integration with the ecosystem: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are all editable directly in the browser, without installing any software. Ideal for those who collaborate on documents or frequently switch between devices.

Paid Google One plans start at 100 GB. Another plus is that Google Drive supports all platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS).

3. Microsoft OneDrive — for Windows users

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service built right into the Windows operating system. If you're using Windows 10 or 11, OneDrive is already installed on your computer and ready to use.

5GB of free storage is included. But the main advantage of Microsoft OneDrive is something else entirely: a Microsoft 365 subscription includes 1TB of cloud storage plus access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. For those who already use Office applications, this is a great combination.

Conveniently, OneDrive files can be opened and edited directly in the browser via Microsoft Office Online, without installing any software.

4. iCloud Drive — for Apple owners

iCloud is Apple's cloud storage service that automatically syncs photos, contacts, documents, and backups across all your Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The free plan only offers 5 GB of storage, which is woefully inadequate for a modern smartphone. Paid plans start at 50 GB.

iCloud's main advantage is its full integration with the Apple ecosystem. Everything works automatically, without any extra settings. The main drawback is its limited compatibility with non-Apple devices: iCloud works on Android and Windows, but is significantly less user-friendly.

5. MEGA — a generous free plan and a focus on privacy

MEGA is a cloud storage service that stands out from its competitors primarily due to its generous free plan: 20 GB of storage at no extra cost. This is one of the largest free storage options among all popular services.

MEGA's distinct advantage is end-to-end encryption: files are encrypted on your device before they're sent to the server. This means that even the service's developers can't access your data. This is a compelling argument for privacy-conscious users.

MEGA has apps for all platforms and supports syncing across devices. It also offers secure file sharing — convenient if you need to transfer a large file without registering with third-party services.

6. pCloud — pay once, use forever

pCloud has an unusual payment model: in addition to a monthly subscription, you can purchase a lifetime license — pay once and use the storage indefinitely. For those who don't want ongoing subscriptions, this can be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

10 GB of storage is provided for free. Client-side encryption is available as an additional paid option. pCloud works on all platforms and has user-friendly mobile apps.

7. Nextcloud — your own cloud storage

All of the services above are cloud services managed by large companies. Your files are stored on their servers, and you're subject to their policies, pricing, and decisions. But there's another approach: deploying your own cloud storage.

Nextcloud is open-source software that can be installed on your own server or on any cloud provider of your choice, with the option to migrate later. You gain complete control over your data: no one else has access, no storage limits, and no monthly subscription for storage.

But Nextcloud isn't just file storage. It's essentially a full-fledged cloud work environment that can replace the entire Google ecosystem: it features collaborative document editing, a calendar, corporate chat, video calls, task management, and many other features. All of this is deployed on your server and operates according to your rules. Particularly valuable for businesses is the ability to flexibly manage access rights and employee roles: who can edit data and who can only view it.

Maxnet provides servers and hosting on which Nextcloud can be deployed, and our specialists will assist with setup and ongoing maintenance. This is especially important for businesses that need to keep corporate data exclusively within their own infrastructure: documents, backups, and team shared files — all under your control, without dependence on third-party services.

How to Choose the Right Cloud Storage

There's no single best option for file storage — there's just one that's most convenient for your specific situation. Here's a quick guide:

• If you use Android and Google services, Google Drive is a good choice.
• If you work on Windows and with Microsoft documents, we recommend OneDrive.
• If you have an iPhone or Mac, choose iCloud.
• If you need a large free storage space, MEGA is the best option.
• If you want to pay once and for all, pCloud is for you.
• If you need team collaboration on files, Dropbox is the optimal solution.
• If you need complete control over your business data, then you can achieve this with your own Nextcloud-based storage from Maxnet.

While cloud storage options have their differences, they all share the same requirement for a stable Internet connection. File syncing, backup downloads, and real-time collaboration — all of this only works properly with a reliable connection. Maxnet subscribers receive high-speed home Internet, allowing files to sync instantly and cloud access to be maintained without interruptions or delays.