Skip to content

Best Cloud Storage Tools in 2026

Cloud storage and file hosting

28 tools evaluated · 10 top picks · Updated September 2026

Key Takeaways
  • Google Drive is our overall pick for cloud storage in 2026. Koofr is our free pick.
  • We analyzed 28 cloud storage tools to create this ranking.
  • 5 tools offer free plans, perfect for getting started.

Cloud storage has consolidated around suite-bundled providers (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud) and independent specialists (Dropbox, Box, Proton Drive). The decision is mostly about which ecosystem you're already in — most users don't actively choose cloud storage.

7 Top Cloud Storage Tools Compared

Starting price, average user rating, and our pick for each category.

ToolOur takeStarting priceRating
Google Drive logo
Google Drive
Best overall$1.99/mo4.3
OneDrive logo
OneDrive
Solid pick$1.99/mo4.4
AWS S3 logo
AWS S3
Highest ratedContact sales4.7
iDrive logo
iDrive
Solid pick$11.99/mo4.5
Egnyte logo
Egnyte
Solid pick$22/mo4.4
Carbonite logo
Carbonite
Solid pick$7/mo3.8
MEGA logo
MEGA
Solid pick$4.99/mo4.4

How the Top Cloud Storage Tools Compare

The cloud storage category is highly competitive in 2026, with Google Drive and OneDrive both ranking among the top choices on Toolradar's assessment, followed closely by AWS S3. The tight competition reflects how mature this market has become.

Pricing varies significantly among the top picks: Google Drive (freemium (free tier available)), OneDrive (freemium (free tier available)), iDrive (freemium (free tier available)) offer free access, while AWS S3 requires a paid subscription. Teams on a budget should start with Google Drive, which delivers strong value despite its free tier.

Computed from live tool ratings, review counts, and editorial scores.Editorial policy

Top Cloud Storage tools

01
Google Drive logo

Cloud storage and collaboration with 15GB free

Freemium4.3/54 reviews

Google Drive is Google's cloud storage and collaboration platform with 15GB free. Seamlessly integrates with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for real-time collaboration. Search uses Google's powerful AI to find files by content, not just names. Share files and folders with granular permissions. Mobile apps, desktop sync, and web access keep files everywhere. The cloud storage that billions trust for personal and work files.

+15GB free
+Google integration
+Real-time collaboration
Privacy concerns
Google account needed
Great value

Google Drive's pricing is exceptionally generous, especially with its robust free tier and highly competitive paid plans.

Watch out

Storage shared across Google products

02
OneDrive logo

Seamless cloud storage for Windows and Microsoft 365

Freemium4.4/523,284 ratings · Sep 2026

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage integrated deeply with Windows and Microsoft 365. Files sync seamlessly across devices with real-time collaboration on Office documents. Personal Vault adds extra security for sensitive files. Features include PC backup, file recovery, and sharing controls. Family and business plans offer generous storage. The cloud storage that comes free with Windows and shines for Microsoft 365 users.

+Microsoft integration
+Good value with M365
+PC backup
Slower sync
Less intuitive
Good value

OneDrive is the most cost-effective cloud storage option when paired with Microsoft 365, but it also stands on its own surprisingly well.

Watch out

The 5GB free tier is far below Google Drive (15GB) and iCloud (5GB with better mobile integration). You will outgrow it quickly if syncing photos or documents.

03
AWS S3 logo

Scalable object storage by Amazon

Paid4.7/52,062 ratings · Sep 2026

Amazon S3 is an object storage service offering industry-leading scalability, data availability, security, and performance. It is the foundation of cloud storage.

+Industry standard
+Highly scalable
+Strong ecosystem
Complex pricing
AWS lock-in
Great value

AWS S3's pricing is generally fair and highly competitive, especially with its diverse storage classes.

Watch out

Retrieval fees for Glacier storage

04
iDrive logo

Multi-computer cloud backup and storage solutions for home, business, and enterprises.

Freemium4.5/51,202 ratings · Sep 2026

IDrive offers comprehensive cloud backup and storage solutions designed for individuals, teams, and businesses. It provides secure backup for multiple devices including PCs, Macs, Linux, iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and servers, all managed from a single account. Key features include real-time file syncing with Cloud Drive, versioning and snapshots for point-in-time recovery, and physical data transfer via IDrive Express for large backups and restores. The platform also extends its backup capabilities to cloud applications like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Box, ensuring data protection against accidental deletions, cyber-attacks, and ransomware. IDrive caters to various needs with plans like Personal, Team, Business, and Enterprise, offering scalable storage, user management, and compliance features like HIPAA and GDPR. Additionally, it provides IDrive® e2, an S3-compatible hot cloud object storage solution that is cost-effective and secure.

+Affordable backup
+Good storage capacity
+Multiple devices
Slow uploads
UI dated
Good value

iDrive publishes a real grid.

Watch out

First-year yearly/2-year prices are promos. Official note: discounted price applies to the first year; standard pricing applies from year two (idrive.com/pricing).

05
Egnyte logo

AI-powered content cloud for secure enterprise file sharing, collaboration, and governance.

Paid4.4/51,269 ratings · Sep 2026

Egnyte is an AI-powered content cloud platform designed for enterprises to manage, secure, and collaborate on mission-critical content. It unifies files, applications, and workflows on a reliable platform, enabling teams to share and co-edit complex files without version conflicts or VPN headaches. The platform integrates secure AI to deliver context-rich insights from files, respecting user access permissions, and offers dynamic safeguards for data protection. Egnyte provides robust governance features, including flexible permissions, compliance adherence (GDPR, HIPAA, CMMC, SEC, FINRA, ALCOA+, GxP, ICH E6(R3)), continuous protection, anomaly detection, and built-in audit trails. It offers industry-specific solutions for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Media and Entertainment, addressing their unique collaboration, compliance, and data management needs. The platform aims to reduce IT costs by consolidating data repositories and eliminating legacy infrastructure, while also boosting productivity through efficient collaboration and workflow automation.

Egnyte screenshot
+Enhances productivity with AI-driven insights and automation
+Ensures robust data security and compliance for various industries
+Facilitates seamless collaboration on large and complex files across distributed teams
No free tier mentioned, suggesting it might be a significant investment for smaller businesses
Focus on enterprise features might lead to complexity for simpler use cases
Good value

Egnyte's pricing, starting at $22/user/month for Business and escalating to $46/user/month for Elite, is on the higher side compared to some general cloud storage solutions but justifiable for its specialized enterprise-grade features.

Watch out

Potential seat minimums for enterprise tiers

06
Carbonite logo

Effortless, continuous backup and recovery for all your devices

Paid3.8/53,442 ratings · Sep 2026

Carbonite is a cloud backup service that automatically protects your files and data. Set it once and Carbonite continuously backs up your computers in the background. Recover files from any computer or mobile device. Features include file versioning, external drive backup, and ransomware protection. Carbonite offers plans for home users and businesses with server backup capabilities. Simple, set-and-forget protection for your important data.

+Automatic backup
+Ransomware protection
+Business plans
Slow uploads
Per-computer pricing
Good value

Carbonite's pricing for personal use, especially the Basic tier at $83.99/year, is fair for unlimited backup on one computer.

Watch out

Business plans have storage limits

07
MEGA logo

Secure, encrypted cloud storage and private online services

Freemium4.4/51,132 ratings · Sep 2026

MEGA provides a comprehensive suite of privacy-focused online services, centered around secure, encrypted cloud storage. It offers robust tools for individuals and businesses to store, share, and collaborate on files with zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring that only authorized users can access data. Beyond cloud storage, MEGA integrates a VPN service with ad blocking, a password manager (MEGA Pass), and encrypted chat and video conferencing capabilities. Designed for anyone seeking enhanced online privacy and data control, from individual users needing ample free storage to businesses requiring scalable object storage (MEGA S4) and team collaboration tools. MEGA prioritizes user control over data, offering features like granular sharing permissions, password-protected links, and expiring links, all underpinned by end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance.

MEGA screenshot
+Strong emphasis on privacy and security with zero-knowledge encryption.
+Generous free storage tier (20GB) compared to competitors.
+Includes a comprehensive set of privacy tools beyond just cloud storage (VPN, password manager, encrypted comms).
Reliance on user-managed recovery key means permanent data loss if forgotten and password is lost.
Pricing is in EUR, which may require currency conversion for users outside the Eurozone.
Good value

MEGA offers a very generous free tier with 50 GB of storage, making it highly accessible.

Watch out

Business plan scales quickly with users/storage

08
iCloud logo

Sync files, photos, and data across all your Apple devices

Freemium3.5/5117 ratings · Sep 2026

iCloud syncs files, photos, and data across Apple devices seamlessly. Users access documents from any device, back up iPhones automatically, and share storage with family members. The service has become essential infrastructure for anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem.

+Apple integration
+Seamless sync
+Good privacy
Apple ecosystem only
Limited free storage
Good value

iCloud is free at 5 GB, then iCloud+ starts at $0.99/mo for 50 GB in the US.

Watch out

Free tier is 5 GB shared across Photos, backups, and iCloud Drive. A single iPhone backup often fills it.

09
Icedrive logo

Next-generation cloud storage that feels like a physical hard drive, with 10GB free.

Paid4.1/5884 ratings · Sep 2026

Icedrive offers cloud storage that integrates seamlessly with your computer, making your cloud files feel like they're stored locally without taking up physical disk space. This is achieved through its revolutionary drive mounting software, allowing users to access, manage, and update cloud storage directly from their desktop. The platform provides extensive cloud storage apps across various platforms, including desktop, mobile, and web, catering to a wide range of users from avid photographers to busy professionals. It emphasizes security with zero-knowledge encryption included on all plans, ensuring privacy for your data. Icedrive is continuously evolving, with new features and applications regularly added to enhance the user experience. Icedrive is ideal for individuals and professionals seeking secure, accessible, and integrated cloud storage solutions. It offers both subscription-based and lifetime plans, providing flexibility for different usage needs, from casual backups to high-frequency archival workflows.

+Seamless integration with desktop via virtual drive mounting.
+Strong emphasis on privacy and security with zero-knowledge encryption.
+Offers both subscription and lifetime payment options.
Advanced collaboration features like rich document editing are listed as 'Coming Soon'.
Lifetime plans are not recommended for heavy automation or NAS-style syncing.
Good value

Icedrive's pricing for its Pro tiers (starting at $59/year for 2TB) is competitive, offering a good amount of storage for the price, especially considering the 'Crypto Included' feature.

Watch out

Higher storage tiers increase versioning days

10
Tresorit logo

End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for your most sensitive business data

Paid4.6/5397 ratings · Sep 2026

Tresorit is end-to-end encrypted cloud storage for businesses handling sensitive data. Zero-knowledge encryption means even Tresorit can't access your files. Share files securely with password protection and expiration dates. GDPR compliant and certified for healthcare, legal, and finance industries. Features include digital rights management and secure collaboration. Cloud storage you can trust with your most confidential information.

+Zero-knowledge encryption
+GDPR compliant
+Secure sharing
More expensive
Smaller ecosystem
Good value

Tresorit's pricing is on the higher end compared to general cloud storage providers, but fair for its specialized end-to-end encrypted, Swiss-hosted service.

Why these cloud storage tools didn't make our top 10.

We evaluated 28 cloud storage tools and these 18 ranked 11 through 28. They're solid options that fell short on one or two axes (review depth, pricing transparency, feature parity), but worth a look if the leaders don't fit your stack or budget.

IPVanish logo
IPVanish
Digital Security, Privacy, & Freedom with VPN, Secure Browser, and Cloud Storage.
Backblaze logo
Backblaze
Affordable cloud storage and backup for everyone
Proton Drive logo
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for ultimate privacy
Wasabi logo
Wasabi
Fast, affordable S3-compatible cloud storage without egress fees
Koofr logo
Koofr
One secure, privacy-focused European cloud storage for all your documents and files.
Kolab Now logo
Kolab Now
Secure and private email, calendar, and file storage for individuals and teams.
DigitalOcean Spaces logo
DigitalOcean Spaces
Scalable object storage for developers
Sync.com logo
Sync.com
Secure cloud storage with end-to-end encryption for privacy and collaboration.
SmugMug logo
SmugMug
Create, store, share, and grow your photography business with an all-in-one platform.
Internxt logo
Internxt
Private by default, secure by design, and free as in freedom cloud storage and privacy suite.
Duplicati logo
Duplicati
Secure, encrypted backups to cloud storage and remote servers
Ente Locker logo
Ente Locker
Securely store and share your most important documents, passwords, and sensitive information.
Smmall Cloud for iOS logo
Smmall Cloud for iOS
Private file sharing for creators, with branded pages and client inbox
Files SDK logo
Files SDK
A unified storage SDK for object and blob backends with a single, honest API.
Mailbox.org logo
Mailbox.org
Secure and private email, cloud storage, video conferencing, and office suite for individuals and businesses.
Disroot logo
Disroot
Online services built on freedom, privacy, federation, and decentralization.
Padloc logo
Padloc
Open-source, end-to-end encrypted password manager with secure note-taking and file storage.
Tigris Data logo
Tigris Data
Multi-cloud object storage reimagined for high-performance data and AI workloads with Git-style workflows.

Popular cloud storage comparisons

See how the leading cloud storage tools stack up head-to-head.

Cloud Storage pricing, compared

Real plans and the hidden costs for each tool.

Browse all cloud storage tools

28 tools

All 28 cloud storage tools are ranked above. Use the filters to narrow by pricing, platform, or industry.

In-depth: why these tools made the cut

OneDrive logo

OneDrive is bundled with Microsoft 365 (1TB per user on most plans) and integrates with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. For Microsoft shops, switching to Dropbox or Drive adds cost for no clear benefit. SharePoint (the team/site layer) extends this for organizational document management.

OneDrive's sync client has been historically buggy; Microsoft has improved it significantly. For Apple-heavy or Linux organizations, the cross-platform support feels less polished than Dropbox. Within Microsoft shops, OneDrive wins by default; outside them, it has less appeal.

How to choose cloud storage software

  1. Default to your suite

    Google Workspace → Google Drive. Microsoft 365 → OneDrive/SharePoint. Apple ecosystem → iCloud. The bundled storage is included in your existing license and integrates better than third-party. Switching away requires real reason.

  2. Decide on independence + privacy

    If you don't want big-tech as your storage layer: Proton Drive (privacy-focused, EU-based), Mega (encrypted), Sync.com (zero-knowledge). Trade-offs: smaller ecosystem, weaker app integration, but no Big Tech data exposure.

  3. Plan for collaboration needs

    Drive and OneDrive's real-time co-editing with Google Docs/Word is essential for collaborative work. Dropbox's third-party integrations (Paper, Figma, etc.) are stronger than its native docs. Match to your collaboration patterns.

Honorable mentions

Tools that didn't crack the headline list but deserve a look depending on what you optimize for.

  • Cloudflare R2 logo
    Cloudflare R2Best for developer object storage

    Cloudflare R2 (and AWS S3, Backblaze B2) is object storage for developers, not consumer cloud storage. Listed because of overlap; useful for dev workloads, not for personal file sync.

Best Cloud Storage for

How we ranked these cloud storage tools

We rank by real-world signal: verified user ratings aggregated from G2, Capterra, and our own community, the volume and recency of media coverage, and hands-on editorial review for the tools we cover in depth. Pricing is re-checked and the ranking refreshed monthly. We do not sell placement in this list.

Tools reviewed
28
With free tier
61%
Last updated
September 2026

Toolradar Research

The data behind cloud storage

First-party analyses built from our full catalog, methodology published.

All Toolradar research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cloud storage tool in 2026?

Based on our analysis of 28 cloud storage tools, Google Drive is our overall pick. The next tools on the list are OneDrive, AWS S3, iDrive. Rankings use G2/Capterra review strength, media mentions, and editor-featured picks — the same verdict as /best/free/cloud-storage and our comparison pages.

What are the top 3 cloud storage tools?

The top 3 cloud storage tools in 2026, ranked by Toolradar, are: 1) Google Drive, Cloud storage and collaboration with 15GB free. 2) OneDrive, Seamless cloud storage for Windows and Microsoft 365. 3) AWS S3, Scalable object storage by Amazon. Our named overall pick is Google Drive.

Are there free cloud storage tools?

Yes. Koofr is our free pick (100% free, no paid upgrade path). 5 of the tools on this page offer a free or freemium plan.

How do I choose the right cloud storage tool?

Start by defining your team size, budget, and must-have features. Google Drive is our overall pick. Koofr is our free pick. Compare all 28 options side-by-side on Toolradar.
Cloud Storage statisticscatalog size, ratings and pricing data, updated monthly

For cloud storage vendors

Selling a cloud storage product? Reach 720K+ buyers through Toolradar & Dupple.

Newsletter ads and directory listings: the same surfaces buyers use to shortlist. Max 2 sponsors per issue, done-for-you creative.