Google Drive is perhaps the most popular free cloud storage service for personal use and businesses, offering seamless integration with Google services like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail. However, sometimes, it might not be the ideal file storage option, and people search for the best alternatives to Google Drive.
Why Do people look for the best alternative for Google Drive?
People prefer other free cloud storage services because Google Drive has cost, security, and privacy issues. If you are also the one who is not satisfied with its functionality, worry not. We have listed the 10 best Google Drive alternatives that you can pick, among which TeraBox leads the chart.
What Is Google Drive?
Google Drive is a free cloud-based file storage service that connects your Google account and allows users to store, share, and collaborate on files from multiple devices. It is part of Google Workspace along with other web applications called the G suite, which are used for teamwork and productivity. The service shows seamless integration with Google services like Google Sheets for working with spreadsheets, Google Docs for editing your text documents online, Google Meet and Chat for productive communication, and Google Calendar for scheduling and workflows.
Google Drive has excellent features. It offers:
- 15 GB of free cloud-based file storage is divided between all Google Workspace services. It contains emails from Gmail, photos from Google Photos, and video conference recordings from Google Meet.
- Broad functionality
- It allows users to create and edit online files, including text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, sketches, survey forms, and maps.
- Tools for easy file sharing and collaboration
- Supports the integration of more than 5,000 third-party web services and applications
- Allows to free up space on your computer
- Easily accessible on your desktop and mobile device
- Gemini AI allows business subscription holders to make do lists and generate emails and strategic plans.
- Open up to more than 30 types of files within Drive.
- File syncing through your desktop.
With its excellent functionality, it seems like Google Drive is perfect for you. But why do people look for Google Drive replacement options for business and personal use?
Why Do People Look for the Best Alternative to Google Drive? Major Reasons
Why consider a Google Drive alternative?
Despite providing millions of users with the widest and most generalised list of features, Google Drive has a somewhat flawed experience. There are multiple reasons why people explore the best free cloud storage alternatives to Google Drive. For example, with its limited automation capabilities, Google Drive does not allow users to combine files into collections and create portals for data sharing outside the platform. Other limitations include:
Privacy and Security Concerns
Questionable security and privacy are among the leading reasons people look for secure alternatives to Google Drive. Google is not very privacy-friendly, so people avoid using services like Gmail and others.
If you read Google’s privacy policy, everything looks transparent and visible but lacks top-notch privacy. Individual files are not password-protected in Google Drive. Similarly, encryption keys are stored on Google servers that hackers can easily access.
We can understand it with an example. Google is known for scanning and analysing your data on all its applications, including Drive. This way, the company will scan your important documents and see everything you upload to your storage space. In addition, sharing files with G Drive is not secure. For example, if you share a document link with someone, anyone with that link can also access your documents, and you will not get notified. You cannot password-protect your link, which is a major security issue.
Google Drive also does not offer end-to-end file encryption. That’s why people choose Google Drive competitors over it.
Price: Costly Paid Plans
Speaking of costs, Google Drive subscription plans are pretty affordable, but you can find even better options when you go for affordable Google Drive alternatives.
Google Drive offers 15 GB of free cloud storage spread across the entire Google account, including Google Photos, Gmail, and others. Its premium plans include:
- 100 GB storage for $1.99/month or $19.99/year
- 200 GB storage for $2.99/month or $29.99/year
- 2 TB storage for $9.99/month or $99.99/year
All these options look cheap, but they are not ideal when compared to other alternatives like TeraBox. TeraBox offers 1024 GB of free cloud storage, far more than Google Drive’s free storage capacity. Similarly, TeraBox’s premium plans are ideal for businesses, offering 2TB of cloud-based file storage for only $3.49 per month. And now, TeraBox allows you to get an extra 5TB if you want. These budget-friendly options urge users to choose alternatives to Google Drive with more storage.
Limited Compatibility
Google Drive’s seamless integration with other Google tools offers convenience and can be used with multiple types of files. However, finding Google Drive’s competitors will be a better option if you want to access files other than G Suite. Similarly, you can access G Drive on the desktop and mobile apps. In contrast, its alternatives, like Terabox, can be accessed on all devices like Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and web applications.
Average File Upload and Download Speeds
Google Drive offers average file upload and download speeds, which is why people look for the best free cloud storage alternatives. These platforms beat it significantly by ensuring fast upload and download speeds.
If you want to upload large files, you will have to take an afternoon rest before they are uploaded to your cloud storage. Though your upload and download speeds depend on your internet speed, G Drive mostly does not fully utilise this speed. That’s why looking for its competitors would be a great option.
Limited Customer Support
If you face any issue with Google Drive or other Google Products, approaching Google’s customer support is virtually impossible. You will have to fill out a support ticket for contact because it does not offer live chat support. In addition, Google hardly answers anything on time.
Therefore, you should look for cloud storage that is better than Google Drive. The best options include TeraBox and others, which offer robust customer support if you face any issues. They have an active staff who are always there to assist you.
The 10 Best Alternatives for Google Drive (TeraBox, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, iCloud, and More)
If you are looking for the best free cloud storage alternatives to Google Drive, worry not. Here are the top 10 best alternatives to Google Drive in 2024.
TeraBox
TeraBox is one of the best cloud storage alternatives for Google Drive, offering up to 1024 GB of free cloud storage. Users can benefit from this vast cloud and file storage and store all types of files, including photos, videos, music files, and other data, from multiple devices without any hassle.
TeraBox offers many advantages over Google Drive. Its automatic backup solution allows users to back up their important files and folders actively. Your files and folders will automatically be uploaded to the cloud, vanishing the risk of losing them due to device failure, natural disaster, or human error.
The platform automatically organises your data by creating categories, such as Music, Photos, Videos, and Documents. You can also create separate folders and organize your data on your own.
TeraBox’s compatibility with devices such as Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Web applications offers relief from managing separate cloud storage services for each device. You can access your files on any of these devices by just logging in to your account.
Security and privacy are the main concerns of people when choosing a cloud storage service. You will be amused to know that TeraBox ensures top-notch security and privacy of your data through end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and an advanced AI algorithm. Therefore, you can rely on this platform without any worries.
PROS:
- 1024 GB of free cloud storage
- Multiple device support, including Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Web Applications
- Automatic backup solutions
- Easy-to-navigate and user-friendly interface
- Multiple file format support for storing photos
- Top-notch security through end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication
- Personal Vault for additional security
- Fast upload and download speeds
- Sync and store features
- Built-in video player
- 30 days recycle bin for deleted files
- Data synchronisation from multiple devices
- No ads in premium plans
- Budget-friendly and affordable premium storage plans
CONS:
- Displays ads in the free version
PRICING:
- 2 TB cloud storage in just $3.49/month
- Auto-renewal for just $35.99/year
- The 5 TB plan is also live now
Dropbox
Dropbox is another well-known and one of the oldest cloud storage platforms in the market. The company is known for its top-notch security, as it ensures end-to-end encryption. You can set passwords on individually shared files. Its two-factor authentication and remote device wipe capabilities further add to its security.
Dropbox ensures increased speeds for processing large files such as raw images, database backups, and 3D models. If you have enough capacity, you will never face speed issues.
PROS:
- 2 GB of free cloud storage
- Easy-to-use interface
- Excellent security through encryption
- Speedy file synchronisation
- Freedom when working on non-Google files
CONS:
- Costly storage plans
- Privacy and security issues
PRICING:
Speed and privacy cost a lot of money when you choose Dropbox as an alternative to Google Drive. It costs:
- $11.99 per month for 2 TB of cloud storage
- 3 TB storage costs $19.99/month
pCloud
pCloud is another great Google Drive alternative for collaborating on projects. It offers excellent security due to its 256-bit encryption and data centres in the EU and US. The platform stores your uploaded files on 3 different servers across the globe. This means if one server stops working, you will have a backup on the remaining 2 servers. pCloud offers exceptional upload and download speeds across all platforms.
pCloud will never access, edit, or share your files on cloud storage, and its Crypto Folder ensures zero-knowledge encryption that G Drive lacks. In addition, unlike Google, which eliminated this security option, you can password-protect your shareable links.
PROS:
- Excellent customer support
- Rock-solid security
- 10 GB free cloud storage
- Best for privacy-focused individuals
CONS:
- Unseals pricing policy
- Paid encryption
- Limited free storage
- Limited multi-device support
PRICING:
- 1 TB of storage costs $49.99 per year
- For business use, 1 TB costs $7.99/user/month
Microsoft OneDrive
If you combine Google Drive with Microsoft Office, you will get Microsoft OneDrive. You can use it for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users can share various forms of data, collaborate in real-time, and sync files between the cloud and desktop. The platform has an easy-to-use interface and offers additional security with OneDrive’s Personal Vault for files. OneDrive’s desktop app is built as standard software on new Windows and PCs.
Authorization by face or fingerprint scanning, PIN, and one-time password via email or SMS add an extra layer of security to your files.
PROS:
- 5 GB free cloud storage
- Affordable subscription plans
- More secure than G Drive
- Part of Microsoft 365 subscription
CONS:
- Limited free cloud storage
- File sharing size limitations
- Limited integration with other platforms
- No end-to-end encryption
PRICING:
- 100 GB costs $1.51/month/user
- 1 TB costs $4.85 per user
- 6 TB storage costs $6.65. It is a family subscription that includes 6 users at a time
NordLocker
Users looking for cloud storage better than Google Drive must consider NordLocker, a top choice for encrypted cloud storage. Its end-to-end encryption in all plans makes it suitable. You can encrypt any folder, even those not on the cloud.
The platform offers quick and easy file transfers, backups, and syncs across multiple devices. It also has a web app and supports multiple devices, including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Users can share encrypted files with anyone using a code-secured link. You can also save space by offloading files and make them accessible on the cloud or offline.
PROS:
- End-to-end encryption
- Multi-device support
- Ease of use and support for all platforms.
- Easy file sharing
- Supports drag and drop functions
- 24/7 customer support
- 3 GB free plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS:
- Lacks file versioning
- No unlimited storage
- No mobile app support
- No web-based access
PRICING:
- 500 GB for $2.99 per month
- 2 TB at $6.99/month
Sync
Sync is another secure file storage service and a great alternative to Google Drive. The platform stores your data through end-to-end encryption, and like pCloud and other secure cloud storage services, Sync offers encryption keys locally rather than on its servers. This means even Sync cannot access your data.
In addition, it offers a Personal Vault, a storage within the storage that you can access with additional two-factor authentication. You will have to upload files manually. Similarly, it offers file-sharing features for editing files and version control. Users can also create client portals to share them with external users in workflows.
PROS:
- Easy file storage and sharing
- Sync vault
- End-to-end encryption
- Two-factor authentication
CONS:
- Not good for collaboration
- No automatic file synchronisation
- No integrated application
- Files cannot be shared with local media
PRICING:
- 2 TB of storage costs $8 per month
- 6 TB of cloud storage costs $20/month
- Unlimited cloud file storage for business at $15 per user.
Koofr
Koofr is among the most impressive alternatives to Google Drive, with a simple and user-friendly interface. This convenience of the platforms makes organising, accessing, and sharing files very easy. People with no tech background can use the service very easily.
Koofr can connect third-party apps and merge all existing cloud storage accounts under a single unified dashboard. This helps you gain offline access to whatever you want to access. Further, Koofr’s zero-knowledge encryption and robust file-sharing capabilities offer users custom-shared links, file password protection, and expiry for enhanced security and control.
PROS:
- 10 GB free cloud storage
- No file size limits
- Top-notch security
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Ability to connect third-party apps
- Robust file-sharing capabilities
- Multiple device support
CONS:
- Limited free storage
- No end-to-end encryption
- Not suitable for collaboration
- No auto backup solution
- Not ideal for businesses
PRICING:
- Paid plans start at 0.5 € for 20 GB of storage
iCloud
iCloud is a standard cloud storage solution for all Apple users. It has special terms of use for its owners, but operating system users face no issues while using it. Apple directs users to iCloud to back up their files and important data. The service is available for Windows and Android with its basic data sorting and distribution functionalities.
The service is more suitable for personal use than for business firms. It offers 5 GB of disk space for everyone, although this storage may be higher for Apple device owners. iCloud has pricing plans that are set individually for each region. Therefore, it is advised to check local subscription terms before choosing any plans.
PROS:
- Works best for all Apple devices
- Window clients can also access it.
- Offers web access
- High file upload speed
- 5 GB free cloud storage
CONS:
- Works only for Apple users, not for Android and Linux users
- Only users with Apple ID can share files with others
- Limited free storage capacity
PRICING:
The following prices apply to US users.
- 50 GB at $0.99 per month
- 200 GB for $2.99
- 2 TB storage for $9.99
- 6 TB of iCloud storage for $29.99
- 12 TB of cloud storage for $59.99
MEGA
MEGA is an all-in-one cloud storage solution for freelancers, small businesses, and large companies. In addition to cloud storage solutions, the service provides automatic file synchronisation, server backups, corporate messenger, and VPN for secure internet connection, preventing blocking. If needed, MEGA can be integrated into existing Amazon S3 storage.
Mega offers 20 GB of free cloud storage for all users and is considered one of the best Google Drive alternatives. It aids in file sharing, private and group chats, and file versioning. Similarly, the platform ensures end-to-end encryption to keep your files safe and secure.
MEGA offers support for desktop and mobile apps that can be set to sync files automatically within the cloud. It also lets users stream any file from their MEGA cloud storage.
PROS:
- 20 GB of free cloud-based file storage
- Automatic file synchronisation
- VPN to secure internet connection
- Automatic file syncing
- Plans closer to the average price level
CONS:
- Limited free storage
- Less functionality
- File-sharing restrictions
- No productivity and file editing features like G Drive
PRICING:
- 2 TB of storage at $10.84/month
- 8 TB cloud storage space at $21.70
- 16 TB cloud space at $32.56
Backblaze
Backblaze is another one of the best Google Drive alternatives with automatic backups for your computer and external drives. It is a reliable and affordable backup solution that offers a robust cloud storage system called B2 cloud storage. The platforms cater to users requiring scalable storage solutions. If you lose your important files, you can quickly restore them by downloading or having a USB mailed to you. When you add a file to your desktop, it copies it to the cloud for later use.
Backblaze has the simplest subscription terms with no device limitations. Similarly, it focuses on file versioning, allowing you to restore previous versions of your files at any time.
RPOS:
- Unlimited backup solution
- File versioning
- Simplest subscription plans
CONS:
- You cannot free up space on your computer using Blackblaze
- No distribution or shared access features
- Restrictions on downloading data from the internet
PRICING:
- Unlimited storage for $7 per month
Final Words
People might look for Google Drive alternatives because it has security issues, limited capability with different devices, average file upload and download speeds, limited customer support, and costly paid plans. Here we have discussed the 10 best alternatives for Google Drive that you can choose according to your storage needs and other preferences.
Among the Google Drive alternatives mentioned above, our choice, TeraBox, leads the chart due to its excellent file security through end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, automatic backups, and vast free cloud storage of 1024 GB.
Thus, if you’re looking for a convenient and budget-friendly cloud storage solution other than Google Drive, consider TeraBox.