Free cloud storage services are now pretty much the norm for many users. They provide a safe way to store all your day-to-day files in the cloud instead of on a physical hard drive that may be vulnerable to failure at any time.
However, not all free cloud storage options are equal. Some offer meagre data allowances such as Apple’s iCloud offering of just 5GB.
IceDrive
IceDrive is a relatively new entrant to the cloud storage market, founded in 2019. It offers excellent value, particularly for those who choose one of its competitive lifetime plans. It also has some very useful features, including file previews and folder syncing. However, it is lacking some more advanced collaboration features and client-side encryption is only available on paid accounts.
The latter is a very important aspect for anyone looking to keep their data private. It uses “bulletproof” Twofish encryption, which is more secure than AES 256-bit used by competitors. It’s a nice touch that demonstrates how seriously IceDrive takes user privacy, although it still lacks more complete features than pCloud.
Another great feature is the ability to sync any folder on your computer to IceDrive, which keeps duplicates off your hard drive. This can be a real boon for those who are short on space. It also helps prevent the need to upload files to a USB, give it to someone else and have them plug it into their computer to view.
Overall, Icedrive is a good cloud storage solution for anyone who wants a simple and easy to use interface. Its impressive performance and reasonable pricing make it a viable competitor against the major players in the industry. Just be aware that it is missing some collaboration and file-sharing capabilities.
MediaFire
MediaFire is a great Cloud storage provider for anyone who needs a little extra space. Their initial free account can give you up to 50GB of storage, which is more than most competitors offer. Plus, you can add more if you need to.
The service is also fast and easy to use. It has a nice desktop app that allows you to move files between your desktop and the cloud. It also automatically backs up your mobile devices.
Another cool feature is that you can share folders and files with any media format with a public link, which means they don’t require an account. You can even share them through email and messenger apps. You can also access your files from any device, including tablets and phones.
It doesn’t offer a lot of features that other services do, but it does have decent file sharing options and unlimited bandwidth for uploads and downloads. It also does regular security checkups.
However, it is worth noting that MediaFire does not encrypt your data during upload or download. This is a huge security concern. This means that if someone hacks into your file, they can read it. However, the company does have a knowledge base that can help you solve problems, but it is not very helpful. The company does not have phone support, so you will need to contact them through email.
Mega
With an impressive amount of storage space available for free and a flexible upgrade system, MEGA is one of the best free cloud services. The service also includes the option to back up files locally, which is a nice touch. MEGA also offers an app that lets you automatically upload and sync files from your computer to the cloud.
MEGA supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac and Linux. It also provides mobile apps for iPhone and Android. MEGA also offers a secure cloud service that encrypts all data at the source. This means that even MEGA can’t decrypt the information in your files. However, the company may be able to see related metadata.
Users can get 20GB of free storage, which is far more than most competitors offer. Additional space can be earned by completing various tasks, such as inviting friends or installing the mobile apps. MEGA also has an extensive file versioning system, which can restore older versions of files.
MEGA’s user interface is easy to use and has an intuitive layout. The app has a navigator on the left that shows your cloud drive’s folder structure and your files are displayed on the right. MEGA also allows you to create links that can be accessed with a password. This feature is helpful if you want to share files but do not want others to have full access to your account.
Dropbox
Dropbox is an easy-to-use cloud storage tool that allows users to access and sync their content across multiple devices. This includes desktop computers, mobile phones, and tablets. It also offers a range of features to help individuals and teams collaborate on projects. It integrates with many popular software systems, such as Microsoft and Slack. This helps save time and reduces the need to switch between tools.
Another benefit of Dropbox is its ability to back up files in the cloud. This means that if you lose or break your computer, you won’t be missing any important documents or photos. It also means that files can be restored from an older version if you need to undo a mistake or recover from a malware attack. Dropbox’s free account provides 30 days of file recovery, while paid tiers offer up to 180 days.
The service also lets you share your files easily, with a range of permissions for different types of documents and media. You can even mark folders and files for offline access on mobile devices. This feature is particularly useful when you’re on a plane or outside of the city and have no internet connection. In addition, you can use the app to scan documents and make digital versions of physical forms. The service is available on both iOS and Android.
