Dropbox leads for cross-platform reliability and business integration, ideal for professionals. Google Drive excels for real-time collaboration within the Google ecosystem. OneDrive is best for Microsoft 365 users seeking seamless integration. For privacy-focused users, Sync.com and Tresorit provide enterprise-grade encryption without compromising functionality.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1DropboxDropbox syncs files across devices in real time and maintains version history for up to 180 days95.0NEW2 GB free, then £9.99/month for 2 TB 2Google DriveGoogle Drive offers real-time collaborative editing with up to 100 simultaneous editors per document92.7NEWFree (15 GB), then £1.99/month for 100 GB 3Microsoft OneDriveOneDrive includes advanced ransomware detection and file restore capabilities for security-conscious users90.3NEWFree (5GB), £1.99/month (100GB) 4Sync.comSync.com uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even Sync.com cannot access user files88.0NEW£4.08/month (200GB) 5TresoritTresorit is headquartered in Switzerland and complies with strict European data protection standards85.7NEW€10.50/month or £95/year 6BoxBox serves over 100,000 businesses and maintains FedRAMP authorisation for US government use83.3NEWCustom 7NextcloudNextcloud is fully open-source and can be deployed on your own servers for complete data sovereignty81.0NEWFree (open-source) or Custom (hosted plans) 8Amazon DrivePrime members receive unlimited photo storage and 100GB of document storage through Amazon Drive78.7NEWFree (5GB), included with Prime membership (photos unlimited) 9iCloud DriveiCloud Drive provides end-to-end encryption for files and integrates with all Apple applications76.3NEWFree (5GB), £0.79/month (50GB) 10MegaMega offers 20GB free storage, double that of most competitors, with user-controlled encryption keys74.0NEW20 GB free, then £4.59/month for 200 GB The ranking, in detail
01
Cloud storage and collaboration platform
Dropbox offers cloud storage with intelligent file syncing, comprehensive sharing controls, and seamless integration with thousands of third-party applications. It supports real-time collaboration and version history tracking across all major platforms.
From 2 GB free, then £9.99/month for 2 TBBest for Professionals needing cross-platform file sync and third-party app integration
95.0
02
Cloud storage integrated with Google Workspace
Google Drive provides cloud storage with built-in document creation, real-time collaborative editing, and deep integration with Gmail and Google Workspace. It offers advanced search capabilities and automatic backup of Google devices.
From Free (15 GB), then £1.99/month for 100 GBBest for Teams and individuals already using Google Workspace or needing collaborative editing
92.7
03
Cloud storage built for Microsoft 365 users
OneDrive integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering cloud storage with version control, collaborative editing in Office applications, and advanced ransomware detection. It provides file restore capabilities and shares integration with Teams.
From Free (5GB), £1.99/month (100GB)Best for Microsoft 365 subscribers, enterprise organisations, and teams using Office applications
90.3
04
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for privacy advocates
Sync.com provides zero-knowledge cloud storage with end-to-end encryption for all files, advanced permission controls, and secure file sharing. It offers version history, mobile apps, and enterprise-grade security without accessing user data.
From £4.08/month (200GB)Best for Privacy-conscious professionals, healthcare organisations, and legal firms requiring strong encryption and data confidentiality
88.0
05
Zero-knowledge cloud storage with end-to-end encryption
Tresorit delivers end-to-end encrypted cloud storage with zero-knowledge architecture, advanced user management for teams, secure link sharing, and compliance with GDPR and HIPAA. It supports granular permission controls and audit logging.
From €10.50/month or £95/yearBest for Organisations and individuals prioritising security and privacy over convenience
85.7
06
Enterprise content management and collaboration platform
Box provides cloud content management with advanced collaboration features, sophisticated permission systems, workflow automation, and integration with major enterprise applications. It offers security controls tailored for large organisations and regulated industries.
From CustomBest for Large enterprises, regulated industries, and organisations requiring advanced content management and complex permission structures
83.3
07
Self-hosted open-source file sync and collaboration
Nextcloud is an open-source, self-hosted alternative allowing complete data control, customisation, and deployment options. It includes file syncing, collaborative editing, calendar, and contacts, with no vendor lock-in or reliance on external servers.
From Free (open-source) or Custom (hosted plans)Best for Enterprises requiring data sovereignty and full control over infrastructure
81.0
08
Cloud storage integrated with Amazon services ecosystem
Amazon Drive offers cloud storage integrated with Prime membership, Amazon Photos for photo backup, and cross-device syncing. It provides unlimited photo storage for Prime members and straightforward sharing options for documents and files.
From Free (5GB), included with Prime membership (photos unlimited)Best for Amazon Prime members, photographers using Amazon Photos, and users seeking integrated Amazon ecosystem storage
78.7
09
Apple's native cloud storage for seamless device integration
iCloud Drive provides cloud storage deeply integrated with Apple devices, offering automatic backup, file syncing across Mac, iPhone, and iPad, and collaboration features through iCloud shared folders. It integrates with iWork applications and maintains device security.
From Free (5GB), £0.79/month (50GB)Best for Apple ecosystem users, creative professionals using Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, and users seeking seamless cross-device synchronisation
76.3
10
Encrypted cloud storage with 20 GB free tier
Mega offers cloud storage with user-controlled end-to-end encryption, generous free storage (20GB), simple file sharing with expiring links, and cross-platform support. It prioritises user privacy whilst maintaining accessible pricing and functionality.
From 20 GB free, then £4.59/month for 200 GBBest for Budget-conscious users wanting free encrypted storage and file transfer
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between zero-knowledge and standard cloud storage encryption?
Zero-knowledge encryption means the service provider (even Sync.com or Tresorit) cannot access your files because encryption keys are controlled by you alone. Standard encryption like OneDrive or Google Drive encrypt files in transit and at rest, but the provider retains ability to decrypt and access content with appropriate legal processes.
Which platform is best for teams collaborating on documents in real time?
Google Drive is optimal for real-time collaboration, supporting simultaneous editing by 100+ users with instant synchronisation. Microsoft OneDrive with Microsoft 365 offers similar functionality within the Office ecosystem. Dropbox and Box provide collaboration features but are less optimised for live document editing.
How much storage do I realistically need for personal use?
Most personal users need 100-200GB annually unless storing videos. Free tiers (15-20GB) suit light users. Google Drive's 100GB tier (£1.99/month) covers typical personal needs. Heavy video users or photographers should consider 1-2TB plans. Storage needs depend entirely on file types, backup frequency, and device count.