10 BEST Google Drive Alternatives & Competitors (2023)
Richard Peterson
Google Drive is one of the best cloud storage services, with 15 GB of free storage, file sharing, and easy document editing. However, it lacks proper security/file encryption, tools for public file sharing, and more. It is also not ideal for recovering accidentally deleted files and folders. You will also be unable to edit Word files in Google Drive without converting them to Google Docs.
That’s why you should look for google drive alternative. Our team compared over 35 popular cloud storage services to find the 10 best Google Drive alternatives for all your needs. We evaluated these tools based on factors such as free storage space, pricing plans, device support, etc.
Top Alternatives to Google Drive App
| Name | Lifetime Free Storage | Folder Syncing | Device Support | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IceDrive | 10 GB | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web | Learn More |
| Mega | 20 GB | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Web | Learn More |
| Nordlocker | 3GB | Yes | Windows, iOS, Android, macOS | Learn More |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5 GB | Yes | Windows, Web, Android, iOS | Learn More |
| Dropbox | 2 GB | Yes | Web, Windows, iOS, Android | Learn More |
“You should use a service that provides sufficient free cloud storage and cost-effective paid plans. We advise you to always choose a service with E2E encryption, 2FA authentication, and a zero-knowledge policy for your data. Choosing a service that works on all your devices and ensures easy backups is better.”
1) IceDrive
Best for multiuser collaborations
IceDrive provides many features for sharing and collaborating files and folders. It uses an intelligent caching system to ensure all your files are readily available and downloaded at unmatched speeds. It is among the best alternatives to Google Drive, with zero-knowledge encryption to ensure only you can access and decrypt your data.
IceDrive uses its modern Twofish encryption technique to protect your data against attacks. Moreover, it uses 256-bit encryption with locally generated keys, providing enhanced data privacy. You can use this alternative to Google Drive to stylize your files and folders based on your preferences.
Lifetime Free Storage: 10 GB
Folder Syncing: Yes
Device Support: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web
Pricing: Starts at $1.67 per month (paid annually)
Features:
- Extensive range of tools: You can edit and collaborate on files in various formats.
- Easy Encryption: All files and folders get encrypted before being stored on the IceDrive servers.
- File Sharing: Let’s you control access to your shared files using robust password protection.
- Built-in audio and video player: It helps you to stream content directly from the drive.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web.
Pricing: Starts at $1.67 per month (paid annually)
Free Storage: 10 GB.
2) Mega
Best for free 20GB high-speed cloud storage
Mega provides automated real-time backups and synchronizes all your critical files/folders. It has a no-log policy and end-to-end encryption to ensure that all your data remains safe. You can use Mega to collaborate with other people as well.
Mega is among the best Google Drive competitors for downloading or sharing files without signup or registration. It supports multiuser communications via messages, sharing files, audio, and video in chat. Moreover, it has native support for multimedia-rich chat, audio calls, and video calls for anyone. You can configure an expiry for any file/folder link that you share with others.
Features:
- Storage Plans: Wide range of storage plans for all personal and professional use cases.
- Browser Extensions: Provides native browser extensions/add-ons for all major browsers.
- File/Folder Access Control: Lets you limit files/folders with granular access control, including the ability to mark files as read-only.
- Restrict File Access: Set passwords to limit access to specific files/folders on your drive.
- Sharing and Collaboration: Supports uploading, sharing, and collaborating on even heavy files with relative ease.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Web.
Pricing: Starts at $10.85 per month.
Free Storage: 20 GB.
3) Nordlocker
Best cost-effective paid pricing plans
Nordlocker uses AI-driven algorithms to scan all your files and protect you against threats. You can configure a master password for additional security and prevent unauthorized access to your encrypted files.
You can manage all users in your organization with an admin panel. It also provides a bird’s eye view of all activities in your cloud storage. The one-click restoration of all device data allows you to quickly set up new or restore existing devices.
Features:
- Security: Intelligent threat analysis systems for early detection of any attacks on your data.
- Supported File Formats: A broad range of supported file formats can be uploaded and shared.
- File Sharing: Securely share files with other users without violating your privacy.
- Device Backups: Automatically backup and offload files from your devices when running low on storage.
- Encryption: 256-bit AES encryption ensures all your data remains safe in the long term.
- Data Privacy: Zero-knowledge encryption ensures that even Nordlocker can’t access your private data.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Windows, iOS, Android, macOS.
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $2.99 per month (billed annually.
Free Trial: Yes, 14 Days.
Link: https://nordlocker.com/
4) Microsoft OneDrive
Best for integrating Microsoft Office apps.
Microsoft lets you access all OneDrive files/folders directly from the Windows File Explorer. It has an advanced document scanner to scan and store documents, cards, etc. It can easily organize your files and does automated backups.
Microsoft alternative of Google Drive lets you store critical documents in a Secure Vault with extra security features. It is one of the best cloud storage solutions that allows you to easily preview and edit a wide range of files within OneDrive. It provides annotation tools to markup PDFs, create comments, and have multiuser collaborations.
Features:
- File Syncing: It offers a tool to automatically back up and sync your device photographs.
- Integrations: Built-in integrations with Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Sharing and Collaboration: It provides tools to help you perform real-time collaborations on files with your friends and team.
- Password Protection: Support for folder password protection and sharing folder links with expiry.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Windows, Web, Android, iOS
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $69.99 per year. Microsoft 365 subscribers get 1TB of storage complimentary.
Free Storage: 5 GB
5) Dropbox
Best for automated device backups
Dropbox Paper lets you share collaboration timelines, inform teams of progress, and coordinate tasks. It integrates with popular services like Slack, Zoom, Creative Cloud, and Google Workspace. You can use it to tamper-proof documents and keep your critical documents safe.
Dropbox is one of the best Google Drive alternatives for cloud file backup, automatic folder syncing, and more. You can use it to automatically take a backup and clear storage when your device runs low on memory. You can create collaborative projects and documents with the real-time working of multiple users.
Features:
- File Recovery: In-built support for the 30-day recovery of any accidentally deleted files.
- Password Management: You can quickly generate, store, and retrieve highly secure passwords for all your accounts and services.
- Document Scanning: Effortlessly scan and store receipts, documents, and cards using the mobile app.
- Communication: It lets you share messages in the form of GIFs, screenshots, video recordings, etc.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $9.99 per month (billed annually)
Free Storage: 2 GB. You can share Dropbox with your friends and family to get 14GB of extra storage.
6) pCloud
Best for purchasing lifetime storage.
pCloud is among the best Google Drive competitors that allow you to upload without restrictions on max file size. It collaborates on files by sharing access with users through shareable links, public links, and access requests.
pCloud maintains proper geographical redundancy as all your data is backed up in 3 different servers globally. It is one of the best alternatives to Google Drive for keeping all your passwords safe online and accessing them anytime. It has no limits over the maximum file size and provides high bandwidth uploads/downloads. The built-in audio and video player lets you access files without downloading them.
Features:
- Search: Robust search tools allow you to quickly find/filter any file or folder.
- Asset Sharing: Easily share files and digital assets with your branding and customized layouts.
- Storage Plans: Special plans for sharing with family and working in businesses.
- Encryption: Robust 256-bit SSL encryption across all files and folders.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser Extensions
Pricing: $199 for 500GB storage for lifetime
7) iCloud
Best for preexisting Apple customers
ICloud is one of the best Google Drive alternatives for Apple customers, providing robust privacy features. The hide My Email feature allows you to sign up for newsletters/subscriptions without sharing your email. The Private Relay feature makes it difficult for websites/apps to track you by automatically masking your identity and location.
ICloud maintains proper geographical redundancy by storing all your data in five locations. It keeps your Mail, contacts, Reminders, browsing history, and more synced across all Apple devices. You can use automatic backups with version control and one-click restore to manage things efficiently.
Features:
- Data Insights: Provides you with detailed statistics for all your shared links.
- Multiuser Collaborations: Easily invite users to share folders and collaborate over various files.
- File/Data Syncing: Ideal for syncing data across all Apple devices in real time.
- Privacy: Privacy features to ensure all your data remains protected during upload/download.
- Automated Backups: Automatically upload your photos to the cloud storage and sync with all devices.
- Encryption: Optional for an extra encryption and security layer for your critical files.
- Media Offloading: Automatically deletes backed-up photos from your device when running out of storage.
- File Tagging: You can tag all your files and color code them to make them easily distinguishable.
- File Editing: Edit documents and spreadsheets in real-time while collaborating with multiple other users.
- HomeKit Support: Monitor your home security by accessing the cameras in your home with HomeKit Secure Video.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: iOS, macOS, Web, Windows.
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $0.99 per month (billed annually.
Free Storage: 5 GB.
Link: https://www.apple.com/icloud/
8) Box
Best for the broadest range of integrations
Box provides cloud storage tools like password policy enforcement, high-speed download/uploads, document watermarking, and more. It has advanced admin controls that easily monitor all users and teams. The complete 256-bit End-to-End encryption keeps all your data safe on servers.
You can use its Content Migration tool to get all your local data to drive with minimum effort. The highly customizable API is ideal for building custom services for your use cases.
Features:
- Security: Intelligent threat deduction system to detect potential safety hazards at the earlier state.
- Fast Uploads: Unlimited high-speed file storage for all your personal and professional needs.
- Data Recovery: Provides complete data-loss protection and safeguards you from any accidental loss of files.
- Workflow Automation: In-built tools to build workflows that allow you to perform repetitive tasks with just one click.
- Online Community: Highly engaged online community of box users to help you with any issues.
- Integration: Box offers over 1500 integrations with popular services like Slack, Zoom, McAfee, and Microsoft Office.
- E-signatures: Native tools for e-signatures allow you to process documents and perform various other tasks quickly.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Windows, iOS, macOS, Android.
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $15 per month (billed annually.
Free Storage: 5 GB.
Link: https://box.com/
9) Sync
Best for managing multiple users
Sync provides high-bandwidth servers that ensure fast upload/download speeds and easy access to all your files. It lets you grant file access permission to users with granular control, including the ability to limit users to read-only access. Businesses can easily create administrative accounts to add, manage, or remove team members.
Sync has built-in features to preview a wide range of documents and media content with minimum effort. It lets you access your cloud storage directly from Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder. You can use it to share files with clients/affiliates with proper theming, including logos, brandings, and colors.
Features:
- File Sharing: Build robust centralized team-shared folders to maintain all assets.
- Data Insights: Get complete analytics and an overview of your team activities.
- Server Infrastructure: Enterprise-grade infrastructure and privacy features.
- Integrations: You can easily integrate it with popular services like Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, etc.
- Customer Support: Its VIP customer support is always there to help you via email, phone, online communication, documentation, etc.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $8 per month (billed annually.
Free Storage: 5 GB.
10) Internxt
Best for uploading and sharing photos
Internxt has a privacy-centric suite of apps to help you stay safe online, including a virus scanner, temporary email, and password generator. Internxt is open source so you can contribute to the existing code for updates or other requests. It lets you encrypt and send heavy files, images, documents, videos, etc., to others via email or secure links.
Internxt uses high bandwidth servers that encrypt and distribute your files globally for extra security to ensure faster upload and download speeds. The service is GDPR compliant and has passed external security audits. Multiple language support is available, including English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese and Italian.
They offer attractive pricing plans that start from 0.99 euros and go up to 999 euros for lifetime plans. But the best part is that they also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Features:
- Link Expiry: Set a time or a maximum number of link openings after which the shared link would expire.
- File Syncing: Automatically syncs files and folders from your local device to the drive.
- Privacy: Maintains Zero-knowledge standards for all your files and services.
- Open Source: Completely open-source tools ensure complete transparency for your data.
- Instantly preview DOCX and XLSX files as PDF or Excel without altering the original file.
- Comes in 7 different languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, and Italian.
- Accepts debit or credit cards, PayPal, iDEAL, Sofort, Bancontact, Cryptocurrency, and SEPA Debit.
- Free tools include a password checker, virus scanner, byte converter, password generator, and temporary email.
- You do not need to provide an email address or any identity verification to use Internxt
- Fast transfer, upload, and download speed
- Available on all devices and operating systems (Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux).
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Device Support: Web, Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux
Pricing (Cheapest Paid Plan): Starts at $2.99 per month (billed annually)
Free Storage: 10 GB
FAQs
Final Verdict
Our team has researched in depth to handpick some of the best Google Drive alternatives for your needs. Few of these apps are much better than others in some categories. Our final verdict will help you choose the ideal Google Drive alternative for your needs.