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If you're tired of Google Drive scanning your files, OneDrive locking features behind a Microsoft 365 subscription, or iCloud limiting you to Apple devices, you’re not alone. Our cloud storage survey found that the average person uses 2.67 different services, often because no single provider does everything well.
Proton Drive is the best alternative cloud storage provider. It’s our top pick for anyone prioritizing privacy, with zero-knowledge encryption and built-in document editing. Dropbox is the stronger choice for business users who need deep integrations and collaboration tools. NordLocker is worth a look if you want to bundle cloud storage with a VPN and password manager.
Our guide can help you narrow down which Big 3 cloud storage alternative is right for you.
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Zero-knowledge encryption means Proton can't read your files, unlike Google Drive or OneDrive
Built-in Proton Docs and Sheets give you a privacy-first alternative to Google Workspace
One subscription covers your privacy needs with Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Pass on Ultimate plan
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Integrates natively with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom, and Adobe Creative Cloud
Unique business tools like Dropbox Sign for e-signatures and Dash for AI-powered search
Scales up to 15 TB, which is far more headroom than iCloud's top storage tier
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Bundles with NordVPN and NordPass for a complete privacy suite at a reduced cost
Two-factor secure sharing (unique link plus a separate security code) that Google Drive and iCloud lack
Clean, modern interface that outshines OneDrive and iCloud's cluttered designs
If you're switching away from Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, all three alternatives below offer stronger privacy protections than the Big 3, but they differ in meaningful ways when it comes to storage, pricing, and features. Here's how they compare at a glance.
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| Details | View deals | View details | View details |
| Best for | Best cloud storage for privacy | Best cloud storage for small businesses | Best cloud storage for bundling |
| Starting price | Starts at $3.99/mo | Starts at $9.99/mo | Starts at $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes — 5 GB | Yes — 2 GB | Yes — 3 GB |
| Storage space | 5 GB – 3 TB | 2 GB – 15 TB | 3 GB — 2 TB |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 and xChaCha20 |
| Zero-knowledge encryption | |||
| Local storage | |||
| Secure sharing | |||
| Secure file deletion | |||
| Device syncing | |||
| File organization | |||
| Extras | Secure document editing | Deep integration with third-party apps and useful tools like Dropbox Paper and Sign | Highly secure sharing |
| Learn more | Read Proton Drive Review | Read Dropbox Review | Read NordLocker Review |
Our team has conducted hands-on testing on cloud storage services by signing up for and installing each one on our own computers and home networks, just as you would. We evaluate real-world usability from setup through day-to-day use.
We evaluate each product across six areas:
End-to-end encryption keeps your files truly private, so not even Proton can read them
Clean, easy-to-use interface across web and mobile apps
Higher-tier plans bundle extra Proton services, including VPN, Mail, and Pass, for added value
Zero-knowledge encryption: Proton Drive is built on a zero-knowledge architecture. The service uses end-to-end encryption, and only you have the keys to decrypt your data. This means Proton can’t read your files. It can only see basic account information like when you signed up. Competitors like Google Drive have much greater access to your content.
Secure document editing: Proton Drive includes Proton Docs and Proton Sheets. These are document editors similar to Google Drive and Sheets (or Word and Excel), but like all of Proton’s offerings, they’re built with privacy in mind.
Based in Switzerland: Proton is based in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy protection laws in the world. The main benefit is that Switzerland does not participate in any of the global intelligence alliances like Five Eyes.
Can bundle with other Proton services: Proton offers a number of other excellent privacy tools, such as Proton VPN, Proton Mail, and Proton Pass. Higher-tier plans include all of these tools, so you get access to a complete privacy and security suite.
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Sync can be slower: Proton Drive encrypts your files on your device before uploading them to ensure that they’re never readable. Because of this, syncing can be a bit slower than with some other services.
Proton Drive received a high star rating of 4.9 thanks to its industry-leading security, clean interface, and competitive feature set. We especially appreciate that higher-tier plans bundle Proton VPN, Proton Mail, and Proton Pass, making it a strong all-in-one privacy suite.
That said, the cost-to-storage ratio and limited live chat support keep it from a perfect score.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 30% | 5.0 |
| Prices and value | 5% | 5.0 |
| Features | 15% | 4.5 |
| Storage | 30% | 5.0 |
| Security | 15% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
Massive storage — up to 15+ TB — makes it ideal for teams with large file libraries
Deep integrations with Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365
Excellent support, including live chat, community forums, and full business courses
Useful business features like Paper, Sign, and Dash: Dropbox offers a number of unique additional tools. Paper is a collaborative document editor, while Sign lets you handle electronic signatures. Dash is an AI search tool that can search accounts from numerous other services, like Asana, Google Calendar, and Slack.
Third-party integrations: Dropbox works with a ton of third-party applications, particularly business tools. Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom, and Adobe Creative Cloud. For example, you can open Word or Adobe files directly in Dropbox.
Large storage amounts: Dropbox’s higher-tier plans start at 15 TB of storage. This gives you plenty of space to work with without needing to worry about running out, especially compared to iCloud.
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No low-storage plans: Dropbox plans start at 2 TB. Many other services (including Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive) offer more affordable options for those who don’t need that much storage.
Dropbox received a high star rating of 4.7 due to its ease of use, overall value, and extensive online support resources. We also appreciate that Dropbox has professionals and business teams in mind with workflow optimizations and integrations.
However, Dropbox has experienced security breaches in the past, so it may not be the best option for storing sensitive files. We also wouldn't recommend Dropbox if you have to migrate from Google Drive.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 30% | 4.75 |
| Pricing and value | 5% | 4.0 |
| Features | 15% | 5.0 |
| Storage | 30% | 5.0 |
| Security | 15% | 3.5 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
End-to-end encryption included on every plan — even the free tier
Clean, clutter-free interface makes managing files simple and stress-free
Can bundle with NordVPN and NordPass for a fuller security suite
Secure sharing: NordLocker has excellent secure sharing options. When sharing a file, you generate both a unique link and a separate security code required to access it. Google Drive and iCloud lack this option.
Bundles with other Nord services: Nord makes a variety of excellent privacy-focused services, including NordVPN and NordPass. Bundles are available that include all the best Nord products at reasonable prices.
Nice interface: NordLocker has a very slick user interface, particularly on the web app. It’s not necessarily the most important feature, but for something you’re going to be using every day, a nice UI goes a long way to make the experience more enjoyable. OneDrive and iCloud look terrible in comparison.
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Large price jumps: Nord’s annual plans have significant discounts for the first 12 months, but the sudden price increase can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention. In some cases, the price more than doubles between the first and second year.
NordLocker received a solid star rating of 4.5 for its strong security at a good price. It even encrypts shared files.
However, NordLocker is missing some features, like email encryption, local storage, deleted file recovery, and a file editor.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 30% | 4.75 |
| Pricing and value | 5% | 5.0 |
| Features | 15% | 3.0 |
| Storage | 30% | 4.5 |
| Security | 15% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 5% | 5.0 |
Our top picks — Proton Drive, Dropbox, and NordLocker — are based on hands-on testing by the All About Cookies team. The services below didn't make our main lineup because we haven't yet put them through our full review process, but they have strong reputations and may be worth exploring depending on your needs.
MEGA is worth considering if you want a large free plan with genuine privacy protections. Its free tier offers 20 GB of storage. That’s four times what Google Drive gives you at no cost, and significantly more than iCloud's 5 GB. Like Proton Drive, MEGA uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even MEGA can't access your files. The paid plans are competitive, though the free storage can shrink over time based on account activity, so read the fine print before committing.
Tresorit is one of the most security-focused cloud storage options available, built specifically for professionals in healthcare, legal, finance, and other fields where data compliance is non-negotiable. It's end-to-end encrypted, HIPAA- and GDPR-compliant, and offers detailed access controls and audit logs that Google Drive and OneDrive simply don't match. The trade-off is price. Tresorit sits at the premium end of the market, but for regulated industries, the peace of mind is worth it.
If your business already relies on Zoho tools — CRM, Mail, Projects, or Books — Zoho WorkDrive integrates natively with all of them and provides a competitively priced team cloud storage solution. It includes solid collaboration features like version history, role-based access controls, and real-time co-editing. It's not a replacement for Google Workspace for most teams, but if you're already a Zoho shop, WorkDrive is a natural and cost-effective fit.
We'll update this section as we expand our testing.
The Big 3 cloud storage providers — Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive — are widely used for good reason, but they share a meaningful weakness: privacy. Google and Microsoft don't offer end-to-end encryption on their standard plans, so both companies can still scan and access your stored files. iCloud does offer Advanced Data Protection, a feature that enables end-to-end encryption, but it's disabled by default and requires you to opt in manually.
Beyond privacy, each of the Big 3 has its own frustrations. OneDrive's best features are locked behind a Microsoft 365 subscription. iCloud is notoriously limited outside Apple devices — the Windows app works, but it's clunky, and there's no Android support. Google Drive's free 15 GB fills up fast, especially if you're also using Gmail and Google Photos.
Here's what to keep in mind as you evaluate alternatives:
Proton Drive, Dropbox, and NordLocker are all excellent cloud storage options, and each brings something unique to the table. Proton Drive excels at privacy (especially compared to Google and Microsoft), while Dropbox is excellent for business use thanks to its deep integrations. Finally, NordLocker is an excellent choice for those looking to bundle with other services. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a service that will keep your files secure and available wherever you are.
End-to-end encryption keeps your files truly private, so not even Proton can read them
Clean, easy-to-use interface across web and mobile apps
Higher-tier plans bundle extra Proton services, including VPN, Mail, and Pass, for added value
The best free cloud storage alternatives to Google Drive are Proton Drive and MEGA. Proton Drive offers less space on the free tier (5 GB), but it’s one of the most private and secure cloud storage providers currently available. MEGA offers a large 20 GB free tier and also uses zero-knowledge encryption.
The best alternative to OneDrive depends on what you used it for. If you relied on it mainly because it's bundled with Microsoft 365 and integrates with Office, Dropbox is the closest substitute because it works natively with Microsoft Office files and offers generous storage on its business plans. If your main concern is privacy, Proton Drive is the stronger pick: it offers zero-knowledge encryption that OneDrive doesn't, along with its own built-in document editor.
The best alternative to iCloud is Proton Drive for privacy-focused users, or Dropbox if cross-platform access is your priority. iCloud's biggest limitation is its Apple-centric design. It functions well on a Mac or iPhone but is awkward on Windows and completely absent on Android. Both Proton Drive and Dropbox have polished, full-featured apps across all major platforms, so you can easily access your files whether you're on an iPhone, Android phone, Windows PC, or Mac.
Yes, there are several cloud storage services that don’t scan your files. In fact, many providers can’t access your files at all, thanks to encryption. Proton Drive is the best example: it’s built from the ground up for privacy. It uses zero-knowledge encryption, which means the company can’t read your files even if it wanted to, since only you hold the encryption keys. NordLocker and Tresorit are two more examples.
Yes, you can transfer files from one cloud storage provider to another. Some provide automated ways to do this. Google has Google Takeout, which can send your files directly to OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box. You can also send your photos and videos straight from Google Photos to iCloud.
Apple provides direct transfer of photos from iCloud to Google Photos, but doesn’t offer an automated way to transfer other file types. Regardless of provider, though, you can always manually move your files by downloading a copy and reuploading to your new cloud storage.
End-to-end encryption keeps your files truly private, so not even Proton can read them
Clean, easy-to-use interface across web and mobile apps
Higher-tier plans bundle extra Proton services, including VPN, Mail, and Pass, for added value
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