Best Google Drive Alternatives [Free & Paid] Updated

Are you looking for alternatives to google drive? Google Drive is undoubtedly the most popular platform that provides free file storage and synchronization options. But it has some limitations that cannot be overlooked. Many users have some complications in understanding the functionality and features of the drive. Also, others have concerns regarding privacy, capability, and pricing. 

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Google has been the victim of hacks in the past. According to Business Insider, almost 5 million accounts were stolen and leaked back in 2014. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of Google drive alternatives to choose from. This article provides the best Google counterparts that offer enhanced security and storage space. So, if you are searching for more compatible and secure alternatives to Google Drive, this blog is for you. 

This article will cover;

• Why look for google drive alternatives?
• Privacy Issues
• Manipulation Concerns
• Top Google Drive Alternatives
• Waybook: Best for Businesses & Teams
• OneDrive: Best for Windows-Based OS
• Dropbox: Best for Multi-platform Usage
• iCloud: Best for Apple Users
• Mega: Best for Large Files
• Sync: Best for Sharing

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Why look for google drive alternatives?

You might be thinking, why look for a google drive replacement? Let's get into the reasons for opting for Google drive alternatives.

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Privacy issues

Google can de-encrypt the files and documents you upload on the drive. Sometimes you store personal data, and the company retains the rights to do whatever it wants. Do you want to share your sensitive information online? Of course, not. To ensure that only you can locate your personal information, you are good to go with the Google drive alternative.

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Manipulation concerns

Google Drive also integrates with third parties and gives them access to your shared information. In this case, you have little control over your own documents once you share them with others. There are privacy risks too. Google also admits that it has a complete right to modify or publicly display your information. It can manipulate your data. So, it's better to look for other Google drive alternatives.

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Top Google Drive Alternatives

This article contains a list of the best Google drive alternatives for its end users. Here we go.

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Waybook: Best for Businesses & Teams

One of the biggest issues with Google Drive is that it makes everything messier. For instance, the trouble starts when you need to find a particular file or document; it’s frustrating! On the other hand, Waybook structures everything into easy-to-read files and shareable playbooks. This is exceptionally beneficial for businesses, where all organizational standards and documentation can be sorted into structured playbooks instead of scattered, irregular files. 

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Features

For teams, it’s nothing less than a blessing. One can create unlimited documents, subjects, and steps. Convenient reader status tracking and advanced search functionality add more flavors to it. On top of that, 3000+ quality integrations make things easier. 

Multilayer permissions add another layer of safety and privacy for all private documentation of your business. 

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Pricing 

• It costs 99$/ month with exceptional support for up to 20 users. 
• If you buy the annual plan, it costs 83$ per month. 
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OneDrive: Best for Windows-Based OS

OneDrive is one of the best Google Drive alternatives because it is simple to use and allows you to share files of any size. It provides a satisfactory storage and sharing platform that is both free and simple for users.

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Features

You can save, edit, or share your files and collaborate in real time with Microsoft OneDrive. It automatically provides backup and protects your files even if your device is lost. Moreover, you can sync your data on multiple devices and access your documents from anywhere. OneDrive also makes it possible for you to use it without internet access. 

It also offers document scanning. You can use a mobile phone to scan your business files, notes, receipts, etc. This drive offers 5 GB of free storage space. 

Additionally, OneDrive provides an extra layer of protection through its personal vault feature. You can protect your sensitive files with comprehensive security. Once done, you’ll always be required to verify your identity before accessing the files.

A few things might make you rethink before using it. 

• Microsoft provides security, but at some level, privacy is somewhat compromised. Microsoft holds the authority to decrypt any file it wants!
• In addition, it has multiple limitations in naming the files and folders. Specific words and special characters aren’t allowed. 

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Pricing

OneDrive provides 5 GB of storage space for free. If you want to acquire more space, you need to subscribe to their premium plans.

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For Home

• 100 GB for $1.99 per month and $19.9 per year
• 1TB for $6.99 per month and $69.99 per year
• 6TB for $9.99 per month and $99.99 per year

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For Business

• Microsoft 365 Basic plan offers 1TB for $6 per month.
• Microsoft 365 apps for Business plan offers 1TB for $8.25 per month.
• The standard plan for $12.50 per month.
• A premium plan for $22 per month.

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Dropbox: Best for Multi-platform Usage

Dropbox is another Google drive alternative that offers reliable and secure integration services. You can store and share your important files through cloud syncing. This cloud storage tool is the most used free platform after Google Drive, with 700 million registered users.

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Features

The platform offers a user-friendly interface that stores all your photos, files, and documents in the same place. It ensures security by not reselling your data to any third party. You can store files as large as 2TB and can preview 200 file formats. Dropbox offers you 2GB of storage free of cost. Due to the block-level copying feature, it is much faster than Google drive.

Moreover, it uses your mobile camera to do document scanning. It also supports two-factor authentication to mitigate privacy concerns. You can selectively sync files between your device and the server.

There’s a catch you must consider before using Dropbox:

• Only 2GB of free storage is available, which is too less compared to competitors 
• In addition, its search functionality is pretty outdated 

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Pricing

It offers many plans to its users that are cost-effective and pretty affordable. Let's dive into this.

• Its Individual plan costs $9.99 per month and includes 2TB of storage.
• The Family plan includes 2TB of storage for six users for $16.99 per month.
• The Professional program offers 3TB for one user for $16.58 per month.
• Standard plan for growing teams offers 5TB for $15 per month.
• The Advanced plan offers 10 TB for $24 per month.
• Enterprise plan is customizable and specially designed for large organizations.

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iCloud: Best for Apple Users

iCloud is an Apple version of storing your files, photos, mail, notes, and more. You can easily access data from your Apple device on the web or via applications. 

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Features

If you are an Apple user, you have already created an iCloud account. This Google drive alternative allows you to create a backup of your files and photos. You can store your data from various apps and access it via iCloud.

It is safe and updated and keeps your personal information secured on all devices. You can easily share your photos, documents, and files with your loved ones through iCloud.

A major drawback of iCloud;

• Users outside the Apple community usually don’t get the ideal experience 

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Pricing

It offers:

• 5GB storage for free.
• 50GB for $0.99 per month.
• 200GB for $2.99 per month.
• 2TB for $9.99 per month.

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Mega: Best for Large Files

Mega is a secure cloud storage platform that allows fast transfers of documents. You can use this google drive alternative free of cost. It is a reliable platform that offers powerful privacy.

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Features

Mega allows you to share your files and folders directly with your contacts. Through this platform, you can automate the synchronization between the computer and the mega cloud. Moreover, you can back up your photos, important documents, and other files by syncing your device data with this tool.

This cloud service software enables you to chat securely with your contacts. It allows you to have complete control over your files through end-to-end encryption.

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Pricing

• It offers 20 GB for free 
• Pro Lite plan: 400 GB for $5.07 per month.
• Pro I: 2TB for $10.15 per month.
• The Pro II: 8TB for $20.32 per month.
• Pro III: 16TB for $30.48 per month.
• The business deals start at $5.08 per month.

That all being said, mega isn’t recommended for storing important business or personal information due to privacy concerns. If you have a lot of random stuff and you want them to be stored online, then Mega’s free plan can make your life easier. You can earn more free storage by completing tasks like downloading the desktop application.

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Sync: Best for Sharing

Sync is a file storage platform that helps you store and share files and provides users with end-to-end encryption. It is a collaboration tool that keeps your teams connected.

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Features

You can create centralized files and share the folders with everyone. This platform enables you to send and receive documents professionally. Through Sync, you keep all your documents always backed up.

Moreover, you can free up your device space and transform your desktop with synced cloud files. The platform provides extra protection features that keep your data safe and secure. You can also access your files from your mobile, computer, pc, and the web.

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Pricing

For individuals:

• The Basic solo plan offers 2TB for $8 per month.
• The solo Profession plan offers 6 TB for $20 per month.

For Teams:

• Teams Standard plan offers 1TB for $6 per month for every user. 
• Teams Unlimited for $15 per month for every user. 

Unlike its name, Sync doesn’t perform well while syncing your data. Neither it allows editing of files in real-time, whereas Waybook can do the magic for you. 

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Conclusion

In short, if you are looking for the best Google alternatives, you are at the right place. You can consider the above-discussed platforms for securely storing and sharing your files. If you want to secure your documents, guides, and procedures in one place, try Waybook. It is an onboarding and training platform that allows you to store your videos, images, files, documents, and more in the most refined yet secure way!  

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Want to get more insights on the future of Remote Growth & Leadership? Check out our related resources:

• Employee Training and Development Methods with Examples
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