What content strategy and technology will leading brands use in 2024?

The state of digital content 2024

Marketing technology

Finding the right Dropbox replacements to help you succeed

by Casey Schmidt  |  February 20, 2020

4 min. read
Computers in the cloud.

Dropbox remains the most widely-used cloud storage tool, making plenty of users happy with its extensive features and smooth interface. However, it’s clear that Dropbox falters in a lot of different areas, being outperformed by its peers continually. It’s easy to find Dropbox replacements but that doesn’t really attack the initial problem sufficiently. Instead, it’s important to find a new system that takes your biggest Dropbox concern and fixes that for you completely. That’s why I’ve created a list of Dropbox replacements, separated by features.

Best Dropbox replacement for improved security

In terms of security, cloud systems are becoming the norm for companies looking to keep files safe. It’s fair to say that Dropbox isn’t the least Cloud system in terms of safety and securing files but it’s certainly not the best. When security is your top priority, you might want to give up some of your favorite Dropbox features in order to have safer files year-round.

Your best bet is currently SpiderOak, a cloud system that elevates security as the main issue for all things file storage related. SpiderOak ensures that its security measures extend to each user within the system, preventing minor errors that potentially could become catastrophic. It has administrative features and controls, as well as strong file encryption technology. Consider SpiderOak when you need elite security.

A closeup of an open laptop.
Security is vital when it comes to cloud storage.

Best replacement for business-use

Dropbox was created for individual users, only to extend its plans to incorporate business packages at a later date. Though they’ve done quite a bit in this area to catch up and make their business features functional, they still lag behind. When it comes to business storage, it’s much better to go with a system that was designed exclusively for enterprise use.

Canto digital asset management (DAM) is the quintessential professional cloud storage system today. Not only has it been around for much longer than Dropbox, it also was created to be a tool for companies rather than for individual use. This shows in its extensive communication tools, advanced security and metadata, rights protections and integrations. Go with DAM when you need an advanced enterprise cloud storage tool.

A laptop and mobile device on a desk.
Business functionality is crucial.

Best replacement for price

Dropbox has reasonable pricing comparatively, putting forth different packages for different space allowance. If you’re already a fan of the Dropbox tools and interface, the price might not be a big issue for you. However, for those who have price as their top concern for cloud systems, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Microsoft OneDrive got creative with their pricing in order to make things much easier for a lot of users. First, where Dropbox offers free storage (2GB), OneDrive gives 5GB. Next, to ease the pressure of payment, OneDrive packaged its Office Suite with its plans. This allows users to cut down on costs of other software tools while using OneDrive. Of course, this only benefits Windows users who want access to Microsoft Suite tools, though the free plan is still cheaper regardless. Keep this in mind if you want cheap Dropbox replacements.

Money sign arrows traveling in different directions.
Price is the deciding factor for many.

Best replacement for functionality

For some, functionality is the ultimate factor in software systems, especially cloud storage. Without easy-to-use tools, the other factors generally don’t matter much. There’s certainly not much point in having a secure system for a cheap price with a lot of storage space if you can’t access and share your files whenever you want.

Enter Google Drive, a free-to-use storage system (their business system is not free) that encourages collaboration within an extremely functional group of tools. Using Drive is as easy as navigating to a webpage and opening the different tools you want to use. It offers users a chance to share different files and edit them in real time. Use Drive if functionality is your biggest concern.

At the end of the day, Dropbox may be the right system for you. However, if you’ve ever wanted to dig deeper and find different cloud advantages, it might be wise to try other tools. Remember that Dropbox does a lot of things well but generally isn’t the best at anything. Weigh out what’s most important to you before considering a cloud system.