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The 5 best Google Drive alternatives available today

by Casey Schmidt  |  April 21, 2020

4 min. read
Picture of a laptop with an animated cloud above it.

A good cloud system gives users easy access to secured, stored files. Google Drive has been an acceptable cloud tool to a lot of different users for quite some time now. However, it has some limitations that can’t be ignored or understated. When Google Drive doesn’t meet your many needs, it’s time to consider something else.

Here are the top 5 Google Drive alternatives available today.

1. Canto DAM

Digital asset management (DAM) software is the best Google Drive alternative for businesses. In fact, it’s a must-have for modern companies in need of extensive cloud storage. DAM is highly secure and gives administrators exhaustive user control, allowing them to restrict access to important files. It also helps teams complete projects on time and gives managers the freedom to focus their attention on necessary tasks.

The Canto DAM interface.
DAM is an enterprise-based service.

Another way DAM thrives as an enterprise cloud service is through its modernized data storage management. This helpful feature ensures that all uploaded content is easily searchable and accessible. It also uses metadata to allow users to find the exact data and files they need. This makes DAM a strong alternative to Google Drive, especially for companies who need a comprehensive system.

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular cloud service available for many different operating systems, including Windows, Mac and mobile (iOS, etc.). It is basic cloud storage software that offers free service to users looking to store a large amount of files. One positive thing to point out is Dropbox recently increased its shaky security system, helping it evolve as a modern storage tool. It has found unique ways to meet fundamental requirements of cloud systems due to consistent effort in technological advancements.

The Dropbox website.
Dropbox delivers an overall basic storage experience.

Though it’s true that Dropbox has worked hard to solidify its security, it still falls short in protecting users’ sensitive data from all types of attacks. As it is the most popular tool for storage, it’s a frequent target for hackers. Dropbox unfortunately has a history of security faults that it has only recently shored up. Overall, Dropbox is a powerful cloud storage system and a decent Google Drive alternative, but it shouldn’t be your first choice if you’re looking for an extensive business tool.

3. Sync

Sync is a cloud storage software that lets users share data with one another without size limitations. It is widely-used because it allows users to access files from many different devices. It also regulates data backups so that stored files are retrievable and never lost. Consider Sync as a Google Drive alternative if you need to share large files or high quantities of files all at once.

The Sync website.
Sync offers extensive cloud file sharing.

One negative aspect about Sync to consider is the lack of organized data storage. Locating specific files is difficult without strong organization features. Because of this, users and businesses who store a lot of files on their cloud storage space have trouble finding files. Sync covers a lot of basic cloud storage needs, so give it a chance if you need a simple tool that won’t overwhelm.

4. OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft’s attempt at cloud file storage. The best feature it offers is its convenient integration with the Office suite. OneDrive meshes perfectly with programs such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. This makes it so much easier to complete projects, especially for companies who use Office programs already. Another benefit to consider is the potential collaboration for companies who wish to store business files for teams to edit together.

The OneDrive website.
OneDrive thrives through its integrations.

In OneDrive, integrated Office products are only valid for users and businesses who own the Office suite. This means that, ultimately, OneDrive is perfect for users heavily invested in Microsoft software products. However, it’s the exact opposite for users who aren’t. In fact, OneDrive shouldn’t be considered as a Google Drive alternative unless you’re already working with a lot of the Office systems.

5. pCloud

pCloud is a cloud storage solution that is easy-to-use and efficient. Security features such as encoded folders and protected passwords make pCloud perfect for users and organizations seeking affordable cloud storage that is easy for everyone to learn. It offers continually upgraded tools and options. Furthermore, it remains one of the most mobile-accessible cloud storage systems. Check out pCloud if you want a security upgrade over Drive.

The pCloud website.
pCloud shines in the security department.

Where pCloud is lacking is in its editing capabilities. This is a problem for most companies, as editing features are crucial for storing large amounts of files in a cloud system. It also comes up short with scalability features, requiring many companies to upgrade after a short period of time. Keep this in mind when comparing it to your current Google Drive system, noting the upgrading history of the present tool.

Make sure the cloud storage system you implement has unique features that set it apart from basic services. Pinpoint the places where Drive has come up short in order to find the correct replacement.

Here is our video wrap-up where we compare all the solutions: