Best Cloud Storage Services of 2025

Having the best possible cloud storage is convenient for many reasons. First, you don’t have to drag around physical hardware. Second, you can opt for huge cloud storage options with gigabytes of space and save ALL your photos, videos, and documents in an instant.

Some of the most secure cloud storage services are also among the most awesome. They use end-to-end encryption, physically protected servers, and 2FA to protect your files. Above all, they’re easy to use and set up so that you can start storing your important data right away.

Okay, so that’s all great in theory. But in practice, some users can’t find the best cloud storage service for themselves. That’s where we come in. Our experts tested dozens of them, examining all aspects, including security, storage options, speed, and ease of use.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 cloud storage providers in 2025, all of which offer something unique and worth checking out. Stay along for the ride to find out more.

Best Cloud Storage Services in 2025: Our Top 5 Picks

In today’s guide, we’ll shift our attention to the best premium cloud storage. We believe premium services are superior to free ones because they offer larger storage space and more features. However, if you prefer not to pay, you can read our list of the top-rated free cloud storage services.

For now, we’ll focus on the task at hand and showcase the best-performing services according to our experts:

1. pCloud – best overall cloud storage with supreme speed and security
2. Internxt – easy to use with massive storage options (up to 10 TB)
3. NordLocker – end-to-end encryption for an affordable price
4. Sync.com – unlimited cloud storage for Teams
5. Dropbox – great cloud storage for collaboration and file sharing

Wondering why our team chose these five? Let us divulge some of their most notable features and subscription plans.

1. pCloud

Our #1 rated cloud storage is pCloud. This is a jack of all trades that excels in performance, security, ease of use, compatibility, and pretty much everything else. The provider is also based in Switzerland, ensuring the highest level of privacy.

Features

Speaking of which, pCloud uses AES-256 encryption to secure your files. It also has servers in the USA and Europe, and even allows you to select the one you prefer. Users can enjoy fast upload and download speeds, which also applies to syncing and versioning.

pCloud offers 30-day file versioning, and as the best cloud storage, it allows you to store unlimited versions of files for this period. We also like pCloud’s file-sharing options. You can password-protect links and even add an expiration date, which is pretty convenient.

This excellent cloud storage supports branding, allowing each link to be distributed with a bespoke message or logo. Its ease of use is phenomenal as well. The provider offers apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux, which is super helpful.

We loved the option to preview PDF files, videos, music, and photos. A nifty feature is the ability to convert videos to different formats if you’re a video editor. Additionally, pCloud offers a virtual drive that can be “mounted” on your computer.

This drive stores your pCloud files and doesn’t occupy space on your hard drive. pCloud’s Audio menu allows you to create playlists, which is handy for listening to music and podcasts on the go. This is our favorite cloud storage also because of fast and reliable backups.

Entire devices and other cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive) can be backed up swiftly thanks to exceptional performance. pCloud includes its Crypto Folder, and files within it are protected by zero-knowledge encryption.

Unfortunately, it’s an extra cost. Another downside is customer support, which could be improved with the addition of a 24/7 live chat service.

Visit pCloud

Price

pCloud is our preferred cloud storage option, but it’s not the most affordable. However, it offers flexible plans, out of which the Lifetime deals are the best. For instance, there’s a 2 TB Lifetime deal at $399 and a 500 GB variant at $199. Its popular cloud storage plan is also the Ultra 10 TB.

It costs $1,190 — a one-time payment. pCloud offers less favorable annual plans, with storage capacity increasing up to 2 TB. Additionally, you’ll find its Family and Business plans, making it a versatile option if you require more storage. We explained more about that in our pCloud test.

Finally, we’ll mention its zero-knowledge encryption that costs $150 (Lifetime) or $49.99 (Annually). There’s a 14-day free trial for zero-knowledge encryption and all premium plans, plus a free plan with up to 10 GB of storage—great incentives to try out pCloud.

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2. Internxt

Internxt is our preferred cloud storage for superb encryption. Its end-to-end encryption is standard across all plans, and the service offers a user-friendly interface with solid performance. We know this isn’t the most popular option, but it’s far from bad.

Features

Internxt’s powerful CTR encryption enables you to store your encryption keys and protect your data promptly and securely. This service includes 2FA to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Additionally, its Send service allows you to encrypt and share files with other users privately.

As one of the best cloud storage services of 2025, Internxt offers some impressive storage options. The roster starts with 1 TB of storage and increases up to 5 TB. Additionally, Internxt is compatible with all devices, including Linux computers. However, we like its web app the most.

File uploads and downloads are quick, and users can preview documents and images with ease. We found that previewing larger videos is not supported; however, the service also doesn’t support file versioning and document editing. You’ll find all of these in the best cloud storage, pCloud.

On the brighter side, Internxt has file sharing that includes password protection and the option to “invite” users to access the file. You, as an owner, can allow other users to view and/or edit the file. Moving files to Trash will keep them on the cloud for 30 days.

You can restore them with one click after that. Internxt is also an open-source option, making it a remarkable cloud storage choice if you value transparency. Users can access the source code on GitHub and perform an audit or review if they’re tech-savvy.

Unlike pCloud, Internxt offers a 24/7 live chat service that typically responds within a few minutes. Sadly, Internxt’s lack of collaboration features makes it a poor choice for teams and businesses that need real-time document editing and seamless communication.

Visit Internxt

Price

Apart from its free 1 GB plan, Internxt offers relatively affordable premium variants. The Lifetime plans start at 1 TB at €135. Other Lifetime plans include 3 TB at €285 and 5 TB at €435. All plans offer numerous extras, including post-quantum encryption, antivirus protection, and a VPN.

Internxt has annual plans at more “feasible” prices. For instance, a 1 TB plan is available for €18 per year. In this case, the 3 TB plan is €36 every year, and for us, the best-value option is the 5 TB plan at €54 annually.

Its 30-day money-back guarantee is excellent, as it allows you to be refunded if you find Internxt insufficient. Find out more about it in our in-depth review of Internxt.

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3. NordLocker

NordLocker is a leading cloud storage provider in terms of security. It’s famous for its zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption, and so-called “Vaults” where your files are stored. You’ve undoubtedly heard about NordVPN; well, NordLocker is also made by the same team.

Features

Being one of the most reputable cloud storage options, NordLocker takes pride in its secure Vaults. Storing files in them is easy, and Vaults can be shared with other NordLocker users with password-protected links. NordLocker, again, utilizes zero-knowledge encryption as well.

Your files are encrypted in transit, ensuring the highest level of security. NordLocker is ideal for syncing files across multiple devices, as it supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. We love its simplistic apps on computers because they resemble a new Explorer window.

NordLocker isn’t the fastest cloud storage. However, it’s good enough for swift uploads and relatively fast downloads. This popular cloud storage provider offers the option to locally encrypt files on your computer, which is super handy.

NordLocker also offers a web-based interface, which is useful, but we believe its desktop and mobile apps are superior. It’s worth noting that NordLocker lacks certain features, such as file versioning and document editing, making it a less comprehensive option in this regard.

Its apps, however, support file previews for photos, videos, and documents. NordLocker offers flexible plans for Personal and Business use. The largest cloud storage option is 2 TB, which isn’t all too impressive compared to pCloud and Internxt.

At least you get no file size limits for uploads and downloads, so bulk transfers are uninterrupted. Excellent support and a 30-day money-back guarantee are available for all plans, which explains why this is one of the best cloud storage providers in 2025.

Visit NordLocker

Price

Price-wise, NordLocker is an affordable cloud storage. The 1-year plan with 500 GB of storage costs $2.99 a month, for example. Users can opt for 2 TB of cloud space for $6.99 a month, which is significantly less than Internxt and pCloud.

Its monthly plans are expensive, though. The 2 TB plan costs $19.99 per month, with the 500 GB variant priced at $7.99. The Business plan is $29.99 per month, offering 2 TB of storage, private sharing, an Admin Panel, and 24/7 priority support.

Underwhelmingly, its free plan is capped at 3 GB of storage. Hardly enough for anything except documents and a few songs/podcasts.

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4. Sync.com

Sync.com is a Canadian cloud storage provider with unlimited storage plans, easy-to-use apps, and top-tier security. It’s also a popular choice for collaboration and businesses, thanks to its third-party integrations with numerous apps.

So, what’s in it for you?

Features

To start, Sync.com offers seamless integration with MS Office 365, which significantly enhances productivity. It allows you to access and edit documents on the cloud. These documents can later be shared with other users who can edit or preview them based on your allowances.

Sync.com’s ingenious interface, available on the web, desktop, and mobile devices, is also a standout feature. This provider allows you to easily upload and download files, supporting full 180-day file versioning. Business users can extend the retention period to 365 days if they frequently modify their files.

File sharing is one of its strengths. Sync.com lets you add expiry dates, set download limits, and enhance your privacy. This excellent cloud storage is multimedia-friendly. We like the option to store videos and reproduce them on the cloud, alas, only on mobile apps.

Sync.com can perform backups of your entire device. Additionally, you’ll find its real-time file syncing helpful feature, as it allows you to access all your files from any platform. We must mention Sync.com’s slower transfer speeds as a big minus. Even syncing speeds are average.

On the flip side, its security is the polar opposite. Sync.com uses strong encryption and even supports end-to-end encryption to boost the security of your files. Users can protect their account with 2FA and rest easy knowing that tracking and logging aren’t in Sync.com’s “veins.”

Sync.com is excellent for both individuals and teams. It offers flexible plans with unlimited storage for the most demanding users. Its customer support could be better in low-tier plans. As expected, this factor is improved by opting for Business plans instead.

Price

Sync.com’s price is relatively modest. You can get 2 TB of storage for $8 a month in the Solo Basic plan. The Solo Professional bumps it to 6 TB of space at $20 a month. As one of the best-rated cloud storage services, Sync.com offers a Personal plan for $5 per month, which includes 200 GB of storage.

An unlimited storage plan is also available.

The Teams+ Unlimited deal is the one to choose, offering phone support, admin delegation, and a price of only $15 per month. The Standard plan is $6 a month for 1 TB of storage. Finally, there’s the Enterprise plan, whose pricing is determined by your needs.

What about its free plan? It’s subpar and offers only 5 GB of cloud storage. Sadly, its basic sharing features with no additional security aren’t the best solution. pCloud is overall better, especially since its free plan is more generous.

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5. Dropbox

Dropbox is a reliable cloud storage provider whose popularity is undeniable. Its collaboration, file sharing, massive storage, and rich multimedia features make it extremely attractive. However, the package is let down by a more expensive price.

Features

Dropbox has everything you need to work in the cloud and never leave this space. File transfers are fast and unlimited. Users can also manipulate files by previewing them and even editing documents by using either Google’s or Microsoft’s productivity tools.

This cloud storage provider supports video editing by offering a few basic editing features. We also love its ability to convert videos, photos, and audio files directly on the cloud. Dropbox’s file-sharing supports password protection and editing permissions.

Expiration dates and download allowances can also be included. One of its best cloud storage features is the App Center. It allows you to download over 150 apps for document editing, education, productivity, eSignature, and other purposes.

Additionally, Dropbox offers an in-house eSignature service for signing documents, which is particularly welcome for businesses and teams. Cloud-storage-related features like versioning, backups, and file syncing are all there, so don’t expect any compromises.

Dropbox has top-of-the-line cloud storage apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. However, we found its web app to be the quickest and most useful. Dropbox’s security is unfortunately not the best, which is why it ranks last on this list.

Although it uses encryption, recent unauthorized access to its Dropbox Sign service has demonstrated its vulnerability. More importantly, it lacks zero-knowledge encryption, which makes it underwhelming, especially considering its above-average price.

Price

Dropbox’s pricing is flexible, offering a variety of plans. The cheapest Plus deal for personal use is $9.99 a month, billed annually, and includes 2 TB of storage. More demanding users can select the Professional plan, our favorite, at $16.58 a month instead.

This plan includes PDF editing, a 180-day restoration period for deleted files, and 3 TB of storage. Business users have the Standard plan, priced at $15 per user per month, which includes 5 TB of storage for the team. Finally, the Advanced plan is $24 per user per month.

With 15 TB of storage for the team, it’s pretty generous, but not more than Sync.com’s Teams+ Unlimited deal. Dropbox’s fatal flaws are that neither of the plans is refundable, and the free version is capped at a measly 2 GB of storage.

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Why Use the Best Cloud Storage Services?

In a recent article, we explained what cloud storage is. Some people think it’s only about storing files on the cloud instead of a hard drive. That’s only like 20% of the truth. The top-rated cloud storage services provide plenty of advantages, such as:

Ease of Access

Cloud storage is more practical than physical storage. If you need constant access to your files, carrying around your external SSD or HDD and USB drives can be tedious. Visiting the cloud storage website and fetching your files is much more practical.

Besides, that can be done from EVERY device, so whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop, it doesn’t matter. Some providers offer offline access, so you don’t always need internet access to use your documents, videos, photos, and so on.

File Sharing & Collaboration

Sharing files is a key feature of these services. Our favorite cloud storage providers allow us to share files through password-protected links with encryption. Within seconds, another person can access the file, download it, and perform any necessary actions with it.

With the addition of third-party tools, many options can be used for document editing/creation, video editing, and so forth. Dropbox, for example, is so capable that you can do everything on the cloud without downloading any files to your device.

Obtaining More Storage Space for Cheap

If you need more space, you’ll need to purchase an SSD or HDD, plug it into your device, and enjoy. We think you’ll enjoy excellent cloud storage more. To increase your storage space, visit pCloud or Internxt, select the plan you want, and receive your storage in seconds.

This is not only easier but also CHEAPER. Think about fast SSDs with lots of storage. Offers from Samsung, Kingston, and other reputable providers are far too expensive. pCloud and other options offer Lifetime deals and access to up to terabytes of storage for a low price.

After all, physical storage can malfunction while cloud storage can’t, so it’s always working.

Security & File Backups

Losing important data is a nightmare for many, especially when it comes to cloud-stored photos that hold heart-warming memories. For some, business files are more important. Either way, it’s impossible to lose files on the cloud due to file backups.

All services on the list can back up your devices, which is handy if some of them get stolen or stop working. Automatic backups from pCloud and NordLocker are especially beneficial for this, as they ensure your files are always accessible to you.

If your device stops working or is stolen, you can swiftly recover your files to a new device. Not to mention all the security going on “under the hood.” The most popular online storage companies use 256-bit and even zero-knowledge encryption.

Their data centers are physically secured and based in multiple worldwide locations. If one data center malfunctions, rest assured that all your files are replicated across all other data centers, ensuring they remain accessible at all times.

Best Cloud Storage: Our Ranking Methodology

Choosing an online storage service should always be done based on your specific preferences. To ensure we provide you with diverse and capable options, our team used special criteria during the testing procedure.

We looked for:

• Storage size options: All of the premium cloud storage services selected for our article offer flexible storage plans. You can choose as little as 200 GB or as much as 10 TB, or even opt for unlimited storage.
• Security: Your files in the cloud must be safe and secure, which can be achieved through encryption and secure data servers. Again, our preferred picks excel in both, as the majority offer zero-knowledge encryption for the ultimate security.
• Speed: Uploading and downloading should be quick, regardless of file size. We ranked pCloud as the #1 cloud storage service, but Internxt and others also perform well. The only slower option is Sync.com, but it’s still enough for most users.
• Compatibility: Our cloud storage options are compatible with all major devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. pCloud works on Linux as well.
• Advanced cloud storage features: You’ll find file versioning, trash history, and auto-backups handy in a reputable online storage. We selected providers that offer them to enhance file accessibility and usability.
• Collaboration: Some of our selected services offer excellent collaboration options. Sync.com and Dropbox come to mind, along with third-party apps from Microsoft and Google, which provide direct access to documents and other files for editing and downloading purposes.
• Affordability: Some are more expensive, and some are cheaper. However, our providers are some of the most affordable cloud storage options. pCloud’s Lifetime plans are especially attractive because you pay once and get to use it forever.

What Is the Fastest Premium Cloud Storage?

The fastest option in our tests was pCloud, closely followed by Dropbox. Both providers offer amazing performance and fast uploads. Our upload speed is around 20 Mbps, and the download speed is 340 Mbps.

During our tests, both utilized it fully and uploaded a 3 GB file in 20 minutes.

Cloud Storage Service	Time to upload a 3 GB file	Time to download a 3 GB file
pCloud	20 minutes	1.5 minutes
Dropbox	20 minutes	1.5 minutes
Internxt	23 minutes	2.3 minutes
NordLocker	25 minutes	3 minutes
Sync.com	53 minutes	4 minutes

They downloaded the file in around 1.5 minutes, which, again, means that our internet speeds weren’t throttled. Our tests showed that Internxt, Sync.com, and NordLocker were slightly slower but not by much, still displaying a satisfying level of performance.

Get the best speeds with pCloud

Refer to our table above for more information about the performance of all the top 5 picks.

Are Cloud Storage Services Safe?

Yes, they’re typically pretty safe. These services utilize powerful 256-bit encryption to secure data both in the cloud and during transit. Are they immune to breaches? Nothing is.

Dropbox experienced a significant breach in 2012, resulting in a 68 million password leak, which raised substantial concerns about the security of cloud storage. Bear in mind that such breaches happen extremely rarely, and Dropbox is the only provider on this list with such an incident.

pCloud, Internxt, NordLocker, and others have never been breached and are known as some of the safest online storage services. These providers offer zero-knowledge encryption, too, which means only the user can access and decrypt his/her files.

Additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), are also helpful in preventing unauthorized access due to the extra identity verification requirements. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) requires access to your phone to log in. Our long experience with these services has been positive in terms of security.

We still use them to store important business files, and guess what? So far, we’ve suffered no data breaches.

Online Backup vs Cloud Storage: What’s the Difference?

Before we wrap up, let’s promptly explain these two services. They’re admittedly pretty similar. Both allow you to upload files to a remote server and access them from any device. So, how do they differ? Online backup services are designed to prevent data loss and disasters.

Their goal is to back up the entire device, including your OS and system files, so that, if the device is lost, all your files can be retrieved. These services often use physical backup methods that involve shipping a drive to your address for file recovery.

Generally speaking, online or cloud backup companies are more suitable for file recovery and disaster mitigation. They offer a few more recovery options and generally protect your hard drives better. Cloud storage is designed for quick and easy access to files.

It’s better for uploading files, collaboration, and productivity. People often call it a “cloud space” because you can often perform all your operations there without downloading your files. It’s worth mentioning that the most popular cloud storage options have backups.

pCloud offers automatic backups, but lacks recovery options, unlike IDrive, which is considered the best online backup service. Cloud storage also provides the advantage of easier file sharing, syncing, and third-party integrations, as well as other features that enhance ease of use and access.

You’ll find that some services sit on two chairs and pose as both. IDrive is a good example. We don’t say online backup services are better than cloud storage or vice versa, though. You should get what suits your needs the best. They should not be compared directly.

Summary

With the list of the top 5 online storage providers in 2025 finalized, it’s time to wrap up. pCloud emerged as our absolutely favorite option and an all-arounder that prioritizes speed, security, privacy, ease of use, and large storage sizes.

Internxt isn’t a productivity champ, but it comes with imposing storage options, an amazing web-based app, and excellent security. We were also impressed by NordLocker’s end-to-end encryption, affordable storage, and local file encryption.

Sync.com and Dropbox are great for productivity and collaboration. Sync.com offers unlimited storage and zero-knowledge encryption. Dropbox excels in file management, business-related operations, and superb multimedia features.

We are aware that there are other excellent cloud storage services we haven’t mentioned today. Simultaneously, we’re confident these are the best ones in 2025 based on our tests. Now that our favorite providers are on the table, it’s time to choose one and enjoy.

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FAQ

We won’t leave any stone unturned, so let’s address your most pressing questions.

Which devices are compatible with cloud storage?

Every major mobile and desktop device with these operating systems: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and macOS. These systems are compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and laptops. In short, cloud storage works on all devices!

Can I suddenly lose files on online storage?

No, that’s very unlikely to happen. Using the most secure cloud storage, such as pCloud, Internxt, or NordLocker, means you’ll get additional data-protection features. File redundancy is one of them, but there’s bank-grade encryption and other security measures, as well.

With our favorite online storage services, it’s virtually impossible to lose your files.

Is online storage expensive?

Yes and no. It depends on your choice. In most instances, it’s affordable, especially as lifetime online storage. The longer the subscription plan, the lower the prices. On average, you’ll spend just a few quids a month, making the investment fairly minimal. This is even lower in Lifetime plans that will last you decades.