Looking for the top secure cloud storage providers of 2025? With data breaches, ransomware attacks, and privacy scandals making the evening news, keeping your digital life safe is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Online file storage is now more possible than ever, thanks to faster internet connections. With 5G, even our mobile devices can now download and upload files rapidly, and home broadband speeds are skyrocketing. There are many options, but you should only think about a few. Our cloud storage experts can help you decide which service is best for you and your needs.
Cloud storage services are widely available for free. Since many provide upgraded paid plans, finding a cloud service plan that suits your needs is simple. Although storage options vary and some even provide infinite space, our focus here is on plans that are most appropriate for the typical user.
In this article, we ranked and reviewed the top encrypted cloud storage services of 2025, comparing features like zero-knowledge encryption, along with information on their pros and cons.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage services offer a type of computer data storage that allows you to access your files instantly from any location on almost any device with an internet connection. Files are stored on servers in a data center rather than on your device.
Best Cloud Storage Services in 2025: Comparison Table
An overview and analysis of some of the top choices on the market can be found here. Before making a decision, make sure to conduct your own research:
| Provider | Free Storage | Paid Plans | Best For | Supported OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google One | 15GB | – 100GB for $2/mo (Basic) – 2TB for $10/mo (Premium) – 2TB + AI for $20/mo (AI Premium, includes Gemini Advanced chatbot) | Personal use, Google integration | Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5GB | – 100GB for $2/mo (365 Basic) – 1TB for $7/mo (365 Personal) – 6TB for $10/mo (365 Family, up to 6 users) | Microsoft ecosystem, Office tools | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web |
| Apple iCloud+ | 5GB | – 50GB for $1/mo – 200GB for $3/mo – 2TB for $12/mo – 6TB for $35/mo – 12TB for $70/mo | Apple device users, photo syncing | macOS, iOS, Windows, Apple TV, Web |
| Dropbox | 2GB | – 2TB for $12/mo (Plus) – 3TB for $20/mo (Essentials) | File sharing, team collaboration | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web |
| pCloud | 10GB (2GB + 8GB bonus) | – 500GB for $4.99/mo or $49.99/year – 2TB for $9.99/mo or $99.99/year | Long-term value, privacy, media use | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, WebDAV |
5 Top Secure Cloud Storage Providers Right Now (2025)
1. Google Drive
Pros
- Personal plans that are reasonably priced, adaptable, and have features that are sensible for the typical user
- An app specifically designed for neat management
- Simple to use with Google accounts already in place
Cons
- VPN is no longer included
How much open space do you have? Google Drive includes 15 GB of free storage for all users.
What you will pay for: if you want to upgrade from your personal plan, which starts out as a free, basic account.
On Google One, there are four membership tiers: AI Premium, Basic, Premium, and Free. 100GB is included in the $2/month Basic plan. You can easily manage your account, switch between plans, free up storage, and take advantage of exclusive member benefits with the Google One app. The AI Premium tier, which costs $20 per month, supports Gemini Advanced chatbots and offers 2TB of storage. You can even use Gemini to easily edit drafts or make graphics for Slides presentations by integrating it with Google apps like Gmail and Docs.
You can find business plans ranging from $7 to $22 per user per month on Google’s Workspace website. There is no price listed for the Enterprise plan, which allows 1,000 video conference participants and provides 5TB of total storage (it states “Contact sales for pricing”). Each business subscription offers a 14-day free trial so you can test the features before committing.
Supported OS: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and web browsers all support Google One and Google Drive business accounts.
Bottom line: Google One is a user-friendly app that makes cloud storage simple and explains how to make the most of your plan if you want to increase your personal storage.
2. Microsoft OneDrive
Pros
- Many storage options are available for a fair price with Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family.
Cons
- To get a lot of storage without sacrificing other features, there isn’t a compromise.
How much storage space is free with the Free account? 5GB of storage is free with Microsoft OneDrive.
What you will pay for: Microsoft provides a large selection of plans. Users of Microsoft Office can choose from Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, Family, and Free plans to suit their needs. Although Personal and Family are the most affordable options, they are packed with extra features if storage is all you need. Microsoft 365’s entry-level Basic tier, which costs $20 per year (or $2 per month), provides 100GB of storage. The free 5GB plan might be a better choice if the 1TB and 6TB plans are too much, but the 5GB plan is a bit small.
Supported OS: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and browsers can all use Microsoft OneDrive.
Bottom line: Microsoft’s plans provide the typical user with affordable, significant packages.
3. Apple iCloud
Pros
- Paying tiers are reasonably priced.
- An emphasis on privacy.
- Integration with HomeKit
Cons
- Account creation is limited to iOS.
- Not every Plus member makes use of HomeKit.
How much open space do you have, Apfel? Every owner of an Apple device is eligible for 5GB of free storage through iCloud.
What you will pay for: If you find that 5GB is insufficient, you can move up to iCloud Plus and receive 50GB for $1, 200GB for $3, 2TB for $11, 6TB for $33, or 12TB for $65 per month. Private Relay, HomeKit Secure Video, Hide My Email, and Sharing with Family for up to five family members are all included in the paid plans.
Supported OS: iCloud storage from Apple is accessible on macOS, iOS, TVOS, Windows, and web browsers.
Bottom line: Since Apple iCloud is already built into the device, it’s a simple cloud storage option for Apple users to check out. It’s simple to upgrade from the entry-level plan, and fortunately, Apple doesn’t hide helpful features behind the most expensive one.
4. Dropbox
Pros
- A clear and user-friendly website
- Integrations of apps with Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, Asana, and other platforms
Cons
- Among all the cloud storage providers we examined, it offers the least amount of free storage.
- Expensive plans
- The differences between personal plans and the Family Plan are not significant enough to justify separate, differently priced plans.
How much open space do you have? Dropbox provides 2GB of free storage.
What you will pay for: The monthly fees for Dropbox’s 2TB Plus plan are $12 ($10 billed annually) and $17 ($17 billed annually) for its 3TB Essential plan.
Dropbox offers two options for small, midsize, and large businesses: Company, which costs $18 per user per month (or $15 per user per one month billed annually), and Business Plus, which expenses $30 per user per one month ($24 per user per month billed annually).
Supported OS: Dropbox is compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, Mac OS, and Windows.
Bottom line: Although Dropbox’s plans are packed with features, there isn’t much room for user customization in the middle. Customers may be given a bridge between 2GB and 2TB if an additional personal plan is added before its Plus tier.
5. pCloud
Pros
- Plans for lifetime storage (a unique and affordable choice for frequent users)
- pCloud Crypto client-side encryption for the highest level of privacy
Cons
- pCloud Crypto (zero-knowledge encryption) costs extra
- No native document editing like Google Drive or OneDrive
How much open space do you have? pCloud offers 10GB of free storage, with 2GB available immediately and the rest unlocked through simple tasks like verifying your email and inviting friends.
What you will pay for: pCloud’s standout feature is its lifetime plan, which sets it apart from subscription-only services:
- Premium 500GB – $199 one-time payment
- Premium Plus 2TB – $399 one-time payment
If you prefer subscriptions:
- 500GB Plan: $49.99/year or $4.99/month
- 2TB Plan: $99.99/year or $9.99/month
Supported OS: pCloud works with web browsers, iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Bottom line: pCloud is a privacy-forward, highly flexible storage solution ideal for users who want secure file storage and long-term value. Its Swiss jurisdiction and optional zero-knowledge encryption make it a strong contender for privacy-conscious individuals and creative professionals alike.
Free vs. Paid Cloud Storage
Free cloud storage is a feature of many services’ entry-level accounts. Typically, they have restrictions, like a strict limit on the size of the files you can upload or storage space.
We recommend that you use the cloud service for a few weeks and sign up for the free tier of service before deciding to upgrade.
For practical testing, you can then completely incorporate the cloud service into your daily routine. You get a sense of how it functions and identify potential issues with your configuration.
What might go wrong? Many cloud storage disasters are the result of human error, but lost internet connections are another frequent cause of problems. In addition, all internet services experience outages from time to time.
If you read our review comments or ask around, you will find sad stories of cloud storage gone wrong. The fact that paying for an account typically entitles you to extra support from the provider means that if something goes wrong, a representative of the business can assist you in fixing the problem.
There are numerous additional benefits to paying for cloud storage, such as having access to much more space (a terabyte no longer costs that much) and the ability to upload and share large files.
For graphic designers, video editors, and other visual artists who frequently handle massive files, that final advantage is pertinent.
Additional benefits of paying for your cloud storage frequently include improved security, more collaboration and teamwork tools, and expanded access to file-version history (which allows you to return a crucial business proposal to the version you had before your colleague made a number of incorrect changes).
What Are the Benefits of Cloud Storage?
The best cloud storage services make it easy to view and edit files stored online by integrating well with other apps and online tools.
It’s crucial to choose a service that seamlessly integrates with your current tools because you want the other software you use to be able to access or retrieve your content. Dropbox and Box are especially effective in this area.
You might not be aware of the full extent of cloud-based storage services’ capabilities. Many of them are experts in a particular field.
Dropbox, for instance, emphasizes the importance of keeping a synchronized folder that is accessible from anywhere and sharing folders with coworkers outside of your organization. Proton Drive is all about safe cloud storage.
A storage service that specializes in hosting photos might be something you want to use if you have a lot of photos stored. Adobe Lightroom and Google Photos with a Google One account are two excellent choices.
Certain cloud storage providers, such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, provide standard features like media playback, device syncing, backup, and folder and file syncing. As collaboration tools, these products also enable multiple users to edit the same file in real time.
Cloud storage and backup services, especially those that generate online backups, are different but sometimes overlap. While some, like IDrive, combine protection of data with syncing and sharing features, others, like Acronis Cyber Protect, focus on personal data protection and recovery.
Because of the purpose for which they were designed, the majority of cloud services provide backup. In essence, because cloud services store copies of their files, any files uploaded to them are also protected against disk failures.
Dedicated backup services, however, can occasionally produce a full disk image of your computer, allowing you to restore everything, including programs and system settings, in addition to your files. In contrast, sync focuses on managing and backing up specific files.
What Does the ‘Cloud’ Mean in Cloud Storage?
The tech industry has a half-joke: “Clouds don’t exist. Just a computer belonging to someone else. Simply put, “cloud” in cloud-based storage refers to storing files anywhere other than the hard drive of your computer. Typically, the service provider’s servers are used.
Cloud allows you to access your files from anywhere while offering a secure way to store your data online. Typically, your data is encrypted both before it travels over the internet to the provider’s servers and during its storage on those servers.
When you make a small change, well-designed services don’t upload a fresh copy of your files. To save bandwidth on your connection, the file syncing service searches for changes to your files and only uploads those changes.
Your computer’s installed utility or application software will allow you to access your cloud files. It usually displays a small notification icon after installation and creates a synced folder structure that works with the macOS Finder or Windows Explorer.
You can use your web browser to access the files as well. Of course, it requires an internet connection to function, but it’s acceptable to be momentarily disconnected. Waiting until you do have a connection again, the service handles the situation then.
How We Ranked These Best Cloud Storage Providers
Choosing the best cloud storage service in 2025 is not just about comparing the amount of free storage you get. It concerns things like dependability, usability, long-term worth, and safe storage of your most crucial documents.
Accordingly, our reviews were based on a complete set of criteria that reflect both technological effectiveness and everyday usability:
- Encryption Standards: We considered a provider’s application of industry-standard encryption methods, such as AES 256-bit at rest and TLS in transit, to protect your documents. Particular focus was placed on those that provide zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even the provider can’t read your data. Cloud, in our opinion, lets you reach your stuff, but only you should be in charge of who sees it.
- Privacy Policies: Privacy is crucial in today’s digital world. We checked each provider’s jurisdiction (hello, GDPR compliance and Swiss privacy legislation) and whether they log or transfer user data. Providers located in privacy-aware jurisdictions and being transparent about what data they’re gathering—and why—ranked better.
- Pricing & Value: From lifetime subscriptions to monthly, we compared the cost per GB for each service alongside what’s in the package. Plans that provided long-term value without hidden fees or required bundling earned us extra points. Bonus: Providers with very generous free tiers or multi-user plans were also rewarded.
- Ease of Use: Whether you’re a technologically savvy user or just someone who wants to save vacation photos, the user interface matters. We tested applications and websites across a range of devices, paying attention to user-friendly design, easy navigation, and features like drag-and-drop uploading or in-application previews. However, check out our guide if you want to unblock websites from anywhere.
- Scalability and Adaptability: As the needs of an individual grow—whether for individual documents, group projects, or large organizational backups—a cloud solution that scales with them is necessary. We evaluated different services on the simplicity with which users can upgrade their plans, add more users, or enable integration with third-party apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe, or file synchronization software.
Conclusion
If security, privacy, and ease of use are most important to you in 2025, pCloud is a great option because of its zero-knowledge encryption and lifetime subscriptions.
Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive are also great options for regular users because they play nicely with productivity software. Apple iCloud is great for Apple users, and Dropbox is still great for collaborating and backing up other applications.
Whether you’re saving important files or sharing media on the go, the best cloud storage will depend on how you work, your privacy needs, and longevity value. Choose wisely, and stay encrypted.
FAQs about Top Secure Cloud Storage Providers
How can I free up storage on my cloud?
Depending on the service you use, there may be differences in how to clear your cloud storage. For instance, the Google One app has a button labeled “Free Up Account Storage.”
Why should you use cloud storage?
You can access your files, documents, and photos at any time with cloud storage, which removes the need to email or remember a thumb drive. Since those files are kept on a different server, you won’t have to worry about losing your content if your phone or computer crashes. Because services like Google One, iCloud, and OneDrive are integrated into products that many people use on a daily basis, cloud backup can be a practical choice. You can also keep your device’s local storage free by using cloud storage.
Is cloud storage secure?
According to Norton, users can feel a safe and private atmosphere using cloud storage because on-site servers are typically found in warehouses that are inaccessible to most employees. The servers’ files are also encrypted, which provides an additional degree of protection. While there are risks associated with all forms of digital storage, cloud storage services also provide more immediate security features like security checks and two-factor authentication. Features related to security and privacy may differ among services.
How much storage do I need on the cloud?
What you’re storing will determine how much storage you’ll need. Compared to a professional photographer, a student will probably require a smaller storage plan. Most plans allow you to easily upgrade or downgrade if your needs change.
