iCloud, launched in 2011, is an easy pick for Apple users for storing photos, videos, and other files. However, it is not the best cloud storage solution because it provides limited free storage of only 5 GB, lacks security due to Apple’s intrusive privacy policy, and has costly premium storage plans. Similarly, non-Apple users also need an iCloud alternative to store their data.
What is the best iCloud alternative to choose from?
Luckily, in this blog post, we have listed the 5 best alternatives to iCloud that users can use to store their photos, videos, and other documents more securely.
Let’s discuss them in detail!
Why Choose an Alternative to iCloud? Key Reasons
iCloud is a product only for Apple users and has other serious flaws, making it not the best cloud storage solution. With that said, here are the key reasons why you should look for an iCloud alternative:
Privacy and Security Concerns
Privacy and security are the main features users look for in a cloud storage solution to prevent their sensitive data from cyberattacks. Apple’s iCloud invades your privacy and scrolls through your files and documents, raising serious security concerns.
Apple’s new neuralMAtch tool allows the company to scan your photos and documents on iCloud in a bid to combat child pornography. Although restricting underage pornography is good, scanning your files can pose serious threats to your privacy. In addition, iCloud lacks security measures during file transfer, as it lacks 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your files.
Limited Device Support and Free Storage
iPhone and Apple users know Apple likes to draw you into its ecosystem. Therefore, it lacks support for other devices like Android and Linux.
Instead, you can use it on macOS, iOS, and Windows. Its web version is also available and can be used on browsers, but it is clunky and not very easy to use.
In addition, iCloud provides limited storage in its free plan. It offers only 5 GB of free storage space, which is insufficient for individuals and businesses with large storage needs.
Poor Performance
iCloud is not particularly fast, as its upload and download speeds are not up to par with its competitors. Thus, it is not ideal for transferring large files from one device to another.
Therefore, users looking to upload larger, high-resolution files should look for iCloud alternatives.
Costly Storage Plans
iCloud is surprisingly expensive. For example, its 2 TB storage plan costs $9.99/month, and the basic 200 GB storage plan costs $2.99/month. Similarly, the 50 GB plan costs $0.99/month.
Its alternative, TeraBox, is much cheaper as it offers 2 TB of storage for just $3.49/month and a free 1 TB storage space.
The 5 Best iCloud Alternatives in 2024 (TeraBox, pCloud, Icedrive, Google Drive, and OneDrive)
The followings are the 5 best alternatives of iCloud to look for in 2024.
1. TeraBox: The Best iCloud Alternative Overall
TeraBox is the best alternative to iCloud, offering 1 TB of storage space for free when you create an account. The platform outperforms iCloud with its top-notch security via end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and Personal Vault. Its quick upload and download speeds grab users’ attention, making file uploading and sharing much faster.
TeraBox has an easy-to-use interface, allowing users to perform all the tasks efficiently. The platform offers apps for all platforms, including Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux, and can be accessed easily via web interfaces. It automatically backs up your files to the cloud and syncs them for restoration in case of device failure, natural disaster, or human error. You can also use it to replace Google Drive in some situations.
Pros:
- 1024 GB of free storage space
- End-to-end encryption
- Two-factor authentication
- Personal Vault
- Automatic backups
- Fast uploads and downloads
- Multi-device support
- Affordable storage plan
- User-friendly interface
- Online decompression
- And Much More!
Cons:
- Free version may show adware.
Pricing:
- 2 TB storage $3.49/month
- Yearly Auto-renewal at $35.99/year
- Yearly 1 TB storage costs $19.99
- 3 TB of storage at $59.99/year
- 5 TB of storage at $99.99/year
pCloud
pCloud is a Swiss-based cloud storage company that offers 10 GB of storage space in its free version. The platform ensures fast upload and download speeds and supports all platforms, including Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. Similarly, its rock-solid encryption keeps your files safe from bad actors. In addition, its “Rewind” feature lets you recover all lost files in 12 days on the free plan and up to 30 days on premium plans.
Pros:
- 10 GB of free storage space
- It lets you play media online
- Lifetime subscription plans
Cons:
- Limited free storage
- Least document editing
- Encryption costs extra
Pricing:
- 500 GB costs $4.99/month
- 2 TB of storage at $9.99/month
Icedrive
Icedrive is an easy-to-use iCloud and Dropbox alternative offering 10 GB of free storage space to store, sync, and share your files and documents. However, its free plan lacks client-side encryption. You will have to unlock additional features like admin controls and zero-knowledge encryption.
Pros:
- 10 GB of free storage
- Easy-to-use interface
- Virtual drive for desktop
Cons:
- Lacks online file editing
- Limited free storage
- Encryption costs more
Pricing:
- 100 GB at $2.99/month
- 1 TB at $4.99/month
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cheap alternative to iCloud, offering ample 15 GB of storage space for free. It is best for personal use. The platform provides robust collaboration features, third-party app integrations, and support for all platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux. However, it lacks zero-knowledge encryption.
Users can choose TeraBox as their Google Drive alternative to secure critical data.
Pros:
- Generous free storage space
- Excellent collaboration tools
- Third-party integration
- Multi-device support
Cons:
- Scores low on end-to-end encryption
- No password-protection
- Lacks user privacy
Pricing:
- 100 GB at $1.67/month
- 200 GB at $2.50/month
OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is one of the best iCloud alternatives for businesses and Windows users. The platform offers 5 GB of free storage space and excellent collaboration features. It seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 Office and works best for Docs, Sheets, and other Office apps.
Pros:
- TLS/SSL data encryption
- Protected Backups
- Offline access
- Easy file synchronization
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365
Cons:
- The user interface can be better
- Limited storage in the free plan
- Limited file-sharing capabilities
Pricing:
- 1 TB storage costs $5/user/month
- Unlimited storage for $10/user/month
- Office 365 Business Premium at $20/user/month
Summary
iCloud is only for Apple users and offers limited storage space with zero-knowledge encryption. Therefore, users look for alternatives to iCloud to store photos, videos, and other documents. We have solved their hunt by listing the 5 best alternatives of iCloud in this blog post.
Among the listed cloud storage solutions, TeraBox is the best alternative to iCloud with its vast free storage, top-notch security, fast uploads and downloads, and multi-device support.
