Alternatives to Google Drive for saving files in the cloud

If it comes to storing and sharing files in the cloud, Google Drive It has established itself as the benchmark, both for its ease of use and its integration with the rest of the Google suite. However, More and more users are looking for alternatives to Google Drive. for privacy reasons, specific security requirements, the need for greater flexibility, or more affordable prices.

Is it worth exploring other options? The reality is yes. There are more secure alternatives with a greater focus on privacy, open-source solutions, and even European services that strictly comply with GDPR regulations. We analyze them below.

Why look for alternatives to Google Drive?

Although Google Drive remains one of the most popular storage and collaboration platforms on the planet, but there are increasingly several reasons to consider other options:

• Privacy and protection of your data: Google uses the information stored on its services to fine-tune advertising personalization and may access some data for internal purposes. This is not appropriate for users or companies that are particularly sensitive to the processing of information.
• Regulations and legal compliance: For European businesses, data localization and strict compliance with GDPR or other industry regulations (such as HIPAA) can be critical.
• Costs and scalability: Although Google Drive's free plan is generous (15 GB), it's shared with Gmail and Google Photos. There are alternatives that offer more free storage, better long-term pricing, or even one-time lifetime payment models.
• Collaboration and compatibility capabilities: Depending on your workflow, you may want better integration with Microsoft Office, Apple iCloud, business tools, or third-party services, as well as advanced features tailored for large teams or enterprises.
• advanced security: Some users demand end-to-end encryption, granular permission control, two-factor authentication, or zero-knowledge architecture, where not even the provider has the key to your files.

These reasons have driven fierce competition between cloud storage platforms.

 

Main general alternatives to Google Drive

Let's see in detail the main alternatives to Google Drive which is worth evaluating, its advantages, disadvantages and most particular characteristics.

Dropbox: Pioneer and benchmark in synchronization

If we talk about alternatives to Google Drive, You can not miss Dropbox, one of the services that popularized cloud storage and undoubtedly the oldest in the sector. Dropbox stands out for its intelligent synchronization system, which allows you to keep files always accessible and up-to-date between all devices, in addition to a powerful version history and the ability to restore accidentally deleted files.

In the collaborative section, Dropbox offers its tool dropbox Paper for real-time document editing and also stands out for its ease of file sharing (even with people without an account). Its permissions system, two-factor authentication, and remote device wiping provide security and control, especially in business environments.

As points to keep in mind:

• Free space: 2 GB on the basic plan, expandable through referrals up to 19 GB.
• Payment plans: from 2 TB onwards, for both individuals and businesses.
• Integrations: Compatible with Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom, electronic signatures (HelloSign), etc.
• Safety: encryption in transit and at rest, but without zero-knowledge architecture.

Microsoft OneDrive: Full integration with Office and Windows

Those who use Windows or the Office suite intensively will find in Microsoft OneDrive the ideal option for its native integration with both ecosystems. It offers editing and collaboration on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly in the cloud, real-time synchronization between devices, and the ability to store files in the Personal Vault for extra security (requires two-factor authentication, e.g., fingerprint or PIN).

OneDrive offers 5 GB free on its basic plan, with much larger storage options available in the paid individual and family versions. For businesses, integration with Microsoft 365 allows for advanced permissions, roles, and auditing management, making it highly stable for corporate environments.

• Free space: 5 GB.
• Expanded plans: from 100 GB, 1 TB and up to 6 TB (family) or even unlimited for businesses.
• Advantages: Deep integration with Office, Windows, and Microsoft Teams.
• Safety: file encryption, ransomware protection, version history, Personal Vault.

Apple iCloud Drive: Full synchronization with Apple devices

For those immersed in the Apple universe, iCloud Drive It's the perfect companion for syncing photos, documents, videos, and backups between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It facilitates collaboration and real-time access, especially with apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

Free storage is 5GB, but the Apple ecosystem shines for its ease of use, automatic backups and a strong privacy policy with end-to-end encryption. Family management allows storage and subscriptions to be shared among multiple members, which is great for connected homes.

• Free space: 5 GB shared between services.
• Payment plans: up to 12 TB, with family options.
• Advantages: full integration with Apple devices and automatic backups.
• Privacy: strong encryption, Apple's special attention to protecting personal data.

 

Privacy and security-focused alternatives

There are other alternatives to Google Drive that have specialized in technologies end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, or even open source and self-hosted solutions. Here are the highlights.

Sync.com: Privacy without compromise

sync.com has established itself as one of the favorite services for those seeking maximum privacy, as it offers end-to-end encryption both in transit and at rest, and a zero-knowledge architecture (the provider can never see the contents of your files). Its use is especially suitable for professionals, businesses, and users who handle sensitive data or who need to comply with standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PIPEDA.

 

It has personal and business plans, its model being "Teams" Very interesting for workgroups, with advanced sharing controls, file and version restoration, and auditing.

• Free space: 5 GB expandable through recommendations.
• Payment plans: Starting at 2TB, with business options.
• Key benefits: Strong encryption, regulatory compliance, no third-party integrations (to prevent backdoors), file and version restoration for up to 365 days.
• Limitations: less oriented to online collaborative editing, basic interface.

MEGA: Generous free storage and strong encryption

One of the names that comes up most when looking for privacy and cloud storage is MEGAThis service offers the more free startup space (20 GB) and stands out for its end-to-end encryption, integrated secure chat and granular control over file sharing (protected links, expiration, two-factor authentication).

MEGA It doesn't have access to your file keys (zero knowledge), giving peace of mind to those who prioritize confidentiality. It also allows you to manage multimedia files, sync with devices, and restore previous versions.

• Free space: 20 GB start, expandable through achievements (promotional actions).
• Payment plans: from 2 TB to 16 TB, individual or business.
• Advantages: Generous storage, security, secure communication tools, web access and mobile apps.
• Limitations: Free transfer speed with quota limits, few collaborative editing tools.

Internxt: European cloud storage and open source

 

If you are looking for a European solution, with servers in the EU, open source and maximum transparency, Internt is one of the most recommended options. This Spanish company is committed to the end-to-end encryption, GDPR compliance, and the ability to review code on GitHub, making it especially attractive for individuals and businesses who want to know exactly how their data is being managed.

Internxt offers products such as Drive (storage), Send (secure file transfer), VPN, and antivirus, all with a shared focus on security and respect for privacy. It supports two-factor authentication and offers support in Spanish.

• Free space: 1 GB.
• Payment plans: from 1 TB to 5 TB, with discounts for annual or lifetime payment.
• Extra: Special offers for students, audited open source, free online security tools.

Open Source and Self-Hosted Options: Nextcloud and OwnCloud

For users or companies that need total control over the infrastructure, there are alternatives such as Nextcloud y OwncloudBoth are open-source solutions that you can install on your own server (local or in the cloud) and that offer storage, synchronization, collaboration, and extensibility through plugins.

Some advantages of these platforms:

• extreme encryption: you can enable end-to-end encryption.
• Absolute customization: you control the location, security measures and settings.
• Integrated collaboration: Integration with OnlyOffice, Collabora Online, messaging and video calling (Nextcloud Talk).
• App ecosystem: large number of extensions to expand functionality according to needs.
• Normative compliance: You can adjust it to internal requirements or local legislation (ideal for companies and the public sector).

The main limitation is that they require some technical knowledge for deployment and maintenance, but in return, they offer freedom, security, and scalability.

Feature Comparison: Which One Is Right for Me?

The number of alternatives is so vast that the best option will often depend on your personal preferences, the type of files you handle, your focus on security, the technological ecosystem you use, and, of course, your budget.

 

We summarize the most important points to consider before choosing:

• Compatibility: Do you need integration with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android? Do you heavily use Office, Google Workspace, or the Apple ecosystem?
• Privacy: Do you prefer extreme encryption so that even the provider can't see your files? Do you need to comply with GDPR or specific industry regulations?
• Functionality: Are you interested in advanced collaboration, document editing, media management, or pure backup?
• Space and price: How much storage do you really need? Do you prefer a one-time, lifetime payment, monthly payments, or do you prioritize free storage?
• Support and service: Do you value support in your language or priority technical support?

Practical tips for migrating from Google Drive

If you've been using Google Drive for a long time, switching may seem a bit daunting, but it's easier than it seems. Some services allow automatic migration or integration to sync old content, while others facilitate bulk uploads through intuitive desktop apps or web clients.

When migrating/backing up, don't forget to check:

• Shared public links (you'll need to redo them if you change platforms).
• Folder structure and collaboration permissions.
• Collaborative documents (some Google Docs features do not carry over as is).

It is best Try the free plan with several alternatives for a while first to decide which one truly suits your needs. This way, you minimize risks and can compare features, synchronization speed, and ease of use in real time.

As we close this review, it's clear that there's never been so much variety and specialization. Whether it's privacy, price, integration, or functionality, There is no longer an excuse to continue using Google Drive "just because." Choose the option that truly suits you and take advantage of the cloud with maximum freedom and security.