The 5 best iCloud alternatives
It’s easy to find an alternative to iCloud. While Apple’s cloud service offers plenty of advantages, such as large storage, reliable encryption and flexible access to important data, data sharing and privacy concerns remain. Read on to find out what to look out for when choosing a powerful iCloud backup alternative.
Alternative to iCloud — Services for secure backups
If you handle lots of data for business or pleasure, regularly send large files and access your stored files via cloud computing, you’ve probably already had the following questions at some point:
The secure use of cloud services isn’t just about having enough storage space, but also about reliable encryption for data transmission and storage in audited data centers that adhere to clear data protection guidelines. Here are five providers offering attractive and secure services.
| 2-factor authentication | Encryption in transit | Encryption at rest | Location | Special features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft OneDrive | ✔ | SSL/TLS | AES-256 bit | USA/EU | Works with other Microsoft applications |
| IONOS HiDrive | ✔ | SSL/TLS | AES-128 bit | EU | High security standards |
| Google Drive | ✔ | SSL/TLS | AES-256 bit | Global | Works with other Google services |
| pCloud | ✔ | SSL/TLS | AES-256 bit | EU | Lifetime offer for lifetime cloud storage |
| Your Secure Cloud | ✔ | SSL/TLS | AES-256 bit | Germany | Places great emphasis on encryption |
Current as of: June 2022
Microsoft OneDrive
As an alternative to iCloud, cloud storage from Microsoft OneDrive is a promising solution, particularly for businesses. Data stored on Microsoft servers is securely encrypted at rest and backed up in protected data centers. Data transfer and storage are TLS and SSL-encrypted. With OneDrive, you can access your data offline anywhere and from any device, and collaborate efficiently in a team thanks to synchronization between cloud, devices and Office 365 integration.
Main differences to iCloud: OneDrive provides a convenient balance between Microsoft products like Office suites and services for iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can easily get OneDrive from the Apple Store and use it to back up your data or store data and collaborate flexibly. The free plan comes with 5 GB of storage which is the same as the iCloud. However, OneDrive is slightly more expensive starting at $5 per month while iCloud costs $0.99 per month for 100 GB.
HiDrive Cloud Storage from IONOS
As a provider of domains and hosting, IONOS also offers HiDrive, a cloud storage to store data securely. HiDrive impresses in terms of data protection and data processing. Its highly secure servers are located in the EU and are ISO-certified. Another advantage is that the EU data centers comply with the data protection regulations of the GDPR. You can also take advantage of automatic cloud backups, decentralized teamworking, and automated synchronization that keeps data up to date across all devices and in the cloud and enables device and location-independent access.
Main differences to iCloud: While IONOS HiDrive Cloud Storage isn’t free, on-demand subscriptions are inexpensive at just $1 for 100 GB per month. By comparison, iCloud charges $0.99 per month for only 50 GB. You get 250 GB for $3 a month and a business subscription provides a full 1,000 GB.
Want the best possible data protection, automatic backups, defense against ransomware and regular malware scans? MyDefender from IONOS has it all for just $1 per month.
Google Drive
Alongside OneDrive, Google Drive is one of the most successful cloud providers and an ideal iCloud backup alternative. Private users considering the move to Dropbox or Google Drive tend to fall back on Drive. After all, Google services like Gmail and Contacts are integrated and pre-installed on Android.
To get started with Google Drive all you need is a Google account. This is connected to the Drive cloud, which lets you create backups for data and secure email traffic in a single click. In addition, Google services like Docs, Spreadsheets, and Forms, as well as many third-party apps, are easy to integrate. Data can be shared, synchronized, and downloaded or uploaded from any device.
Main differences to iCloud: Google Drive provides powerful cloud storage with a free 15 GB that can be expanded at an additional cost. A subscription of 100 GB sets you back $1.99 a month while 200 GB are available for $2.99 per month. There’s even a 300 TB option. Data is stored on high-security servers located in the US and data transfer is AES-128 encrypted.
pCloud
pCloud is a cloud storage service from Switzerland that features TLS/SSL and AES-256 encryption and a user-friendly interface. It adheres to Swiss data protection laws. pCloud’s EU servers offer ISO 27001 (IT security) certification and ISO 9001 quality management certification, while client-side encryption is only available in the paid pCloud Crypto. pCloud is popular for storing media content. A pCloud web player, music lists and cloud streaming are included. To outsource gigabytes of media data, pCloud is an attractive deal for backups. Thanks to synchronization and business rates, the cloud service is suitable for business use.
Main differences to iCloud: pCloud offers a free plan with up to 10 GB of storage. The 2 TB plan is available for around $99 per year. A unique selling point of pCloud is its lifetime storage offer. This means you get lifetime cloud storage at a one-off fee. Right now, pCloud offers 500 GB for a one-time payment of about $170 and 2 TB for a one-off of $350.
Your Secure Cloud
German cloud storage provider Your Secure Cloud boasts AES-256 encryption for data at rest and secure SSL encryption for uploads and downloads. Servers are located in secure, ISO-certified data centers in Germany. End-to-end encryption of data means that data is secured from access of providers. Your Secure Cloud is suitable for private users looking to outsource large amounts of data and those interested in regularly backing up their iPhone, iPad or Mac. Small and medium-sized businesses valuing web office, rights and role distribution, and teamwork will also appreciate Your Secure Cloud.
Main differences to iCloud: Unfortunately, Your Secure Cloud doesn’t offer any free cloud storage. Rates for private users start at around $2.99 per month for 10 GB. Up to 1,000 GB are available for around $55 per month. The business plan provides 50 GB per user in teams of two or more people at just $4.50 a month. More storage is available on request in the Enterprise plan.
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