Photography cannot be explained in simple terms, because it is different from a regular snapshot. However, photography can simply mean capturing light with a camera in order to create an image. Photographs or photos on the other hand does not necessarily mean that it follows the process of photography, it can be a simple photo, a click, a snapshot to capture moments. These photographs play a vital role in people’s lives; they can be a tangible and intangible link to our memory lane. There are professionals like photographers who do photography for a living, that is what differs their capture as it involves talent, thoughtfulness, and art. People also choose photography as a passion. One does not have to be a professional photographer or have the hobby of photography to grow the urge to store unlimited photos in an organized manner. Hence, the advancement of technology has brought everything to our fingertips. It introduced ways to store such photos which can be accessed very easily regardless of our location.
Many people nowadays prefer storing photos on a digital platform because it simply makes their life easier. Oftentimes our phone’s space capacity gets full and we look for ways to save those beautiful memories. That is when cloud storage comes in handy. In 2021 majority of the world’s population use smartphones, and using services like iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and such helps them to have more space on their phone. These services allow you to transfer these photos and videos to their platform and you can delete it from your device and create space for other apps. There are also photographers, and these cloud storages act as a right hand for them. There are several benefits of cloud storages for photos, three of them are discussed in a nutshell:
- Easy to organize: Users can compartmentalize them in albums and specific names.
- Back up for a lifetime: Once you store them in storage, they can be there for a lifetime.
- Easily accessible: Stored content can be easily accessed from anywhere, and some of the storage also allows you to access the stored photos offline.
Cloud storage is an offsite space for users to access stored data on remote storage which can be accessed through the internet. Through the web, online users can remotely store, upload, and retrieve their content whenever they want to, using their respective cloud storage. Back in the days, it was time-consuming to burn images into CDs and DVDs, however, cloud storage made peoples’ life easier, fortunately. There is an interesting fact behind the name, “Cloud Storage”. In the past, cloud drawings were used to illustrate telephone networks. Hence, they chose the cloud symbol as a metaphor for the internet, as it acts as a bridge between the storage and the users. Cloud storage allows people to store photos, videos, files, and other content and provides them with a backup for life.
People often have questions like, “How do we pick the best cloud storage?”, “What are the criteria we are looking at while choosing a cloud storage” and such doubts. The best way to answer this topic is that it completely depends on the individual and their needs. There is no such way of choosing the “best cloud storage”, instead one should choose the “right type of cloud storage” from the best ones. Factors that are considered while choosing perfect cloud storage are discussed in a nutshell below.
- Storage Options: If a user wants only basic options or only ones to store a small amount of data, they can opt for free offerings amongst the top cloud storage that we will discuss in this article. On the other hand, if someone requires advanced capabilities with greater space, they must choose from the paid storage options.
- Features and Cost: Another important dimension to look at is the feature and cost of cloud storage. Functionality like being able to download a whole folder VS requiring to select every picture separately from the folder to download. Some popular cloud storage allows such options while some do not.
- Security: Security has been a great concern with the emerging number of hackers, some cloud storages claim to be encrypted yet there are examples of pro-hackers being able to hack into the system very easily. The higher the security, the better for the user if they are storing confidential information.
- Personal usage: Last but not the least, the type of cloud storage depends on the type of usage of the storage as well. If someone wants it for corporate job usage, then they should focus on business-centric options. The more expensive the service is, the more advanced the tools are for managing different cloud offerings.
Anybody can use cloud storage, but it is used by big businesses, photographers for storing photos, regular people for capturing their day-to-day memories and such. People do not only use cloud storages to store photos. Nowadays, various sites like Flickr offer different benefits such as allowing the user to display their content publicly while leaving room for others’ feedback. Cloud storage can be paid as well as unpaid. It depends on the service provider, how much space they provide for free. Some cloud storage providers do not offer free spaces at all, hence it fully depends on the provider. Payments are often based on the storage space or the duration of subscription.
A detailed list of the top 17 cloud storages will be discussed in this article. The list will be in order, ranking the top 7 cloud storages, followed by 10 great emerging ones. This list will certainly help everyone decide on the right cloud storage for them based on the roses and thorns of each storage.
1. Mega
What is it and Why to buy it?
This cloud storage, MEGA is offered by Mega Ltd. a company in Auckland, New Zealand. This file hosting service is mainly offered through web-based apps, but they also offer mobile-based apps for both iOS and Android. This storage is very popular due to its 50 GB free storage offer to its users.
Mega’s Data Allocation: Mega provides 50GB of cloud storage for free with end-to-end encryption. By completing a few tasks a few GBs can be obtained for free.
Mega’s Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers both, desktop and cell phone apps. | Limitations on the bandwidth. |
| Allows sharing of public folders. | The link-sharing option is not advanced. |
| Abundant storage. | It takes a long time to download files. |
| Organized and trendy look. | Does not offer sharing within a group of users. |
| Provides a secure end-to-end encryption | Other than Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, other browsers often can not support Mega smoothly. |
| Upon completion of a few tasks, you can access more free space. |
Desktop Link: https://mega.nz/sync
Mobile phone Link: https://mega.nz/mobile
2. Dropbox
What is it and Why to buy it?
Dropbox is a file hosting service that was founded in 2007 by MIT students. It is operated by the American company Dropbox, Inc, which is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Dropbox offers cloud storage, personal cloud, synchronization of files, and client software.
Dropbox’s Data allocation: Dropbox gives its users 2GB of free space initially. However, users can gain up to 18GB of free storage by fulfilling simple requirements.
Dropbox’s Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| There is an option to undelete files. | Shared folders have a bandwidth limitation. |
| Folder sharing and intuitive file. | There is a small storage space comparatively. |
| Offers both, desktop and cell phone apps. | |
| You can earn a lot of free space. |
Desktop Link: https://www.dropbox.com/desktop
Mobile phone Link: https://www.dropbox.com/mobile?trigger=on
3. Google drive:
What is it and Why to buy it?
As the same suggests, google drive was developed by Google and launched in April, 2012. Google Drive lets users share files, syn files across various devices and store files on their servers.
Google Drive Data Allocation: Google drive gives 15GB free cloud storage to its users, and users pay for the rest.
Google Drive Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Very user-friendly. | Storage is automatically shared with the rest of the Google services. |
| Allows efficient collaboration. | Bare desktop sync client. |
| Provides a lot of free storage. | |
| Offers both, desktop and cell phone apps. |
Desktop Link: https://www.google.com/intl/en_ca/drive/download/
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.docs&hl=en&gl=US
4. One Drive:
What is it and Why to buy it?
It was previously known as SkyDrive, which was developed by Microsoft. They instantly give you space of 5 GB when you sign up with them. One Drive lets you easily transfer files or folders of any type through a desktop program installation. These files are also accessible through a mobile device. Photos and videos can be uploaded through the mobile app as well.
One Drive Data Allocation: 5GB free cloud storage, and you must pay for additional storage.
One Drive Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| You have a control over how the files are being shared | Compared to similar devices the storage is lesser |
| Works with Microsoft office online | |
| It allows sharing of files and folders with non-registered users. | |
| Offers both, desktop and cell phone apps |
Desktop Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/microsoft-365/onedrive/download
Mobile phone Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/microsoft-365/onedrive/mobile
5. pCloud:
What is it and Why to buy it?
pCloud lets users add files from a remote single URL, as well as whole folder uploads and single file through browsers. These files and folders can be shared by non- users. You can use the mobile app to directly upload videos and photos in your account. This cloud service lets anybody send files to your account by allowing you to upload links which are generated for the sent folders.
pCloud Data Allocation: 10GB free cloud storage by signing up. Upto 20GB free cloud storage through different actions.
pCloud Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows to back up social media photos as well. | |
| More free storage compared to most of the other services. | Weak file sharing security |
| Can earn up to 20 GB through bonus steps and referrals. | |
| No limits on the size of the file. | |
| Offers both, desktop and cell phone apps. |
Desktop Link: https://www.pcloud.com/download-free-online-cloud-file-storage.html
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pcloud.pcloud&hl=en&gl=US
6. Degoo:
What is it and Why to buy it?
This cloud storage is consumer-focused storage and mainly works with videos and photos. This app uses some Artificial intelligence to highlight the best photos in your drive. You can automatically upload files here, including audio files and documents. However, this cloud storage is not a business backup solution.
Degoo Data Allocation: They offer 100GB free cloud storage by signing up, have subscriptions like $99.99 for 10 TB for 2 years.
Degoo Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Various ways to earn storage | It is hard to navigate on the website |
| Moderate space | Time-consuming due to display of ads |
| Files must be uploaded manually, and automation requires payment. |
Desktop Link: https://degoo.com/download
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.degoo.android&hl=en&gl=US
7. Mediafire:
What is it and Why to buy it?
This is a file synchronization,file hosting and cloud storage service found in June 2006 by Tom Langridge and Derek Labian. This service is based in Texas, United States. They increased their professional storage plan to 1TB from 100GB as well as reduced its monthly price to monthly US$2.50.
Mediafire Data Allocation:10 GB free cloud storage by signing up. Upto 50 Gb free cloud storage through different actions, rest is paid.
Mediafire Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Can easily upload large files. | The account usually expires after inactivity. |
| No bandwidth limitation. |
Desktop Link: https://mediafire-desktop.en.uptodown.com/windows/download
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediafire.android&hl=en&gl=US
8. Box:
What is it and Why to buy it?
This cloud storage is introduced by an American internet company in California. It is a very user friendly service which works on both mobile and computers. The desktop has a sync client system which makes uploading files to Box effortless.
Box Data Allocation:10 GB free cloud storage by signing up, and anything after is paid.
Box Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Spreadsheet and Notes integration | Comparatively some simple features are costly |
| Robust search tool | Shared files do not offer the option for passwords |
| Lets you download bulk files | Limits upload file size |
Desktop Link: https://www.box.com/resources/downloads
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.box.android&hl=en_US&gl=US
9. Icloud:
What is it and why to buy it?
This is a cloud storage and computing service from Apple which enables users to store many types of data like photos, documents and music on remote servers.
Icloud Data Allocation: 5GB is free, but you are required to pay according to plans after that.
Icloud Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Great backup | Costly: 50GB storage costs $0.99 a month, 200GB costs $2.99 per month, and 1TB will cost $9.99 per month |
| Security | All images get synced, its either all or non |
| Works greatly with Apple devices |
Desktop Link:https://icloud.en.softonic.com/download
Mobile phone Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/icloud-drive/id1070072560
10. Sync:
What is it and why to buy it?
Sync offers web-based folder uploads with great encryption which lets you upload multiple files in one attempt. They offer both web-based and mobile services to their users.
Sync Data Allocation: 5GB free cloud storage by signing up, rest is paid.
Sync Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Team folders collaboration | Does not work well with large files |
| Shares are password protected | Minimal functions |
| Offers more space upon task completion |
Desktop Link: https://www.sync.com/help/the-sync-desktop-application/
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sync.mobileapp&hl=en&gl=US
11. Yandex disc:
What is it and why to buy it?
It is a Russian company, mainly known for Yandex search and email services. However, they also offer Yandex Disk for storage purposes. They have private and public folders and file sharing and lets the users import photos, social networks, and mobile upload.
Yandex Disc Data Allocation:10 GB free cloud storage by signing up
Yandex Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Great features | Can’t upload folders using the web app |
| Automatically stores mobile uploads | Heavy on website ads |
| Upgrade provides 100 GB of free space | |
| Both computer and mobile-friendly |
Desktop Link: https://disk.yandex.com/download
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.yandex.searchplugin&hl=en&gl=US
12. IDrive:
What is it and Why to buy it?
This is provided by a tech company which specializes in data backup applications. It offers compressed and incremental backups. Users can use social media sites using iPhone, Android, iPhone and Windows phone.
IDrive Data Allocation: 5GB free cloud storage by signing up
IDrive Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Stores all type of files | Not user-friendly |
| Good price to storage ratio | Slow sync time |
Desktop Link: https://www.idrive.com/online-backup-download
Mobile phone Link: https://www.idrive.com/mobile/
13. Blomp:
What is it and Why to buy it?
Blomp, a free file storage is a user friendly service with only a few easy to use important features. It lets you create folders and upload files as well as allows you to backup the data. They do not have a limit of size of the file as long as it does not exceed the user’s eligible space.
Blomp Allocation: 20 GB free cloud storage by signing up, rest is paid.
Blomp Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| No limit on upload size | Media files must be downloaded to be views from the account |
| User friendly | File sharing is not allowed |
| Can earn more space if you refer a friend |
Desktop Link:https://www.blomp.com/#:~:text=Blomp%20is%20a%20free%20cloud,powerpoint)%20are%20all%20available%20options.Mobile
Phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.ai.tmp.blomp&hl=en&gl=US
14. Letsupload:
What is it and Why to buy it?
In this storage there is no limit in terms of space, and it also offers neat features. It allows you to have a password for files and folders, upload files using URL, file sharing in bulk. This can be accessed using mobile and computer both.
Letsupload Allocation: Unlimited cloud storage by signing up
Letsupload Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Great storage opportunity | 30 days of inactivity results in file removal |
| Uploads file as large as 11.20 GB | Display ads. |
| Complex to set up the desktop client. |
Website link: https://letsuploads.com/
15. Icedrive:
What is it and Why to buy it?
Icedrive allows you to stream videos and music without requiring to redownload the file. You can also share files with non Icedrive users, which is a great plus point.
Icedrive: Data Allocation: 10 GB free cloud storage by signing up, and rest is paid.
Icedrive Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows you to stream video/audio | Advanced link sharing and Encryption are not free |
| Allows PDFs preview | A bandwidth limit is limited to 3 GB per day |
Desktop Link: https://icedrive.net/apps/desktop-laptop
Mobile phone Link: https://icedrive.net/apps/mobile-tablet
16. Internxt:
What is it and Why to buy it?
This is a cloud service that allows users to store photos and files in a secure manner. This is not that popular, but they are known for their security.
Internxt Data Allocation: 2GB free cloud storage by signing up, rest is paid
Internxt Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Security | No folder uploads through Web |
| No ads | No way to undo trash |
| Cheap plans | Movement of files between folders |
Desktop Link: https://webcatalog.app/catalog/internxt-drive/
Mobile phone Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.internxt.cloud&hl=en&gl=US
17. Jumpshare:
What is it and Why to buy it?
Some people argue that Jumshare does not fall under a storage solution, and falls under cloud-file sharing. It has some great analytics options to track file sharing.
Jumpshare Data Allocation: 2GB free cloud storage by signing up, and the rest is paid
Jumpshare Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Efficient file sharing | There is no private encryption |
| Allows screen recording and capture | Android app is still under development |
| No file Sync |
Desktop Link: https://jumpshare.com/apps
Mobile phone Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jumpshare-incredibly-fast/id1084648246?ls=1