Free vs paid cloud storage: what’s right for you?

Cloud storage is an online service for storing, managing, and sharing files on the Internet. The data is stored on servers scattered across the globe. They can be accessed from any device around the clock.

Currently, every owner of an electronic mailbox (Google, Yandex) has their own cloud storage of a limited capacity for free. However, this is not enough for a significant number of users, especially since they are willing to pay for the services and maintenance of such storage. Let’s look at the advantages of the first and second options, who is suitable for a free cloud, and who is better off with a paid one.

Free clouds – advantages, who can use them

The main advantage of free storage is its complete accessibility for everyone, the main thing is the availability of the Internet. Other advantages:

• accessibility from any location;
• files are updated in real time on all gadgets;
• security – the platforms protect information on servers by encrypting and backing up, as they have the appropriate equipment in different parts of the world;
• ease of information exchange – it is enough to create a document (photo, video), provide appropriate access and send a link to relatives and colleagues;
• integration with other platforms.

Popular cloud storages include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Mega. By the way, the latter is the leader in terms of the amount of storage provided – the user receives up to 20 GB, Google is in second place (15 GB), and Dropbox is the last with only 2 GB.

Who is it for?

Free platforms are chosen by the vast majority of ordinary users. And even professionals at the beginning of their activity are in no hurry to pay for a place on a certain server.

Who is it for?

• ordinary users for everyday tasks – to save a document, a photo, and provide access to other interested parties
• students and schoolchildren to store notes and presentations;
• users who want to have their own small storage of information – 5-15 gigabytes is enough for this;
• beginner freelancers and entrepreneurs – to save money. In our experience, even experienced people do not disdain free resources.

Paid storage – benefits and who needs this solution

The main advantage of a paid subscription is a larger file storage capacity, round-the-clock access to files, and tools for collaborative editing and use of photos, text documents, etc. Why users choose them:

• a large amount of storage space – much more than is provided for free
• fast file upload speeds;
• security is paramount – the systems use end-to-end encryption, two-factor identification, offer virus protection, and recover deleted files;
• automatic backup of information that is important for business;
• protection from intrusive advertising;
• the ability to integrate with corporate systems.

The cost of services is quite affordable for an entrepreneur or an experienced freelancer. For example: Google One – starting at 100 gigabytes for $1.99 per month, iCloud+ – 200 GB for $2.99 per month, Dropbox Plus – almost fantastic 2 TB for $9.99 per month.

Who should sign up for a paid subscription

Paid services are chosen by users who need a large amount of storage space and an increased level of security.

Who should consider buying a subscription:

• freelancers and remote workers – it allows them to work with information in any city on the planet
• businesses and teams working on joint projects
• experienced streamers – the ability to download video information and process it on different devices;
• users who need security above all else, the ability to recover lost files, and automatically save large amounts of information;
• selfie and family filming enthusiasts, professional photographers and videographers.

In other words, paid services are available to the vast majority of users. But they are usually chosen by those who upload a large amount of information to cloud services.

Paid vs. free cloud services – some conclusions

Conclusions: Paid services are a professional tool like a laptop or a pantry for storing food in a restaurant. Therefore, they are chosen for business processes. Free services are available to everyone and can be considered a nice bonus from search engines and specialized services.

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