Need a Microsoft OneDrive alternative? Here are the 5 best options
| April 21, 2020
File storage services expanded quickly over the last few years – increasing their security, access and cloud capabilities. The availability of choices has also increased, ensuring users and companies find the service that’s right for them. Though this is a positive, it’s sometimes hard to narrow down what works best for your needs. A lot of users and companies currently use OneDrive by Microsoft. Unfortunately, it’s not meeting all of their needs. With the right guide, you’ll be able to find a OneDrive alternative that suits you best.
Fortunately I’ve sifted through the details of all the major file storage systems, compiling a detailed and easy-to-follow list of features for each service. I’ll guide you to the best system so that you’ll be able to quit OneDrive for good. Here are the top five Microsoft OneDrive alternatives currently available.
1. Canto digital asset management
The problem with some file storage systems like OneDrive is they try to be both a service for users and an enterprise service. That’s an unrealistic task with today’s growing digital storage needs. Fortunately, Canto digital asset management (DAM) dedicated itself exclusively as an enterprise system. Because of this, it grades out the highest in areas that fulfill storage needs for companies.
What really makes DAM top the list of enterprise-based file storage service is its metadata management, watermarking, elite security and auto tagging. Canto DAM also uses AWS Cloud Security, an elite option, and provides numerous different administrator tools. Its automated watermarking protects files from misuse and its metadata automation simplifies the entire file searching process.
Pricing and storage:
Tailored to each company’s specific needs
2. pCloud
pCloud has developed into an extremely formidable file storage system. It is a cloud service that prides itself on creating an affordable, secure experience for users. The interface is seamless and the tools are well-developed. This leads to efficient projects and campaigns for different departments and teams. pCloud’s multiple access points and collaborative potential keeps it competitive among other storage systems.
What pushes pCloud ahead of a lot of competitors is its unique security approach. Users with particularly sensitive data and information will love the lengths pCloud has gone to create a dynamic safety net for their storage centers. One concept that stands out is the encrypted features that make it impossible for anyone – including pCloud admins – to access files. This means your files are safe no matter what.
Pricing and storage:
500gb = $3.99/month
2tb = $7.99/month
3. Box
Box is highly touted as a business file storage system. Though OneDrive also has some enterprise capabilities, it doesn’t make as much effort to market itself as such. Box, on the other hand, wants everyone to know that they’re in it to help companies succeed. It accomplishes this by offering enterprise content management tools along with the file storage they provide.
What makes Box such an interesting choice is its innovative interface, collaborative tools and integrations. Something Box did so well is offered vital integrations with other systems in case users within a project aren’t using Box. It also gives admins extensive options and control over their file library. This is ideal for anyone unsatisfied with the admin features (or lack thereof) in OneDrive.
Pricing and storage:
100gb = $5.00/month
Unlimited = $15/month
4. Dropbox
Dropbox remains the most popular cloud storage system available for good reason – it continues to progress drastically as a file storage system. Another reason it’s used so often is the simplicity of its design. Dropbox is super easy to get the hang of, letting users store files without the headache of extensive learning. Its team continually finds ways to improve, especially when it comes to the system’s security.
An interesting part of Dropbox’s kit is the (unofficially named) olive branch feature which lets Dropbox users share stored files with non-Dropbox users. This ensures there’s no hang ups in projects, especially for company projects and campaigns. Another fun feature is the Showcase feature, which displays specific files – generally images – in a showcase setting. This saves time as well, as users don’t have to search as extensively to find certain pictures.
Pricing and storage:
2tb = $11.99/month
3tb = $19.99/month
5. Google Drive
Google Drive is a must-mention on this list due to its simplicity and convenience. With so many users searching the web using Google, the logical solution is to transition directly from the browser search into the storage system. Google Drive also syncs with the other tools Google members have access to. That way, a user can create a document using Google Docs and have it store directly into their drive storage.
The real time collaboration is a great feature, especially for companies with numerous users already part of the Google platform, which is most everyone these days. Users can invite others into a document from their file storage drive. They can also share the link from any of the files they have stored.
Pricing and storage:
100gb = $1.99/month
200gb = $2.99/month
At the end of the day, Microsoft OneDrive is a solid cloud system that benefits a niche group of users. If it fulfills all your needs, that’s great. If not, it’s important to know that there are many other options. Choose what works best for you.