Best Cloud Storage of 2027

What separates the top picks on this page?

pCloud leads at 8.7, with a network drive that keeps 2 TB off your local disk and the second-fastest upload in the test at 16 minutes for 10 GB. Sync.com follows at 8.4, offering end-to-end encryption by default and 180 days of file history, but its upload took 24 minutes. Google One (Drive) scores 8.1, with the fastest upload and download at 13 minutes for 10 GB and real-time collaboration in Docs. Backblaze Personal Backup, at 7.9, is not sync but backup: it backed up 4 TB from one machine for $99. Proton Drive, 7.8, encrypts file names and folder structure under Swiss law, but its upload was the slowest at 26 minutes. Microsoft OneDrive, 7.6, bundles 1 TB with desktop Office for $99.99 a year. iCloud+ and Dropbox both score 7.5; iCloud+ offers Advanced Data Protection for end-to-end encryption, while Dropbox has block-level sync that re-uploaded only changes in a 900 MB file edit in 20 seconds.

What should you check before buying?

Start with how you will use it. If you need to sync live files across devices, a backup service like Backblaze will not work. If privacy matters, check whether encryption is default or an add-on: pCloud's zero-knowledge is a $49.99-a-year extra, while Sync.com and Proton Drive include it. Look at platform support: Sync.com and Google One have no Linux client, and iCloud+ has nothing for Linux or Android files. Consider upload speed if you move large files: Google One took 13 minutes for 10 GB, Proton Drive 26 minutes. Price for 2 TB a year ranges from $96 to $119.88. Also check file history and sharing features: Sync.com offers 180 days, and Google One's collaboration is unmatched here.

Which one for whom?

• pCloud — best for those who want a network drive that does not fill their disk and a lifetime plan that pays back after about four years.
• Sync.com — best for privacy-focused users who need compliance documentation and default end-to-end encryption.
• Google One (Drive) — best for families and teams that rely on Google Photos and real-time collaboration in Docs.
• Backblaze Personal Backup — best for backing up every file on one computer without size limits.
• Proton Drive — best for those already in the Proton ecosystem who want encrypted mail, VPN and storage in one bundle.
• Microsoft OneDrive — best for Windows users who need desktop Office and 1 TB of storage.
• iCloud+ — best for Apple device owners who want invisible syncing and Advanced Data Protection.
• Dropbox — best for teams editing large files over slow connections and those who need an official Linux client.

For most people, pCloud's network drive and lifetime option make it a strong pick, while Sync.com suits those who want encryption by default. If you need backup rather than sync, Backblaze covers unlimited files from one machine. Google One and Microsoft OneDrive are best if you already use their office suites.