The Best Cloud Storage Providers in the USA for 2025

Cloud storage providers have become essential tools for managing and protecting your digital files. Whether you need to store documents, photos, videos, or collaborate with teams remotely, the right cloud storage service offers convenience, security, and seamless access from any device. In this guide, we review the best cloud storage providers in the USA for 2025, evaluating them on ease of use, reliability, cross-platform support, security features, and pricing. From popular names like Google Drive and Dropbox to specialized solutions, we help you find the perfect service tailored to your personal or business needs.

What Is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a simple way to save your files—like photos, documents, and videos—on the internet instead of your computer or phone. Imagine it as a secure online locker where your data is stored on powerful computers called servers, owned by companies like Google Drive or Dropbox. When you upload a file, it travels over the internet and is saved safely on these remote servers. You can then access your files anytime, from any device with internet access. This means you don’t have to worry about losing files if your device breaks, and you can easily share or work on files with others.

1. Google Drive

Best For: Free storage & collaboration

Overview Google Drive is a widely popular cloud storage service that seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This makes it an excellent choice for real-time collaboration and users already embedded in the Google ecosystem. It’s known for its generous free storage and user-friendly interface.

Main Features

• 15 GB free storage shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
• Real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• Strong sharing and permission controls for secure file access.

Pros	Cons
Generous free tier	Storage shared with Gmail & Photos
Excellent collaboration	Privacy concerns for some users
Easy integration with apps	Can get expensive at scale

Why We Picked It: Google Drive stands out as the best free option, offering powerful collaboration tools that are hard to beat, especially for personal use and small teams. Who It’s For: Students, teams, and anyone heavily using Google services. Specs & Configurations: 15 GB free, paid plans start at 100 GB.

2. Ethernet Servers

Best For: Affordable USA-based cloud hosting

Overview Ethernet Servers provides cost-effective cloud hosting solutions with servers located exclusively in the USA. This focus ensures data sovereignty for American users and businesses, along with potentially lower latency for US-based operations. It’s geared more towards hosting than personal file storage.

Main Features

• Affordable and competitive pricing for cloud hosting.
• USA-based data centers for data sovereignty and compliance.
• Reliable uptime and dedicated customer support.

Pros	Cons
Competitive pricing	Limited consumer-focused features
Local data control	Not ideal for casual personal users
Reliable hosting services	Requires some technical knowledge

Why We Picked It: It’s an excellent choice for businesses and developers specifically needing USA-based cloud hosting for their applications and websites. Who It’s For: Small to medium businesses, developers, and organizations prioritizing local data hosting. Specs & Configurations: Various hosting plans available, customizable based on needs.

3. Dropbox

Best For: File sharing & team projects

Overview Dropbox was one of the pioneers in cloud file sharing and continues to be a leader, especially for its robust tools designed for team collaboration. It’s known for its simplicity, ease of use, and reliable file synchronization.

Main Features

• Easy file syncing and sharing across devices.
• Smart Sync for selective syncing and offline access.
• Extensive integrations with many third-party applications.
• File version history and recovery.

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited free storage (2 GB)
Strong collaboration tools	Higher cost for premium plans
Reliable file sync	Less integrated with productivity suites

Why We Picked It: Dropbox remains a top choice for teams and individuals who need straightforward, efficient file sharing and collaboration without unnecessary complexities. Who It’s For: Businesses, freelancers, and creative professionals needing simple, effective file sharing. Specs & Configurations: 2 GB free, paid plans typically start at 2 TB.

4. Microsoft OneDrive

Best For: Windows & Office 365 integration

Overview Microsoft OneDrive is deeply integrated with Windows operating systems and Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), making it the perfect cloud storage solution for users already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It offers seamless access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

Main Features

Seamless integration with Microsoft Office apps for real-time co-authoring, 5 GB free storage.

• 5 GB free
• 1 TB with MS 365 subscription
• Office app integration, robust security

Pros	Cons
Built‑in Office syncing	Smaller free tier (5 GB)
Strong personal/family plans	Occasional sync glitches
Personal Vault with extra encryption	Business plans can be pricey

Why We Picked It: Ideal for Windows + Office users.
Who It’s For: Professionals, Microsoft ecosystem users.
Specs & Configurations: 5 GB free; 1 TB with MS 365 ($69.99/yr).

5. iCloud

Best For: Apple users

Overview

Seamlessly integrated with iPhone, iPad, and Mac—iCloud backs up photos, notes, and devices with robust encryption.

• 5 GB free
• Automatic device and photo backup
• End-to-end encryption for sensitive data

Pros	Cons
Native Apple ecosystem support	Limited 5 GB free
Strong device-level privacy	Less ideal for Windows users
Smooth photo and backup sync	Extra storage gets pricey

Why We Picked It: Flawless for anyone deep in the Apple ecosystem.
Who It’s For: iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
Specs & Configurations: Free 5 GB; Plans: 50 GB ($0.99/mo), 200 GB ($2.99/mo), 2 TB ($9.99/mo).

6. pCloud

Best For: Lifetime cloud storage option

Overview

Premium lifetime plans, client-side encryption, and rewind/versioning make pCloud a secure long-term option.

• One-time purchase for 500 GB or 2 TB
• Optional pCloud Crypto (client-side)
• File version history and rewind

Pros	Cons
Lifetime plan avoids subscriptions	No free tier
Strong encryption options	UI feels less polished for some
Great long-term cost value	Desktop features can be slow at times

Why We Picked It: Outstanding longevity and privacy investment.
Who It’s For: Long-term users wanting to avoid recurring fees.
Specs & Configurations: 500 GB or 2 TB lifetime; annual plans also available.

7. MEGA

Best For: Encrypted & large free space

Overview

With a generous free tier and encrypted storage, MEGA is attractive to privacy-conscious users.

• 20 GB free (often with bonuses)
• End-to-end encryption
• Secure link sharing

Pros	Cons
Large free storage allocation	Transfer bandwidth capped on free plan
Strong encryption	UI might confuse some users
Cross-platform clients	Features can feel buried

Why We Picked It: Best free tier if encryption matters.
Who It’s For: Privacy-first users and students.
Specs & Configurations: 20 GB free, paid 400 GB–16 TB plans monthly/annually.

8. Box

Best For: Business & team collaboration

Overview

Designed for enterprises, Box offers admin controls, workflow integration, and compliance tools.

• Enterprise-grade security
• Workflow and third-party app integrations
• Advanced admin controls & audits

Pros	Cons
High compliance (HIPAA, GDPR)	Expensive for smaller teams
Workflow automation and audit tracking	UI can overwhelm new users
Strong collaboration on file-level	Requires training for setup

Why We Picked It: Ideal for enterprise teams with compliance needs.
Who It’s For: Businesses needing secure file workflows.
Specs & Configurations: Starts at 100 GB for business plans; enterprise plans scale.

9. Sync.com

Best For: Privacy-focused cloud from Canada

Overview

Canada-based and zero-knowledge, Sync.com offers strong privacy with user-friendly tools.

• End-to-end (zero-knowledge) encryption
• No size limits on transfers
• Simple sharing and access control

Pros	Cons
Strong privacy protections	Lacks real-time collaboration
Strict no-access policy	Few third-party integrations
Easy interface	Slightly smaller global footprint

Why We Picked It: A top pick for zero-knowledge and usability.
Who It’s For: Privacy-conscious individuals and small teams.
Specs & Configurations: 5 GB free; 2 TB personal (~$8/mo); teams up to 4 TB.

10. Zoho WorkDrive

Best For: Team storage with Zoho apps

Overview

A core part of Zoho’s productivity suite—collaborative, affordable, and built for teams.

• Shared team folders and roles
• Real-time document collaboration
• Integration with CRM and other Zoho apps

Pros	Cons
Strong team collaboration	Smaller ecosystem outside Zoho
Affordable per-seat pricing	Offline editing is limited
Good version control	Less popular globally

Why We Picked It: Excellent value for Zoho ecosystem users.
Who It’s For: Businesses already using Zoho products.
Specs & Configurations: Business plans starting ~1 TB; seat-based pricing

11. Tresorit

Best For: Secure team file management

Overview

End-to-end encrypted for teams, Tresorit focuses on compliance and enterprise-grade security.

• Zero-knowledge encryption
• HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 compliance
• Secure file sharing with access controls

Pros	Cons
Ultra-secure, zero-access	Premium pricing
Ideal for legal or regulated sectors	Free tier is limited
Team shared folders securely	Overkill for casual users

Why We Picked It: Security-focused and compliant.
Who It’s For: Healthcare, legal, finance teams.
Specs & Configurations: Paid plans from 500 GB; no free version.

12. Icedrive

Best For: New-age encrypted storage

Overview

Elegant interface meets client-side encryption and virtual drive mounting.

• Drive-mount feature for desktop
• Client-side encryption
• Lifetime storage plans

Pros	Cons
Modern, intuitive interface	Smaller integration ecosystem
Strong encryption	Paid storage only
Virtual drive is neat	Limited mobile app features

Why We Picked It: Stylish UI without compromising privacy.
Who It’s For: Privacy-focused everyday users.
Specs & Configurations: 150 GB–5 TB plans including lifetime.

13. NordLocker

Best For: Encrypted cloud from NordVPN

Overview

Encrypted file storage by the NordVPN team: drag, drop, encrypt, done.

• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
• Desktop and mobile sync

Pros	Cons
Strong security pedigree	Free storage limited to ~3 GB
Simple encryption workflow	Smaller storage library
Works cross-platform	Newer, less mature platform

Why We Picked It: Trustworthy encryption from a known VPN brand.
Who It’s For: Security-minded users wanting simple tools.
Specs & Configurations: Free 3 GB; 500 GB–2 TB paid plans.

14. Proton Drive

Best For: Private cloud by ProtonMail

Overview

Privacy-first cloud from the ProtonMail team—strong encryption, zero-logs policy, open-source.

• End-to-end encryption
• No personal info needed to sign up
• Open-source security stack

Pros	Cons
Strict privacy and transparency	Storage still limited in free tier
Open-source tools	Service still evolving (beta status)
No data retention policies	Fewer enterprise features

Why We Picked It: Perfect for the privacy-savvy, open-source lovers.
Who It’s For: Security-focused individuals.
Specs & Configurations: Free limited plan; Proton plans add cloud storage.

15. Nextcloud

Best For: Self-hosted cloud platform

Overview

Fully open-source, self-hosted solution bursting with customization and collaboration tools.

• Complete control over data
• Apps: chat, office, sharing, calendar
• Can run anywhere—from home to dedicated server

Pros	Cons
Total control over your data	Technical setup and maintenance required
Highly customizable via apps	Not user-friendly for non-techies
No vendor lock-in	Security responsibility is yours

Why We Picked It: Ultimate control for advanced users.
Who It’s For: Tech-savvy individuals or businesses with IT resources.
Specs & Configurations: Self-hosted on own server; opensource.

16. Jottacloud

Best For: Secure storage with EU privacy laws

Overview

Norwegian provider with unlimited photo backup and compliance with GDPR.

• Unlimited photo backup
• GDPR-compliant storage
• Sync and backup across devices

Pros	Cons
Strong EU privacy safeguards	Data centers mostly in Norway
Unlimited imagery backup	UI can be sluggish
Easy file sync	Smaller global user base

Why We Picked It: Ideal for GDPR-level protection with photos.
Who It’s For: European-based users or photographers.
Specs & Configurations: Free tier; unlimited plans for photos or mix.

17. Internxt

Best For: Zero-knowledge, decentralized cloud

Overview

A new decentralized cloud: data shredded, encrypted, and stored across nodes.

• No single server vulnerability
• Open-source client software
• Zero-knowledge encryption

Pros	Cons
Cutting-edge decentralized design	Early-stage platform, fewer users
High privacy protection	Limited ecosystem integrations
Open-source ethos	Only paid plans available

Why We Picked It: Next-gen storage for privacy enthusiasts.
Who It’s For: Tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates.
Specs & Configurations: Paid plans; storage capacity scales.

18. Degoo

Best For: AI-Based cloud photo backup

Overview

Powered by AI, Degoo finds and organizes your photos while offering encryption and backup.

• 100 GB free storage
• AI image recognition and duplication detection
• End-to-end encryption

Pros	Cons
Plenty of free space	Ads appear in the free version
Smart automated organization	Sharing features are limited
Secure backups and restore	Focused mostly on photos

Why We Picked It: Best for automated photo backup and organization.
Who It’s For: Casual photographers, families.
Specs & Configurations: 100 GB free; paid up to 10 TB.

19. Filen

Best For: Free E2E encrypted storage

Overview

Filen provides zero-knowledge encrypted storage with free unlimited upload size and 10 GB free space.

• Unlimited upload size
• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Simplified file sharing

Pros	Cons
Free encrypted storage (10 GB)	Smaller user base
Unlimited file size uploads	Few third-party plug-ins
Easy interface	Free storage limited

Why We Picked It: Excellent free encrypted option.
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious privacy users.
Specs & Configurations: 10 GB free; paid tiers available.

20. Koofr

Best For: Connect Dropbox/Google in one place

Overview

An aggregator that lets you manage multiple cloud accounts in a single interface.

• Connect Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
• Central file browser
• Basic sharing and backup

Pros	Cons
Manage all clouds in one spot	Relies on external account storage
Simple, clear interface
Doesn’t provide native storage	Limited advanced features

Why We Picked It: Ideal for multi-cloud users needing easier management.
Who It’s For: Anyone juggling several cloud providers.
Specs & Configurations: Free tier; paid plans for more features.

21. CBackup

Best For: Easy cloud backup for Google Drive

Overview

Specifically built to help you create scheduled and incremental backups between cloud services.

• Scheduled Google Drive backups
• Cloud-to-cloud syncing
• Incremental updates reduce bandwidth

Pros	Cons
Great for automated backup	Doesn’t provide its own cloud drive
Free unlimited backups	UI is functional but barebones
Supports multiple cloud accounts	Lacks collaboration or file sharing tools

Why We Picked It: Best tool if you’re backing up Google Drive to other clouds.
Who It’s For: Google Drive users needing redundancy.
Specs & Configurations: Free plan; Pro plans add schedules, email alerts.

Conclusion

Cloud storage providers offer tremendous benefits for individuals and businesses by making data storage simple, secure, and accessible from anywhere. They eliminate the need for physical drives, reduce the risk of data loss, and enable seamless collaboration across teams and devices. As technology advances, cloud storage is becoming increasingly affordable, faster, and safer, thanks to enhanced encryption and AI-powered management tools. The future of cloud storage promises even greater integration with emerging technologies like edge computing, 5G, and machine learning, making data handling smarter and more efficient. Embracing the best cloud storage providers today ensures you stay ahead in a digital world that demands flexibility, security, and scalability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cloud storage and how does it work?

Cloud storage is an online service that securely saves your files—photos, documents, videos—on remote servers accessible via the internet. It lets you access, upload, and manage your data from any device, anywhere, without relying on physical drives.

2. How secure is cloud storage for my personal and business data?

Leading cloud providers use advanced encryption protocols to protect your data during transfer and storage. They also implement strict access controls, multi-factor authentication, and regular backups to ensure your data remains private and safe from unauthorized access or loss.

3. Can I easily share and collaborate on files stored in the cloud?

Yes. Most cloud storage platforms offer seamless file sharing and real-time collaboration features. You can share files or folders with specific people or via secure links, control permissions, and work together on documents simultaneously.

4. What happens if I delete a file from my device—will it be removed from the cloud?

In most cases, deleting a file from your device syncs the change to the cloud and removes it there too. However, many providers offer file recovery options or “trash” folders that keep deleted files for a limited time, allowing you to restore them if needed.

5. How do I choose the best cloud storage provider for my needs?

Evaluate your storage capacity requirements, security features, budget, and desired integrations with other apps. Consider providers’ reliability, data center locations, privacy policies, and collaboration tools to find a solution that fits your personal or business goals.