Cloud storage services allow users to store their data on remote servers and access their files from any internet-connected device. As an Apple user you probably use iCloud, but there are even more options.
Because there are various services available, we have listed the three best alternatives to iCloud and actually also Google Drive for you. Which cloud service is the best choice in 2025 when it comes to storage and options.
1: Internxt
Internxt is a cloud service from Spain, which has been offering online storage at very competitive prices since 2020. Internxt has a web app, desktop app (linux, macOS, Windows) and apps for both iOS and Android. Files you upload to the cloud service are also immediately available on all your other devices.
You can choose to automatically sync all or certain folders on your Mac in the background so that you always have a backup. The apps are easy to use and do not require advanced knowledge.
Internxt uses decentralized cloud storage in the background. This means that when uploading files to the Internxt servers, the file is encrypted with AES-256 encryption and distributed across multiple servers. A file that is uploaded is not stored as a single file anywhere. The file is split into multiple encrypted pieces and stored on different servers. If a server is hacked, the stored data is still safe because it is simply incomplete.
Thanks to the discount code appletips82 you will temporarily receive an 82% discount on all individual items Internal life-time plans*. This allows you to purchase 2TB lifetime cloud storage for €162.00. You can also pay monthly, but a lifetime plan is recommended. You can use the service try it for free with 1 GB storage, there are also family subscriptions.
* check the conditions on the Internxt website
2: pCloud
pCloud is a Swiss company that has been active since 2013 and also focuses on the Dutch market. At pCloud you can choose where you want to store your data, you can choose from Europe (Luxembourg) or the United States. As a European, my preference will always be for storage in Europe, because the American government has no powers here.
You can access the files within your pCloud account from the pCloud website. But pCloud also offers special apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Window and Linux. With the pCloud Drive app for macOS you have ‘native’ access to your files, which means that you can access the files in your pCloud drive directly from macOS Finder as an external volume. There is support for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. If you use a Mac with M-chip, you will have to go through some extra steps (allowing kernel extensions) to activate support.
pCloud offers individual and family accounts. When you take out a pCloud plan, you can purchase the service by paying annually or making a lifetime purchase. With a lifetime purchase, you pay once and can then use the service for life. Naturally, the costs of a lifetime plan are considerably higher, but you will not incur any additional costs afterwards.
If you want to try pCloud for free, that is possible, create an account on the pCloud website and you will get free cloud storage. By performing simple actions such as logging into the apps and uploading files, you can earn up to 10 GB of storage.
3: Dropbox
The best-known storage service is perhaps Dropbox. Like most cloud storage services, users can store all kinds of files in their Dropbox folder, which automatically syncs with the cloud. Changes to files are automatically updated on all linked devices, so users always have access to the latest versions.
Dropbox makes it easy to share files and folders with others, even if they don’t have a Dropbox account. Files are protected with encryption during transfer and storage, so they are always stored safely.
Dropbox offers both free and paid plans, with paid versions offering more storage space and advanced features. The platform is popular with both individuals and companies because of its ease of use and versatility.
Other storage services
- Nordlocker (part of NordVPN)
- Stack
- OneDrive
- iCloud Drive
- Google Drive
Do you use a particular cloud storage service that we haven’t mentioned above? Then let us know in the comments.