Save data in the cloud

Edited by Marijn Ceulemans, Rob Coenraads and Souhayla Badwy

Cloud storage offers a solution that is both flexible and reliable, but the choice of the right service can be overwhelming. In this buying guide we discuss what you should pay attention to in your choice, how cloud storage can match your needs and why it is often preferred on traditional methods, such as external hard drives. Finally, we examine five cloud services for consumers.

Why cloud storage?

Cloud storage is essentially a way to save your files online, giving you access to your data everywhere and on any computer, smartphone or tablet, as long as you have an internet connection. Working in the cloud is therefore very practical if you work on different devices or are regularly on the road. But not all cloud services work in exactly the same way. So it is certainly worthwhile to map your needs and expectations before you make a choice.
One of the most important considerations is the amount of storage space you need. For simple backups of documents and photos, a free subscription can often suffice. For that you have to clean up some (superfluous) data every now and then, but if you don’t store a lot of documents and images, a free account with a cloud provider can certainly suffice. However, if you do work with large video files or extensive photo collections, you will probably have to invest in a paid version.

Even more important factors

Security is another crucial factor. In times when cyber attacks and data breaches regularly get the news, you want to be sure that your files are encrypted behind a strong encryption and that the two -step verification service offers cyber criminals you login were able to get hold of, still to thwart. In addition, ease of use plays a major role. A good cloud service automatically synchronizes your files between different devices and platforms, so that you never have to worry about manual updates or lost files. For those who often work with others, the possibilities for sharing and cooperation are also important. Think of functions such as shared folders, version management and editing options in Real Time. The user environment (interface) The cloud environment must be clear and the management of your files must feel effortlessly. Finally, the price is of course a decisive factor. Although many cloud services offer free storage, the paid subscriptions are often more attractive if you want to get started seriously. Although the rates and functions can vary greatly per service, nowadays you already have a cloud package for 2 euros per month. Only when you really want to store a lot of data (and therefore arrive at the more expensive packages), will your choice become more complex in terms of costs.

Better than an external disk?

Cloud storage only really became established in the late 2000s and early 2010. Until then we were dependent on external hard drives for backups (or an extra internal drive in our computer). Yet they do not yet have to go on the attic, because you can still use them for backups of, for example, video files, installation files or old, ripped music CDs. The cloud is of course superior for photos and files that you want to be able to reach anytime and anywhere.
If you use an (external) disk for years, then there is a risk that it will ever crash and your data will be lost. Hard drives (HDDs) and SSDs are vulnerable to physical damage, such as falling or water damage and can also be stolen or lost. Then of course the cloud gives you the necessary peace of mind. Your files are stored in well -secured data centers, so that they remain protected against such risks.

The best cloud services in 2025

Cloud services 2025
Google Drive				Microsoft Onedrive	Dropbox	iCloud	Strato Hidrive