Which cloud service should I use?

Storing in the cloud means storing files such as photos and documents online. A company makes space available for this, possibly for a fee. You can read exactly what this means and what the advantages and disadvantages are in the article ‘What is the cloud?’.

Several companies allow people to store files online. These are so-called cloud services. We discuss four major services: iCloud, OneDrive, Google and Dropbox. This way you can make a well-considered choice for the cloud service(s) you use. You are of course not tied to just one service.

iCloud is Apple’s storage service, especially aimed at users of a Mac, iPhone or iPad. iCloud is installed by default on those devices. Apple users can use the service, among other things, to make backups, manage files and photos and find their devices. But the service is also available without one of the mentioned devices, for those who do have a Windows PC. iCloud is less suitable for Android devices, although the online version of the service is supported on Android devices.

iCloud requires a free Apple ID. It gives access to 5 GB of free storage space. This storage space can be expanded for a fee, starting at 99 cents per month for 50 GB (September 2021).

Interested in iCloud? Learn more about Apple’s storage service in the “What is iCloud?” article.

OneDrive is Microsoft’s online storage service. This service is standard on a computer with Windows 10, but can also be put on other computers. Users can also use OneDrive via the service’s website or via the app for the tablet and smartphone. This storage service allows people to upload, view, download and share files.

The OneDrive website also provides access to a free version of the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs. These are stripped-down versions of the paid packages, but the average user can handle the online options just fine.

If you want to use OneDrive, you need a free Microsoft account. This gives the user 5 GB of free storage space. This storage space can be expanded to 100 GB for 2 euros per month. It is also possible to take out a Microsoft 365 subscription (this package was previously called Office 365). Then, in addition to 1000 GB of storage space, the user also gets the Office apps for the computer. For more information, see the “What is OneDrive?” article.

Google has two storage services of its own: Google Drive and Google Photos.

Google Drive mainly focuses on storing documents and other files. Google Photos allows people to store and manage photos online. Both services work via a website and an app for smartphones and tablets. Google Drive is also accessible via a program on the computer.

Google customers get a total of 15 GB of free online storage space that is shared between Google Drive, Google Photos and the mail service Gmail. If the storage space is full, there are the following options through Google One:

• 100 GB for 1.99 euros per month or 19.99 per year;
• 200 GB for 2.99 euros per month or 29.99 per year;
• 2 TB for 9.99 euros per month or 99.99 euros per year.

These are the rates including VAT (prices September 2020). In the article “What is Google Drive?” Read more about the service of internet company Google.

Unlike the other three services, Dropbox is not strongly tied to any particular type of device. Files stored with Dropbox can be accessed anywhere and via any device with an internet connection. Users can access the files via the Dropbox website, but also via the associated app and the program on the computer (install it yourself).

Dropbox gives customers 2 GB of free storage. This space can be expanded for a fee. People can choose from Dropbox Plus with 2 TB for 9.99 euros per month or Dropbox Family with 2 TB for six users for 16.99 euros per month. These rates include VAT (prices September 2021).

Interested in Dropbox? Learn more about the storage service with the ‘What is Dropbox?’ article.

To make the ultimate choice for a cloud service easier, we end with an overview that contains the most important conditions of the services. In addition, you can of course always try the free version of the services first to discover which service you find pleasant to work with.