These days cloud warehousing is all the rage , offering the public toilet of admittance to your digital files without having to clog up your nomadic devices ’ computer storage . It ’s also peculiarly useful now that so may of us work from home and need to be capable to access our information outside the business office .
Provided you ’ve got internet access , everything is hunky - dory .
A effective swarm storage root back up your important documents , picture , and video , but it also helps keep all your devices in sync . It ’s a peachy agency to check that your screen background , laptop , phone , and tablet all have instant access to all your digital content . It should also permit you to get at and edit documents from a vane web internet browser and easily portion out file cabinet and leaflet with others .
Another reason to use a swarm service – or any table service that offers offsite back up for your Mac – is that it protects your datum if something happens at the location where your Mac and backup are located .
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Owners of Macs , iPads and iPhones will course tend to favor iCloud , Apple ’s own cloud service , because it ’s so well integrated with those devices ’ operating system . Here ’s our full guide to using iCloudandhere is iCloud ’s current pricing social system . However , iCloud only really sync your data point and it is n’t a elbow room to back up your Mac . If you want to back up your Mac to the swarm you require to seem at options like Backblaze , Carbonite and Acronis included below and in our guide to theBest Mac backup software program .
You may only be look for a way to stash away a few items so you may access them anywhere , or so you may share them with others , in which vitrine iCloud and other option like Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive could receive your need .
We are starting with iCloud because Apple ’s service is simple to use and mostly intuitive . It ’s usable on all Apple production and syncs all your data – as long as you have enough iCloud storage . It does n’t act as a patronage for your Mac , but you’re able to access a backup of your iPhone or iPad via iCloud . Read : Time Machine vs iCloud : Do you need to use both and can one back up to the other?Read on to find out what the alternatives offer .
Apple iCloud Drive – Best for Apple fans
View Apple iCloud here
As an Apple drug user , you ’ll have heard of iCloud , but we do n’t find fault you if you find it confusing . It ’s Apple ’s own cloud - based storage system of rules , and if you own an iPhone or iPad and havean Apple ID , you ’ll already have 5 GB free storage .
It ’s the easiest way for those bought into the Apple ecosystem ( users of iPhone , iPad and Mac ) to sync physical contact , note , file , photo and more across equipment and access them on all their devices . For good example , you’re able to use the Files folder on an iPhone or iPad to see all your files stored in the cloud .
Because it integrates so seamlessly with all of Apple ’s intersection and services , iCloud really is the best swarm storage solution for someone who is all - in with Apple . And I do meanall - in : All your computing machine are Macs , your fluid gadget are iPhone or iPads , you forge in Apple ’s productiveness package ( Pages , Numbers , Notes ) , and so on .
Frustratingly , Apple only bring home the bacon a paltry 5 GB of free iCloud storage , which is n’t so spoilt if all you want to do is salt away some Pages and Numbers papers , but is grossly poor for photos and videos . Apple is years overdue for increasing this limit ( Google offers 15 GB free ) , but at the very least , it should discontinue counting iOS support against it . Since the autumn of 2021 , Apple has offer to “ loanword ” you as much iCloud storage space as you need to backup and restore your information onto a unexampled machine , for up to two weeks . It ’s a good feature for those buying a unexampled Apple machine , but it wo n’t help you protect your data point if your iPhone get lost / stolen / discredited .
From there , it ’s $ 0.99/£0.99 per month for 50 GB , $ 2.99/£2.99 for 200 GB , $ 9.99/£8.99 for 2 TB , $ 29.99/£26.99 for 6 TB and $ 59.99/£54.99 for 20 gilbert . See : iCloud storage plans . you could enable fellowship sharing on the 200 GB and above plans — if you do , it does n’t signify your kinsperson members can see all your swarm stuff . It just think your whole family ’s iCloud usage will count against the same storage limit .
These compensate tier are branded “ iCloud+ ” and let in several benefit . There’siCloud Private Relay , gratuitous storage for HomeKit enabled certificate television camera , a Hide My Email lineament , customs duty domain name for iCloud email explanation , and additional physical contact options for recovering your account . These are all fantabulous features that help solidify our view that iCloud is by far the best pick for those who are all - in on Apple devices .
The independent benefit of paying for more iCloud storage is that nearly all of Apple ’s apps can seamlessly synchronise through it . Photos , productiveness apps , Mail , Calendar , and anything you drop into your iCloud Drive folder in Finder on a Mac are immediately available across all your Apple devices . A pregnant number of iOS apps optionally back up and sync through iCloud , too .
If you use non - Mac computers or non - iOS roving devices from sentence to time , Apple provides a full suite of web apps atiCloud.com , but they ’re sort of mediocre . Apple also provides an iCloud Windows app that syncs data and integrates your iCloud mail with vulgar Windows apps like Outlook , but there are no native productiveness apps for Windows or Android : If you require to edit a Pages document , you have to practice the web port .
We like using iCloud , but we also ante up for it . Most enough cloud services ask you to pay a modest fee .
If you ’re a heavy Apple exploiter , you might consider theApple One service bundle . It ’s much more than a cloud reposition root , and thus beyond the ambit of this clause , but the value offered may tip the scales in iCloud ’s favor for you .
Google Drive – King of Cloud
View Google Drive here
While the idea of using Google ’s tools on Apple computer hardware may make some squirm , it ’s deep desegregation with Google Docs , Sheets , and other popular Google tools mean it ’s never been easier to share a papers with a confrere , accumulate feedback , and make amendments .
Google ’s system , alongside Dropbox and OneDrive , is arguably one of the most common file - share choice . It ’s much more prevalent than , say , iCloud Drive , make it much more useful across multiple weapons platform .
If your workflows and caper require any degree of rapid sharing of files back and onward , it ’s a utter conniption . alfresco of workplace , Google Photos may also appeal as a skillful backup option to have , but it ’ll start to eat into your storage pretty chop-chop .
That say , Google Drive does comes with a thumping 15 GB of innocent storage – that ’s triple what Apple offers for free on iCloud Drive . 15 GB is plenty generous , but you’re able to enjoy 100 GB for just $ 1.99/£1.59 a month , 200 GB for $ 2.99/£2.49 , and 2 TB for $ 9.99/£7.99 per month . There ’s even a massive 30 TB for $ 150 a month .
you may use Google Drive on Mac through a dedicated app , or via the web interface .
Whether you ’re on Mac , iPhone , iPad , or just about any other political program , Google Drive remains the good option around .
Box – Best for businesses
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One of the best cloud storage options for businesses , Box , has a whole host of excellent tools and is belike the most slick and well - plunk for cloud - based computer memory inspection and repair we ’ve test , but it might go beyond a general consumer ’s needs .
Box ’s incorporates a host of security measure options , API calls , and over 1,500 integrations across bureau mainstays like Slack , Google Workspace , Microsoft Office apps and Zoom , so it ’s an easy plectron for anyone looking for a “ plug - and - play ” solution for filing cabinet - sharing across larger teams .
It ’s basically a fare bar app that can pop out into a ready to hand search bar to trotline through anything inside your Box folder , which will also look in your Finder sidebar . A keyboard crosscut brings up the search taproom , so Box is always just a keypress away .
There ’s a note section that syncs across gimmick and a document signing peter that ’s very handy if you ’re change a lot of contracts .
It ’s dependable , too , with encoding standard across all plans and ending - to - end encoding offered via Box KeySafe so user can issue their own encoding keys .
The web app is fast and stable ( unlike some rivals ) making shifting files between folders when away from the Mac much simpler .
Box offers a very generous gratuitous design offering 10 GB of computer storage and a 250 MB Indian file upload limit , but the next tier up is $ 14/£11 monthly for somebody ( $ 10/£8 per calendar month if you pay yearly ) , which is a steep increase compare to the the likes of of Google Drive .
Box nails just about anything you could want from a cloud storage serving in 2025 . It ’s fast , unafraid , and vex out of the way when you need it to , piddle it an easy pick for businesses .
pCloud – Budget-friendly cloud storage
consider pCloud here
pCloud will have you upload and sync file on your Mac , so you’re able to place it at a specific fix and have sex it ’ll keep things up to escort . It ’s a nice , hands - free patronage option to have swop on just in vitrine you need it .
You ’ll get entree to 4 GB of free storage , which is less than we ’re used to , but can be arouse to can be raise to 10 GB if you ask for friend . There are varied annual prices , ranging from $ 49.99 a year for 500 GB , and lifetime option from $ 299 .
pCloud ’s web app is light and soft - to - navigate . you could store and partake in all type of file , and lay a directory or a local folder on your Mac to keep backed up .
Media plays well within pCloud . Saved a video ? You ’ll be able to ascertain it via the in - window player , and the same can be say for audio and images , too .
pCloud is fairly antic as an option to some of the usual suspects . If you ’re look for lifetime swarm storage , pCloud is well worth a look . It ’s also gentle to apply and has some nifty supernumerary feature of speech that could make it a dream for big library of home movies and video .
IDrive – Online backup
see IDrive here .
lDrive is an online support service like Backblaze and Carbonite , although it differs from them in a number of ways .
Firstly , it has a free grade – you may back up 5 GB without paying anything . After that , though , it ’s more expensive than either its competitors .
Currently , the yearly rush for the Personal level is $ 59.62 ( approx £ 46 ) for the first twelvemonth and $ 79.50 / year ( approx £ 61 ) after that , but that only allows you to backup 5 TB of data , while Backblaze and Carbonite let unlimited datum . However , that 5 TB can be spread across multiple reckoner , whereas Backblaze and Carbonite limit you to one computer .
Also , if you opt to restore by having data physically ship to you , lDrive provide that for free for the first restore each class – though if you ’re outside the US you ’ll have to pay for the cargo ships .
Like Backblaze , lDrive also allows you to back up external hard movement . Even with external campaign back up , it ’s unbelievable most the great unwashed will breach the 5 TB limit – comport in mind that you ’re not backing up applications or system files .
Features like Rewind and Snapshots let you to restore from early adaptation of files or shot of the complete datum set . And all data is encrypted , with the choice to set your own private encryption key .
lDrive ’s exploiter interface makes using it very straightforward . Your Desktop , Documents , Music and Pictures folders are mechanically selected for backup , along with the capacity of ~/Library / postal service .
To add other brochure , sink in ‘ vary ’ at the bottom of the windowpane – that ’s not exactly intuitive . you’re able to sum video to the musical accompaniment , but locating them in lDrive ’s interface takes a great deal of doing .
Both programing and restoring are aboveboard , however . As is choosing a local driveway as the destination for a backup in shoes of lDrive ’s server .
lDrive ’s free level and the ability to overspread your data allotment in the paid tier across multiple computers makes it attractive . Overall , though , it ’s expensive for a single automobile .
Backblaze – A good solution for offsite backup
reckon Backblaze here .
Offerings like OneDrive , Google Drive , and even Apple ’s own iCloud Drive offer a cloud - base storage area that can also be used to share files between users , unremarkably with a link to a specific bit .
Others , like Backblaze ( and IDrive and Carbonite ) are storage services in the strictest term . Backblaze choose your data , ferries it off - site , and back up your Mac to its servers . It ’s not for apace share a papers or cooperate on a slice of workplace , it ’s for recovering datum you may lose if something happens to your local auto . While you could share a single file with Backblaze , doing so requires using Backblaze ’s separate B2 Cloud Storage service which , confessedly , make out with flexible , wage - as - you - go options .
Backblaze back up the contents of your Documents , Pictures , Movies and Music folders , but leave off your Applications leaflet . you could view and share backed up files on an iPhone or iPad with the Backblaze mobile app .
support are incremental so only files that have switch since it last ran are copied . Backups are write in code and save for 30 daytime .
When it comes to restoring your data you could rejuvenate via Backblaze ’s World Wide Web interface or you could have files sent to you on a USB stick or hard drive for an additional ( refundable ) fee .
A rule My - like Locate your Computer service tracks your Mac ’s localisation to help you find it if it ’s steal . The Mac can tell you its current IP address and show you recently backed - up datum .
If you need an offsite back up of your Mac , Backblaze ’s simple mindedness and price give it the sharpness over Carbonite and IDrive .
Microsoft OneDrive – Cloud storage home workers
View Microsoft OneDrive here
If you need a cloud program for a family or humble squad , and you ’re already leaning on Microsoft ’s Office apps , then OneDrive is a great option .
One of the good role of OneDrive is that it opens up the Office ecosystem , both for Mac and iPhone or iPad . With access to Microsoft mainstay like Word , Excel , and with those apps using OneDrive to sync across platforms , it ’s got likely for the workplace – or for families with kids working on school projects .
If you ’re not keen on Google Docs or Sheets , or Apple ’s Pages and Numbers , accept Word and Excel documents propagate across your devices could be a huge boon .
The 5 GB base computer storage is painfully low for destitute users ( although still unspoiled than Dropbox ’s 2 GB ) . Microsoft clearly wants to nudge you to one of its pay plans . you could expend $ 99.99/£79.99 per year to get memory access to Word , Excel , PowerPoint , Outlook and more , with 1 TB store per somebody for up to six people ( 6 TB sum ) . or else , the Microsoft 365 Personal interpretation with 1 TB storage costs $ 69.99/£59.99 a yr , and Microsoft 365 Basic is $ 19.99/£19.99 a year for 100 GB swarm storage .
Whichever choice you go for , OneDrive is a model citizen when it come to macOS . The app is lightweight and sits in Finder for you to drag and drop as you see fit .
While it ’s not as nonrational as Google Drive , if you ’re using Microsoft Office to any degree you ’ll find a lot to care .
Dropbox – the original cloud syncing service
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No discussion of cloud storage solution would be complete without discussing the company that popularized consumer cloud sync : Dropbox . Dropbox is the app that kickstarted the cloud storage arms subspecies , but in late age it has been usurped moderately .
A loyalist for many mod work flow , Dropbox remains a dependable way to sync data and file to the swarm , but it gets harder to commend if you are look to share file with others , as a substitute answer , or as a agency to access your subject from wherever you are .
It just does n’t propose any must - have features and competition have much more generous devoid tier . The paltry 2 GB starting oblation is path behind Google ’s 15 gigabyte . The next their up is 2 TB for $ 11.99/£9.99 per month ( charge monthly ) , or $ 9.99/£7.99 a month if you make up for a year upfront . It ’s a big leap with no options in between .
There is some good . Dropbox extend a sizeable fall - down window so you may see more information about of late uploaded and updated files , liken to the basic carte bar apps of the challenger . Features like PDF signing are utile addition .
unluckily , Dropbox just does n’t feel as straightforward to use as many other cloud storage religious service .
Acronis True Image for Mac
View Acronis here .
Acronis True Image for Mac , functions as both a customizable backup utility as well as an antiviral / anti - malware app . We ’ve included it here in this swarm back up around up because as well as local backups you’re able to back up to Acronis cloud . you could get at your cloud championship from anywhere . To take reward of the cloud found stand-in will cost more .
The Essentials plan starts at $ 49.99/£42.99 per year for one electronic computer with local support and anti - ransomware include , but you will have to pay more for cloud stand-in . The Advanced plan , with 250 GB computer storage , costs £ 69.99 , but there are cheaper and more expensive options .
The computer software installed easily and was configured for full disk memory access without trouble . It brook incremental , scheduled and swarm - based championship .
It is centered around Backup , Protection , Disk Cloning , and Archive modules . The Backup module earmark you to designate source and address volumes as well as choose which data file are back up up and to where . It ’s easy to make ejection lists as to which files can by bypass when it comes to back up , and the scheduling feature wreak well .
The Backup faculty also lead to straight Image ’s Acronis Survival Kit , which reserve for a bootable backup parkway to be created that your Mac can reboot and install a new operating system from .
Disk Cloning mental faculty make well , and makes quick copies of volumes as take . the Archive faculty allows you to offload local datum to Acronis ’ cloud structure , which is ready to hand for freeing up local place
The Protection module offer a ripe degree of antiviral protection , catching no less than 23 potential threat from a sample distribution archive off the at-bat .
Unfortunately , during our examination there were bugs that could n’t be avoided and user interface elements that were either inconvenient or needed a complete overall .
Carbonite Safe
reckon Carbonite here .
Carbonite is very similar to Backblaze in that it earmark you to back up your Mac to remote server and recover files when you need to . Like Backblaze , you signalize up for an account statement and download a Mac software , and it automatically select files to download .
Also like Backblaze , Carbonite does n’t back up applications or scheme files . One central dispute is that Carbonite ’s basic plan does n’t automatically back up the capacity of your Movies brochure either – although you’re able to select videos manually to be second up . Neither does Carbonite back up the substance of outside driveway .
Files are protected with 128 - bit encryption , but there ’s no choice to impart your own watchword .
reestablish data is done online , using the Carbonite covering – the choice to embark sensitive containing your data is only available within the US . And you’re able to bushel from any backup run within the last 30 days , allowing you to roll back to early versions of files .
The Carbonite mobile app allows you to view and download files to an iPhone or iPad .
Carbonite is very uncomplicated to use . In fact , it almost feels too simple . Download the app , install it and launch it , and Carbonite starts backing up your Documents and Pictures folders straight away .
In the unexpended - hand sidebar , there ’s a listing of volumes and the main user folders ( Desktop , Documents , Pictures , Movies and Music ) . By clicking on those you could choose files to be backed up or except .
Restoring file is just as easy . If you desire to mend a complete accompaniment , click the Restore pick in the sidebar and choose whether to download files to a folder or put them back where they were in the first place .
To restore single single file and folders , navigate to them using the folders in the sidebar and choose the download option .
Carbonite , at the time of composition head start at $ 71.99 ( approx £ 55 ) per year for a single electronic computer . If you want to back up external drives and back up telecasting mechanically , that jumps to $ 111.99 ( approx £ 86 ) . That relieve oneself it expensive compared to its skinny competitors .
Cloud storage for Mac: Prices compared
The cloud repositing selection you should choose depends mostly on how much you ’re willing to give . If you need free distance , Google crushes the competition with 15GB — Microsoft and Apple both need to up their game . The 100 GB for $ 1.99 story is a good deal for most people and touch the capacity Microsoft gives you with OneDrive .
Apple ’s iCloud commit you 200 Gi for $ 2.99 , which is the lower limit you ’re give-up the ghost to have to drop if you be after to back up iOS twist to the cloud along with photos and TV . Google couple Apple ’s Leontyne Price and store at this level . There ’s a $ 0.99 tier up below that , but even 50 GB will fill up tight when you ’re back up your iPhone and all its photograph and videos .
If you require to spend ten bucks a calendar month , you ’ll get 2 TB from either Google or Apple , but Microsoft will give yousix accountswith 1 TB each , plusOffice apps . That ’s a sweet deal .
Dropbox ’s 2 GB is the worst free tier , and its cheap paid tier is $ 11.99 a month and does n’t even let in all of Dropbox ’s features .
For more advice about the best computer storage for your Mac take a look at the following :
Best SSD for Mac
considerably strong driveway for Mac
Best NAS driving force for Mac
