Box Alternatives (2026): 10 Cloud Storage Options for Teams

Most people searching for Box alternatives want somewhere their team can store, share and work on files without changing how everyone works. The services below all do that, but they make very different promises about who can see your data.

The ten options are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from each vendor's own website, read as of Oct 2026.

Box alternatives side by side

I checked the free plan column on each vendor's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names a free plan, a free version or an open source edition. Trial only means it names a time-limited free trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, so check the vendor's own site before you sign up.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Dropbox	Team file storage and sharing	Storing, sharing, editing PDFs and signing in one place	Not stated
Egnyte	Enterprise content cloud	Large firms tying company content to AI tools	Trial only
Icedrive	Cloud drive with free storage	Mounting cloud storage like a local drive	Yes
IDrive	Cloud backup and storage	Continuous backup of devices and cloud apps	Not stated
MEGA	Encrypted cloud storage	Privacy by default with a generous free allowance	Yes
Nextcloud	Open source, self-hosted collaboration	Hosting files, chat and office tools yourself	Yes
pCloud	Secure business cloud storage	GDPR-compliant, ISO 27001 certified team storage	Trial only
ShareFile	Document workflow and client portal	Collecting client documents, forms and signatures	Not stated
Sync	Encrypted storage with client portals	Branded client file portals and real-time backup	Not stated
Tresorit	End-to-end encrypted business storage	Confidential projects, data rooms and revocable sharing	Not stated

Ten places to store and share business files

Dropbox

Best for: Teams tired of email attachments that want files, PDF edits, video review and e-signatures handled without leaving one app.

Egnyte

Best for: Enterprises that want a content cloud with an AI context layer on top, from a vendor named a leader in an IDC intelligent content services assessment.

Icedrive

Best for: People who want cloud storage that behaves like a hard drive on their computer, with apps for home, mobile and office and free storage on sign-up.

IDrive

Best for: Businesses that need backup more than sharing, with continuous data protection and cloud-to-cloud backup for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and even Box.

MEGA

Best for: Privacy-minded users who want encrypted storage by default, with chat, meetings, a VPN and a password manager from the same provider.

Nextcloud

Best for: Organisations that want to run their own file sync and share, with calls, chat, calendar and a LibreOffice-based office suite under their control.

pCloud

Best for: Teams that want secure cloud storage with backup, branded links and a choice of data region, plus a 30-day free trial to test it.

ShareFile

Best for: Accountants and client-facing firms that collect documents, forms and e-signatures through a secure portal, especially in tax season.

Sync

Best for: Small firms that want unlimited storage and transfer, real-time backup and a custom-branded portal for sending and receiving client files.

Tresorit

Best for: Businesses handling confidential work that want an end-to-end encrypted workspace, secure data rooms and file sharing they can revoke at any time.

An AI content layer, an open source hub and an encryption race

Here's what stood out reading the vendor pages. Egnyte now leads with an AI Context Layer and calls itself a content cloud for enterprises, so it's selling more than a shared drive. Nextcloud's own title reads open source content collaboration platform, which means you run it yourself.

The privacy-first group is just as clear. Tresorit's title is End-to-End Encrypted Cloud Storage for Businesses, pCloud's business page says it's GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001 certified, and MEGA's page claims the largest free plan of any provider.

Control or familiarity: the choice behind every Box swap

• Mainstream team drives. Familiar apps with sharing, e-signatures and client portals built in. Your files sit on the vendor's servers, and most of your team will already know how they work.
• Privacy-first encrypted storage. These lead with encryption, often end to end, so the provider can't read your files. Some add secure data rooms or branded client portals.
• Self-hosted open source. You run the platform on your own server, so you decide where data lives. You also own the updates, backups and security.
• Backup-first services. If you mostly want copies of every device and less sharing, a backup service may suit you better than a shared drive. One page here points out that cloud backup and cloud storage aren't the same thing.

Six questions to settle before you move your files off Box

1. Who needs to reach the files? Staff only, or clients and suppliers too? Client portals and revocable links matter once outsiders are involved.
2. Who should be able to read them? If the answer is nobody but you, look for end-to-end encryption, not just encryption in transit.
3. Where must the data live? Check whether the vendor lets you choose a data region, or whether you'd rather host it yourself.
4. Do you need e-signatures and forms? Some services build these in, so you can drop a separate tool.
5. Is it storage or backup? A synced folder mirrors changes, mistakes included, so keep a separate backup either way.
6. How will you move everything? Plan folder structure and permissions before the migration, not after.

If you're after something lighter for a small team, my roundup of file syncing and sharing apps covers simpler options.

Do you make a cloud storage or file sharing service? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on replacing Box

Start with the people, not the features. If your team just needs to share and sign files with as little fuss as possible, a mainstream team drive is the easiest move and nobody needs training. If you hold client records, legal files or anything confidential, pick an end-to-end encrypted service. And if you need total control over where data lives and you've got someone to look after a server, self-host the open source option. Whatever you choose, test it with one folder and one client before you move everything.

Once your files have a new home, my guide to digital asset management software helps if you're managing creative assets rather than office documents.

Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best alternative to Box?

There's no single answer. Teams that want an easy switch go for a mainstream team drive, firms with confidential files go for end-to-end encrypted storage, and organisations that want full control host an open source platform themselves.

Is there a free alternative to Box?

Some services on this list name a free plan or free storage on sign-up, and one is open source, so you can host it yourself. Check the limits on the vendor's own site, because free tiers usually cap storage and features.

What's the difference between end-to-end encryption and standard cloud encryption?

With end-to-end encryption, files are encrypted on your device and only you and the people you share with can open them. Standard cloud encryption protects files in transit and on the server, but the provider holds the keys.

Can I host my own Box alternative?

Yes. At least one option here is an open source platform you install on your own server, which gives you full control over where data lives, but you're also responsible for updates, backups and security.

Is cloud backup the same as cloud storage?

No. Storage and sync tools mirror a folder across devices, so a deleted or overwritten file can disappear everywhere. A backup service keeps separate copies you can restore, so many businesses use both.