The best cloud storage for business depends on the tools you already use and how sensitive your files are. Google Drive suits Google Workspace users, OneDrive and SharePoint suit Microsoft 365 users, Dropbox suits teams that share lots of large files, Box and Egnyte suit businesses with stricter controls, and Sync.com, pCloud, Tresorit and Proton Drive suit businesses that put privacy and encryption first.
If your business files still live on one laptop, you're one spilled coffee away from a very bad day. Cloud storage keeps files backed up, lets your team work from anywhere and makes sharing with clients as easy as sending a link.
The services below are well known and widely used. Some come bundled with the office tools you already pay for, others focus on sharing or on privacy. I've focused on what each one is known for, so treat this as a shortlist and move one real project folder into two of them.
What should you look for in cloud storage for business?
- Fit with your tools. Storage that comes with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 is often the simplest choice.
- Sharing controls. Expiring links, passwords and view-only access protect client files.
- Security. Two-factor sign-in, admin controls and encryption matter, especially for sensitive files.
- File recovery. Version history and deleted file recovery save you from mistakes and ransomware.
- Sync. Desktop and mobile apps should keep files up to date without fuss.
- Admin tools. When someone leaves, you need to keep their files and remove their access.
Cloud storage for business compared
| Tool | Best for | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Google Workspace users | Real-time collaboration in Docs and Sheets |
| Microsoft OneDrive | Microsoft 365 users | Works with Office apps and SharePoint |
| Dropbox | Teams sharing large files | Fast sync and easy sharing |
| Box | Businesses needing controls | Security and governance features |
| Egnyte | Regulated industries | Governance and hybrid storage |
| Sync.com | Privacy-focused small businesses | End-to-end encryption |
| pCloud | Individuals and small teams | Strong media handling |
| Tresorit | Sensitive client files | End-to-end encrypted sharing |
| Proton Drive | Privacy-first businesses | Encryption from the Proton suite |
Plans and features change often, so check each vendor's current plans before you commit.
The best cloud storage for business
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is Google's cloud storage and part of Google Workspace. Files sit alongside Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Meet, and several people can edit the same document at once.
Who it suits: businesses already using Google Workspace for email and documents.
What stands out: collaboration. Real-time editing in Docs and Sheets makes teamwork simple.
Watch out for: shared drive and admin features depend on your Workspace plan, so check them before you organise the team.
2. Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage, included with Microsoft 365. It works closely with Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and with SharePoint and Teams for shared team files.
Who it suits: businesses already using Microsoft 365 and Office apps.
What stands out: the Office connection. Files open and save straight from the apps your team uses.
Watch out for: the split between OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams files can confuse people, so agree where team files live.
3. Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the best-known cloud storage services. It's known for fast, reliable sync, easy sharing of large files and features such as file requests and transfers.
Who it suits: creative teams and businesses that share lots of large files with clients.
What stands out: sync and sharing. It's simple for clients and freelancers to use.
Watch out for: if you live in Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, you may already have storage included.
4. Box
Box is cloud content management for businesses, with secure sharing, permissions, workflows and compliance features.
Who it suits: businesses that need tighter control over who sees which files.
What stands out: governance. Permissions, audit trails and admin controls are a core strength.
Watch out for: it's built for organisations with controls in mind, so very small teams may find it more than they need.
5. Egnyte
Egnyte provides cloud file sharing and content governance, with options that combine cloud and on-site storage. It's used in industries such as construction, life sciences and financial services.
Who it suits: businesses in regulated industries or with large project files.
What stands out: governance and hybrid storage, which suit firms with strict rules about data.
Watch out for: it's aimed at businesses with specific compliance needs rather than general storage.
6. Sync.com
Sync.com is a Canadian cloud storage service known for end-to-end encryption, so only you and the people you share with can read your files.
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Who it suits: small businesses that handle sensitive files and value privacy.
What stands out: privacy. Files are encrypted before they leave your device.
Watch out for: encryption can limit some features, such as previewing or editing files in the browser.
7. pCloud
pCloud is a Swiss cloud storage service with desktop and mobile apps, file sharing and built-in media players, plus optional encryption.
Who it suits: individuals and small teams who store lots of photos, video and audio.
What stands out: media handling. You can preview and play files without downloading them.
Watch out for: check its business team features if you're managing several users.
8. Tresorit
Tresorit is an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and file sharing service used by businesses that handle confidential documents.
Who it suits: law firms, accountants and consultants who share sensitive client files.
What stands out: secure sharing, with controls over links, access and downloads.
Watch out for: like other encrypted services, some convenience features work differently, so test your daily tasks.
9. Proton Drive
Proton Drive is end-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Proton, the company behind Proton Mail. It's part of a wider privacy-focused suite.
Who it suits: privacy-first businesses, especially those already using Proton Mail.
What stands out: the privacy suite. Email, calendar and storage all share the same encryption approach.
Watch out for: its collaboration features are newer than those in Google Drive or Microsoft 365, so check what your team needs.
How to choose the right cloud storage
Look at what you already pay for. If your email runs on Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, you probably have business cloud storage included. For many small businesses that's the right answer, as long as you set up shared folders and admin controls.
Choose a dedicated service when you have a specific need: Dropbox for heavy file sharing, Box or Egnyte for strict controls, or Sync.com, Tresorit or Proton Drive for encrypted client files. Whichever you choose, turn on two-factor sign-in for everyone on day one.
For more on working this way, read cloud storage for a more productive way to work and my roundup of cloud productivity and collaboration tools. My post on why manual file sharing becomes a risk explains the stakes, and the best password managers for small business keep those accounts safe.
Building a tool in this space? Here's how tools get considered for my roundups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cloud storage for business?
Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive suit businesses already using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Dropbox suits heavy file sharing, Box suits stricter controls and Sync.com suits privacy.
Is cloud storage safe for business files?
The well-known services use strong security, but you play a part too. Turn on two-factor sign-in, control sharing links and remove access when people leave.
What's the difference between cloud storage and cloud backup?
Cloud storage keeps files you work on and share. Cloud backup keeps copies of your devices so you can restore them. Many businesses use both.
What does end-to-end encryption mean?
It means files are encrypted on your device and can only be read by you and the people you share with, not by the storage provider.
