Google Drive Alternatives (2026): 10 Cloud Storage Options

Google Drive is where a lot of us keep documents, photos and shared folders, and it works nicely with Gmail and Google Docs. But you might want a different home for your files. Perhaps you'd like stronger privacy, a European provider, a simple sync folder, or a way to host everything yourself.

This page lists ten Google Drive alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've mixed smaller and privacy-focused providers with a couple of better-known names, and everything comes from each provider's own website. If you rely on Google tools in other ways, my guides on reusable templates in Google Docs and WhatsApp backups to Google Drive cover two common snags.

Google Drive alternatives for cloud storage at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site describes a free plan or a free tier. Trial only means a free trial with no ongoing free plan. Storage limits and features change, so check the current details before you move your files.

Tool	Type of storage	Good for	Free plan
Dropbox	File sync and sharing	Simple sharing links and version recovery	Yes
Filen	Encrypted cloud storage	Private storage with open source apps	Yes
Icedrive	Cloud storage with drive mounting	Browsing cloud files like a local drive	Yes
Internxt	Encrypted cloud storage	Private storage with open source code	Yes
Koofr	European cloud storage	Free storage plus online Office editing	Yes
Nextcloud	Self-hosted collaboration platform	Running your own files, calls and docs	Yes
pCloud	Cloud storage and backup	Sync, backup and sharing in one account	Yes
Proton Drive	Encrypted cloud storage	Private files with built-in documents and sheets	Yes
Sync.com	Private cloud storage	Client file sharing with end-to-end encryption	Yes
Tresorit	Business secure file sharing	Teams handling confidential documents	Trial only

Ten Google Drive alternatives for cloud storage, A to Z

Dropbox

Best for: People who want a familiar sync folder, easy share links and the ability to restore earlier versions of a file on a free plan.

Filen

Best for: Privacy-minded users who want files encrypted on their own device before upload, with apps for web, desktop and mobile.

Icedrive

Best for: People who'd like their cloud files to appear like a drive on the computer without filling up the local disk.

Internxt

Best for: Users who want end-to-end encrypted storage from a provider that publishes its code and offers a free plan to try.

Koofr

Best for: Anyone who wants European storage with expiring share links and the option to edit Office files online.

Nextcloud

Best for: Small teams with technical help who want to host their own files and collaboration tools on servers they control.

pCloud

Best for: People who want sync and automatic backup from a Swiss-based provider that lets you choose where your data is stored.

Proton Drive

Best for: Anyone who wants end-to-end encrypted storage and online editors for documents and spreadsheets from the Proton family.

Sync.com

Best for: Freelancers and small firms who want encrypted storage and a branded portal for sharing files with clients.

Tresorit

Best for: Businesses that handle sensitive files and want zero-knowledge encryption with sign-on options and audit logs.

How to choose between Google Drive alternatives for storing files

Begin with what you keep in your drive and who needs to see it. A freelancer who shares drafts with clients has different needs from a family keeping years of photos. Write down the three things you'd hate to lose or have leaked, then choose with those in mind.

• Encryption. Some providers encrypt files on your device before upload, so even the provider can't read them. Others encrypt only in transit and on their servers.
• Where your data lives. Check which country the servers are in, and whether you can pick a region.
• Editing documents. If you co-edit documents and spreadsheets, check whether the provider has online editors or works with Office files.
• Sync and backup. Look for a desktop folder that syncs, and automatic photo backup on your phone.
• Sharing. Can you send a link, set an expiry, or require a sign-in?
• Recovery. Find out how deleted files and earlier versions are restored, and for how long.

Which kind of cloud storage alternative to Google Drive suits you

• Mainstream sync services suit people who want something familiar that works on every device.
• Privacy-first providers suit anyone handling client records, contracts or personal files.
• Self-hosted platforms suit teams with a technical person who wants full control over servers and updates.
• Business secure-sharing tools suit firms that need audit logs, sign-on options and compliance support.

Cloud storage is one part of a tidy toolkit. If you're comparing other kinds of software too, my guides to Google Consent Mode v2 and finding your Google Analytics tracking ID may help while you review what your business relies on from Google.

Moving your files away from Google Drive without losing anything

1. List the folders you use most and note who has access to each one.
2. Check Google's own export tools and its help pages, and keep a full copy of your files somewhere safe.
3. Set up your new storage and upload one small folder first.
4. Open a few files, including documents and spreadsheets, to check they look right.
5. Re-share folders with the people who need them, using the new links.
6. Keep your old account until you're sure everything came across, then tidy up.

Mistakes people make when leaving Google Drive

• Moving everything in one go before checking that shared links still work for clients.
• Forgetting that documents made in Google's editors may need converting before another service can open them.
• Choosing a provider for one feature, then finding it isn't on the plan they picked.
• Leaving old Google sharing links in emails, proposals and website pages.
• Skipping a second backup, so a single account problem could leave them without a copy.

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

Making your final Google Drive alternatives shortlist

Pick two providers that match your privacy needs and the way you share. Move one real folder into each, open it on your phone and laptop, and send a share link to a friend. Keep the one that feels easy for you and for the people you share with, and don't close your Google account until you've checked every file you care about.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Google Drive?

Yes. Several providers on this page describe a free plan on their own websites. Limits on storage and features vary, so check the current plan details before you move over.

Can I move my files from Google Drive to another service?

Yes. You can usually download your files, and Google offers its own export options. Upload a small folder first to check everything opens as expected.

Which cloud storage is the most private?

Providers that encrypt files on your device before upload, often called end-to-end or zero-knowledge encryption, give the strongest privacy. Read each provider's own explanation to see how it works.

Do these services work with Word and Excel files?

Most store any file type. Some also have their own online editors, and others open Office files in a browser. Check the details for the services you shortlist.

Should I keep a second backup of my files?

Yes. Keeping a copy in a second place, such as an external drive, protects you if one account is locked or a file is deleted by mistake.