As a business, keeping your data safe and secure is a number-one priority. With the amount of cloud storage providers available in the market, it can be hard to find one that fits your specific needs. Luckily, we've done the heavy lifting to comprise a list of the best cloud storage providers for 2017.
While this isn't a comprehensive list, we recommend doing more research into the solutions below and other cloud storage platforms to choose the best one for your business.
OpenDrive
OpenDrive allows assigned users on your team to create and edit documents and spreadsheets within the system, making project management and editing a breeze. If you run into issues, you can access and restore previous versions of your work as needed. As a project manager, you can set up alerts to changed or new documents. If you have several projects across different departments, OpenDrive also allows file permissions and access levels to limit and customize access. You can also customize the design of your account if you're sharing files with clients.
Cost: Free for up to 5GB. For unlimited storage, paid plans start at $12.95 per month
Google Drive
Like OpenDrive, Google Drive's benefit lies in the ability to not only store documents, but edit them in real time and collaborate with team members in a central platform. The Google suite offers up to 15 GB of free storage as well as the option to work in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and more. Google Drive also offers a built-in chat and comment tool inside a document, so your team doesn't have to leave the platform to discuss any changes or additions. Google Drive also continues to add third-party integrations, so you can incorporate other applications into your dashboard. For small businesses, Google Drive is also one of the most affordable cloud storage solutions on the market.
Cost: Free up to 15 GB, additional $1.99 per month for each 100 GB after 15
Box
Box is routinely referred to businesses as one of the best cloud storage providers year after year, and for good reason. In addition to managing documents, Box boasts many unique and easy-to-use features. Group communication is made easier by the integrated discussion platform, where direct comments will alert your team members so questions are answered quickly. It can serve as a low-key project management platform as well, with the ability to assign varying levels of permissions as well as task lists for individual employees. The interface includes real-time updates so you can track uploads, changes and deletions. You can also use Box to share folders or documents with clients, or embed documents on your website for easy access and download.
Cost: $5 per month per user for 100 GB; business and enterprise tiered pricing available
Hightail
If you're looking for a cloud storage provider that is compatible with mobile, Hightail is your solution. Easily edit and send documents on the go with their efficient mobile design. You can also create specific project spaces, where assigned team members can virtually "gather" and collaborate on documents. You can assign permission levels to clients in these project spaces, so they can see any completed work but not the edits and discussions that precede them. Hightail also has the benefit of offering unlimited mobile and desktop storage space.
Cost: Plans start at $15 per user per month
Dropbox
Dropbox is widely referred to as the most secure cloud storage provider, so if you're looking for protection, this is the platform for you. You can share documents and files across the Dropbox website, desktop app or mobile app, making it easy to download and edit files from anywhere. Their security features include SSL encryption, two-step authentication and mobile pass codes. You can choose between an individual plan and a business plan, which makes cloud storage easy for home businesses to large corporations.
Cost: Individual plans start at $8.25 per user per month for 1 TB of storage. Business plans start at $12.50 per month per user with unlimited storage.
Choosing the best cloud storage provider for 2017 can be a daunting task, but it's just a matter of setting your priorities. Do you want better team management, mobile access or enhanced security? Once you've figured that out, picking a cloud storage platform is easy.
Check back here for our updated list next year!
OpenDrive
OpenDrive allows assigned users on your team to create and edit documents and spreadsheets within the system, making project management and editing a breeze. If you run into issues, you can access and restore previous versions of your work as needed. As a project manager, you can set up alerts to changed or new documents. If you have several projects across different departments, OpenDrive also allows file permissions and access levels to limit and customize access. You can also customize the design of your account if you're sharing files with clients.
Cost: Free for up to 5GB. For unlimited storage, paid plans start at $12.95 per month
Google Drive
Like OpenDrive, Google Drive's benefit lies in the ability to not only store documents, but edit them in real time and collaborate with team members in a central platform. The Google suite offers up to 15 GB of free storage as well as the option to work in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and more. Google Drive also offers a built-in chat and comment tool inside a document, so your team doesn't have to leave the platform to discuss any changes or additions. Google Drive also continues to add third-party integrations, so you can incorporate other applications into your dashboard. For small businesses, Google Drive is also one of the most affordable cloud storage solutions on the market.
Cost: Free up to 15 GB, additional $1.99 per month for each 100 GB after 15
Box
Box is routinely referred to businesses as one of the best cloud storage providers year after year, and for good reason. In addition to managing documents, Box boasts many unique and easy-to-use features. Group communication is made easier by the integrated discussion platform, where direct comments will alert your team members so questions are answered quickly. It can serve as a low-key project management platform as well, with the ability to assign varying levels of permissions as well as task lists for individual employees. The interface includes real-time updates so you can track uploads, changes and deletions. You can also use Box to share folders or documents with clients, or embed documents on your website for easy access and download.
Cost: $5 per month per user for 100 GB; business and enterprise tiered pricing available
Hightail
If you're looking for a cloud storage provider that is compatible with mobile, Hightail is your solution. Easily edit and send documents on the go with their efficient mobile design. You can also create specific project spaces, where assigned team members can virtually "gather" and collaborate on documents. You can assign permission levels to clients in these project spaces, so they can see any completed work but not the edits and discussions that precede them. Hightail also has the benefit of offering unlimited mobile and desktop storage space.
Cost: Plans start at $15 per user per month
Dropbox
Dropbox is widely referred to as the most secure cloud storage provider, so if you're looking for protection, this is the platform for you. You can share documents and files across the Dropbox website, desktop app or mobile app, making it easy to download and edit files from anywhere. Their security features include SSL encryption, two-step authentication and mobile pass codes. You can choose between an individual plan and a business plan, which makes cloud storage easy for home businesses to large corporations.
Cost: Individual plans start at $8.25 per user per month for 1 TB of storage. Business plans start at $12.50 per month per user with unlimited storage.
Choosing the best cloud storage provider for 2017 can be a daunting task, but it's just a matter of setting your priorities. Do you want better team management, mobile access or enhanced security? Once you've figured that out, picking a cloud storage platform is easy.
Check back here for our updated list next year!
Kelly AyresKelly is a freelance SEO consultant based out of Washington D.C. She has worked for Philadelphia marketing agencies and writes for several lifestyle sites.