Storage
First consider how much storage you actually need. Smaller plans are often sufficient for personal documents, while photos, videos, backups or team projects can quickly require considerably more storage.
Cloud Storage Comparison UK 2026
Are you looking for the perfect cloud storage for your data in the UK? Here you'll find targeted offers whose cloud solutions let you back up, edit and share your most important files.
Compare the managed cloud storage offers based on Nextcloud, ownCloud, Seafile, HiDrive or other cloud-storage solutions from various web hosting providers:
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Cloud storage comparison
Cloud storage providers compared
Do you want to store files online, share documents securely, create backups or work on projects together as a team? Cloud storage is a flexible solution for private users, the self‑employed and businesses. Compare suitable cloud storage providers here and find the solution that meets your requirements.
Simply explained
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage refers to online storage space where files, documents, images, videos, backups or project data can be stored and accessed via the internet. Instead of keeping data exclusively on a computer, smartphone or an external hard drive, they are stored on servers of a cloud provider and can be reached from different devices.
The main advantage is flexibility: you can access files on the go, share documents with others, sync data between multiple devices and, depending on the provider, even collaborate on documents in real time. Many cloud storage solutions also include features for automatic backups, version control, shareable links, team folders or Office integration.
Cloud storage is suitable for private users as well as businesses. While private users frequently want to back up photos, documents and personal files, companies prioritise collaboration, data protection, user management, access permissions and data backup.
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Store files securely and access them anywhere
With cloud storage you can keep your data centrally online and access it from a laptop, smartphone, tablet or desktop PC. It is particularly useful for remote working, team projects and backing up important files.
Use cases
What can cloud storage be used for?
Cloud storage can be used for many different scenarios. Depending on the provider, the range extends from simple file storage to complete collaboration and office platforms.
Store files
Documents, images, videos, PDFs and project files can be stored centrally and accessed from multiple devices. This is particularly useful when files should not be stored locally on a single device.
Share files
Many cloud storage services offer share links, password protection, expiry dates or targeted sharing for specific people. This makes it easier to exchange files with customers, colleagues or partners.
Create backups
Cloud storage with backup can be used to secure important data. Especially helpful are automatic synchronisation, versioning and recovery features.
Team collaboration
For teams, shared folders, user permissions, commenting features and Office integration are important. This allows multiple people to work on the same files or documents.
Back up photos & media
Individual users often use cloud storage to back up photos, videos and personal documents. Many providers offer apps with automatic upload from smartphones.
Manage business data
Businesses use encrypted cloud storage for project files, contracts, customer data, internal documents and multi-site collaboration. Data protection, permissions management and clear administrative functions are important here.
Advantages & Limitations
What benefits does cloud storage offer?
Cloud storage offers more than just extra storage space. Modern solutions combine data backup, synchronisation, collaboration and flexible access options in a single platform.
Benefits of cloud storage
- access files from multiple devices and locations
- easy synchronisation between desktop, smartphone and tablet
- quick sharing of files and folders via link or invitation
- practical for mobile working and working from home
- depending on the provider, automatic backups and versioning
- team collaboration with shared folders and permissions
- storage can be scaled flexibly
- no local storage hardware required
What to watch out for
- data protection and server location vary by provider
- access is limited without an internet connection
- large amounts of data can take a long time to synchronise depending on the connection
- free plans often have limited storage space
- not every solution is suitable for sensitive business data
- sharing settings and user permissions must be managed carefully
- cloud storage does not automatically replace a comprehensive backup strategy
Selection criteria
What should you look for when comparing cloud storage?
Cloud storage providers differ in more than just storage space. Equally important are data protection, security, usability, synchronisation, sharing features, team management, Office integration and the pricing model.
Data protection & server location
For businesses and privacy-conscious users, the location where data is stored is important. Providers with servers in Germany, the EU or Switzerland can be particularly interesting depending on the project.
Encryption
Check whether data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. For particularly sensitive data, additional encryption features or zero-knowledge approaches may be relevant.
Synchronisation
Good cloud storage services offer apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and the browser. It's important that files synchronise reliably and conflicts are handled cleanly.
Sharing & permissions
For teams, fine-grained access rights are important. Check whether folders can be shared as read-only, whether passwords and expiry dates are supported and whether shares can be managed centrally.
Backup features
Not every cloud storage service is automatically a full backup solution. Look for versioning, a trash or recycle bin, restore options, automatic backups and protection against accidental deletion.
Office & collaboration
If you want to work on documents together, Office tools, commenting, collaborative editing and integrations with existing applications are particularly important.
Costs & pricing model
Don't just compare storage per pound. Also important are user limits, additional features, business plans, contract terms, upgrades and potential costs as storage needs grow. Alternatively, find out about free cloud storage in our comparison.
Terms explained
Important cloud storage terms, simply explained
When comparing cloud storage services, various technical and organisational terms come up. The most important can be quickly categorised.
Synchronisation
Synchronisation means that files are automatically synchronised between the cloud and your devices. Changes then appear on multiple devices.
Share link
With a share link, you can share files or folders with others without having to send them as email attachments.
Versioning
Versioning saves previous versions of files. This often allows accidentally changed or deleted files to be restored.
End-to-end encryption
With end-to-end encryption, data is encrypted so that only authorised users can decrypt it.
Zero-knowledge
Zero-knowledge means the provider itself should not have access to the contents of your encrypted data.
Team folders
Team folders allow multiple users to share access to selected files and projects.
Cloud backup
A cloud backup automatically backs up data online. Important features are recovery, versioning and protection against accidental deletion.
Office integration
Office integration enables editing documents, spreadsheets and presentations directly in the browser or in connected apps.
Selection guide
Which cloud storage suits which purpose?
Not every cloud storage solution is equally suitable for every use. While private users often need simple synchronisation and photo storage, businesses place greater emphasis on data protection, rights management and collaboration.
For private users
- ease of use and good apps are important
- back up photos, documents and personal files
- free storage can be sufficient to get started
- consider synchronisation between smartphone and computer
- sharing with family and friends is convenient
For self-employed
- professional file storage for projects and clients
- secure sharing and a clear folder structure are important
- Office integration can streamline workflows
- consider data protection and server location
- check versioning and backup features
For businesses
- user management and access control concepts are important
- check team folders, sharing policies and audit features
- consider GDPR, the Data Processing Agreement (DPA) and server location
- integration into existing systems is useful
- compare support, availability and scalability
For backups
- automatic backup of important files
- versioning and recovery are essential
- consider protection against accidental deletion
- realistically estimate storage requirements
- include cloud storage in your backup strategy
Popular solutions
Well-known cloud storage providers and solutions
There are many different cloud storage providers with various focuses. Some solutions are closely integrated with office applications, while others concentrate on data protection, backups, collaboration or self-hosted cloud environments.
Office & Everyday use
Google Drive
Google Drive is closely integrated with Google services such as Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. The solution is particularly suitable for users who already operate within the Google ecosystem.
Microsoft integration
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 and Windows. It can be a natural choice for users of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
Apple ecosystem
Apple iCloud
iCloud is particularly relevant for users of iPhone, iPad and Mac. Photos, files, backups and device data can be conveniently synchronised within the Apple environment.
File sync
Dropbox
Dropbox is known for straightforward file synchronisation, sharing and integrations with many applications. The solution suits private users, teams and project-based work.
Privacy & plans
pCloud
pCloud is a cloud storage provider focused on file storage, synchronisation and optional add-on features. Depending on requirements, its pricing plans and data protection features can be particularly attractive.
Business
Box
Box is primarily aimed at businesses and teams. The emphasis is on collaboration, file sharing, access control and business features.
Switzerland
kSuite
kSuite combines cloud storage with additional productivity features. The solution may be of interest to users who value a Swiss provider and extra online tools.
Self-hosting
Nextcloud & ownCloud
Nextcloud und ownCloud enable self-hosted or professionally hosted cloud storage environments. They are particularly relevant when control, extensibility and data protection are the primary concerns.
Hosting providers
HiDrive
HiDrive is a cloud storage solution that is particularly well known within the context of German hosting providers. It is suitable for file storage, backups and access across multiple devices.
Comparison
Cloud storage providers at a glance
The overview below shows typical focal points of well-known cloud storage solutions. For a concrete choice you should additionally compare storage capacity, data protection, costs, sharing features and business capabilities.
| Provider / Solution | Suitable for | Strengths | Provider headquarters | Server / data location | Data protection profile | End-to-end encryption | What to look out for | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | private users, teams, Google Workspace users | Office integration, collaboration and particularly easy use within the Google ecosystem | 🇺🇸 USA Google LLC |
Globally distributed Google infrastructure. For regular personal accounts there is no option to select a fixed EU data region. | US / international US provider with global infrastructure and without a user-selectable EU storage location in the standard personal offering. |
No Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, but not end-to-end by default. |
Consider data protection, storage needs and the strong lock-in to the Google ecosystem | strong for users who already use Google services and collaborate on documents |
| Microsoft OneDrive | Microsoft 365 users, Windows users, businesses | tight integration into Office, Windows, Teams and other Microsoft services | 🇺🇸 USA Microsoft Corporation |
Depends on account, customer and Microsoft 365 region. For eligible enterprise customers there are EU data residency arrangements. | US EU options US provider, but Microsoft 365 offers extensive options and commitments for regional data storage. |
No, by default | Check the pricing model, account type and, for businesses, the specifically promised data region | a logical choice for Microsoft-oriented workplaces and businesses using Microsoft 365 |
| Apple iCloud | iPhone, iPad and Mac users | very simple syncing and deep integration into the Apple ecosystem | 🇺🇸 USA Apple Inc. |
International cloud infrastructure. A specific European storage region cannot be freely selected for a regular iCloud account. | US / international No freely selectable EU data region. Technical privacy can be significantly increased with Apple's Advanced Data Protection. |
Optional with ADP With "Advanced Data Protection for iCloud" many additional data categories are end-to-end encrypted. |
Less neutral in mixed-device environments; check available storage and activation of Advanced Data Protection | especially handy for users with multiple Apple devices |
| Dropbox | private users, teams, project-based collaboration | strong file synchronisation, simple sharing and mature apps | 🇺🇸 USA Dropbox Inc. |
Storage servers among others in the USA. For eligible customers additional regions such as the EU, the UK, Japan and Australia are available. | US regional options European data storage is possible with certain offerings, but is not available for every plan. |
No, by default | Check costs, business features and, for commercial use, the available data region | proven solution for synchronisation, file storage and straightforward sharing |
| pCloud | private users, privacy-conscious users | file storage, synchronisation, selectable data region and optional zero-knowledge encryption | 🇨🇭 Schweiz pCloud International AG |
Selectable: 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (EU) or 🇺🇸 Dallas, USA |
EU region selectable Choosing Luxembourg allows files and personal data to be stored specifically within the EU. |
Optional Zero-knowledge / end-to-end encryption via the additional pCloud Encryption feature. |
Choose the desired data region deliberately during registration; compare additional encryption features and the pricing model | interesting for users focused on storage, a European data location and data protection |
| Box | businesses, teams, corporate environments | collaboration, rights management, integrations and extensive business features | 🇺🇸 USA Box, Inc. |
By default a US-centric infrastructure. With Box Zones eligible enterprise customers can store content in different regions. | US Box Zones Regional data storage is possible, but is primarily aimed at higher business and enterprise plans. |
No, by default | Compare pricing structure, Box Zones availability, integrations and compliance requirements | strong for professional team and enterprise use with extensive administrative requirements |
| kSuite / kDrive | users focused on Switzerland, data protection and productivity | cloud storage combined with office, mail and other productivity functions | 🇨🇭 Schweiz Infomaniak Network SA |
Exclusively Switzerland Infomaniak operates its cloud infrastructure itself in Switzerland. |
Swiss data space Swiss company with a clearly defined Swiss data location and self-operated infrastructure. |
No classic E2E Data is transmitted and stored securely, but kDrive is not a classic zero-knowledge cloud. |
Compare feature set, storage needs and differences between free and paid kSuite plans | interesting as a Swiss alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 |
| Nextcloud / ownCloud | self-hosting, businesses, data-sensitive projects | high control, open-source foundation, extensibility and free choice of hosting environment | 🇩🇪 Deutschland Nextcloud GmbH / ownCloud GmbH |
User-determined Own server, own data centre or hosting provider of choice |
Location user-determined The key advantage is control over the data location. With a German or European hoster the data can be kept there intentionally. |
Optional / configurable Nextcloud and ownCloud offer options for client-side or end-to-end encrypted areas. |
Pay attention to administration, updates, backups, security configuration and the actual location of the chosen hoster | especially strong for users and businesses that want maximum control over infrastructure and data handling |
| HiDrive | private users, businesses, backup and classic file storage | German cloud storage, simple file storage, synchronisation and various access options | 🇩🇪 Deutschland STRATO GmbH, Berlin |
🇩🇪 Germany STRATO operates its own high-security data centres in Germany. |
Germany / EU German provider with a clearly defined German server location and data processing according to European data protection regulations. |
Optional / included in Business HiDrive offers client-side end-to-end encryption; it is included in HiDrive Business plans. |
Compare plans, backup features, supported access protocols and the scope of encryption options | practical for users who want classic file storage combined with a German server location |
Note on data protection classification: The colour coding is not a legal assessment and does not mean that a provider labelled green is automatically "GDPR-compliant" and a provider labelled orange "not GDPR-compliant". It serves as a quick orientation based on company headquarters, data location and the options for regional data storage. Even for providers outside the EU lawful data processing under European data protection law can be possible.
Note on Nextcloud and ownCloud: As these are self-hosted cloud platforms, data location, data protection and technical security depend crucially on the chosen hosting environment and its configuration.
As of: August 2026. Providers can change data locations, features, plans and data protection terms at any time.
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Don't just compare storage space
The best cloud storage is not automatically the provider with the most storage. More important are usability, security, data protection, sharing features, device support, backup options and whether the solution fits your daily workflow.
Focus areas
Cloud storage with specialised requirements
Depending on the use case, a particular focus may be especially important. Many providers differ significantly in data protection, backup features, sustainability or collaboration capabilities.
Cloud storage for backups
If cloud storage is to be used for data protection, automatic backups, versioning, recovery and protection against accidental deletion are particularly important.
Cloud storage in Germany
For businesses with German customers or sensitive data, a cloud storage provider with servers located in Germany may be of interest. GDPR, a data processing agreement (DPA) and transparent data protection terms are also decisive.
Encrypted cloud storage
For confidential data, strong encryption should be a priority. Depending on security requirements, additional local encryption or zero-knowledge features can be useful.
Green cloud storage
If sustainability plays an important role, providers of green cloud storage powered by renewable energy, energy-efficient data centres or providers with transparent sustainability information may be preferred.
Cloud storage for teams
For teams, user management, shared folders, roles, sharing policies, commenting features and Office integration are particularly important.
Self-hosted cloud storage
With solutions like Nextcloud or ownCloud, cloud storage can also be run on your own or rented infrastructure. This offers more control but requires greater technical responsibility.
Recommendation
How to find the right cloud storage
The right cloud storage depends largely on how you use your data. For private users, ease of use, apps and photo synchronisation are often the priority. For businesses, data protection, permissions management, backup features and collaboration are more important.
For personal use:
look for easy-to-use apps, sufficient storage, photo synchronisation, sharing and fair pricing.
For businesses:
check GDPR compliance, server location, user management, permissions, support and a data processing agreement (DPA).
For backups:
compare versioning, restoration, automation, storage space and security.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about cloud storage
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is online storage where files are kept over the internet. Users can access their data from different devices, synchronise files and share content with others.
What is cloud storage used for?
Cloud storage is suited to file storage, synchronisation, file sharing, teamwork, photos, documents, backups and collaboration across locations.
Is cloud storage secure?
Cloud storage can be secure if the provider offers encryption, secure logins, two-factor authentication, reliable data centres and transparent data protection measures. Users should also use strong passwords and be careful when sharing access.
Is cloud storage a backup?
Not automatically. Cloud storage often synchronises files between devices. For true backups you need versioning, recovery, separate backups and protection against accidental deletion.
What is the difference between cloud storage and cloud backup?
Cloud storage is primarily for accessing, sharing and synchronising files. Cloud backup is more focused on automatic backup and recovery after data loss.
Which cloud storage is suitable for businesses?
For businesses, data protection, server location, user management, permission settings, sharing policies, support, a data processing agreement (DPA) and integrations with existing workflows are particularly important.
What does encrypted cloud storage mean?
Encrypted cloud storage protects data using cryptographic methods. It is important to distinguish whether data is only encrypted in transit, also at rest, or additionally encrypted end-to-end.
What is Nextcloud?
Nextcloud is a cloud storage solution that can be self-hosted or provided by third-party providers. It offers file storage, sharing, calendars, contacts, office integration and many extension options.
What is ownCloud?
ownCloud is a cloud platform for file storage, synchronisation and collaboration. It is similar to Nextcloud in many respects and is often used for self-controlled cloud environments.
What should I look for when comparing cloud storage?
Important factors are storage capacity, cost, apps, synchronisation, sharing, data protection, server location, encryption, backup features, office integration, user management and support.
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