Storage space
First consider how much storage space you really 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 special offers that let you secure, edit and share your most important files with their cloud solutions.
Browse the managed cloud storage offers based on Nextcloud, ownCloud, Seafile, HiDrive or other cloud storage solutions from various web hosting providers:
Includes multi-device syncing, user management, backups
Diamond
1 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
5
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Hidrive
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Vereinigtes Königreich
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Two-Factor Authentication
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Two-Factor Authentication
£0.84*
Average price per month
£8.40/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£8.40
Offer price
(12 months)
£0.84
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£0.84
Cost 12 months
£10.08
Cost 24 months
£110.88
Secure storage with app/browser access, desktop & mobile clients, SSL/TLS + AES encryption, 2FA
Diamond
100 GB
Storage Space
Storage Space
1
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Hidrive
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Vereinigtes Königreich
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Two-Factor Authentication
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Two-Factor Authentication
£1.80*
Average price per month
£1.80/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£1.80
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£1.80
Cost 12 months
£21.60
Cost 24 months
£43.20
All Basic features + shared access for small group use
Diamond
250 GB
Storage Space
Storage Space
3
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Hidrive
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Vereinigtes Königreich
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
£3.60*
Average price per month
£3.60/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£3.60
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£3.60
Cost 12 months
£43.20
Cost 24 months
£86.40
Great for getting started with Nextcloud
Diamond
500 GB
Storage Space
Storage Space
5
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Nextcloud
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£7.20*
Average price per month
£7.20/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£7.20
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£7.20
Cost 12 months
£86.40
Cost 24 months
£172.80
Perfect for organising your group or club
Diamond
1 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
10
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Nextcloud
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£8.40*
Average price per month
£10.80/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£10.80
Offer price
(3 months)
£1.20
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£8.40
Cost 12 months
£100.80
Cost 24 months
£230.40
500 GB cloud storage in GDPR-compliant, EU-based data centres
Platform
Diamond
500 GB
Storage Space
Storage Space
5
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£9.60*
Average price per month
£9.60/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£9.60
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£9.60
Cost 12 months
£115.20
Cost 24 months
£230.40
1 TB cloud storage in GDPR-compliant, EU-based data centres
Platform
Diamond
1 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
10
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£10.80*
Average price per month
£13.20/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£13.20
Offer price
(3 months)
£3.60
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£10.80
Cost 12 months
£129.60
Cost 24 months
£288.00
All Business features + end‑to‑end encryption, advanced protocols (SMB/CIFS, FTP/SFTP, Rsync, Git)
Diamond
2 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
10
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Hidrive
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Vereinigtes Königreich
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Two-Factor Authentication
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
FTP Access Possible
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
ActiveSync
Two-Factor Authentication
£24.00*
Average price per month
£24.00/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£24.00
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£24.00
Cost 12 months
£288.00
Cost 24 months
£576.00
Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses
Diamond
3 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
25
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Nextcloud
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£24.00*
Average price per month
£24.00/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£24.00
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£24.00
Cost 12 months
£288.00
Cost 24 months
£576.00
3 TB cloud storage in GDPR-compliant, EU-based data centres
Platform
Diamond
3 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
25
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£34.20*
Average price per month
£34.20/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£34.20
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£34.20
Cost 12 months
£410.40
Cost 24 months
£820.80
Best for large projects and teams
Diamond
10 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
50
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Nextcloud
Platform
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£54.00*
Average price per month
£54.00/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£54.00
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£54.00
Cost 12 months
£648.00
Cost 24 months
£1,296.00
10 TB cloud storage in GDPR-compliant, EU-based data centres
Platform
Diamond
10 TB
Storage Space
Storage Space
50
User accounts max.
User accounts max.
Platform
Nutzung von Ökostrom
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Server location: Europa
All features
Features
Tariff features
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
Provider features
DDoS protection
365 Tage Support
ISO 27001 certified
Nutzung von Ökostrom
24h Support
0€ Setup
Access via App & Browser
WebDAV
Desktop Software
Mobile Apps Available
Server-side Encryption
Renewable Energy Usage
Two-Factor Authentication
Video Calls Available
£64.20*
Average price per month
£64.20/Month
Contract term: 1 Month
Tariff details
Price details
Monthly price
£64.20
Setup fee
Free
Contract term
1 Month
Avg. price/month
£64.20
Cost 12 months
£770.40
Cost 24 months
£1,540.80
* At hosttest, only a selection of providers can be found. Offers marked with an asterisk have additional conditions on the offer detail page. More information about our ranking and sorting details.
* All prices on this page are net prices and are subject to the applicable VAT.
Didn't find the right one?
Now post an individual tender for free & without obligation and receive offers in the shortest possible time.
Start tender
Cloud storage comparison
Cloud storage providers compared
Want to store files online, share documents securely, create backups or collaborate on projects as a team? Cloud storage is a flexible solution for individual users, freelancers 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 over the internet. Instead of keeping data exclusively on a computer, smartphone or external hard drive, they are stored on a cloud provider's servers and can be accessed from multiple devices.
The main benefit is flexibility: you can access files on the go, share documents with others, synchronise data between several devices and, depending on the provider, even work together 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 both individual users and businesses. While private customers often want to back up photos, documents and personal files, businesses prioritise aspects such as collaboration, data protection, user management, access rights and data backup.
☁️
Store files securely and access them anywhere
With cloud storage you can store your data centrally online and access it from a laptop, smartphone, tablet or desktop PC. This is particularly useful for mobile working, team projects and safeguarding important files.
Use cases
What is cloud storage used for?
Cloud storage can be used for many different applications. Depending on the provider, the range extends from simple file storage to full collaboration and office platforms.
Store files
Documents, images, videos, PDFs and project files can be stored centrally and accessed from different devices. This is particularly useful when files should not be kept only locally on a single device.
Share files
Many cloud storage services offer shareable 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 safeguard important data. Automatic synchronisation, versioning and recovery features are particularly helpful.
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
Private 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 cross-site collaboration. Data protection, permissions management and clear administrative functions are important here.
Advantages & Limitations
What advantages does cloud storage offer?
Cloud storage offers more than just additional storage space. Modern solutions combine data backup, synchronisation, collaboration and flexible access options in a single platform.
Advantages of cloud storage
- Access to files from different devices and locations
- Easy synchronisation between desktop, smartphone and tablet
- Quick sharing of files and folders via a link or invitation
- Useful for mobile working and working from home
- Automatic backups and versioning depending on the provider
- Team collaboration with shared folders and permissions
- Storage can be scaled flexibly
- No need for your own storage hardware
What to watch out for
- Data protection and server location vary depending on the provider
- Access is limited without an internet connection
- Large data volumes can take a long time to synchronise depending on the connection
- Free plans often have limited storage
- Not every solution is suitable for sensitive corporate data
- Sharing settings and user permissions must be managed correctly
- Cloud storage does not automatically replace a complete backup strategy
Selection criteria
What should you look for when comparing cloud storage?
Cloud storage providers differ not only in terms of capacity. 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 it matters where the data is stored. Providers with servers in Germany, the EU or Switzerland can be particularly relevant depending on the project.
Encryption
Check whether data is encrypted during transmission and at rest. For especially sensitive data, additional encryption features or zero-knowledge approaches may be relevant.
Synchronisation
Good cloud storage providers offer apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and the browser. It is important that files are reliably synchronised and that conflicts are handled cleanly.
Sharing & permissions
Granular access rights are important for teams. Check whether folders can be shared as read-only, whether passwords and expiry dates are possible, and whether shares can be managed centrally.
Backup features
Not every cloud storage service is automatically a full backup solution. Look for versioning, a recycle bin, recovery, automatic backups and protection against accidental deletion.
Office & collaboration
If you want to work on documents together, Office tools, commenting features, co-editing and integrations with existing applications are particularly important.
Costs & pricing model
Don't compare only the storage per pound. Also important are user limits, extra features, business plans, contract lengths, scalability and potential costs as storage needs grow.
Terms explained
Important cloud storage terms explained simply
When comparing cloud storage offerings, you will encounter various technical and organisational terms. The key ones can be quickly explained.
Synchronisation
Synchronisation means that files are automatically synchronised between the cloud and devices. Changes therefore 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 stores previous file states. This often allows accidentally modified 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 have no access to the contents of your encrypted data.
Team folder
Team folders enable multiple users to share access to selected files and projects.
Cloud backup
A cloud backup automatically backs up data online. Important aspects are restore, versioning and protection against accidental deletion.
Office integration
Office integration enables editing of 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 case. While private users often need simple synchronisation and photo storage, businesses place greater emphasis on data protection, access control and collaboration.
For private users
- easy to use and good apps are important
- back up photos, documents and personal files
- free storage may be sufficient to get started
- consider synchronisation between smartphone and computer
- sharing with family and friends is practical
For the 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 permission models are important
- review team folders, sharing policies and audit functions
- pay attention to GDPR, data processing agreements (DPA) and server location
- integration into existing systems is advisable
- compare support, availability and scalability
For backups
- automatic backup of important files
- versioning and restore capabilities are crucial
- ensure protection against accidental deletion
- realistically estimate storage requirements
- include cloud storage in your backup strategy
Well-known solutions
Well-known cloud storage providers and solutions
There are many different cloud storage providers with varying focuses. Some solutions are closely integrated with office applications, while others concentrate on data protection, backup, teamwork 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 work 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 especially relevant for users of iPhone, iPad and Mac. Photos, files, backups and device data can be comfortably synchronised within the Apple ecosystem.
File sync
Dropbox
Dropbox is known for simple file synchronisation, sharing and integrations with many applications. The solution is suitable for individual users, teams and project‑based work.
Privacy & plans
pCloud
pCloud is a cloud storage provider focusing on file storage, synchronisation and optional add‑on features. Depending on your needs, particular pricing plans and privacy features can be of interest.
Business
Box
Box is aimed particularly 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 appeal to users who value a provider from Switzerland and extra online tools.
Self‑hosting
Nextcloud & ownCloud
Nextcloud and ownCloud enable self‑hosted or professionally hosted cloud storage environments. They are particularly relevant when control, extensibility and data protection are paramount.
Hosting providers
HiDrive
HiDrive is a cloud storage solution best known within the ecosystem of German hosting providers. It is suitable for file storage, data backup and access across various devices.
Comparison
Overview of cloud storage providers
The following overview shows typical focus areas of well-known cloud storage solutions. For an actual selection you should additionally compare storage capacity, data protection, costs, sharing features and business functionality.
| Provider / Solution | Suitable for | Strengths | Provider headquarters | Server / data location | Privacy profile | End-to-end encryption | What to watch 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 standard consumer accounts there is no freely selectable EU data region. | US / international US provider with global infrastructure and no individually selectable EU storage location in the normal consumer offering. |
No Data is encrypted in transit and at rest but not end-to-end by default. |
Consider privacy, storage needs and the strong tie 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 with Office, Windows, Teams and other Microsoft services | 🇺🇸 USA Microsoft Corporation |
Depends on account, customer and Microsoft 365 region. For certain business customers there are EU data-residency arrangements. | US EU options US provider, but Microsoft 365 offers extensive possibilities and commitments for regional data storage. |
No, by default | Check pricing model, account type and, for businesses, the specifically committed data region | obvious choice for Microsoft-oriented work environments and businesses using Microsoft 365 |
| Apple iCloud | iPhone, iPad and Mac users | very simple syncing and deep integration in the Apple ecosystem | 🇺🇸 USA Apple Inc. |
International cloud infrastructure. A specific European storage region cannot be freely chosen for a standard iCloud account. | US / international No freely selectable EU data region. Technical privacy can be significantly enhanced by 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 | particularly convenient for users with multiple Apple devices |
| Dropbox | private users, teams, project-based collaboration | robust file synchronisation, easy sharing and mature apps | 🇺🇸 USA Dropbox Inc. |
Storage servers include locations in the USA. For eligible customers additional regions such as the EU, the UK, Japan and Australia are available. | US regional options European data residency is possible with certain offerings, but is not freely available on 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 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland pCloud International AG |
Selectable: 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (EU) or 🇺🇸 Dallas, USA |
EU region selectable If Luxembourg is chosen, files and personal data can be stored specifically within the EU. |
Optional Zero-knowledge / end-to-end encryption via the optional pCloud Encryption feature. |
select the desired data region consciously at registration; compare additional encryption features and pricing plans | interesting for users focused on storage, a European data location and privacy |
| Box | businesses, teams, enterprise environments | collaboration, access controls, integrations and extensive business features | 🇺🇸 USA Box, Inc. |
Default US-centric infrastructure. With Box Zones eligible business customers can store content in various regions. | US Box Zones Regional data residency is possible, but is aimed particularly at higher business and enterprise plans. |
No, by default | Compare plan structure, Box Zones availability, integrations and compliance requirements | strong for professional team and enterprise use with extensive administration needs |
| kSuite / kDrive | users focused on Switzerland, privacy and productivity | cloud storage combined with office, mail and other productivity functions | 🇨🇭 Switzerland Infomaniak Network SA |
Exclusively Switzerland Infomaniak operates its cloud infrastructure itself in Switzerland. |
Swiss data domain Swiss company with a clearly defined Swiss data location and self-operated infrastructure. |
No classic E2E Data is protected in transit and at rest, but kDrive is not a classic zero-knowledge cloud. |
Compare feature set, storage needs and differences between free and paid kSuite offerings | interesting as a Swiss alternative to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 |
| Nextcloud / ownCloud | self-hosting, businesses, privacy-sensitive projects | high control, open-source basis, extensibility and free choice of hosting environment | 🇩🇪 Germany Nextcloud GmbH / ownCloud GmbH |
Self-determined Own server, own data centre or freely chosen hosting provider |
Location self-determinable The decisive advantage is control over the data location. With a German or European host, data can be kept there specifically. |
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 host | especially strong for users and businesses that want maximum control over infrastructure and data residency |
| HiDrive | private users, businesses, backup and classic file storage | German cloud storage, simple file storage, synchronisation and various access options | 🇩🇪 Germany 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 standards. |
Optional / Business included HiDrive offers client-side end-to-end encryption; it is included in HiDrive Business plans. |
Compare plans, backup functions, supported access protocols and the extent of encryption options | practical for users who want classic file storage with a German server location |
Note on privacy classification: The colour coding is not a legal assessment and does not mean, in particular, that a green-labelled provider is automatically "GDPR-compliant" and an orange-labelled provider "not GDPR-compliant". It is intended as a quick orientation based on company headquarters, data location and the options for regional data residency. Even for providers outside the EU, lawful data processing under European data protection law may be possible.
Note on Nextcloud and ownCloud: As these are self-hostable cloud platforms, data location, privacy and technical security crucially depend on the chosen hosting environment and its configuration.
As of: August 2026. Providers may change data locations, features, plans and privacy terms at any time.
🔎
Don't just compare storage capacity
The best cloud storage provider is not necessarily the one offering the most storage. More important are usability, security, privacy, sharing features, device support, backup options and whether the solution fits your daily workflow.
Key focus areas
Cloud storage for specific requirements
Depending on the intended use, a particular focus can be especially important. Many providers differ significantly in data protection, backup features, sustainability or collaboration.
Cloud storage for backups
If cloud storage is to be used for data backup, automatic backups, versioning, restoration 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 prioritised. Depending on security requirements, additional local encryption or zero-knowledge features may be appropriate.
Green cloud storage
If sustainability is important, providers offering green cloud storage powered by renewable energy, energy-efficient data centres or 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 such as Nextcloud or ownCloud, cloud storage can also be run on your own or rented infrastructure. This offers greater control but requires more 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 front of mind. For businesses, data protection, rights management, backup features and collaboration are more important.
For personal use:
look for simple apps, sufficient storage, photo synchronisation, sharing and fair pricing.
For businesses:
check GDPR, server location, user management, permissions, support and data processing agreement (DPA).
For backups:
compare versioning, recovery, automation, storage capacity and security.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about cloud storage
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is online storage where files are stored over the internet. Users can access their data from different devices, synchronise files and share content with others.
What is cloud storage suitable for?
Cloud storage is suitable for file storage, synchronisation, data sharing, collaboration, 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 careful sharing settings.
Is cloud storage a backup?
Not automatically. Cloud storage often synchronises files between devices. True backups require versioning, restoration, separate backup copies 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, permissions, sharing policies, support, Data Processing Agreement (DPA) and integrations into 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 encrypted only in transit, also at rest, or additionally end-to-end encrypted.
What is Nextcloud?
Nextcloud is a cloud storage solution that can be self-hosted or offered by providers. It provides 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-managed cloud environments.
What should I look for when comparing cloud storage?
Important factors include storage space, cost, apps, synchronisation, sharing, data protection, server location, encryption, backup features, Office integration, user management and support.
Tags for this comparison
Articles related to this comparison
What is Cloud Computing?
What exactly is behind the term Cloud Computing and how does it work?
What is GAIA-X?
What exactly is behind GAIA-X - the European response to the US Cloud Act?
What is SaaS?
The abbreviation SaaS stands for Software as a Service and refers to an application in the IT sector that is offered as ...
Media Partner:
