What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage stores data on a physical drive , and makes it accessible online for users via software from any internet-connected device , whenever and wherever a user wants to access them: hence the term "cloud". Some users utilize multiple cloud services in what is called a multi-cloud service . Self-hosted cloud storage works by using on-premises (on-prem) infrastructure to provide storage, rather than managed, remotely-based servers. You need to manage these types of services yourself. Storage as a service (StaaS) uses externally managed, third-party infrastructure and data centers, and offers large, affordable amounts of online storage . Designed for collaboration, they can also be described as storage and syncing platforms . Hybrid cloud storage combines cloud and local storage (or public and private storage ) together to give you the benefits of both types. This is aimed more at businesses than individuals. Cloud sync technology encompasses link sharing and file versioning, and is offered by many StaaS providers, allowing larger businesses to undertake inter-colleague collaboration, file sharing, and much more.

How much does the best cloud storage cost?

Unlike most tech and software markets, cloud storage providers often offer excellent free plans as well as paid plans . Free plans are ideal for those seeking relatively small amounts of storage, but feature storage capacity limitations , and don’t include the same high level of tools and features as paid plans. Paid plans are available in monthly, annual, and even lifetime models, ranging from around $50 a year (this price depends entirely on factors including storage levels and additional features). Monthly plans can be as low as a few dollars a month, and in general pricing depends entirely on what plan you want, what tools and security coverage you seek, and the encryption on offer.

How secure is cloud storage?

When we compare on-prem vs cloud storage , or even cloud storage vs external hard disk drives , security is key. Cloud storage may not theoretically be as secure as local, but the best cloud storage uses cutting-edge security and encryption . So is cloud storage secure , how secure is it , and how does it protect your data? When it comes to enterprises, cloud storage security is crucial, particularly in data and privacy-sensitive sectors, and so investing in secure cloud storage that offers state-of-the-art policies is non-negotiable. End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture mean services are almost hack-proof, and that not even a provider's staff can access your data. In-transit and a t-rest encryption mean that even in the unlikely event of a cybercriminal intercepting data, it would be indecipherable. The very best providers not only protect data, but infrastructure housing it. StaaS data centers have 24/7 security guards, biometric authorization for entry, and frequent security auditing. Data center locations are also key for most businesses, as different countries have different data privacy laws. You'll need to make sure data is stored in a nation that complies with your data privacy obligations.

Best cloud storage in 2024

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

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3 Comments Comment from the forums

khelban

The free 50GB that Zoolz offers is a 14 day trial.
From cloudrewards.net:
Zoolz offers a 14-day free trial with 50GB of regular storage and 100GB of cold storage so that you can thoroughly test it out.
Reply
joppo

This review is ridiculous for having Zoolz in it. I subscribed for Zoolz's "Lifetime subscription" a few years back to get 5TB or something for the likes of $100-200. 1 year later Zoolz annoused that they're removing their "lifetime subscription plan" and all their "lifetime customers" need to move their files elsewhere or re-subscribe for an annual plan. I then subscribed to onedrive and wanted to move my files there, but I couldn't , because Zoolz didn't have the tools available for me to download my files in bulk ... I had to buy higher tier subscription to get access to automatic download tools in order to do it ?!?! I had to ask them several times, so that they "implement UI" on their site to support bulk download. And here I come 2 years later to see this being RECOMMENDED by Tom's guide storage experts. Tell me this is a joke, please... You could have checked trustedpilots and Zoolz review score of 1.4 there with 1K reviews...

Mod Edit - Language
Reply
Billybobwashere2

khelban said:
The free 50GB that Zoolz offers is a 14 day trial.
From cloudrewards.net:
Zoolz offers a 14-day free trial with 50GB of regular storage and 100GB of cold storage so that you can thoroughly test it out.

Also due to Zoolz's shady practices and reneging on offers you may wish to reconsider even recommending this service. You can not trust them as they sold millions in "unlimited" storage only to tell everyone who backup their information that they now have to pay for it yearly!
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