Review of the top 5 cloud storages for Android devices

Cloud data storage

Clouds, clouds - gigabyte platforms!

If you are tired of running between work and home with a flash drive, constantly carrying a laptop with the necessary files, and you want your important files to be available to you or your team on any computer or mobile device, then cloud data storage can come to your aid .

Cloud data storage is an online storage model in which data is stored on numerous servers distributed over the network, provided for use by clients, mainly third parties. In contrast to the model of storing data on your own dedicated servers, purchased or rented specifically for such purposes, the number or any internal structure of servers is generally not visible to the client. The data is stored, as well as processed, in the so-called cloud , which, from the client’s point of view, is one large virtual server. Cloud data storage.

Top Review brings to your attention an overview of 10+ free and paid cloud storage services. Cloud data storage :

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Mega
• Yandex.Disk
• [email protected]
• Amazon Web Services
• ADrive

• pCloud
• iCloud Drive
• 4shared
• SugarSync
• Box.net
• OneDrive (ex. SkyDrive)

• iDrive
• OpenDrive
• Syncplicity
• MediaFire
• SpiderOak

Top 5 best cloud storage for Android

Oldfags probably remember those ancient times when no one even dreamed of cloud storage. Back then, one of the main ways to exchange information was thematic forums and clumsy file hosting services. This is extremely strange, but the latter are still alive. Today, they are increasingly distributing “cured” software and other pirated junk that is not of the highest quality. Yes, back then we recorded information on blanks, dumped it onto portable hard drives, or simply hid it in the depths of our hard drives. It’s good that until today everything has changed so much.

Telegram channel of the creator of Trashbox about technology

In the 21st century, clouds rule the world. Access to them is offered both by the giants of modern digital electronics - manufacturers of software and gadgets, and by small companies that specialize only in information security. Here are the top options for every taste, take your pick.

Google Drive 2.20.341 Android 6.0 and higher

Google Drive is the official cloud storage of Google, which is pre-installed as standard on many modern Android smartphones. Its main feature is close integration with the search giant’s proprietary services. For example, it is convenient to interact with the office suite, “Sheets” and “Presentations” through it. It's great for file collaboration, which is why it's often chosen for team tasks. In this case, it doesn’t matter at all what platforms different members of the group use - the Apple ecosystem, Windows paired with Android, or even Linux.

Current tariffs:

• 15 GB - free;
• 100 GB - 139 rubles per month (116 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• 200 GB - 219 rubles per month (183 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• 2 TB - 699 rubles per month (583 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• 10 TB - 6990 rubles per month;
• 20 TB — 13,990 rubles per month;
• 30 TB — 20,990 rubles per month.

Once you purchase a bundle of services, you can easily share it through Family Sharing, a group that can include up to six people. For example, if 100 GB is too much for one person, but 15 is not enough, the package can be shared with your spouse or with your children or parents.

The Google Drive mobile application has a user-friendly interface, which is divided into four sections. From the main page you can access your latest files; there is a menu with your favorite files, your data, as well as the information to which you have recently been given access.

Don't forget that Google storage space can also be used to upload uncompressed photos through Google Photos. You will also need it for attachments in Gmail, an email service that today can actually be considered the gold standard for quality “soap.”

Yandex.Disk 4.71.1 Android 6.0 and higher For computer

Yandex.Disk is a proprietary cloud storage of another search giant, Yandex. It doesn't have services that deal with electronic documents and other files as closely as Google does. That is why this cloud storage is designed for other capabilities - for example, for downloading photos that you take to your mobile device. This is why you can even add a shortcut to the cloud gallery to the home screen of your gadget. This way, communication with him will be noticeably faster - you will get a kind of analogue of “Google Photos”.

Current tariffs:

• 20 GB - free;
• +100 GB - 99 rubles per month (83 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +1 TB - 300 rubles per month (209 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +3 TB - 900 rubles per month (625 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once).

On Yandex.Disk you can buy an unlimited number of the specified tariffs. For example, if you need 2 TB of storage, you can order two 1 TB packages. In the same way, you can take 3.1 TB - for this you can purchase 3 TB and 100 GB. It is the ability to flexibly determine the amount of memory that distinguishes this service from its key competitors. If you live in Ukraine, remember that you will not be able to fully use this service on the territory of this country. There, it and other decisions of this company are prohibited at the legislative level. Alas, we have to put up with this annoying misunderstanding.

The notes service, which is built into Yandex.Disk, also deserves special attention - there is a separate menu for it. It allows you to create rich text posts that can be accompanied by photos from your gallery. This is a small but pleasant bonus.

Cloud Mail.Ru 3.15.6 Android 5.0 and higher

“Cloud Mail.Ru” - at one time this cloud storage was quite successful due to the fact that it gave all its new users 1 TB of storage space absolutely free. Today, of course, such an attraction of unprecedented generosity no longer exists. However, many continue to use this service out of old habit. This is not surprising, because it copes with its direct tasks no worse than its competitors. It makes sense to choose it today if you are not tied to Google or Yandex services, which today are most actively fighting for public attention.

Current tariffs:

• 8 GB - free;
• +64 GB - 75 rubles per month (63 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +128 GB - 149 rubles per month (125 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +256 GB - 229 rubles per month (191 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +512 GB - 379 rubles per month (316 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +1 TB - 699 rubles per month (583 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +2 TB - 1390 rubles per month (1159 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once);
• +4 TB - 2690 rubles per month (2242 rubles per month if you pay for the year at once).

As in the case of Yandex.Disk, you need to understand: if you live in Ukraine, you will not be able to fully use this service on the territory of this country. There, it and other company decisions are prohibited by law. More alas and ahs, but nothing can be done - we have to put up with it.

The developers of Cloud Mail.Ru focus on using a cloud service with photos. For their use, it has the first two sections: “Gallery” with the entire stream of images in the cloud, as well as “Albums” with their division into specific categories.

The “Documents” section also deserves special attention, which is designed to store electronic copies of your domestic and foreign passports, driver’s license, medical policy, and so on. How appropriate this feature is here is up to you to decide.

Dropbox 206.2.4 Android 6.0 and higher

Dropbox - at one time this cloud storage was one of the most popular. This is because it was one of the first to be launched. Once upon a time, its creators even gave away free disk space for inviting their many friends. Back then, the basic memory capacity was noticeably larger than it is now. Many who used the service then continue to do so today. Plus, Dropbox remains one of the most popular solutions among developers who build its support into their applications. This applies to cloud music players and more.

Current tariffs:

• 2 GB - free;
• 2 TB – $9.99 per month (approximately 643 rubles per month);
• 3 TB - $16.58 per month (approximately 1067 rubles per month).

The cost of the service is tied to American currency and is converted into rubles during each debit - this must be taken into account when using it. A different amount will be withdrawn from the account each time, which will depend on the games on the international market. It is also a pity that the service developers did not provide tariffs that were modest in volume and cost. The minimum paid plan is 2 TB, which will be too much for many. Moreover, you won’t be able to share this place with your family members—you’ll have to spend $10 for each of them.

From 2 TB, the creators of Dropbox suggest spending on photos and videos. The service application also has a built-in virtual scanner, with which paper documents can be turned into digital copies. There is also the opportunity to work with publicly accessible documents.

MEGA 3.7.7 Android 5.0 and higher

MEGA - This file hosting service is gaining popularity as a cloud data storage service due to the relatively large capacity it offers for free. After installing the service application and a couple of other conditions, it gives as much as 50 GB, which can be used without major restrictions. This space is perfect for storing photos, videos and other types of data. MEGA makes it possible to give outsiders access to your information. The app can also automatically download photos you take on your mobile device in the background so you can immediately access them on your computer.

Current tariffs:

• 50 GB - free;
• 1 TB – 4.99 euros per month (approximately 354 rubles per month);
• 2 TB - 9.99 euros per month (approximately 707 rubles per month);
• 8 TB – 19.99 euros per month (approximately 1,415 rubles per month);
• 16 TB - 29.99 euros per month (approximately 2123 rubles per month).

Prices for cloud storage space are pegged to the official European currency. They will be recalculated against the ruble each time they are written off. It’s also bad that the minimum paid volume is at a fairly high level, which doesn’t always make much sense.

The messenger built into the MEGA application also deserves special attention. It is protected by cryptographic protocols, so your correspondence will definitely not fall into the wrong hands. It’s a little strange to see something like this in a cloud storage client, but it’s a nice addition.

Summing up

This collection could also include the OneDrive application, Microsoft's proprietary cloud storage. But at the moment in Russia it only offers a free 5 GB option without expandability. You can get 1 TB of memory with the purchase of a branded office suite, but you won’t be able to get such a disk separately even if you want. What causes such a limitation is a big question.

When choosing the ideal cloud storage for yourself, you need to start not only from the cost of space in it, but also from the capabilities that it offers. For example, if you actively use Google services, the company’s branded drive will be the best option.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage service from Google, which speaks for itself. Google Drive allows users to store their data on servers in the cloud and share it with other users on the Internet. Cloud storage divides space between Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. The service can store not only documents, but also photos, music, videos and many other files - 30 types in total. Everything is very convenient and familiar for users of Google services.

Google Drive pricing plans

The maximum file size is 5 TB.

Available in web browsers, Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, etc.

Google Drive website: https://drive.google.com

I'm ready, what should I do?

First, go to the Tonido service website and download a free application for your operating system (select the section with server programs). There are versions for OS X, Windows and Linux .

After installing the program, we will be automatically redirected to the service website, register and create our account. The procedure is completely free and will not take more than a minute. In the process, we will come up with a permanent web address for our storage (it will act as a login) and a password for authorization.

An important step is to select externally accessible folders.
If you skip this step, then when you connect from another device, you will be able to view and edit absolutely any files from the server computer. At any time, through the web interface in the Miscellaneous , you can add or delete folders visible in the cloud.

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is a cloud-based Internet file storage service with file sharing functions, renamed Microsoft SkyDrive in February 2014. By the way, SkyDrive was created in August 2007 by Microsoft. Now OneDrive is one of the flagships of cloud data storage.

OneDrive service is that it is immediately integrated with Office 365 , so you can create, edit, and save Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint and Word files directly from the application in the Windows Live OneDrive .

OneDrive service currently allows you to store 5 GB of information for free (although 15 GB was previously offered) of information organized using standard folders. Images are previewed in the form of thumbnails, as well as the ability to view them in the form of slides.

OneDrive provides the following packages:

OneDrive storage:

• Free: 5 GB - free;
• Basic: 50 GB - $1.99 per month;

OneDrive + Office 365:

• Personal: 1 TB for 1 user - $6.99 per month;
• Home: 1 TB for each of 5 users - $9.99 per month;

Microsoft OneDrive website: https://onedrive.com

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows users to store their data on servers in the cloud and share it with other users on the Internet. Its work is based on data synchronization.

Some Dropbox features:

• 256-bit AES encryption and SSL encryption;
• Best-in-class synchronization technology;
• Integration with Microsoft Office 365;
• Unlimited file recovery and version history;
• Access links with password and expiration date;
• Customizable access levels;
• Management of access levels, etc.

Dropbox pricing plans:

While 2GB of storage space might not seem like much, Dropbox has a number of FREE ways, in addition to paid ones, that you can use to try to increase that space:

• +500 MB for an invited friend (up to 16 GB) in a basic account + 1 GB for an invitation for a Pro account.
• But that is not all. Dropbox actively partners with a variety of brands and sites that can help you get even more free space.

Attention! Conditions for receiving additional Dropbox storage may change, so keep an eye on Dropbox announcements.

Dropbox app can be downloaded and installed on a PC, Mac, Linux, or mobile device. Unlike its main competitors, when working with Dropbox, edited files are not completely copied to the server - only the modified part, pre-compressed, is transferred. It is believed that this fact largely explains the well-known efficiency of working with Dropbox, compared to analogues.

Disadvantages of Dropbox

The main disadvantage of Dropbox can be considered its approach to selecting folders for synchronization. In fact, the application monitors the contents of only one folder - Dropbox.

In addition, in July 2014, in an interview with The Guardian, the famous Edward Snowden made a statement that could significantly undermine the credibility of Dropbox. In particular, he said that Dropbox does not fully care about user privacy and even directly participates in the global surveillance system PRISM .

PRISM

- US government program - a set of activities carried out for the purpose of mass secret collection of information transmitted over telecommunication networks, adopted by the US National Security Agency (NSA) in 2007 as a replacement for the Terrorist Surveillance Program, formally classified as top secret. (Wikipedia)

However , not all security experts agree with this statement. In addition, using Dropbox in conjunction with BoxCryptor , which securely encrypts files before syncing them to the cloud, ensures the confidentiality of data in Dropbox.

Dropbox website: https://www.dropbox.com

Similarities and differences

• A NAS is “network-attached storage” that is connected to your home network and located directly in your home. Cloud storage is actually just rented space on someone else's server. To simplify it to the extreme, in this case you save your data on another computer.
• You have direct access to your NAS hardware, which can be both a minus and a plus. The good thing is that you know exactly where the data is stored - in your home. On the other hand, you are responsible for maintenance and security, in particular for software updates and all kinds of breakdowns. Of course, the risk of data loss can be prevented by using redundant drives, but if the NAS hard drive fails, then you are the one who faces the costs.
• The only thing you can do to protect your cloud storage is to choose a secure password and keep it secret. Everything else is the responsibility of your provider. Even failed hard drives will not be a problem for you, since the cloud provider should have several backup copies of your data. Most likely, you will not even notice that your hoster had any problems. Still, you are not completely protected from data loss: most cloud server providers cannot guarantee that information will not be lost.
• Using a NAS makes sense if you want to store your data on your home network so you can access the same files from multiple devices. The connection and transmission speed usually depends only on the speed within the home network. Many NAS solution manufacturers also provide the ability to access files over the Internet. In this case, the speed depends on the characteristics of the home Internet.
• In the cloud, data is stored outside of your home network, but is usually stored in parallel on the hard drive of your home computer and synchronized as changes occur. However, this results in higher resource consumption. In particular, this means that the cloud contains only a backup copy of data, which, whatever one may say, takes up space on the hard drive of your home machine. The advantages of the cloud usually include access to files via the Internet, but this is also associated with high resource consumption.
• If you suddenly need more memory than your home NAS system provides, you can simply buy a larger hard drive. This may cost more than purchasing additional storage capacity in the cloud, and in this case you will not be required to pay any other costs other than financial ones - everything happens automatically, there is no need to go to the store.

Mega

Mega - ( MEGA Encrypted Global Access

) is an ambitious cloud file hosting service for Kim Dotcom
,
founder of the legendary
Megaupload .
chip :

encrypts all content directly in the browser using the AES algorithm; users can transfer files to each other in encrypted form, while all data is stored in the cloud; file access keys are not published publicly, but are distributed according to the Friend-to-Friend scheme, between users who trust each other.

It is noteworthy that Mega

immediately started with free
50 GB (!) , in addition, there is the opportunity to significantly expand in paid packages:

In terms of the disk space provided and its cost, Mega can undoubtedly be called one of the most profitable cloud services ; in addition, an important difference between Mega and other similar services is confidentiality , because Mega is positioned as a service that protects the user’s personal data. This is achieved through end-to-end encryption.

At the moment there is a promotion: if you buy a paid package for a year, then 2 months are free .

Mega website: https://mega.nz

Why do I need my own cloud?

Having your own cloud storage has a number of advantages and only a few disadvantages that you can live with. First, about the advantages of this solution:

• no tariff plans, limits or payments;
• transfer any files between devices and stream data viewing on any device;
• no files will be uploaded to third-party servers;
• you can create links for limited access to files (provide temporary access or allow read-only);
• It’s just cool to mention in a conversation with friends that you have your own cloud storage.

You can forget about existing services and stop inviting new friends when you run out of free space in Dropbox or Yandex Drive. Of course, your own cloud has a number of limitations compared to popular solutions:

• It will not be possible to transfer data between applications (some programs and games have support for popular clouds; it will not be possible to “attach” our cloud there);
• you will have to keep the server computer turned on to access data from the cloud.

As you can see, the disadvantages of the solution are not so significant; you can create your own cloud for personal purposes, and if you need to exchange data between applications on the iPhone or constantly have access to certain data, an existing account in the same Dropbox or Google Drive will always come in handy.

Yandex.Disk

Yandex.Disk is a Russian cloud service from Yandex that allows users to store their data on servers in the cloud and transfer it to other users on the Internet. The work is based on data synchronization between different devices. User registration is currently available to everyone. Previously, before the launch of Yandex. Disk, the function of storing user files on Yandex was performed by the Yandex.People service. But probably no one remembers this anymore