Think about the possibility that your Mac runs out of storage just as you need to store a crucial file. You can clearly feel your frustration at that very moment. This post is designed to provide you with a tried-and-true remedy for your Mac’s persistent low storage bug: cloud storage.
Cloud storage services provide an additional layer of distant storage for your personal and professional information for the uninitiated. This may consist of images, recordings, files, papers, and more. By adding support for your Mac’s built-in storage, you can save data on a cloud service. Additionally, storing data in the cloud makes it safe, convenient to access, share, and recover from any location at any time.
Even though Apple Macs have iCloud for storage, combining it with a dependable cloud storage app can increase the amount of usable capacity. The top 7 cloud storage apps for Mac are listed below.
1. Apple iCloud – Editor’s choice
It has nothing to do with my love for Apple that I mentioned iCloud at the top of the list. Instead, this storage service’s excellent offerings speak for themselves. Access to 5GB of free storage for significant files, documents, images, notes, contacts, and other items is available to everyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Additionally, you can sync all the data between different Apple devices and access it whenever you want.
All of your Apple devices and iCloud.com automatically update with new documents and document revisions. All you have to do to activate the service on Apple devices is turn it on. For data syncing, many apps choose iCloud as the default. Additionally, the Mac Photos app’s sole option for photo syncing is this one.
You must convert to iCloud+ if you require additional storage. Remember that iCloud+ offers paid cloud storage options. The smallest package offers 50GB of storage, while the most expensive one offers 2TB.
iCloud can be used by non-Apple users as well. Additionally, users of Android and Windows can use the service without any issues. They only need to purchase iCloud storage and create an Apple ID. But compared to Apple products, the functionality might be less seamless. To learn more about iCloud tips & tricks, look at this post.
Pros
- In-built service for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Fast and automated syncing
- Share storage with family
- High-end security
- Quick uploads
Cons
- Requires more storage to use every iCloud+ service
- Slow to sync
2. Google Drive – Most trusted cloud storage service
In terms of usability, Google Drive wins hands down. As a top-tier cloud storage, synchronization, and collaboration portal, it dominates the market. You can create and modify documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and more with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
One of Google Drive’s biggest benefits is its simplicity of use. All you need to use this service is a Google account. Drive is also a safe location to save your files, videos, photos, documents, and other crucial stuff. Additionally, you can access a variety of services, such as automatic backup of your saved data, with a paid subscription.
You can run your online workplace without a hitch thanks to the seamless integration of Google Drive with Google Workspace. All you have to do is provide other contributors access to the stored files by sharing them with them. Multiple users can simultaneously read and edit documents using this. You can also include notes and suggestions for the participants. You might also be shocked to learn that Google Drive files are accessible offline on Mac.
You may access a variety of media files, including audio, video, and photos, with Google Drive. Additionally, Drive offers access to a variety of documents, including PDFs. You can also convert an Office document to a Workspace document and edit it in the Workspace app if you wish to make changes to it.
Pros
- Good for group collaboration
- Plenty of free storage
- Multiple third-party apps
Cons
- Zero-knowledge encryption is possible only through third-party
- Privacy issues
- No passwords for file sharing
3. pCloud – Easy-to-use cloud storage
Although though pCloud is a relatively recent addition to the list of cloud storages, it nevertheless dominates. Millions depend on pCloud for speedy file syncing, a reliable media player, and data security that is protected by encryption. pCloud outperforms its rivals with affordable prices. 10GB of storage are available with the free account.
The Rewind feature of iCloud is the most useful since it allows you to retrieve lost or damaged documents from the past. Using your free pCloud account, you can access old files for up to fifteen days. When using the Premium and Premium Plus plans, the count increases to thirty days.
Utilize the Fair Share function to collaborate with other pCloud users. Additionally, you can host static HTML web pages, make direct links to files, and embed images using the Public Folder feature. Finally, you may select folders to automatically backup to the cloud using the iCloud Backup option.
On pCloud, you can play music files, search for songs and artists, and make playlists using the built-in media player. Songs can also be played continuously or shuffled. Additionally, there is a feature for downloading music for offline listening and playing videos.
Pros
- Quick syncing
- Zero-Knowledge encryption for higher security
- Integrated media player
Cons
- Extra charge for encryption
- Does not support file integration
4. Microsoft OneDrive – Integrated Office support
Don’t be astonished to find a Microsoft product in a Mac article, first and foremost. Apple goods do operate well with Microsoft tools. Strange yet true. OneDrive, one of the greatest cloud storage choices for Mac, demonstrates my point. OneDrive enables automated file syncing on various devices with its 5GB of free storage.
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are included in OneDrive. You can rapidly access all document formats with the whole suite. OneDrive additionally enables concurrent browser editing of Office files and documents. Also possible are the creation and sharing of folders. The platform offers Facebook connectivity, automatic camera roll backup, and slide show email functionality.
Documents can be scanned and saved as PDFs on OneDrive. Microsoft OneDrive uses encryption to maintain security. You can store crucial data with even more security with the Personal Vault option. Only a strong authentication technique or another identity verification measure, like a PIN or biometric verification, can be used to access the saved files in this case.
Pros
- OneDrive for Business is a unique product for business owners
- 5 GB of free cloud storage
- Download not required
Cons
- Limitations on data synchronization and storage
- Lacks essential features of a backup tool
5. Dropbox – 2TB file storage for all essential documents
Without mentioning Dropbox, this list of the top cloud storage providers would be lacking. Customers have faith in the cloud service’s secure, simple-to-use, and functional features. You can always access all of your files and photos because it stores them. You don’t have to be concerned about losing or messing up your files when using this cloud storage service.
Additionally, Dropbox is well known for its superb collaboration tools. By consolidating all the necessary information in one location, the service’s innovative features make your work easier. For instance, Dropbox offers 2 TB of file storage, work sharing, and progress tracking via its Smart Sync and Showcase features. Dropbox also enables you to look for and download files on other devices so you can work on them whenever is most convenient.
Through simple links, the service provider supports file sharing. You can invite other collaborators to view, edit, and download documents, sheets, and presentations created on Dropbox by altering accessibility. While Dropbox automatically stores all of your files, you may still use the service to schedule backups to increase security.
Pros
- Easy uploading and downloading of files
- Version control keeps tabs on document changes
- Device syncing for work on-the-go
Cons
- Occasional issues in synchronizing
- Limited search functionality
6. Mega – ZK encryption for best security
MEGA is a well-known cloud service that was introduced in 2013 and focuses on the security and privacy of its user base’s data. The website is the replacement for Kim Dotcom’s infamous Megaupload software. The top-notch privacy and security standards that MEGA provides to its clients are the foundation of its brand.
Using MEGA, you can chat, meet people online, and store files online. Your data is protected using zero-knowledge encryption through the service interface. ZK encryption makes sure that only the sender and the recipient have the keys to view, read, or hear the data that is stored or exchanged.
Additionally, you can give anyone access to files and folders by setting the settings to read-only or full access. When sharing, you can also add a password or make links that expire.
It is a one-stop shop that saves you the trouble of needing to keep several programs on your Mac. Amazing, isn’t it? You receive 20GB of cloud storage with a free MEGA account. For larger files and folders, you can expand this storage to 16 TB. Finally, if you want extra cloud storage, you can upgrade to the Pro Flexi or Business Plan.
The platform enables group chats with MEGA and non-MEGA users as well as private messaging to MEGA contacts. Additionally, you can have audio and video conferences with anyone. And they can participate in the conversation without signing up for MEGA.
Pros
- Zero-Knowledge Encryption
- 20 GB cloud storage with a free account
- Previews for documents
- Encrypted sharing links
Cons
- Pricey plans
- Difficult for collaboration
7. Box – Access documents directly from browser
One of the greatest backup cloud storage and file-syncing options available to Mac users is Box. Utilize this fantastic Content Cloud service to take pictures, scan documents, access them, design them, modify them, add annotations, and share them.
The portal enables browser access to your documents, which is uncommon for file-syncing services. Additionally, the Box app offers 10 GB of free cloud storage. Paid subscriptions, however, are restricted to 100GB of storage.
You may easily collaborate with your office colleagues using Box. Use Box Notes, for instance, to collaborate in real time or get comments on numerous papers that have been annotated. You can always keep track of how your content is being used and accessed within the company thanks to Box’s admin controls, which allow intelligent tracking and reporting. Additionally, you can edit your documents using one of Box’s 1,500+ app partner integrations.
Scan any document type and have the built-in OCR create PDFs that are simple to access. Additionally, you can edit, rotate, crop, or recolor photographs. Another crucial feature of Box is the ability to add digital signatures to Mac documents. Box also gives you the option to record audio and video, play it back using the pause and resume controls, and then upload it.
Pros
- Integrations with 1,500+ apps
- Supports offline syncing
- Opens files using desktop software
Cons
- Less free cloud storage
- Low file-size limit
Which cloud service should you choose based on price?
When choosing a cloud storage service plan, price is crucial. When all you want is a lot of free storage, Google is the best option. Apple and Google both charge the same amount for the 200GB plan. You have a selection of service platforms in the 2TB range. However, Microsoft’s offer of 1TB of storage for $6.99 is unquestionably a good one.
You may choose wisely thanks to the thorough pricing comparison of the cloud services for Mac provided here.
| Plans | iCloud | Google Drive | pCloud | OneDrive | Dropbox | Mega | Box |
| Free | 5GB | 15GB | 10GB | 5GB | 2GB | 20GB | 10GB |
| 50GB | $0.99 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 100GB | – | $1.99 | – | $1.99 | – | – | $4.50 |
| 200GB | $2.99 | $2.99 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 500GB | – | – | $4.99 | – | – | – | – |
| 1TB | – | – | – | $6.99 | – | – | – |
| 2TB | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 | – | $9.99 | €9.99 | – |
| 8TB | – | – | – | – | – | €19.99 | – |
| 16TB | – | – | – | – | – | €29.99 | – |
A conclusion
This article’s major goal was to provide answers to questions like “What is Cloud Storage?” and “Why should you utilize it?” I attempted to describe the operation of these service platforms by referencing the in-depth descriptions of the top Apple cloud storage apps for Mac.
The advantages of each app’s cloud storage are roughly comparable, but their subscription plans range significantly. Therefore, it would be beneficial to consider every aspect before making a purchase! If this was useful to you, please let me know!
FAQ
Do I really need to buy cloud storage?
For keeping your files, papers, and other crucial material formats, cloud storage provides additional capacity. It guarantees that you always have a backup of your data.