Best Dropbox Alternatives – Tried and Tested

Dropbox used to be a top player back in the day. Nowadays, people are looking for Dropbox alternatives for various reasons. Security concerns, occasionally slow transfer speeds, and privacy issues are some of them. In the meantime, many cloud storage services have matured, and some have taken the world by storm.

As a result, there’s no shortage of extraordinary alternatives to Dropbox, serving as formidable replacements. We tested 20+ providers for this rundown, but ultimately ended up with the 6 best options. Without further ado, let’s jump right in and see what the most reliable and suitable Dropbox alternatives are in 2026.

Best Dropbox Alternatives Examined

Now that we have ranked our Dropbox replacements, it’s time to examine them closely.

1. pCloud

We’ll start with pCloud which we compared directly to Dropbox recently. In that duel, pCloud won by being superior in security, privacy, ease of use, and affordability. Besides, pCloud not only costs less, but it also provides larger storage. In particular, we think about its 10 TB plan.

In the annual variant, this plan’s monthly price is equivalent to Dropbox’s 3 TB Essentials plan. As far as security goes, pCloud offers zero-knowledge encryption as an add-on. This prevents pCloud or any other entity from accessing and modifying your precious files.

Dropbox lacks the feature, and can, according to its privacy policy, access your files in the cloud. A huge advantage of pCloud is ease of use. It’s much more user-friendly, plus, it has full support for Linux. Not to mention file redundancy, thanks to servers in the US and EU.

pCloud essentially copies your files across multiple servers to ensure they’re always available. The provider offers a generous free plan with 10 GB of storage and a 15-day file history. Paid plans start with 30 days, while the Business plan offers a whopping 180 days of file history.

We love that pCloud includes secure file-sharing tools like password protection and link expiry dates. There’s also a handy music player for making playlists and listening to your favorite music. pCloud lacks third-party apps found in Dropbox, but there’s compensation.

For example, it supports one-click backups from third-party cloud services, including Dropbox. With exceptional privacy, market-leading security, and favorable prices, pCloud is the #1 Dropbox alternative overall. Find out more about it in our hands-on pCloud test here.

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2. Internxt

Internxt is a lesser-known cloud storage company from Spain. We recommend this alternative to Dropbox because it’s simpler to use and almost as fast! This ensures swift transfers thanks to overarching compatibility that spans even Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Like pCloud, Internxt is very affordable, even more so than pCloud. Its best deal is the 3 TB annual plan at $3.6/mo — Dropbox’s equivalent is more than $16/mo. At this price, Internxt already punches harder than Dropbox thanks to zero-knowledge encryption.

It’s actually post-quantum encryption amplified by Internxt’s antivirus to keep your files safe from harm. File-sharing is a piece of cake, and users can use a password to protect their links. The same goes for backups and syncing, both of which are fast and easy to configure.

In our Internxt review, we praised that zero-knowledge encryption is available in all plans. No need to buy it separately. However, Internxt also includes a VPN service, which boosts your online privacy and allows you to overcome certain geo-restrictions. What about privacy?

Again, it’s a far cry from Dropbox. Internxt’s apps are open-source, and the cloud storage service is GDPR compliant. Internxt is one of the best Dropbox alternatives, either way, but keep in mind it doesn’t have many third-party apps or impressive collaboration tools.

However, its Meet and Mail features will fix that issue in the Premium and Ultimate plans. We encourage you to give it a shot because it’s risk-free for 30 days. You can also try its free plan, albeit with 1 GB of storage. It’s not on par with the best free cloud storage service, but it’s enough to get a glimpse of Internxt.

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3. NordLocker

We know that Dropbox lacks proper encryption, so NordLocker is a formidable replacement. It’s the only Dropbox competitor with end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption, along with MEGA and Sync. End-to-end encryption gives you control over the encryption keys for more privacy.

However, if you lose your keys, you can say “goodbye!” to your files. If you’re responsible enough, you’ll have the time of your life with NordLocker. That’s especially true for ease of use, as NordLocker has some of the simplest-designed apps for all popular devices.

Compared to Dropbox, NordLocker is a bit slower and doesn’t offer file versioning. However, you can get 2 TB of storage at only $6.99/mo for the annual plan, whilst Dropbox’s equivalent is $9.99/mo. Additionally, NordLocker supports local file encryption in all plans — Dropbox doesn’t.

Secure file sharing is in the package as well, and NordLocker comes with seamless file synchronization across all devices. Users can preview documents, photos, and videos directly from the web app. This makes NordLocker a great online storage for videos and multimedia.

We also want to reflect on NordLocker’s free option, because it’s also a bit better than Dropbox. With 3 GB of storage and end-to-end encryption, this is the safest complimentary online storage. Sure, NordLocker lacks third-party apps and isn’t great for businesses.

On the other hand, users who grew tired of Dropbox’s exorbitant prices and want additional file safety will feel at home with NordLocker. As always, you can find out more about it in our updated NordLocker test.

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4. Sync.com

Sync.com, also known as Sync, is one of the fiercest Dropbox competitors. I mean, it’s pretty much an ecosystem designed for safe file storage, productivity, and collaboration. It’s a shame Sync hasn’t shown impressive transfer speeds in our test, but that’s easily forgivable.

First of all, Sync easily integrates with all popular productivity apps, such as Photoshop, Word, PowerPoint, Trello, and more. Microsoft 365 is also integrated into its mobile and web apps, allowing you to directly preview and edit documents, similarly to what Dropbox has.

Interestingly, Sync offers end-to-end encryption in all plans, so right off the bat, it’s safer than Dropbox. Sync.com has unlimited data transfer, which is handy for file sharing. You can safely share folders and files, but also request files and collaborate with others seamlessly.

Thanks to reliable syncing, you’ll be able to locate your files across all devices. Unlike Dropbox, Sync’s file history/versioning is 180 days at the very minimum, with some plans going up to 365 days. Plus, Sync is the only option with an unlimited storage Teams plan!

We’re fans of Sync’s apps, as iOS/Android clients allow for auto camera uploads, document previews, and selective sync (this one’s on all devices). As said, Sync is not the fastest cloud service, but it’s flexible and ready for both individuals and businesses with extreme needs.

Individuals will likely prefer the Solo plan with 2 TB of storage at $96 a year. There’s the 6 TB Solo Professional plan at $240 annually, which is still a better value than Dropbox’s 3 TB plan at $16.6/mo.

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5. MEGA

MEGA is yet to achieve Dropbox’s popularity, but still, you don’t want to dismiss this outstanding Dropbox alternative. As mentioned earlier, MEGA offers end-to-end zero-knowledge encryption in all plans, and you’ll find that it decrypts your files with every visit.

This adds to security and privacy tremendously. Another perk for MEGA is the storage size, which goes from 2 TB to 16 TB, but is flexible, and in the Business plan, you can get up to 10,000 TB of storage. Now look at this — MEGA includes its Pass and VPN apps in all plans!

Therefore, you’re getting a free password manager and a VPN service for privacy protection. Ease of use is MEGA’s strong suit. Its web app is masterfully realized, with a file-explorer-like interface, a drag-and-drop functionality, and a unique chat option that we frequently use.

It’s ideal for messaging, voice/video calling, sharing files, etc. Speaking of that, MEGA allows for secure file sharing via protected links, encrypting files in transit using TLS encryption. Performance-wise, MEGA likely won’t disappoint you, although it’s slower than Dropbox.

The other, shinier side of the coin is the free plan. MEGA is unbeatable here, with a huge 20 GB of free storage for good measure. MEGA used to offer 50 GB back in the day, and luckily, we registered during that period, so we still have our 50 GB free of charge. Such a blast.

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6. Google Drive

We’ll say right away that Google Drive is in the same basket as Dropbox for security and privacy. Google was never a privacy-focused company, so that’s out the window. But if you want a Dropbox alternative for productivity, collaboration, and work, this is a proper choice.

It’s great for businesses because of its native inclusion of Google Workspace tools. They include Docs, Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and others. You can use these to edit documents and presentations in real time with other users, while also collaborating in the same space.

Let’s not forget that Google Drive also comes with Google Photos. You’ll get its Magic Editor in the Premium 2 TB plan, which enables photo edits. A huge leap forward is the AI Premium plan, with the same 2 TB of storage, but with Gemini that permeates the entire experience.

Gemini is Google’s AI that enhances productivity and helps with many business-related tasks. On top of that, Google Drive works on all devices, and on desktop systems, it acts as a virtual drive where you can drag and drop files to automatically back them up to cloud storage.

File sharing is another benefit, because Google Drive includes permission management for users invited to the file. We must say we prefer some of the best encrypted cloud storage services, but this one is fine if you value convenience and work over privacy and security.

By the way, every premium plan is for 5 users, so it’s ready for small businesses out of the box.

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What’s Wrong With Dropbox?

When you examine Dropbox from afar, it’s pretty decent. We’ve been using it for years and were more than impressed with how functional it is. Third-party apps, but even those made by Dropbox, made a huge difference. They make this service pretty much an ecosystem.

Using these tools, you can shift your entire work to the cloud, where you can create and share files while also collaborating with colleagues and managing your workflow. However, over the years, Dropbox’s popularity has dwindled, and we think it comes down to these reasons:

• Expensive prices
• Privacy concerns
• Complex environment
• No zero-knowledge encryption

If you’re looking to save money on cloud storage, Dropbox is a poor choice. Its pricey plans are feature-rich, but the storage size hardly makes up for that. Dropbox’s privacy concerns stem from a huge 2012 data leak in which over 68M of Dropbox user passwords and user names were stolen.

With no zero-knowledge encryption, even as an add-on, it’s hard to classify this provider as particularly safe and secure. Finally, Dropbox’s environment isn’t for beginners. It’s very advanced, with plenty of tools and features made for more productive individuals.

How Did We Rank the Best Dropbox Alternatives?

When you’re seeking an alternative to a specific product, be it cloud storage or a blow dryer, you want something to fill in the gaps of that product. That said, we emphasized these characteristics for our list:

• Security and privacy. All six options, excluding Google Drive, are some of the safest providers you can get. In fact, they made it on our list of the most secure online storage services because of top-tier encryption and privacy-friendly practices.
• Transfer speeds. Dropbox is fast for the most part, so we wanted providers with the same experience. pCloud and Internxt are some of the speediest providers that match, and in some cases, defeat Dropbox!
• Ease of use. Our recommended alternatives are very simple to install and get into, no matter the device. With drag-and-drop interfaces and apps for all devices, you’ll have no issues sinking your teeth into their flesh!
• Value for money. This was one of our main criteria, but fortunately, we didn’t struggle much to fulfil it. pCloud, Internxt, NordLocker, and others — all offer much better value for money and are, above all, infinitely more affordable per TB of storage!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, pCloud remains the most suitable alternative to Dropbox in general. If you don’t mind the lack of third-party integrations, you’ll suck out the most juice out of it, especially if you want robust storage (up to 10 TB) at a bottom-shelf monthly price.

Internxt, NordLocker, Sync, and MEGA are amazing options. They offer zero-knowledge encryption in every plan, removing any privacy and security concerns at the drop of a hat. Our least favorite, but still decent alternative, is Google Drive, because it’s very similar.

It’s made for work, productivity, and collab, making it ideal for small businesses to thrive. Speaking of thriving, you’ll surely thrive with some of the top cloud storage choices. With these six, you’re set for decades!

Visit pCloud Website

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FAQ

There are a few things we haven’t covered, so we’ll do that now.

🗃️ Can I migrate my files from Dropbox to another cloud storage?

Yes, you can, but the easiest way to do this is with pCloud. You can use its Backup tool, where you can select Dropbox, and let the process transpire. All your files will be on pCloud afterward, and you can close your Dropbox account if you don’t want to use it anymore.

Another thing you can do is download all your files to the hard drive and re-upload them to another online storage. Either way, you can migrate easily and without worries.

🆓 What’s the best free alternative to Dropbox?

Given its small 2 GB of storage, pretty much any alternative with more free storage is great. For the largest storage, we’d pick MEGA with 20 GB or Google Drive with 15 GB. pCloud is another one to consider, with 10 GB.

Internxt and NordLocker with 1 GB and 3 GB, respectively, are a bit underwhelming.

🤑 What is the cheapest cloud storage to use instead of Dropbox?

The cheapest, by far, is Internxt. We’d opt for its Lifetime plans, although annual 3 TB and 5 TB plans are very good and worth the asking price. We’ll remind you that pCloud also has Lifetime deals, all of which are less expensive than Dropbox’s subscription plans.