What are the best iCloud alternatives? 5 solutions at a glance

It’s easy to find an alternative to iCloud. We go over what to look out for when choosing an iCloud backup alternative.

5 alternatives to iCloud for secure backups

The secure use of cloud services isn’t just about having enough storage space, but also about reliable encryption for data transmission and storage in regularly audited data centers that adhere to clear data protection guidelines. Here are five providers that offer attractive and secure services.

(Updated: February 2024)

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft’s OneDrive is a promising alternative to iCloud, particularly for businesses. Data stored on Microsoft servers is securely encrypted at rest and backed up in protected data centers. Data transfer and storage are TLS/SSL-encrypted. With OneDrive, you can access your data offline anywhere and from any device. Efficient teamwork is also possible thanks to synchronization between cloud and devices as well as the integration of Microsoft 365.

Main differences to iCloud: OneDrive provides a convenient balance between Microsoft products like the Office suite and services for iPhone, iPad and Mac. You can easily get OneDrive from the Apple Store and use it to back up your data, store data and collaborate flexibly.

Just like with iCloud, users receive 5 GB of storage free of charge. However, OneDrive’s 100 GB plan in Microsoft 365 Basic is slightly more expensive than iCloud’s cheapest plan, which offers 50GB at $0.99 per month. An added benefit of OneDrive is that it comes with Microsoft Outlook.

HiDrive cloud storage from IONOS

As a provider of domains and hosting, IONOS also offers HiDrive, a cloud storage solution that stores data securely. HiDrive impresses in terms of data protection and data processing. Its highly secure servers are located in the EU and are ISO-certified. Another advantage is that EU data centers comply with the GDPR, the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

In addition to automatic cloud backups, you can also benefit from automated synchronization. This ensures that data is kept up to date across all devices and in the cloud, enabling device and location-independent access and decentralized teamwork.

Main differences to iCloud: While IONOS HiDrive isn’t free, on-demand plans are inexpensive, costing just $1.50 for 100 GB per month. By comparison, iCloud charges $0.99 per month for only 50 GB. You get 250 GB for $3 a month and a Business plan comes with 1,000 GB.

Google Drive

Alongside OneDrive, Google Drive is one of the most successful cloud providers and an ideal iCloud backup alternative. Individual users considering the move to Dropbox or Google Drive tend to go with Drive. After all, Google services like Gmail and Contacts are integrated and come preinstalled on Android.

To get started with Google Drive, all you need is a Google account. This is connected to the Drive cloud, which lets you create backups for data and secure email traffic in a single click. In addition, Google services like Docs, Spreadsheets, and Forms, as well as many third-party apps, are easy to integrate. You can use any device to share, synchronize and download or upload data.

Main differences to iCloud: Google Drive provides powerful cloud storage with 15 GB free. You can increase the amount of storage for an additional cost. With Google One plans, you get 100 GB for $1.99, 200 GB for $2.99 and 2 TB for $9.99 per month. Data is stored on high-security servers located in the U.S. and data transfer is AES-256 encrypted.

pCloud

pCloud is a cloud storage service from Switzerland that features TLS/SSL and AES-256 encryption and offers a user-friendly interface. It adheres to Swiss data protection laws and its EU servers are certified with ISO 27001 (IT security) and ISO 9001 (quality management). For enhanced security, clients can opt for pCloud Encryption, a paid service that lets you add encryption on the client side.

pCloud is popular for storing media content and comes with a pCloud web player, music lists and cloud streaming. If you need to store media data with lots of gigabytes, pCloud is an attractive solution for backups. Thanks to synchronization and business plans, the cloud service is also suitable for business use.

Main differences to iCloud: pCloud offers a free plan with up to 10 GB of storage. 500 GB is available for $4.99 per month and 2 TB for $9.99 per month. A unique selling point of pCloud is its lifetime storage offer. This means you get lifetime cloud storage for a one-time fee. pCloud currently offers 500 GB that can be stored for a lifetime for a one-time fee of $199, 2 TB for a one-time fee of $399 and 10 TB for just over a thousand dollars.

(Updated: February 2024)

Your Secure Cloud

German cloud storage provider Your Secure Cloud boasts AES-256 encryption for data at rest and secure SSL encryption for uploads and downloads. Servers are located in secure, ISO-certified data centers in Germany. End-to-end encryption of data means that even the provider can’t access the data. Your Secure Cloud is suitable for private users looking to outsource large amounts of data and those interested in regularly backing up their iPhone, iPad or Mac. Small and medium-sized businesses valuing web office, rights and role distribution, and teamwork will also appreciate Your Secure Cloud.

Main differences to iCloud: Your Secure Cloud doesn’t offer any free cloud storage. Rates for private users start at around $3 per month for 10 GB. Up to 1,000 GB is available for around $55 per month. The Business plan provides 50 GB per user in teams of two or more people at around $5.50 per month. More storage is available on request in the Enterprise plan.