In an era where data breaches are rampant, safeguarding your digital assets has never been more critical. We sought the insights of a privacy expert and a Director of Growth to identify the best file-sharing and storage apps of 2024. The first insight reveals that Microsoft OneDrive leads in security, while the final expert highlights how Sync.com saves projects with version history. With a total of 7 expert insights, this article provides a comprehensive overview of top solutions.
- Microsoft OneDrive Leads in Security
- Sync.com Saves Projects with Version History
- Proton Drive Ensures Data Privacy
- Top Five File Sharing Apps of 2024
- SpiderOak One Offers End-to-End Encryption
- Google Drive Provides Reliable Protection
- Dropbox Excels in Collaboration and Security
Microsoft OneDrive Leads in Security
Microsoft OneDrive is still the most secure file-sharing and storage app available. It has an incredibly easy-to-use interface, and it has clients for Mac, iPhone, PC, and Android devices for people who use multiple OSs. More importantly, OneDrive is totally integrated with Windows and Microsoft 365. But the most powerful feature of OneDrive is its collaborative editing. Team projects run smoother with OneDrive than with other competitors.
However, I’m very interested to see what Dropbox does with Reclaim.ai. Dropbox acquired the calendar and productivity app a few months ago, and I’m certain that they are working on some big things that will enhance productivity for users.
Bill Mann, Privacy Expert, Cyber Insider
Sync.com Saves Projects with Version History
In my experience managing digital assets for startups, Sync.com has been a lifesaver. The unlimited file size and 30-day version history have saved our bacon more than once when collaborating on big marketing projects or recovering from accidental deletions.
Yarden Morgan, Director of Growth, Lusha
Proton Drive Ensures Data Privacy
From my experience with productivity apps, I’d say Proton Drive is the top choice for safeguarding data in 2024. I’ve seen firsthand how its end-to-end encryption and Swiss privacy laws give my clients peace-of-mind, especially when dealing with sensitive information in professional services.
Paul Sher, CEO, FuseBase
Top Five File Sharing Apps of 2024
Choosing the best file-sharing and storage app in 2024 requires balancing security, usability, and collaboration features. Whether your focus is safeguarding sensitive data or integrating with productivity tools, these top five options stand out for different reasons.
1. Sync.com – Sync.com is ideal for users seeking top-tier security. Its zero-knowledge encryption ensures that only you can access your files, even when sharing them with others.
Pros:
- Zero-knowledge encryption across all plans.
- Secure sharing with password protection and expiry links.
- Free 5 GB storage, with affordable plans.
Cons:
- Limited collaboration features.
- Slower syncing speeds compared to competitors.
2. pCloud – pCloud offers a great balance between security and media handling, with optional client-side encryption and flexible lifetime storage plans.
Pros:
- Optional client-side encryption for added security.
- Lifetime storage plans for long-term savings.
- Excellent for media streaming and file storage.
Cons:
- Zero-knowledge encryption requires a paid add-on.
- Interface is slightly less intuitive than other apps.
3. Google Drive – Google Drive shines in real-time collaboration and seamless integration with Google Workspace but is less secure in terms of built-in encryption.
Pros:
- Integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and Workspace tools.
- Free 15 GB storage with affordable upgrades.
- Easy file sharing and collaboration.
Cons:
- Lacks zero-knowledge encryption.
- Privacy concerns due to data scanning practices.
4. Icedrive – Icedrive combines strong security with a modern, user-friendly interface. It’s great for privacy-focused users, offering zero-knowledge encryption at all tiers.
Pros:
- Zero-knowledge encryption included by default.
- Sleek, modern design.
- Competitive pricing, with 10 GB free storage.
Cons:
- Fewer collaboration tools than other apps.
- Limited features compared to older platforms.
5. Dropbox – Dropbox remains popular for team collaboration and its strong syncing abilities, though it doesn’t offer the highest level of security by default.
Pros:
- Robust sharing and syncing for teams.
- Integrates with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Reliable and easy to use.
Cons:
- Lacks zero-knowledge encryption.
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives.
Vaibhav Kamble, CEO, CloudOptimo
SpiderOak One Offers End-to-End Encryption
I’ve tried a bunch of file-sharing apps, but SpiderOak One really stands out for data protection. The end-to-end encryption is a game-changer—it means only I have the keys to my agency’s sensitive files. I love that peace of mind, especially when handling client data for our marketing campaigns.
Kevin Pike, President, Rankfuse
Google Drive Provides Reliable Protection
Google Drive is what I’ve known to be super reliable for protecting data. It’s been a life-saver for my team, especially when we’re juggling multiple Shopify projects. We get 15 GB free, which is plenty for most of our files, and the security is top-notch—I’ve never worried about client data getting compromised.
Joshua Uebergang, Founder, Digital Darts
Dropbox Excels in Collaboration and Security
For secure file sharing and storage, Dropbox remains the top choice in 2024, much like a reliable frame for a cherished painting. Its user-friendly interface allows seamless collaboration with advanced features like password-protected links and expiring access to ensure data security. We use Dropbox to share artwork proofs with clients and keep internal documents organised. The app’s cloud backup and real-time syncing provide peace of mind, protecting against data loss. With built-in encryption, Dropbox offers both convenience and top-notch security for safeguarding files.
George Silagadze, Co-founder & CEO, Photo2painting