Top 10 Cloud Storage Services for Business

What are cloud storage services?

Cloud storage services are internet-based file storage providers that house digital data on offsite servers, freeing businesses and consumers from maintaining and managing their own storage devices and data. Cloud storage providers offer flexible, affordable and scalable options based on clients’ storage needs. If you’re using one of these services for your business, you can back up, sync and share files securely easily. Many even provide disaster-recovery services, helping businesses get back up and running quickly after potentially devastating incidents, such as fires, floods or cyberattacks. 

When businesses opt for cloud services like data storage, they essentially rent space in the cloud and avoid having to invest in expensive servers and other storage hardware — and spending money on maintaining them. They get the convenience of 24/7 secure access anytime, anywhere. 

10 cloud storage services for business

Numerous cloud storage providers exist with varying features, prices and functionality. The following 10 services are a great place to start if you’re looking for a reputable, secure and high-quality provider for your small and medium-sized business (SMB). 

1. Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud platform that provides a broad set of cloud-based services, including storage, analytics, databases and machine learning, to consumers and businesses. Its cloud storage offerings are particularly attractive to businesses and organizations that need secure, affordable data storage. 

AWS has several cloud storage options, including Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3). S3 has an impressive 12-month free usage tier that provides up to 5GB of storage for new users. Additionally, its Elastic Block Store offers a free tier that allows up to 30GB of data storage. Other offerings have varying free tiers that allow you to test the services and find the right solution for your organization. 

2. Box

Box is a secure cloud storage provider that offers a centralized platform for storage, file-sharing, syncing and more for individuals, teams and businesses. Its business offerings include the following (all have a three-user minimum; check online for price discounts):

• Business ($20 per user, per month): Includes unlimited storage, 5GB file uploads, secure file-sharing and over 1,500 integrations with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and more. 
• Business Plus ($33 per user, per month): Includes everything in Business, plus unlimited external collaborators and up to 15GB in file uploads. 
• Enterprise ($47 per user per month): Includes all lower-tier features, plus content portals with Box Hubs, up to 50GB in file uploads and more. 
• Enterprise Plus ($50 per user, per month): Includes all lower-tier features, plus artificial intelligence (AI)-powered document insights, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, enhanced support, up to 150GB in file uploads and more. 

You can try the three lower-tier plans for free to see if they’re a fit for your business. 

3. Carbonite

Carbonite is a cloud backup service with options for individuals and businesses with excellent security, support and privacy. Carbonite Personal options (for one to three computers) start at $95.99 per year. While this option may suffice for a very small business, it lacks more advanced features your business may need as it grows, including granular restore options and user management tools. Its business solutions include the following: 

• Core ($24 per month; up to 25 computers): Includes 250GB of automatic, encrypted cloud backup storage.
• Power ($50 per month; one server and up to 25 computers): Includes 500GB of automatic, encrypted cloud backup storage.
• Ultimate ($83.33 per month; unlimited servers and up to 25 computers): Includes 500GB of automatic, encrypted cloud backup storage.

You can take advantage of a free trial to test out the service. Very robust SMB and enterprise cybersecurity solutions also exist. 

4. Dropbox for Business

Dropbox for Business is considered among the best document management software around, allowing for automatic document syncing for all team members and their devices. It has several options for organizations of all sizes with varying needs: 

• Essentials ($16.58 per month; one user): Includes 3TB of storage, up to 100GB in file transfers, unlimited signature requests and up to 180 days to restore deleted files. 
• Business ($15 per user, per month; three-plus users): Includes everything in Essentials, plus 9TB of storage, the ability to set up admins and the ability to oversee shared content. 
• Business Plus ($24 per user, per month; three-plus users): Includes everything in the lower tiers, plus 15TB of storage, up to 250GB in file transfers, suspicious activity alerts, compliance tracking and more. 
• Enterprise (custom pricing): Includes all lower-tier features plus enterprise-grade security, integrations and live support. 

Prices are based on annual billing; monthly billing options may vary.

5. Google Workspace

Google Workspace is a popular cloud-based suite of productivity and collaboration tools for businesses. All Workspace plans include Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Slides and more. Options include the following: 

• Business Starter ($6 per user, per month): Includes 30GB of storage, secure business email, Gemini AI app integration and 100-participant video meetings. 
• Business Standard ($12 per user, per month): Includes all Business Starter features plus 2TB of pooled storage per user, 150-participant video meetings, AI-powered video creation, appointment booking and email marketing campaign tools. 
• Business Plus ($18 per user, per month): Includes all lower-tier features, plus 5TB of pooled user storage, 500-participant video meetings and enhanced security and management controls. 
• Enterprise (custom pricing): Includes all lower-tier features, plus 1,000-participant video meetings and enhanced support.  

You can try Google Workspace for free for 14 days to get a feel for the platform. 

6. Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is a multifaceted cloud service that allows users to store, access and share files and is excellent for improving productivity. Similar to Google Workspace’s Google app integrations, OneDrive has unique integrations with many Microsoft 365 tools. Its business cloud storage plans include the following: 

• OneDrive for Business ($5 per user, per month): Includes file sharing and 1TB of cloud storage. 
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6 per user, per month): Includes file sharing and 1TB of cloud storage per employee, user management tools, custom business email, business apps, spam and malware filtering and more. 
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50 per user, per month): Includes all lower-tier features, plus desktop versions of Microsoft 365 software, webinars, collaborative workspaces and video editing and design tools.  

7. OpenDrive

OpenDrive is an online backup and cloud storage service that can handle files in numerous operating systems, including Linux, macOS and Windows. It has personal, business and enterprise plans with varying features. Its business offerings are as follows: 

• Custom (starting at $7 per month): Includes 500GB of online storage, 25GB in daily bandwidth, unlimited notes, up to 10 tasks and account user management.
• Business (starting at $29.95 per month): Includes branding tools and unlimited online storage, notes and tasks.
• Reseller (starting at $59.95 per month): Includes all lower-tier features plus the use of a partner account. 

OpenDrive says it will match competitor pricing on comparable plans.  

8. SpiderOak One Backup

SpiderOak is a unique cloud hosting service that emphasizes secure data backup, encryption, privacy and user controls. Its offerings are as follows: 

• 150GB: $6 per user, per month
• 400GB: $11 per user, per month
• 2TB: $14 per user, per month
• 5TB: $29 per user, per month

All plans support unlimited devices, end-to-end (E2E) encryption and a “point in time” data recovery feature.   

9. Syncplicity

Syncplicity is a cross-platform synchronization and file-sharing service for consumers and businesses. It offers the following plans: 

• Professional ($20 per month): Includes 300GB of storage and 24/7 support and can handle unlimited file sizes and devices.
• Enterprise (contact the company for pricing): All professional tools, plus additional security options and the ability to remotely wipe devices and secure shared links. 

10. Zoolz Cloud Backup

Zoolz is a business-focused secure cloud storage and backup service with unique “hot and cold” storage designations. “Hot” denotes frequently used files, while “cold” applies to rarely used data. Its offerings include the following: 

• Zoolz Cloud Backup 2.5TB ($19.99 per month): Includes 2.5TB of storage, unlimited access to external drives, version controls and file upload sizes up to 20GB. 
• Zoolz Cloud Backup 7TB ($59.99 per month): Includes 7TB of storage, unlimited users and servers and unlimited file sizes for uploads. 
• Zoolz Cloud Backup 12TB ($99.99 per month): Includes 12TB of storage and all lower-tier features. 

Security concerns with cloud storage services

Protecting your business’s sensitive information is a top priority for all business owners. Data breaches and outages that result in data loss can be devastating to operations and consumer trust. 

While most cloud storage services prioritize data security and enforce robust protocols, there are no guarantees. Outages, breaches and other threats, while uncommon, can occur. Businesses that entrust their data to any cloud service must perform due diligence and ensure the provider offers E2E encryption, multifactor authentication and excellent customer support to address any potential issues promptly.

What are the benefits of cloud storage?

Cloud storage is convenient, flexible, affordable and scalable. Consider the following benefits of investing in cloud storage for your business: 

• Minimize hardware expenditures: Working with a cloud storage provider eliminates the need to purchase, manage and maintain multiple servers.
• Affordability and scalability: Cloud services often have tiered pricing structures, so businesses only pay for the storage they need and can add more as they grow.
• Data recovery and backup: Cloud storage solutions often include automated backups and disaster recovery options, helping you protect critical data from unexpected loss due to system failures or cyberattacks.
• Enhanced collaboration: Cloud storage permits multiple users to access and collaborate on documents and projects simultaneously, improving productivity and streamlining workflows.
• Security: Most top cloud services provide robust security measures, including encryption, multifactor authentication and compliance with industry standards like General Data Protection Regulation or HIPAA.
• Environmental impact: Cloud storage reduces the need for physical servers, which can lower your company’s energy consumption and reduce your business’s carbon footprint.