Best online (cloud) storage 2026
Cloud storage services compared on space, security, sharing and price. Editorial ranking scored out of 100 according to our methodology.
- pCloud (a Swiss company with datacenters in Europe) offers lifetime plans paid once and optional zero-knowledge encryption (pCloud Encryption).
- kDrive (Infomaniak) hosts data in Switzerland/Europe and highlights GDPR compliance; Google Drive relies on the Google ecosystem with 15 GB free.
- Indicative range: from a free plan to a few €/month on subscription, or a one-time payment for pCloud's lifetime plans.
- ⚠️ Pricing and offers change — check the up-to-date price with the vendor.
Online storage has become essential for backing up, syncing and sharing files across devices. Behind offers that look alike, the gaps come down to the price per gigabyte, the level of encryption, the location of the data and the richness of the collaboration tools. This comparison is an editorial ranking scored out of 100 using the same grid for every service, to help you choose according to your priorities.
Our methodology
Each option is scored out of 100 against weighted criteria, using the same grid for all.
| Criterion | What we look at | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Space & price | Storage capacity to price ratio | 30 |
| Security | Encryption, data location, privacy | 25 |
| Sharing & collaboration | Links, permissions, online editing | 20 |
| Synchronisation | Apps, speed, cross-platform | 15 |
| Ease of use | Interface, onboarding, support | 10 |
The 2026 ranking
pCloud
kDrive (Infomaniak)
Google Drive
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Comparison table
| Service | Free plan | End-to-end encryption | Hosting | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pCloud | Yes | Optional | Europe (Switzerland) | 92 |
| kDrive | Limited | Standard | Switzerland/Europe | 90 |
| Google Drive | 15 GB | Standard | International | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free online storage?
Several services offer a free plan: Google Drive and kDrive, for example, provide 15 GB to start. The difference then comes down to the price per gigabyte and the features. Our "Space & price" criterion accounts for 30% of the score.
Is my data safe in the cloud?
It depends on the encryption offered and where the servers are located. Services offering end-to-end encryption and hosting in Europe (such as pCloud or kDrive) are often preferred for privacy, as data hosted in Switzerland falls under local law rather than the US Cloud Act.
Is it better to pay a subscription or a lifetime plan?
A monthly or annual subscription spreads out the cost and suits an evolving need; a lifetime plan, offered notably by pCloud, is paid once and becomes worthwhile over the long term. The choice depends on your usage horizon. Check the up-to-date terms with the vendor.
🗓️ Update history
- 05/08/2026 — Verification of players and facts, 2026 update.
- 20/07/2026 — Updated 2026 cloud offers and capacities.
- 14/04/2026 — Revision of scores and methodology.
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