Alternatives to Dropbox
The original sync folder with block-level sync
Dropbox ranks #7 of 12 in Cloud storage, with an Alt Score of 59. It is proprietary, freemium from €9.99/month and available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Web. 11 of 12 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Individuals, freelancers, and teams who need to store files in the cloud and keep them in sync across multiple computers and devices, plus businesses that need shared workspaces for collaboration.
A cloud storage account that syncs a local folder to the cloud and across all your devices, with file versioning and recovery. You can share files and folders with others, including large-file transfers, and collaborate on documents in Paper. Dash adds a universal search layer across connected apps and storage, while Backup protects your computer's folders and files against loss.
You install the Dropbox app, which creates a local folder that automatically syncs any file placed in it to Dropbox's servers and to your other linked devices; files and folders can then be shared via links or invited collaborators, and accessed through the desktop app, mobile app, or web browser.
Why people leave Dropbox
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
How Dropbox compares with its alternatives, feature by feature.
| Cloud storage checklist | Dropbox | Proton Drive | pCloud | Sync.com | Icedrive | OneDrive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Free storage amount | ||||||
| E2E encrypted storage | ||||||
| Selective sync | ||||||
| Block-level (delta) sync | ||||||
| File versioning depth | ||||||
| Sharing links with password/expiry | ||||||
| Collaborative editing of docs | ||||||
| WebDAV support | ||||||
| Max file size | ||||||
| Self-hostable | ||||||
| Photos-specific features | ||||||
| Data residency choice |
Every fact and feature listed for Dropbox is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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Pricing model Freemium verified 2026-07-11
Dropbox Basic is a free plan that offers 2 GB of space, as well as advanced syncing, security and file sharing features.
https://help.dropbox.com/plans/dropbox-basic-faq -
Starts at €9.99/month verified 2026-07-11
€9.99 / month
https://www.dropbox.com/plans -
License Proprietary verified 2026-07-11
So long as you comply with these Terms, we give you a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable, revocable license to use the Software, solely to access the Services.
https://www.dropbox.com/terms -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web verified 2026-07-11
On Windows On Mac On Linux
https://help.dropbox.com/installs/system-requirements -
Status active verified 2026-07-11
Dropbox Professional, Essentials, Business, and Standard customers have 180 days.
https://help.dropbox.com/delete-restore/version-history-overview -
Self hostable No verified 2026-07-11
all files stored on Dropbox servers are encrypted
https://help.dropbox.com/security/how-security-works -
E2e encrypted No verified 2026-07-11
Dropbox doesn't offer client-side encryption. Dropbox also doesn't support the creation of your own private keys.
https://help.dropbox.com/security/how-security-works -
Free storage amount Partial verified 2026-07-11
Dropbox Basic is a free plan that offers 2 GB of space, as well as advanced syncing, security and file sharing features.
https://help.dropbox.com/plans/dropbox-basic-faq -
E2E encrypted storage No verified 2026-07-11
Dropbox doesn't offer client-side encryption. Dropbox also doesn't support the creation of your own private keys.
https://help.dropbox.com/security/how-security-works -
Selective sync Yes verified 2026-07-11
Selective sync is a feature in the Dropbox desktop app that allows you to add or remove Dropbox folders from your hard drive to save space on your computer without deleting the files themselves.
https://help.dropbox.com/sync/selective-sync-overview -
Block-level (delta) sync Yes verified 2026-07-11
Only modified portions of files are downloaded/uploaded, instead of transferring entire files every time they're changed.
https://blog.dropbox.com/topics/work-culture/what-is-file-sync -
File versioning depth Yes verified 2026-07-11
Dropbox Basic, Plus, and Family customers have 30 days.
https://help.dropbox.com/delete-restore/version-history-overview -
Sharing links with password/expiry Partial verified 2026-07-11
Customers on Dropbox Professional, Essentials, Standard, Advanced, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise can create, change, or remove an expiration date for a shared link.
https://help.dropbox.com/share/set-link-permissions -
Collaborative editing of docs Yes verified 2026-07-11
Up to 50 people can edit a Paper doc at any given time.
https://help.dropbox.com/view-edit/doc-collaboration -
Max file size Yes verified 2026-07-11
The maximum file size you can upload to Dropbox is 2 TB (2,199,019,061,248 bytes).
https://help.dropbox.com/sync/upload-limitations -
Self-hostable No verified 2026-07-11
all files stored on Dropbox servers are encrypted
https://help.dropbox.com/security/how-security-works -
Photos-specific features Partial verified 2026-07-11
Uploading your photos and videos to Dropbox ensures your files are securely backed up, accessible from any device, while freeing space on your phone.
https://help.dropbox.com/create-upload/camera-uploads-overview -
Data residency choice No verified 2026-07-11
You can't choose the location of the new server.
https://help.dropbox.com/security/physical-location-data-storage
FAQ
Yes. Proton Drive, pCloud and Sync.com have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
Nextcloud — every license claim links its source.
Nextcloud can be self-hosted. Cells marked ? mean we have not verified a self-host path yet.