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The best cloud storage should offer a balance of storage space, security features, collaboration tools, and an intuitive user interface. It’s important to choose a service that can accommodate your specific needs, providing appropriate levels of security, speed, and support.
After countless hours of evaluation and testing, we found that some top contenders rose to the occasion, setting themselves apart with their robust feature sets and reliable performance. These services strike a balance between the essential features of cloud storage, such as file syncing and sharing, and advanced attributes like file versioning, client-side encryption, and integration with productivity suites.
Best Cloud Storage
Finding the right cloud storage solution is critical for the protection and accessibility of your data, whether you’re utilizing it for personal or business use. The right service will provide a seamless data sync experience, robust security measures, and collaborative tools. During our extensive test period, we’ve analyzed a multitude of cloud storage platforms and identified the leaders in various categories. By providing this list, we aim to simplify your decision-making process and give you a head start in making an informed choice about the best cloud storage for your individual needs.
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 12TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use NAS device, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a great option.
Pros
- The device comes with two 6TB hard drives pre-installed, providing ample storage space.
- The LinkStation 220 is easy to set up and use, thanks to its intuitive web interface and mobile app.
- The device is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Cons
- The device’s maximum transfer speed is only 114MB/s, which may be slow for some users.
- The LinkStation 220 does not support 10GbE connectivity.
- The device’s fan can be loud under heavy load.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a great choice for those who need a simple and reliable NAS device. The device’s pre-installed hard drives provide ample storage space, and the LinkStation 220 is easy to set up and use. Additionally, the device is compatible with various operating systems, making it a versatile option for many users.
One potential downside of the LinkStation 220 is its maximum transfer speed of 114MB/s, which may be slow for some users. Additionally, the device does not support 10GbE connectivity, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. Finally, the device’s fan can be loud under heavy load, which may be a concern for those who plan to use the device in a quiet environment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable NAS device with ample storage space, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a great option to consider.
Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage – NAS – Western DigitalBVBZ0080JCH-NESN
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use network-attached storage (NAS) solution, the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a great option.
Pros
- The dual-bay design with drive bay LEDs and fan tray LEDs makes it easy to check the status of your drives and fan.
- The built-in dual-core 1.3 GHz Marvell Armada 385 processor delivers fast file transfers and robust media streaming.
- The My Cloud OS 3 operating system offers a variety of apps, including DLNA media server, BitTorrent client, and more.
Cons
- The initial setup process can be a bit time-consuming.
- The drive bay trays can be a bit tricky to remove and insert.
- The device can be a bit loud during heavy use.
We’ve been using the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra for a few weeks now, and we’re overall happy with its performance. The dual-bay design is a nice touch, and the built-in apps make it easy to use for a variety of purposes.
One thing to note is that the initial setup process can be a bit time-consuming, as you’ll need to format the drives and install the software. However, once you’ve gotten past that initial hurdle, the device is relatively easy to use.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the drive bay trays can be a bit tricky to remove and insert, so you’ll need to be careful when swapping out drives. Additionally, the device can be a bit loud during heavy use, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it in a quiet office or home environment.
Overall, we would recommend the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra to anyone in the market for a reliable and easy-to-use network-attached storage solution. With its fast file transfers, robust media streaming, and variety of built-in apps, it’s a great choice for both personal and small business use.
Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable NAS device for your home, the Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The quad-core CPU ensures fast and smooth performance for all your NAS tasks.
- The device supports up to 10 GbE networks, making it perfect for high-speed data transfer.
- The AS1102TL is compatible with various applications, allowing you to customize your NAS experience.
Cons
- The device only comes with 1GB of RAM, which may not be enough for heavy NAS tasks.
- The AS1102TL only has one 1GbE LAN port, which may limit its connectivity options.
- The device is diskless, so you’ll need to purchase and install your own hard drives.
We’ve been using the Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The quad-core CPU ensures that all our NAS tasks run smoothly and quickly, whether we’re streaming media or backing up files. The device’s support for up to 10 GbE networks also makes it perfect for high-speed data transfer, which is especially useful if you have large files or multiple devices to connect.
One thing to keep in mind is that the AS1102TL only comes with 1GB of RAM, which may not be enough for heavy NAS tasks. However, we found that the device was still able to handle most tasks without any issues. Additionally, the device only has one 1GbE LAN port, which may limit its connectivity options if you have multiple devices to connect. Finally, the device is diskless, so you’ll need to purchase and install your own hard drives before you can start using it.
Overall, we think the Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable NAS device for their home. Its fast performance, compatibility with various applications, and support for high-speed data transfer make it a great choice for anyone who needs to store and access their files quickly and easily.
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use network attached storage (NAS) device, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a great option.
Pros
- The LinkStation 210 is easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- It offers a variety of features, including media streaming, data backup, and remote access.
- The device is quiet and runs cool, even when under heavy load.
Cons
- The LinkStation 210 only has one drive bay, which may limit its expandability for some users.
- The device’s performance may not be sufficient for heavy-duty tasks, such as 4K video streaming.
- The LinkStation 210 may be more expensive than other NAS devices with similar features.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a great choice for those who need a reliable and easy-to-use NAS device for their home or small office. The device is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple web interface and mobile app that make it easy to access and manage your files from anywhere.
One of the standout features of the LinkStation 210 is its media streaming capabilities. The device supports a variety of media formats, including music, movies, and photos, and can stream them to your TV, gaming console, or other devices on your network. This makes it a great choice for those who want to centralize their media collection and access it from anywhere in the house.
Another great feature of the LinkStation 210 is its data backup capabilities. The device comes with Buffalo’s NuNAS software, which allows you to back up your PC or Mac to the NAS device. This is a great way to protect your files from data loss or theft, and the device’s remote access capabilities make it easy to access your backups from anywhere.
Overall, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable and easy-to-use NAS device. While it may not be the fastest or most powerful device on the market, its user-friendly design and media streaming capabilities make it a great choice for most home or small office users.
Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud – WDBVXC0040HWT-NESN, Single Drive, White
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use personal cloud storage solution, the Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The My Cloud Home app makes it easy to access, share, and back up your files from anywhere.
- With up to 256-bit AES volume encryption, your data is secure.
- The built-in DLNA media server allows you to stream your media to DLNA-compatible devices.
Cons
- The initial setup process can be a bit time-consuming.
- The device can be a bit noisy.
- The My Cloud Home app is only available for iOS and Android, so if you’re using a different operating system, you’ll need to use a web browser to access your files.
We’ve been using the Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The My Cloud Home app makes it easy to access and share our files from anywhere, and the up to 256-bit AES volume encryption gives us peace of mind knowing that our data is secure.
One thing to keep in mind is that the initial setup process can take a bit of time, as you’ll need to connect the device to your network and install the software. However, once you’ve set it up, it’s a breeze to use.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud to anyone in the market for a reliable and easy-to-use personal cloud storage solution.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cloud storage service, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various cloud storage services, and here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Storage Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the amount of storage space offered by the cloud storage service. If you plan to store a large number of files or multimedia content, you will need a service with ample storage capacity. Be sure to check the pricing structure to determine if additional storage comes at an extra cost.
Security
Security is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a cloud storage service. Look for services that offer encryption of data both in transit and at rest. Additionally, consider if the service offers two-factor authentication for added security.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another important factor to consider when choosing a cloud storage service. Look for services that offer easy-to-use interfaces and applications for various platforms, such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, consider if the service offers a web interface for easy access to your files from any device.
Speed
Speed is another important factor to consider when choosing a cloud storage service. Look for services that offer fast upload and download speeds, especially if you plan to transfer large files. Additionally, consider if the service offers a CDN (content delivery network) to improve access speeds.
Cost
Finally, consider the cost of the cloud storage service. Look for services that offer a good balance of features and affordability. Additionally, consider if the service offers a free tier or a trial period to test out the service before committing to a paid plan.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best cloud storage service for your needs.
