The best business cloud storage and file sharing providers of 2025: Expert tested

Dropbox Business has the most graceful user experience (UX) design in any advanced cloud storage provider. Teams of any size can easily access, share, and edit files, which is just what you want when moving quickly between projects. Its ability to sync files instantly across devices is reliable when you’re jumping between your laptop and phone for some rapid-fire collaboration.

Security measures are strong, with solid encryption and admin controls. I appreciate the detailed activity reports that simplify compliance and tracking for managers. Dropbox also integrates smoothly with tools like Slack, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace. This means you don’t have to bend your workflow out of shape to make things work together. Plus, the native PDF editing and e-signature features have saved me a lot of context switching.

Pricing starts at $15 per user monthly for teams including 5TB shared storage and file transfers up to 100GB. For bigger teams, you can jump to the Business Plus plan for 15TB storage with more advanced controls. Be aware the service requires a minimum of three users, which can add up in costs for small businesses. Overall, I found Dropbox to be a practical solution for groups needing reliable collaboration without overcomplicating things.

Dropbox features: 5TB shared storage | Advanced admin tools | Secure file transfers | Integration with MS 365 and Google Workspace | Real-time collaboration | 180 days file recovery | Unlimited e-signatures

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers vast yet customizable storage options for businesses with complex technical requirements. I find AWS ideal if you’re running big data analytics, managing distributed applications, or need to blend storage with advanced computer resources. Its S3 object storage is an industry standard, with files, backups, and archives both secure and infinitely scalable.

Setting up and managing AWS solutions is not as quick or novice-friendly as Dropbox or Google Drive. You get total control with granular permissions, encryption options, disaster recovery, and support for compliance frameworks like HIPAA. Be prepared to spend some serious time learning the system, especially if you need multi-region redundancy or automated lifecycle policies. Costs can vary, since you pay for what you use. Keeping an eye on your bill is mandatory for budget-conscious teams.

What makes AWS so good for developers is the integration with other Amazon services, from Lambda automations to CodePipeline for DevOps workflows. If your business requires storage and true infrastructure flexibility, AWS is unparalleled. That said, I always recommend a dedicated IT resource to manage Amazon services. It really makes a ton of difference.

AWS features: Object and block storage | Auto-scaling compute | Data transfer tools | AI and machine learning | Granular IAM security | Compliance certifications | Hybrid cloud support

Google Drive is a great choice if your business is already using Gmail or Google Workspace. Setup is instant, and the integration with Docs, Sheets, and Meet simplifies collaborative editing. It’s easy for anyone to get started, whether you’re a tech whiz or just need quick access to files without battling an interface.

Again, Drive is friendliest to teams who live in Google. Permissions, file comments, and shared folders are all well-designed, plus admins can oversee usage directly from their panel. For most SMBs, the cost-to-feature ratio is excellent. It’s free up to 15GB, then you’ve got two options to upgrade to a paid plan. Google One works well for personal use, but businesses will want to upgrade to Google Workspace, which has plans starting at $6 per user per month. Uploading and sharing files is smooth, but larger businesses might miss the granular controls or advanced reporting found in platforms like Dropbox Business or AWS.

Unfortunately, sharing to folks outside of your organization can get messy, and very large files aren’t as well supported versus AWS or Dropbox. For day-to-day file sharing, especially when you need something reliable and easy for a whole team, Google Drive nails the basics.

Google Drive features: 15GB free storage | Workspace file search | Collaborative editing | Seamless Gmail integration | Mobile access | Folder sharing | Quick setup

OneDrive feels tailor-made for any team already living in Microsoft 365. If you’re using Outlook, Teams, or Word docs, OneDrive makes file access and sharing a breeze. Storage is generous with 1TB per user on basic plans, with upgrades available for organizations with heftier requirements. Office apps for desktop and web come included across most plans, so you’re never missing core productivity tools.

Collaboration is just perfect. You can set granular sharing permissions, revoke access, and even block downloads for sensitive files. I particularly love the built-in ransomware protection and compliance tracking. During my tests, external sharing was pretty fast, meaning clients and partners outside my organization could access files without stress. Version history and recovery also help teams dodge costly mistakes when overwriting documents.

Each plan is licensed per user. Bundled options with Microsoft 365 Business add enhanced security features like DLP and eDiscovery. Not every business needs all these extras, so you can start basic and add features as you grow. My only real gripe is the sometimes-bewildering pricing tiers. It’s worth spending a little time upfront researching which plan covers the needs for your specific team size, security posture, and industry.

OneDrive features: 1TB per user standard | Built-in collaboration tools | Desktop and web Office apps | Advanced compliance | Access expiration controls | Ransomware protection | Mobile access

Proton Drive draws a line in the sand: Security and privacy come first, period. I tested their Business Suite for its rock-solid encryption and zero-access claim even from Proton itself. Every uploaded file is protected by Swiss privacy laws, plus the long version history — up to 10 years for the highest-tier plans — makes it easy to revert to old drafts or recover from errors.

You get 1TB storage per user on the main business tiers, full compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and a calendar integration for organizing documents. Their advanced plans unlock encrypted email via Proton Mail, a built-in VPN, and dedicated password manager. The secure sharing features are reassuring for teams working with regulated data or legal documents.

Pricing is a little higher than mainstream options. It starts around $10 per user monthly for basic professional storage and jumps to $15 for the full Business Suite, but you really do get privacy for your money. There’s just a bit of a learning curve, especially if your team is used to real-time document edits or broad integrations. But if security is your top priority, Proton Drive is a safe bet.

Proton Drive features: 1TB encrypted storage per user | Zero-access encryption | 365-day file history | Secure email integration | VPN bundled option | Password manager included | Local search indexing