Hi everyone! I’m trying to get away from Google services and need to find a good replacement for Google Drive. I’m a student so I can’t afford paid services right now. I need something that syncs automatically so I don’t lose my work if I have to leave quickly. Physical backups won’t work for me because I’m always on the go. I really need a mobile app too since I work from my phone sometimes. The 15GB that Google gives is actually enough storage for me, I just want something more private. Are there any free alternatives that have instant syncing and mobile apps? Thanks for any help!
Dropbox is an option to consider, offering only 2GB initially, but you can increase this to about 16GB through referrals and tasks. Its sync reliability is strong, and the mobile app supports document editing effectively. I’ve been a user for three years without significant problems. Microsoft OneDrive offers 5GB free, and if you have a .edu email, you might gain access to additional services that boost storage. For enhanced privacy, you could use multiple smaller services instead of relying on one to minimize risks.
I transitioned to pCloud about two years ago in a similar situation. They offer 10GB for free, which might be tight for you, but their syncing capabilities are quite reliable. A benefit of pCloud is that it allows you to choose not to keep files locally synced, saving space while providing access through the mobile app. The Android app is efficient for basic document editing and viewing. However, keep in mind that most free services tend to encourage upgrades to paid plans as your storage needs increase. I managed to secure a student discount with pCloud later on. Additionally, consider Mega, which offers 20GB free, although I noticed its syncing speed can be inconsistent. Both services prioritize privacy more than Google does.
mega.nz is definetly worth checking out - they give you 50gb free which is way more than most others. their encryption is pretty solid too so privacy shouldnt be an issue. the mobile app works fine for basic stuff though sometimes it can be a bit slow when uploading larger files.