Being able to access your data at anytime is a huge factor in peace of mind for remote workers. In an age where we are so reliant on data to do our jobs, being sure that it is safe and secure is of utmost importance. But, we definitely don’t want to carry a heavy external hard-drive everywhere we go.
So, today we’ll see the best cloud storage services for digital nomads by comparing user experience, security, online privacy and specific features.
As the name suggests, cloud storage is an online service where your data is stored in a cloud that you can access anywhere by using network connection.
This allows you to upload, store, edit, share, download and backup your data on all computer and mobile devices, not just your own. This is a great feature for those of us needing to work from anywhere in the world.
Major Considerations for Using Cloud Storage
Is my data safe in a cloud ?
As a business owner, digital nomad or anyone needing virtual storage space, security is a crucial feature to consider when speaking about personal or sensitive information.
Storing your data in a cloud is an effective way to maintain the security and integrity of your personal information. That is because these services use encryption, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access specific data. They also perform regular automatic backups to protect your data even further.
However, while cloud storage providers implement robust security measures, breaches are still possible. You must take responsibility for your data by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and subscribing to a VPN (non-negotiable if you will be using public Wi-Fi networks).
Alternatively, when you use an external hard drive, security concerns may be theft, damage, or durability issues. However, a cloud service is on the internet, so the primary concern is an unauthorised connection (hack) to your personal information.
– Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires you to provide two forms of identification to access your online accounts. This can include a password or a code sent to your phone, email or authenticator app. By using 2FA, you can prevent unauthorised access to your accounts and protect your important information.
There are a few types of two-factor authentication methods available: receiving a code via text message, receiving a code via email address, or some apps such as Google Authenticator who generate a new code every ten seconds giving you another method to access and protect your accounts.
Two-factor authentication is an important tool for your security. However, in some cases hackers may still be able to access your phone or email if a breach has occurred. So, creating strong passwords from the get-go is an extremely effective way to reduce your likelihood of being hacked.
– Use strong passwords
Having strong passwords is the best way to protect your accounts. Be aware that you should never use the same password on all of your accounts, but rather use unique passwords.
A good password is a mix of capitals, lower case, numbers and symbols, which should be no less than 12 characters. Also avoid using a password that is too obviously related to you such as your name or date of birth.
If you follow all the tips that I’ve provided to ensure gold-standard passwords, you will have a handful of super strong but possibly hard to remember passwords. To make life easier for yourself, why not use a password manager to help you remember all of your different passwords?
Again, strong passwords are must-have tools to keep your personal information safe, but they are not foolproof. We’ll take a look at a third important tool which forms a fortress around your most important information when combined with the above two toolsets – the VPN.
– Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
For digital nomads frequently connecting to random internet sources on the go, one major privacy concern is public Wi-Fi networks. Your sensitive information is vulnerable to hackers who can easily intercept your internet traffic as public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured.
You can protect yourself by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address through using a VPN.
The second benefit to using a VPN as a digital nomad is the ability to access any restricted websites or services in any country. This is incredibly important if you are travelling to regions that enforce online censorship of sites or topics that you require to adequately perform your work.
To select a VPN service you’ll need to compare the speed, security and reliability. Some of the most popular VPNs are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. It might be a good idea to check if your selected service has servers in the country that you plan to go. It could decrease the speed of your connection if not.
6 Best Cloud Storage Services
After reading a few articles about cloud storage, I’ve noticed that the information and comparison metrics for the different tools are far too technical for the majority of users.
Let’s keep it simple. I’ll select the major tools that we need to care about to win a lot of time and help you easily find the best option, with the best deals, out of these six best cloud storage for digital nomads.
As a remote worker, having sufficient storage to accommodate your work files, personal documents, important informations and any media you use for your work is essential.
So we will focus on the price for capacity, security and right tools for the job.
Let’s jump in and find the best cloud storage for digital nomads.
Let’s break it into two groups. Classic & specialised cloud services.
Top 3 Classic Cloud Storage Services
Allow me to present the top three classic cloud services available.
These are highly suitable for those looking for a cloud storage with no real specific needs, budget-conscious users or those searching for an ecosystem that can suit general daily needs.
1. Google Drive
You’ve likely already heard about Google Drive, or Drive, or may have even tried it. I personally used the free 15GB for years to keep all of my personal information and IDs. This is an invaluable tool if you travel frequently to ensure easy access to your personal documents.
It’s very easy to use and integrated with other Google Applications: Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Photos … This makes it SUPER user friendly.
Google Drive shines due to it’s highly intelligent ecosystem. The photo sharing capability via Google Photos is one of the best available online. You could almost just use Google for all of your online services.
This service is an absolute all-rounder. I would recommend this cloud for anyone looking for cloud storage services with an amazing ecosystem. As a digital nomad, the features work together so easily, such as sending emails with my files already sitting in Drive, remotely collaborating on Docs, easily securing appointments or setting up client meetings in Calendar, or remotely presenting via Slides.
Does Google Drive do backups ?
Yes, Google Drive does backups. From each application or device, your files are securely backed up in the background.
Pros
- Complete business suite eco-system
- Excellent productivity tools
- 15GB free
- High compatibility (mobile, desktop, web)
- Best sharing features
- Simultaneous real-time file editing and commenting
Cons
- No end-to-end encryption
- Unlimited storage only for business accounts
- Individual mobile app for each Google tool
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $18 | 15GB (free) – 5TB | Encrypts but not end-to-end | Google ecosystem |
What is end-to-end encryption?
If your files are end-to-end encrypted, this means that no-one, not even the cloud provider can access your files. They are fully encrypted.
2. Microsoft OneDrive
Just like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive is one of the most famous cloud storage options around. And similarly to Google’s application, Microsoft also has a whole suite of business tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (Microsoft 365).
With only 5GB offered in the free version and no access to the other Office business tools, OneDrive’s free version is not the one that I personally recommend. Google just offers a whole lot more at no cost.
If you are a Mac user and you’re not already using the Office apps I won’t even recommend the paid version. However, if you’re team Windows and you already utilise the Office apps, the paid version may be the best choice for you.
Overall, this cloud storage service is most apt for digital nomads already using the Microsoft ecosystem.
Does Microsoft OneDrive do backups ?
Yes, Microsoft OneDrive does backups. You can enable settings on Windows to automatically backup your computer files to OneDrive. The application also allows automatic photo backups on your mobile device.
Pros
- Includes Microsoft 365 (Paid version only)
- Unlimited individual storage plan (Paid version only)
- Amazing productivity tools (Paid version only)
Cons
- Less powerful for macOs users
- Only 5GB provided in free version
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $8 | 5GB (free) – 6TB | Encrypts but not end-to-end | Microsoft 365 Basic (not with free version) |
3. iDrive
iDrive has been providing an economical cloud storage alternative since way back in 1995. This service has a super cheap option up for grabs, alongside a big list of other plans so you can select one that exactly fits your needs.
It’s an easy to use cloud storage with all the principal features that we’d be looking for. It just won’t have all the extra productivity tools of a tool such as Drive or OneDrive.
iDrive features great security tools as well as enabling end-to-end encryption. Unfortunately, you’ll loose the sharing file feature.
I suggest this cloud storage for digital nomads on a budget, those who don’t need extra features, or really anyone looking for big storage at a competitive price.
Does iDrive do backups ?
Yes, iDrive does backups. It also has a feature to perform a complete disk backup for Windows (/user’s) but not for macOs.
Pros
- Very affordable plans
- High quantity storage for individuals
- End-to-end encryption option
- Easy to use
Cons
- Less productivity tools
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $12.50 Amazing price for the 2 Year Plan (~$10/mth for 10 TB) | 10GB (free) – 100 TB | End-to-end encryption (option) | Share files over email |
Top 3 Cloud Storage Services with Specialised Features
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur who needs specialised features to cater for your data, or a digital nomad requiring more specialised cloud services, the next section is for you.
We’ll take a look at three cloud services featuring thorough backups to protect your most important files, no file size limits and the strongest of strong security. Let’s get into it.
1. The best for backups
BackBlaze
With unlimited storage, multi-platform background backups, and guaranteed data security, for me BackBlaze is the best cloud backup service on the market.
The real power of BackBlaze is the BackBlaze Business Backup plan. This offers you a great solution for any backups for your business needs. It is a real advantage for digital nomads that have to work on different docs, softwares and across numerous clients while on the move.
Securing all of those important documents and knowing that you have the ability to recover any lost files will provide you excellent peace of mind and help you sleep at night.
Pros
- Different options to receive recovery drive
- Unlimited storage
- Multi-platform background backup
- No size limit on files
Cons
- No mobile services
- User interface could be more sleek
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $7 | 10GB (cloud) – Unlimited (backup) | Encrypts but not end-to-end | Multi-platform background backup |
2. The best for no size limits
pCloud
For those looking for BIG storage without being limited by the size of their files, this cloud service is a great option.
Strong security with zero-knowledge encryption* (at an extra cost) and no file size limits makes this great value for money. A lifetime payment is available from the 500GB to the 10TB.
We suggest that this cloud storage is ideal for digital nomads who regularly use very heavy files, like video maker or 3D modeller.
However, there are a few tradeoffs for the very reasonable price point. Firstly, the interface is a bit simplistic. Also, not many additional features are included. But, if you’re simply looking for data storage without the frustration of file size restrictions, pCloud provides a super solid offering with great security at a competitive price.
Pros
- No limit on file size
- Up to 10TB individual plan
- Inexpensive
- Zero-knowledge encryption option
- Lifetime payment option available
Cons
- User interface could be improved
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $7 Lifetime: $199 – $1190 | 10GB (free) – 10TB Lifetime: 500GB – 10TB | Zero-knowledge encryption option | Collaboration features |
*Zero-knowledge encryption is slightly different to end-to-end encryption, as the encryption key sits locally with the user, keeping it hidden from the service provider. This means that even in the harshest attacks, your data cannot be decrypted.
3. The best for strong security
SpiderOak
Providing end-to-end encryption by default, excellent sharing features, backups and use on unlimited devices makes SpiderOak an outstanding cloud service with great privacy features.
Security, as we already said, for digital nomads is an essential consideration. All of your important files are traveling with you at all times, and you will likely use public Wi-Fi networks at some time or another.
The standout feature of this cloud storage for digital nomads is definitely the strong security and use on multiple devices at no additional cost.
Pros
- End-to-end encryption by default
- Unlimited devices
- Excellent file-sharing
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited mobile support
- No new features have been added since 2020
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $6 – $29 | 150GB – 2TB | End-to-end encryption | File-sharing feature |
Best cloud storage services for mobile devices
Before wrapping up, I want to briefly cover cloud storage for mobile devices as well, even if most of the cloud options you could buy have mobile services or a mobile app feature.
So, for the best mobile cloud storage services, I would still choose Google Drive for Android users.
However, I want to highlight an important cloud service for a huge user community, the Apple users!
Before running out and searching for an incredible new cloud service, don’t forget about what’s sitting in your pocket – iCloud!
iCloud
If you’re a macOS and iOS user, iCloud is very powerful. Though I consider Google Drive to be the best cloud service for the majority of people, if you’re someone already deeply entangled in the Apple ecosystem, iCloud is a perfect fit for you. With this service, you can harness all of the tools and features of Apple that are already at your disposal.
I personally use iCloud for my own photos/videos as well as my ID files, but I know firsthand how powerful it is to work in harmony with the Apple ecosystem and the cloud.
In terms of security, Apple released a brand-new feature in 2022: Advanced Data Protection. This allows you to activate end-to-end encryption for a major part of your iCloud. Unfortunately Mail and Calendar are still not armed with this feature, though this is a huge overall win for Apple users and great news for the next era of security in Apple.
And since the last Apple keynote in 2023, they announced two more iCloud storage plans, 6TB and 12TB ($29.99 – 59.99$).
Does iCloud do backups ?
Yes, iCloud automatically backs up your device over Wi-Fi every day while it’s turned on, locked, and connected to a power source. You can of course also proceed manually whenever you desire.
Pros
- Family sharing
- Amazing ecosystem
- Safari and iCloud keychain services
- Collaboration on Notes and Pages files
Cons
- Only powerful for Apple users
- 6TB and 12TB are offered at higher price points
| Price (month) | Capacity | Security | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.99 – $59.99 | 50GB – 12TB | End-to-end encryption (not for Mail and Calendar) | Apple tools |
Overall
Of course, a digital nomad lifestyle will mean something different for each person depending on what software, device or capabilities you require. However, in the big pool of cloud storage services offered each company has their own features targeting different customers.
So to conclude, the best cloud storage for digital nomads is:
- Google Drive for the majority of users
- Microsoft OneDrive for Microsoft users
- iDrive for the best budget option
- BackBlaze for the best backup services,
- pCloud for no size limit on files and big storage capacity
- SpiderOak for great privacy features
- iCloud for Apple users.
FAQ’s
I hope that my guide has helped you to find the best online services that truly fits your needs.
If you have any question about cloud storage or just want to chat, leave us a comment 🙂
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