Dropbox is
a hugely popular “cloud based” file sharing service (and app), that
allows you to synchronize files among different computers. It has a cool
user experience, but has its downsides as well –
- you can’t host your own server,
- provides measly 2 GB storage,
- it’s not open source
- no remote access to computers.
If you are using Dropbox for a long time I am sure you will be so impressed with its ease of use and feature-richness, that you might not have cared to look for an alternative. But there are quite a few new (and old) services which can really give Dropbox a run for their money.
Related: Top 10 Online Backup Solutions.
Here we take a brief look at some of the best alternatives for Dropbox which you can try and see for yourself.
Top 10 Dropbox Alternatives
1. Dmailer Backup
Dmailer is also a free online file hosting solution. We can use the application on Windows and Mac operating systems and use it to backup as much as 2GB of data. The interface copies by default files from the Desktop, Documents, My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos folders. This makes restoration easier in case of data loss or corruption of operating system. So, in addition to being a cloud based file storage service, Dmailer is also a good live online backup solution too.
2. Syncplicity
Syncplicity is automated sync, back-up, collaboration and file management service powerful enough for a business user and easy enough for a novice. Secure, anywhere access to your files. But yeah, just like Dropbox, Syncplicity lacks a remote-access feature. Syncplicity’s sharing is a little safer with no easy and guessable public link to your files. But Syncplicity’s memory footprint is much heavier than that of Dropbox.
3. Wuala
Wuala is a Linux friendly secure Dropbox alternative. This Swiss-based service boasts tens of thousands of users with millions of files being actively saved, stored and accessed already. Wuala has Cross platform native client support with extended privacy and sharing options. You get 1GB cloud space for free but users can gain more space by ‘trading idle HDD space’ or by inviting other users.
4. SparkleShare
Sparkleshare is the solution for those who have problems with Dropbox not being an open-source service. Like Dropbox, SparkleShare sets up a local folder which is automatically kept in sync, though not in the cloud. Instead, you and your friends/coworkers set up connections to each other’s shares. Since you will be hosting your own server, there is no need to worry about the monthly fees. A Linux release is the first item on the agenda, with OS X and Windows versions to follow. Mind you, it is yet to be released officially.
5. Live Mesh
LiveMesh is arguably the best free alternative to Dropbox, from Microsoft. It provides 5 GB of free online backup space, as compared with 2GB of Dropbox. It also keeps your data in sync online, as well as on multiple computers. What’s more? Live Mesh even lets you connect to your computer remotely using any browser. Live Mesh works on Windows, Mac, and even your cell phone. The remote access feature works on Windows only.
6. SugarSync
Like Dropbox, SugarSync also offers 2GB of free space. SugarSync also backs up your data online, and syncs across multiple computers. SugarSync supports both Windows as well as Mac. Apart from that, SugarSync supports all mobile devices, including, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile. What’s more? It also provides file versioning.
7. LiveDrive
LiveDrive is touted more as a Live online backup service than just an online storage service. LiveDrive offers two options: LiveDrive Backup and LiveDrive Briefcase (Pro). The Backup edition can backup of unlimited online devices and an unlimited quantity of files. The Briefcase or Pro edition retains all the features of the Backup version but also gives sharing and synchronization of data from unlimited online devices.
8. Tonido
Using Tonido you can even mount a remote drive as your local drive from anywhere: over the LAN and the Internet. Tonido is not only meant for file sharing. It is truly your personal digital hub that provides an array of powerful applications to stream your music, download torrents, take distributed backups and run your own personal blog. Codelathe has listed out 10 reasons as to why they think Tonido to be better than Dropbox.
9. SpiderOak
SpiderOak is another good free alternative to Dropbox. SpiderOak is almost same as Dropbox in terms of features provided. It also offers 2GB of free storage space, can sync multiple computers, and provide version history of files. Apart from that SpiderOak supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
10. Box.net
Box.net’s online file storage makes it easy to securely share content as a link or a shared folder with anyone inside or outside your company. This will help you create an online workspace where you can share project files, add comments, assign tasks, start discussions or create new content. It even has dedicated apps for iPhone and iPad.
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