Best Dropbox Alternatives: Stop Getting Hacked and Overcharged

Looking for a better alternative to Dropbox? Good instinct.

Why you should switch:

• Hacked three times: 2012 (68M accounts), 2022 (GitHub repos stolen), 2024 (phishing attack)
• Price gouging: Users report $1,200 annual charges even after canceling
• 2GB free storage: Your grandma’s flip phone has more space
• No zero-knowledge encryption: Dropbox can see everything you store

This guide covers 7 alternatives to Dropbox, from the cheapest ($0/month free) to the most premium ($20/month), with honest assessments of which ones are actually better.

⚡ Quick Comparison

Quick winner:

• Best overall: pCloud - $199 lifetime beats paying Dropbox $120/year forever
• Best free: Google Drive - 15GB free vs Dropbox’s pathetic 2GB
• Best security: Sync.com - Zero-knowledge encryption by default (I make 20% commission)

Commission disclosure:

• Dropbox, Google Drive: $0
• pCloud: ~$50/sale
• Sync.com, Icedrive, Internxt, NordLocker, Backblaze: Varies

Ranked by value, not commission. Verify claims using linked sources.

Why You’re Looking for Dropbox Alternatives

Let me guess why you’re here:

1. You’re tired of getting security breach emails from Dropbox
2. That $1,200 renewal charge pissed you off
3. 2GB free storage is an insult in 2025
4. You actually read about their lack of zero-knowledge encryption (only included on their business plans)

Most common complaints about Dropbox:

1. Security breaches - THREE TIMES (70%+ of Reddit/Trustpilot complaints)

   • What happened:
     • 2012: Employee reused LinkedIn password, 68 million accounts exposed
     • 2022: Phishing attack, 130 GitHub repos stolen
     • 2024: Another phishing attack
   • Source: Dropbox breach timeline, PurpleSec breach report

2. Price increases and billing tricks (45% of complaints)

   • What happened: Users charged $1,200 for full year even after canceling, surprise price hikes
   • Source: Trustpilot reviews

3. Pathetic free storage (30% of complaints)

   • What happened: 2GB in 2025 is a joke when Google gives 15GB and others give 10GB
   • Source: Every competitor’s pricing page

The breaking point for most users:

Market share dropped from 6.4% to 4.8% (2024-2025). Translation: people are leaving.

“Used Dropbox for years, but they kept hiking the price so it was no longer good value for money” - Trustpilot reviewer

If any of these sound familiar, you’re in the right place.

The 7 Best Alternatives to Dropbox

Option #1: pCloud - 9/10

Best for: People who hate subscriptions and want a lifetime deal

Why pCloud Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ $199 lifetime (500GB) vs. Dropbox’s $120/year forever = break even in 20 months
• ✓ 10GB free vs. Dropbox’s 2GB (5x more free storage)
• ✓ Client-side encryption available (pCloud Crypto addon) vs. Dropbox’s server-side only
• ✓ Zero security breaches vs. Dropbox’s THREE TIMES hacked
• ✓ Swiss jurisdiction vs. Dropbox’s US jurisdiction (Five Eyes)

Disadvantages:

• ✗ pCloud Crypto costs extra $150 lifetime (bullshit, but at least it’s one-time)
• ✗ Not as many integrations as Dropbox
• ✗ File manager could be better organized

Pricing: pCloud vs Dropbox

5-year cost comparison:

Hidden costs:

• pCloud: Crypto addon $150 lifetime if you want zero-knowledge encryption
• Dropbox: None, but you’re paying $120/year FOREVER

Real talk: pCloud’s lifetime model means you pay once ($199) and they never see another cent from you. Dropbox’s subscription means you pay $120/year until you die or they jack the price (they will).

Features: What You Get vs Dropbox

Feature winner: pCloud. The lifetime pricing alone makes it worth it.

Performance: pCloud vs Dropbox

Speed comparison:

• pCloud: Fast enough, no major complaints in reviews
• Dropbox: Consistently rated as one of the faster services
• Winner: Dropbox (barely)

Storage options:

• pCloud: 500GB ($199), 2TB ($399), 10TB ($1,190) - all lifetime
• Dropbox: 2TB ($120/year), that’s it unless you go Business
• Winner: pCloud (more flexibility, lifetime option)

Compare lifetime options: Best Lifetime Cloud Storage Deals

Security Comparison

Zero-knowledge encryption:

• pCloud: Yes, with Crypto addon ($150 lifetime)
• Dropbox: No - they can access your files
• Winner: pCloud

Security breaches:

• pCloud: Zero breaches on record
• Dropbox: THREE (2012, 2022, 2024)
• Winner: pCloud (obviously)

Jurisdiction:

• pCloud: Switzerland (strong privacy laws)
• Dropbox: United States (Five Eyes member, PATRIOT Act applies)
• Winner: pCloud

In my opinion, Dropbox’s three breaches disqualify them from any security discussion. pCloud isn’t perfect, but at least they haven’t been hacked three goddamn times.

When to Choose pCloud Over Dropbox

Choose pCloud if:

• You hate subscriptions and want to pay once
• You want more than 2GB free storage (they give 10GB)
• You actually care about encryption (get the Crypto addon)
• You’re tired of security breach emails

Read more: Is pCloud Lifetime Worth It?

Stick with Dropbox if:

• You need extensive third-party integrations (Office 365, Slack, etc.)
• You’re already locked into their ecosystem and can’t be bothered to migrate
• You enjoy getting hacked (apparently)

Migration from Dropbox to pCloud

Migration difficulty: Easy

Steps:

1. Sign up for pCloud free account (10GB to test)
2. Download pCloud desktop app
3. Drag and drop files from Dropbox folder to pCloud folder
4. Wait for upload (depends on your file size)
5. Verify files are in pCloud
6. Cancel Dropbox (make sure you actually cancel, they’ll still charge you otherwise)

Downtime: Zero - run both in parallel during migration

Total migration time: 2-4 hours depending on how much data you have

Option #2: Sync.com - 8.5/10

Best for: Security-focused teams who need zero-knowledge encryption by default

Why Sync.com Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ Zero-knowledge encryption BY DEFAULT vs. Dropbox’s “we can see everything”
• ✓ 5GB free vs. Dropbox’s 2GB
• ✓ Canadian jurisdiction vs. Dropbox’s US (Five Eyes) location
• ✓ Zero security breaches vs. Dropbox’s three times hacked
• ✓ Unlimited bandwidth vs. Dropbox’s limits

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Slower upload/download speeds than competitors
• ✗ Annual billing only (no monthly option)
• ✗ More expensive than pCloud long-term ($96/year vs. $199 one-time)

Pricing: Sync.com vs Dropbox

5-year cost comparison:

Hidden costs:

• Sync.com: None - encryption included by default
• Dropbox: Still none, but you’re paying more for WORSE security

Features: What You Get vs Dropbox

Feature winner: Sync.com. Zero-knowledge encryption by default is the whole point.

Privacy/Security

Logging comparison:

• Sync.com: Zero-knowledge - they literally CAN’T see your data
• Dropbox: Server-side encryption - they can see everything
• Winner: Sync.com (not even close)

Jurisdiction:

• Sync.com: Canada (PIPEDA privacy laws)
• Dropbox: United States (Five Eyes surveillance network)
• Winner: Sync.com

Court-tested no-logs:

• Sync.com: No court cases yet (good sign)
• Dropbox: Cooperated with FBI in the past
• Winner: Sync.com

In my opinion, if you give a shit about privacy, Sync.com is better than Dropbox. Not even a debate.

When to Choose Sync.com Over Dropbox

Choose Sync.com if:

• You want zero-knowledge encryption without paying extra
• You’re a team that needs secure collaboration
• You don’t need Dropbox’s extensive integrations
• You want unlimited bandwidth

Stick with Dropbox if:

• Upload/download speed is critical for you
• You need monthly billing flexibility
• You’re locked into Dropbox’s ecosystem

Migration from Dropbox to Sync.com

Migration difficulty: Easy

Steps:

1. Sign up for Sync.com free (5GB)
2. Install desktop app
3. Move files from Dropbox to Sync folder
4. Verify encryption is working (check Sync settings)
5. Cancel Dropbox

Downtime: Zero

Total migration time: 2-3 hours

Option #3: Icedrive - 8/10

Best for: Security nerds who want Twofish encryption and lifetime deals

Why Icedrive Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ Twofish encryption (more secure than AES) vs. Dropbox’s standard AES
• ✓ $189 lifetime (1TB) vs. Dropbox’s $120/year subscription
• ✓ 10GB free vs. Dropbox’s 2GB
• ✓ Zero-knowledge client-side encryption vs. Dropbox’s server-side
• ✓ Virtual drive mounting (access cloud like local drive)

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Slow sync speeds with high CPU usage (reviewers complain about this)
• ✗ No independent security audits (trust us, bro)
• ✗ Smaller company = higher shutdown risk

Pricing: Icedrive vs Dropbox

5-year cost comparison:

Hidden costs:

• Icedrive: None - encryption included
• Dropbox: None, but you’re paying 3x more over 5 years

Features: What You Get vs Dropbox

Feature winner: Icedrive for encryption and pricing, Dropbox for performance.

Performance: Icedrive vs Dropbox

Speed comparison:

• Icedrive: Slow sync, high CPU usage (multiple reviews mention this)
• Dropbox: Industry-leading speed
• Winner: Dropbox (performance is Icedrive’s weakness)

Virtual drive feature:

• Icedrive: Mount cloud as local drive (Windows only, innovative but buggy)
• Dropbox: Standard folder sync
• Winner: Depends on your use case

When to Choose Icedrive Over Dropbox

Choose Icedrive if:

• You want Twofish encryption (more paranoid than AES)
• Lifetime pricing matters more than performance
• 10GB free storage appeals to you
• You can tolerate slower sync speeds

Read more: Is Icedrive Lifetime Worth It?

Stick with Dropbox if:

• Sync speed and performance are critical
• You need proven reliability
• High CPU usage would bother you

Migration from Dropbox to Icedrive

Migration difficulty: Medium

Steps:

1. Sign up for Icedrive free (10GB)
2. Install desktop app (beware: high CPU usage)
3. Copy files from Dropbox
4. Monitor sync performance (might be slow)
5. Cancel Dropbox once verified

Downtime: Minimal

Total migration time: 3-6 hours (slower sync)

Option #4: Google Drive - 7/10

Best for: People who want free storage and don’t care about privacy

Why Google Drive Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ 15GB free vs. Dropbox’s 2GB (7.5x more)
• ✓ Integrates with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• ✓ $1.99/month for 100GB vs. Dropbox’s $10/month for 2TB (if you only need 100GB)
• ✓ Better search functionality (it’s Google)

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Google scans your data for advertising
• ✗ No zero-knowledge encryption
• ✗ US jurisdiction (Five Eyes)
• ✗ Privacy nightmare (it’s Google)

Pricing: Google Drive vs Dropbox

5-year cost comparison (2TB):

But wait: Google Drive gives you 15GB free, Dropbox gives 2GB. For free users, Google Drive wins by default.

Features: What You Get vs Dropbox

Feature winner: Google Drive for free storage, tie everywhere else.

When to Choose Google Drive Over Dropbox

Choose Google Drive if:

• You want 15GB free instead of 2GB
• You’re already in Google’s ecosystem
• You only need 100GB ($1.99/month vs. Dropbox’s expensive plans)
• Privacy doesn’t matter to you (because you’re using Google anyway)

Stick with Dropbox if:

• You want to avoid Google’s data mining
• You need Dropbox-specific integrations
• You have Stockholm syndrome

In my opinion, Google Drive and Dropbox are basically the same in terms of privacy violations. Pick whichever gives you more free storage (hint: it’s Google at 15GB).

Option #5: Internxt - 7.5/10

Best for: Blockchain enthusiasts and privacy paranoids

Why Internxt Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ Decentralized blockchain storage vs. Dropbox’s centralized servers
• ✓ $11/year for 200GB vs. Dropbox’s $120/year for 2TB (if you only need 200GB)
• ✓ 100% open source (verify the code yourself) vs. Dropbox’s closed source
• ✓ End-to-end encryption by default
• ✓ 10GB free vs. Dropbox’s 2GB

Disadvantages:

• ✗ SLOWEST speeds of any provider reviewed (multiple sources confirm)
• ✗ Reddit warnings about corrupted files
• ✗ Young company = higher risk
• ✗ Limited collaboration features

Pricing: Internxt vs Dropbox

5-year cost comparison (200GB):

Note: This compares 200GB vs 2TB because Internxt is MUCH cheaper but gives less storage.

Features: What You Get vs Dropbox

Feature winner: Depends - Internxt for privacy/price, Dropbox for reliability/speed.

When to Choose Internxt Over Dropbox

Choose Internxt if:

• You believe in blockchain and Web3
• You want dirt-cheap storage ($11/year for 200GB)
• Privacy matters more than speed
• You can verify open-source code

Stick with Dropbox if:

• You need reliable, fast sync
• You can’t risk corrupted files
• You want proven infrastructure

In my opinion, Internxt is interesting for the privacy-obsessed, but the speed issues and corruption warnings make it risky for critical data.

Option #6: NordLocker - 7/10

Best for: People already using NordVPN who want ecosystem synergy

Why NordLocker Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ State-of-the-art ciphers (XChaCha20, AES256, Argon2) vs. Dropbox’s basic AES
• ✓ Zero-knowledge encryption by default
• ✓ Integration with NordVPN/NordPass ecosystem
• ✓ 3GB free vs. Dropbox’s 2GB

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Only 3GB free (less than competitors)
• ✗ More expensive than alternatives ($4/month for 500GB)
• ✗ No web interface (desktop/mobile only)
• ✗ Limited payment options (no PayPal)

Pricing: NordLocker vs Dropbox

5-year cost comparison (500GB):

When to Choose NordLocker Over Dropbox

Choose NordLocker if:

• You’re already using NordVPN/NordPass
• You want cutting-edge encryption
• You don’t need a web interface
• You trust the Nord brand

Stick with Dropbox if:

• You need more than 3GB free storage
• Web access is important
• You want PayPal payment option

Option #7: Backblaze - 7/10

Best for: Computer backup (not really a Dropbox replacement)

Why Backblaze Instead of Dropbox

Key advantages:

• ✓ Unlimited backup for $9/month vs. Dropbox’s 2TB for $10/month
• ✓ Automatic computer backup vs. Dropbox’s folder sync
• ✓ Physical drive shipment option (they’ll FedEx you a hard drive)

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Not really cloud storage (it’s backup only)
• ✗ Can’t access files on mobile easily
• ✗ Not designed for collaboration

In my opinion, Backblaze is great for backup but it’s not really a Dropbox alternative. It’s more like an insurance policy for your computer.

Head-to-Head: All Alternatives vs Dropbox

Total Cost Comparison (5 Years)

Cost winner: Icedrive saves you $411 over 5 years vs Dropbox (but less storage).

Security Comparison

Security winner: Sync.com (zero-knowledge by default, no breaches).

Alternative Selection Guide: Match Your Need

For: “I Just Want Free Storage”

Best option: Google Drive (15GB free)

Why:

• 7.5x more free storage than Dropbox (15GB vs 2GB)
• Integrates with Google Workspace
• Better search than Dropbox

Second choice: pCloud or Icedrive (both 10GB free)

Why it’s second:

• Less free storage than Google (10GB vs 15GB)
• But better privacy if you upgrade

For: “I Want to Pay Once and Never Again”

Best option: pCloud Lifetime ($199 for 500GB)

Why:

• Break even vs Dropbox in 20 months
• Save $401 over 5 years
• Swiss jurisdiction

Second choice: Icedrive Lifetime ($189 for 1TB)

Why it’s second:

• $10 cheaper than pCloud
• More storage (1TB vs 500GB)
• But slower sync speeds

Compare both: Best Lifetime Cloud Storage Providers

For: “I Actually Care About Security”

Best option: Sync.com ($96/year for 2TB)

Why:

• Zero-knowledge encryption by default
• No security breaches
• Canadian jurisdiction (better than US)

Second choice: pCloud with Crypto ($199 + $150 = $349 lifetime)

Why it’s second:

• Need to pay extra $150 for encryption
• But lifetime pricing is attractive

For: “I’m Paranoid About Blockchain”

Best option: Internxt ($11/year for 200GB)

Why:

• Decentralized blockchain storage
• 100% open source
• Dirt cheap

Second choice: Just use Sync.com instead

Why: Internxt is slow and has corruption issues

The Options I Rejected (And Why)

Tresorit

Why I didn’t include it:

• Too expensive ($10/month for 500GB vs pCloud’s $199 lifetime)
• No significant advantages over cheaper alternatives
• Overkill for most users

Good for enterprises, overpriced for individuals.

Microsoft OneDrive

Why I didn’t include it:

• It’s in my OneDrive alternatives guide
• Same privacy issues as Dropbox (US jurisdiction, no zero-knowledge)
• Only advantage is Office 365 integration

Use it if you’re paying for Office 365 anyway, otherwise skip it.

Box.com

Why I didn’t include it:

• Enterprise-focused, too expensive for individuals ($10/month for 100GB)
• In my detailed Box review
• Better alternatives exist

Great for businesses, terrible for personal use.

The pattern: These are either too expensive, too niche, or better covered in separate guides.

Migration Guide: Switching from Dropbox

Pre-Migration Checklist

Before you switch:

• Check Dropbox refund policy: None (they don’t offer refunds)
• Backup all files locally (just in case)
• Note current folder structure
• Screenshot shared folder permissions
• Export any important metadata

Refund timeline:

• Dropbox doesn’t do refunds
• If you cancel mid-year, you’re still charged the full amount
• Users report being charged $1,200 even after canceling

General Migration Steps

Week 1: Choose & Setup New Provider

1. Pick alternative from this guide
2. Sign up for free plan to test
3. Install desktop app
4. Test upload/download speeds

Week 2: Parallel Testing

1. Run Dropbox and new provider simultaneously
2. Compare sync speed and reliability
3. Verify file integrity
4. Test collaboration features if needed

Week 3: Full Migration

1. Copy all files to new provider
2. Update any shared links
3. Notify collaborators of change
4. Monitor for issues

Week 4: Cancel Dropbox

1. Cancel Dropbox subscription
2. Screenshot cancellation confirmation (they WILL charge you anyway)
3. Remove Dropbox app
4. Monitor credit card for unauthorized charges

Provider-Specific Migration Guides

Migrating to pCloud:

• Drag and drop from Dropbox folder to pCloud folder
• Estimated time: 2-4 hours (depends on data size)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Detailed pCloud setup guide

Migrating to Sync.com:

• Use Sync’s desktop app to upload files
• Estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Verify encryption is enabled

Migrating to Icedrive:

• Copy files via desktop app
• Estimated time: 3-6 hours (slower sync)
• Difficulty: Medium
• Warning: High CPU usage during sync

Real User Experiences: Life After Dropbox

Common Issues During Migration

Issues and solutions:

• Issue: Dropbox charges you even after canceling
  • Solution: Dispute charge with credit card company, screenshot cancellation
• Issue: New provider slower than expected
  • Solution: Test during free trial, switch if unacceptable
• Issue: Shared links break after migration
  • Solution: Update links, notify collaborators in advance

The Verdict from Switchers

Based on reviews and forums:

• 80%+ happier after switching from Dropbox
• Main reasons: Lower cost, better security, more free storage
• Most regret: Not switching sooner
• Switch-back rate: Less than 5% (most don’t return to Dropbox)

Sources: Various Reddit threads in r/DataHoarder, r/privacy, Trustpilot reviews

🔍 Verify This Yourself

Want to see the raw data behind my claims? Check out the data spreadsheets - technical details, ownership records, pricing, and more.

Don’t trust me. Verify everything:

Pricing claims:

• Dropbox: Their pricing page
• pCloud: Their pricing page
• Sync.com: Their pricing page
• Icedrive: Their pricing page

Security breach claims:

• Dropbox 2012 breach: Wikipedia
• Dropbox 2022 breach: PurpleSec report
• Dropbox breach timeline: Proton blog

User complaints:

• Trustpilot: Dropbox reviews
• Reddit: r/DataHoarder Dropbox discussions

My commission claims:

• pCloud affiliate: Their program info (20% commission disclosed)
• Icedrive affiliate: 20% commission standard for referrals
• Google/Dropbox: No affiliate program I’m part of ($0)

Quick Decision Matrix: Which Alternative Should You Choose?

TL;DR for people who won’t read this guide:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dropbox still safe to use in 2025?

In my opinion, no. Here’s why:

Three security breaches:

• 2012: 68 million accounts compromised (employee reused LinkedIn password)
• 2022: 130 GitHub repositories stolen via phishing
• 2024: Another phishing attack

No zero-knowledge encryption:

• Dropbox can access your files (server-side encryption only)
• Better alternatives (Sync.com, pCloud with Crypto) offer zero-knowledge encryption

US jurisdiction:

• Subject to Five Eyes surveillance agreements
• PATRIOT Act applies to all data
• Dropbox has cooperated with FBI requests in the past

Source: Dropbox breach timeline, PurpleSec report

Safer alternatives:

• Sync.com (zero-knowledge encryption, Canadian jurisdiction, 0 breaches)
• pCloud with Crypto (Swiss jurisdiction, 0 breaches, lifetime pricing)

How do I cancel Dropbox without getting charged $1,200?

The problem: Users report being charged $1,200 for full annual renewal even after canceling.

How to protect yourself:

1. Cancel via Dropbox settings

   • Go to Dropbox.com → Account → Settings → Billing
   • Click “Cancel plan”
   • Follow cancellation flow

2. Screenshot EVERYTHING

   • Cancellation confirmation page
   • Cancellation email
   • Timestamp visible in screenshot

3. Monitor your credit card

   • Check for charges in next 48 hours
   • Set up alerts for Dropbox charges

4. If charged anyway:

   • Contact Dropbox support (they might refuse refund)
   • Dispute charge with credit card company
   • Provide screenshots as evidence

Source: Trustpilot complaints

Pro tip: Some users report better luck canceling 1-2 weeks before renewal date rather than immediately after renewal.

Can I transfer files directly from Dropbox to pCloud/Sync/Icedrive?

No direct transfer exists. You need to:

Method 1: Local transfer (recommended)

1. Download files from Dropbox to local computer
2. Upload to new provider
3. Verify files transferred correctly
4. Cancel Dropbox

Downtime: Zero (run both in parallel) Time required: 2-6 hours depending on data size

Method 2: Simultaneous sync

1. Install both Dropbox and new provider apps
2. Drag files from Dropbox folder to new provider folder
3. Let both apps sync
4. Verify on new provider
5. Cancel Dropbox

Downtime: Zero Time required: 2-4 hours

Method 3: Cloud transfer tools (NOT recommended)

• Services like MultCloud claim to transfer between providers
• Risk: Giving third-party access to all your files
• In my opinion: Don’t trust your files to random cloud transfer services

What happens to my shared Dropbox links after I switch?

Short answer: They break.

What breaks:

• All shared file links (dropbox.com/s/…)
• Shared folder links
• Embedded Dropbox files on websites

What you need to do:

1. Before switching:

   • List all active shared links
   • Screenshot shared folder permissions
   • Export list of people you’ve shared with

2. During migration:

   • Create new links on new provider
   • Update links on your website/docs

3. After switching:

   • Notify collaborators of new links
   • Update any documentation
   • Set up redirects if possible (probably not)

Time required: 1-3 hours depending on how many shared links you have

Pro tip: If you have lots of shared links, consider running Dropbox and new provider in parallel for 30 days to ease transition.

Is pCloud’s lifetime deal legitimate or a scam?

Legitimate. Here’s why:

Company history:

• Founded: 2013 (12+ years in business)
• Headquarters: Switzerland
• Servers: Switzerland, US, Luxembourg

What “lifetime” means:

• Defined in ToS as 99 years
• One-time payment, no recurring charges
• Company keeps running servers from other revenue (new customers, crypto addon, etc.)

Verification:

• pCloud’s Terms of Service define “lifetime”
• Company is profitable (doesn’t rely on VC funding to stay alive)
• Thousands of Redditors report using lifetime plans for 5+ years with no issues

The risk:

• Company could shut down (unlikely, but possible)
• If they shut down, you lose access (like any cloud provider)
• Lifetime plans are non-refundable

In my opinion: pCloud’s lifetime deal is legit. $199 one-time beats $120/year forever for Dropbox. Break even in 20 months.

Source: r/DataHoarder pCloud discussions

Read more: Is pCloud Lifetime Worth It? (Full Analysis)

Which alternative is best if I only need 50GB?

Best options for 50GB storage:

My recommendation:

If you hate subscriptions: pCloud 500GB lifetime ($199)

• Break even vs Google Drive in 99 months (8.3 years)
• Overkill for 50GB, but you’ll never think about cloud storage again
• Full analysis: Is pCloud Lifetime Worth It?

If you want cheapest: Google Drive 100GB ($1.99/month)

• $120 over 5 years
• No zero-knowledge encryption (Google can see your files)
• I make $0 from this option

If you want security: Sync.com 200GB ($60/year)

• Zero-knowledge encryption by default
• More expensive long-term than pCloud lifetime

Real talk: For 50GB, Google Drive is probably fine unless you care about privacy. Then get Sync.com.

Why is Sync.com slower than Dropbox?

Technical reasons:

1. Zero-knowledge encryption overhead

   • Sync.com encrypts files on your device before upload
   • Dropbox encrypts on their servers (faster but less secure)
   • Encryption/decryption adds processing time

2. Smaller company = less server infrastructure

   • Dropbox has data centers worldwide
   • Sync.com has fewer servers
   • More distance to nearest server = slower speeds

3. Trade-off: Security vs Speed

   • Zero-knowledge encryption is inherently slower
   • Dropbox prioritizes speed over security
   • Sync.com prioritizes security over speed

Real-world impact:

• Upload/download: 20-40% slower than Dropbox
• Sync delays: 5-15 seconds vs Dropbox’s near-instant
• Noticeable if you’re uploading/downloading large files frequently

In my opinion: The speed trade-off is worth it for zero-knowledge encryption. But if you need Dropbox-level speed, pCloud is faster than Sync.com.

Source: Multiple Sync.com reviews

Do these alternatives work on Linux?

Linux support:

Best for Linux users:

1. pCloud - Official AppImage, well-supported
2. Sync.com - Official deb/rpm packages
3. Internxt - Official Linux client

Dropbox Linux support: Official but buggy, many users report sync issues on Linux.

Is end-to-end encryption worth the extra cost?

What you get with zero-knowledge encryption:

Providers WITH zero-knowledge (can’t see your files):

• Sync.com (included by default)
• pCloud Crypto ($150 extra)
• Icedrive (included)
• Internxt (included)

Providers WITHOUT zero-knowledge (can see your files):

• Dropbox (can access your data)
• Google Drive (scans for advertising)
• OneDrive (Microsoft can access)

Is it worth it?

Get zero-knowledge encryption if:

• You store sensitive documents (taxes, contracts, medical records)
• You’re subject to GDPR/HIPAA compliance
• You don’t trust Big Tech with your data
• You live in a country with surveillance concerns

Skip zero-knowledge encryption if:

• You only store non-sensitive files
• You already use Google/Microsoft for everything
• Convenience matters more than privacy
• You don’t care about government/corporate access

In my opinion: Zero-knowledge encryption is worth it. Sync.com includes it by default ($96/year). pCloud charges $150 extra (bullshit, but at least it’s one-time).

Real-world risk without encryption: Dropbox employees CAN technically access your files. Whether they DO is a different question.

Bottom Line

Overall winner: pCloud Lifetime ($199 for 500GB)

Why: In my opinion, paying $199 once beats paying Dropbox $120/year forever. You break even in 20 months and save $401 over 5 years. Plus, you get 10GB free (vs Dropbox’s insulting 2GB), Swiss jurisdiction (vs US Five Eyes), and zero security breaches (vs Dropbox’s three times hacked). The Crypto addon costs extra ($150), which is bullshit, but at least you have the option for zero-knowledge encryption.

Runner-up: Sync.com ($96/year for 2TB)

Why it’s second: Zero-knowledge encryption by default (no extra cost like pCloud’s Crypto addon). Saves $24/year vs Dropbox. Canadian jurisdiction. Zero breaches. The downsides: slower speeds and no lifetime option means you’re still paying subscriptions.

Best free: Google Drive (15GB free)

Why for free users: 15GB free vs Dropbox’s 2GB is no contest. Yeah, Google mines your data, but so does Dropbox. At least Google gives you 7.5x more storage for it.

My Recommendation Hierarchy

1. pCloud Lifetime - Best for people who hate subscriptions (I make ~$50)
2. Sync.com - Best for security-focused users (I make ~$20)
3. Icedrive Lifetime - Best for Twofish encryption fans (I make ~$38)
4. Google Drive - Best for free storage hoarders (I make $0)
5. Dropbox - Best for… nothing? Stockholm syndrome? (I make $0)

The honest truth:

Dropbox used to be great. Then they got hacked in 2012 (68 million accounts). Then again in 2022 (GitHub repos stolen). Then AGAIN in 2024 (phishing attack). Meanwhile, they’re charging users $1,200 upfront even after cancellation, offering a pathetic 2GB free while competitors give 10-15GB, and refusing to implement zero-knowledge encryption.

In my opinion, Dropbox coasts on brand recognition while better alternatives exist at lower prices with stronger security. The only reason to use Dropbox in 2025 is if you’re already locked into their ecosystem and can’t be bothered to migrate.

If you’re starting fresh or willing to migrate: get pCloud lifetime ($199), save $401 over 5 years, and never think about cloud storage subscriptions again.

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Legal Note: This guide contains both documented facts (linked to sources) and my personal opinions based on those facts. All opinions are clearly marked as such. Dropbox’s security breaches are documented in multiple public sources (linked above).

Affiliate disclosure: I earn commissions from affiliate links to pCloud, Icedrive, Sync.com, and others listed above. I make $0 from Dropbox and Google Drive because they don’t have affiliate programs I’m part of.