How We Review Cloud Storage

Every cloud storage review on this site follows a standardized testing methodology. Here's exactly how we evaluate providers and arrive at our scores.

Speed Benchmarks

We test upload and download speeds using a standardized 1GB file set (mix of small, medium, and large files) on a 1Gbps symmetric fiber connection. Tests run three times and results are averaged. Last test round: January 2026.

Pricing Analysis

We track current pricing for every plan tier across monthly, annual, and lifetime billing. We factor in renewal price increases, egress fees, encryption add-on costs, and other hidden charges. Prices are verified directly with provider websites monthly.

Security Audit

We evaluate encryption at rest, encryption in transit, zero-knowledge encryption availability, jurisdiction, and compliance certifications. We verify claims against provider documentation and independent audits.

Scoring Criteria

Each provider receives an overall score out of 10 based on:

• Value (25%) — Price per TB, billing flexibility, free tier
• Speed (20%) — Upload and download benchmarks
• Security (20%) — Encryption, zero-knowledge, jurisdiction
• Features (20%) — File sharing, collaboration, platform support
• Usability (15%) — Desktop/mobile app quality, setup experience

Independence

Some links on this site are affiliate links. Commission rates do not influence our scores or rankings. We've given low scores to providers with high affiliate payouts, and high scores to providers with no affiliate program.

Updates

Reviews are updated when providers change pricing, features, or security practices. Speed benchmarks are re-run quarterly. The "last tested" date on each review shows when we last verified all claims.