Best File Hosting Sites

File hosting services are used for storing or creating backups of your personal files. If you want to keep certain documents safe or lack storage space on your computer, a file hosting site is definitely your best bet.

As these services are dealing with private files, it’s crucial that you choose one that is reliable, safe, and secure. There’s a lot of different file hosting services available, all of which have their highlights and drawbacks. To help you pick the right file hosting site for you, I’ve looked extensively at a variety of different services.

Review Summary

Best Allrounder

Out of all the filehost services I’ve reviewed, this one is my overall recommendation.

MEGA

MEGA ensures all of your files are protected due to its fantastic end-to-end encryption. It offers standard file storage, syncing, and sharing, but also has a few other great tools, like a chat function and Versioning. This lets you store multiple versions of the same file, which is then replaced with a previous version if it’s deleted.

Best on a Budget

This file hosting platform is ideal for users looking for an affordable option.

OneDrive is a good choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive file hosting platform. Like with the other services, you get the expected file sharing, storage, and syncing features. The best part about this hosting site is its great collaboration tools.

OneDrive

Editor’s Choice

The file hosting platform in this platform is my personal favorite as it has a lot of impressive features.

Despite being targeted for businesses, Box is a good for storing your files and sharing your files. It has great integrations tools and excellent customer service. It also offers one of the best free trials out of all the platforms I’ve reviewed. With this free version, you get 10GB files storage and a maximum of 250MB of files size.

What Are File Hosting Sites?

File hosting sites are pretty much how they sound. They’re an online hosting service that hosts user files. You upload files such as images, documents, and videos to the site after a username and password, or another type of authentication is provided.

File hosting sites are useful for personal storage or backup of files. You can share your files publicly or keep them password-protected so only you can access them.

Alternatively, file syncing/sharing services let you make folders on any one of your computers or mobile devices, which is then synchronized so it appears identical no matter which device is used to look at it. Any files put inside these folders can normally be accessed via a website or mobile app, which can then be shared with other users to look at.

For content providers who regularly run into bandwidth congestion, some file hosting services offer static or cached content. However, this isn’t normally necessary unless you have a large internet presence and require a higher bandwidth than usual.

Features

Depending on what you want to get out of a file hosting platform, some hosting services might be more beneficial to your specific needs.

As a standard, you want the platform to be safe and reliable with good security features. A lot of hosting platforms have different price plans that offer extra file storage and file size, as well as priority support, quicker upload speeds, etc.

Certain platforms offer a trial period with free file hosting when you create an account, which is handy for testing out the service to check it’s a good fit for you. While free file hosting isn’t a necessity, it does allow you to try out the platform’s features and interface before you purchase it.

If you need to upload a lot of files or those with a large file size, then you need to make sure the hosting platform you use is able to accommodate your requirements. Additionally, if you want integrations with other platforms, then file hosting services that offer them are essential.

Price

When choosing a file host platform, your budget obviously comes into play. The majority of cloud based services shouldn’t break the bank, but some more higher tiered plans that offer extra features can increase the overall cost of the platform.

These extra features might include unlimited file storage space, fast upload speeds, improved security, and the ability to have a bigger file size for each document. If you’re not too concerned about these aspects or don’t need to upload a lot of files, then a basic plan should be sufficient.

Some file hosting services let you create an account that’s completely free, which gives you the opportunity to test out the platform. However, a cloud storage free plan normally has limited features or very little file storage space.

Platforms

The platforms available to access the file hosting service is another factor you need to keep in mind. While you can use cloud storage services via your web browser, some might also offer desktop apps and mobile apps for more convenience.

You should also check whether the available apps are compatible with your computer or mobile device to make sure you can actually use the service properly!

Customer Support

A key component of any online file hosting platform is great customer service. When you encounter an issue or have a question about a product, you want a response or solution as quickly as possible. When companies fail on customer support, it can understandably be frustrating.

To make sure any problems that you potentially run into are resolved swiftly, make sure you use file hosting site services with high-quality customer support and quick response times.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to check what types of customer support the file hosting site offers. The majority provide email support, but some might also offer live chat and phone services.

Ease of Use

File hosting services with simple interfaces that are easy to use will save you time and frustration. It’s never fun when you’re faced with confusing and complicated menus, which can make file upload, file sharing, or accessing any other features difficult.

Additionally, you want the service to run quickly and smoothly so you don’t have to wait a long time to share and upload files. Any buggy or laggy file hosting services should be avoided, especially as the main role of the site is to make sure your files are saved and protected.

File Hosting Sites Reviews

Top Pick

MEGA

MEGA is an excellent end-to-end encrypted (private) file hosting platform that protects you and your personal files. This protection also extends to the people who are given access to your files, as the site makes sure only users you approve can view your documents.

Features

In addition to file sharing features and cloud storage, MEGA allows you to chat with users you’ve added on the site. This chat feature uses encryption to make sure your conversations are protected. While not a make-or-break factor when it comes to choosing a hosting site, it’s a nice touch.

A feature called Versioning allows you to store multiple versions of one file which is replaced with a previous one if you or someone else makes an error or accidentally deletes it, Additionally, if you sync or upload a file that has an identical name to a existing file in the same location, then a new version of it is made. These files can be identified by a clock symbol.

A nice feature about MEGA is that it lets you preview your images or videos. However, you are unable to do this with documents. Unfortunately, MEGA currently doesn’t provide integrations with G Suite and Microsoft Office.

With this in mind, MEGA isn’t the best when it comes to collaboration as it doesn’t have editing features or integrations. You can only access your documents through a web browser.

Price

MEGA offers a few different pricing plans, including an unlimited free trial version for those looking for free cloud storage. However, with the free file hosting plan, you’re limited to just 15GB of storage.

Excluding the free cloud storage option, the cheapest MEGA plan is Pro Lite. This version costs $5.69 per month and offers 200GB storage and 1TB file transfer.

MEGA states that their most popular plan is Pro I, which is priced at $11.38 each month. It offers 2TB file transfer and 1000GB storage.

The two most expensive plans are Pro II and Pro III The former costs $22.78 per month, while the latter costs $29.78 a month. Pro II offers 3TB file transfers and 4000GB storage, and Pro III provides 16TB file transfer and 8000GB storage.

Interface and Customer Support

MEGA’s desktop client is fairly easy to navigate and looks appealing. It has a sync folder and a system tray symbol that allows you to manage your sync and get into your settings. You can download it on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

The web interface for this file hosting platform is quick and simple to use. The cloud drive menu lets you search through files and folders either on the left hand side or through the ‘recents’ page. This menu also allows you to look at your contacts, open the chat feature, go back to your dashboard, and any uploaded files that have been shared with you.

MEGA has a strong customer support. It offers an FAQ and a message form which allows you contact an advisor. You can expect to receive a response very quickly, but Pro users are given priority support.

Pros

• Very secure
• Easy to use
• Impressive features like Chat and Versioning
• Offers a good free file hosting version

Cons

• Lacks collaboration tools
• Higher paid plans are a bit pricey

Best Value

OneDrive

Microsoft’s OneDrive offers cloud based storage and file syncing for PCs, Macs, Androids, iOS, and even Xbox consoles. It isn’t too expensive and offers a lot of app integrations, which includes Microsoft Office.

However, OneDrive has run into a bit of trouble regarding privacy in the past (they were once connected to the PRISM project!). Since then, they have improved their security, but it’s still not on par with some other file hosting sites.

Features

The highlight of OneDrive is its productivity and collaboration tools. Being a Microsoft product, it can connect to other Microsoft services like Outlook, Skype, and Office Online.

The web app for OneDrive has Skype embedded, which allows you to use it to chat and make calls.

You are able to view, edit, and share files from Office when using OneDrive, which is handy. The cloud storage service automatically stores images and videos on devices you upload to a computer that has OneDrive installed.

The photo preview options are quite extensive. You can add images to albums, put them in slideshow and play it, add effects, rotate them, view them in their original size, and more.

Price

OneDrive offers a few different price plans for home use, which includes a free storage option. With this version, you can create a free account and access 5GB of free storage. You don’t get any other features with the free plan, unfortunately.

Aside from the free account plan, the least expensive choice is the OneDrive 100GB. It only costs $1.99 per month but you’re limited to just 100GB of file storage, with no extra features.

At $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, the Office 365 Personal plan gives you 1TB of file storage, as well as Office apps, productivity tools, advanced security options, and more.

Finally, the Office 365 Home plan is priced at $9.99 each month or $99.99 every year With this cloud storage plan, you get 6TB file storage online for up to 6 users. You also get all the features available on the Office 365 Personal plan.

Currently, OneDrive offers a free account trial for Office 365 Home, which is ideal if you want to test out the service. The free trial lasts 30 days, so you can upload documents, download files, share download links and use the service for a fairly long period of time to see if it’s the right cloud storage site for you.

Interface and Customer Support

The desktop client for this file host service is compatible on Windows and MacOS, but not Linux. It works fairly well, but looks a little outdated as the design is very basic and bland.

The web browser for this file hosting site, on the other hand, looks great. It’s a breeze to navigate through and doesn’t lag. You won’t lose countless hours figuring out how to use it due to its simple but effective design.

The file hosting service also offers a mobile app that you can download on iOS and Android for when you need to access your files on the go.

Customer service for OneDrive is a strong point. There’s a bunch of help topics that you can look through to learn more about the hosting service’s different features, as well as training pages and videos.

If you still need help, you can use the community forum to get assistance or contact a Microsoft advisor via email. On average, the response time for someone to get back to you shouldn’t take long too long.

Pros

• Great collaboration tools
• Easy to use
• 5GB of free file storage for 30 days
• Affordable

Cons

• Desktop client is a little outdated
• Not as secure as other services

Editor’s Choice

Box (Personal)

Box is more suited to businesses and companies, but it works pretty well for home use. It offers a lot of features, including the standard file storage, file sharing and syncing, etc.

File versioning is available in Box, but it’s limited to specific plans. In the free file version, you only get one version. The Pro plan, however, saves up to ten versions of the file you’re working on.

If you accidentally delete any of your files, you can recover them within 30 days. Although, if you wait longer than this, then they are deleted permanently. In the Business and Enterprise plans, moderators are able to change this.

Features

One of the best features of Box is that it has a lot of tool integrations, so you can use third-party apps with the service.

Box Sync is the desktop version of the platform, which you can download on Windows and macOs. It’s easy to use and essentially works as a virtual drive. Alternatively, you can download Box Drive which is a newer version of Box Sync.

In Box Drive, you don’t need to store files on your hard drive, which gives you more space. However, the program caches your files before it deletes them.

Interface

If you don’t want to download Box Sync or Box Drive, then you can also access the file hosting service via your web browser. There’s also a mobile app for iOS and Android users that you can download so you can access your uploaded files and share them via download links on the go.

Box doesn’t currently offer end-to-end encryption or client-side encryption, so it’s not as secure as some other file sharing services. However, it does provide two-factor verification.

Price

Box offers a few different price plans, including a starter edition that’s free. If you’re looking for a free file hosting platform, then Box might be worth looking at.

The Starter free plan gives your 10GB of file upload storage and caps your maximum file size to 250MB. Compared to some other platforms, this is a fair amount of features for a free version.

If you don’t need a lot of storage or don’t need a bigger file size, Box’s free storage option is great.

Box‘s Business Starter plan only costs $5 per month and is suitable for 3 to 10 users. It gives you 100GB storage, 2GB file upload size, and Microsoft Office 365 integrations. You also get mobile, sync, and share capabilities.

The Business plan is priced at $15 per month and is suitable for a minimum of 3 users. It comes with all the features of previous tiers, as well as unlimited storage, advanced security, more customization, 5GB file size, and much more.

Box Enterprise’s price is not currently specified and requires you to contact the company to find out more information. It is targeted for large businesses that require premium content management.

Customer Support

Another highlight of Box is their fantastic customer service and community. The community forum is very active and helpful, which is great for finding out information about the program.

If you require the assistance of an advisor, Box also offers live chat support. As long as you message someone during working hours, you can expect to receive a response to your query within minutes.

Pros

• Good integrations tools
• Excellent customer service
• Great free file hosting version

Cons

• Not as secure as other platforms
• More suited to businesses

Conclusion

After looking at a few different platforms for uploading and storing files, I think the clear winner is MEGA. It has fantastic end-to-end encryption that makes sure all of your files are protected.

It offers a good range of features, including a chat function and Versioning, which adds an extra layer of security to your files. If you accidentally make a mistake or delete a file, it’s replaced by a previous version.

However, MEGA doesn’t have the best editing features or integrations.

If MEGA doesn’t seem right for you, then either OneDrive or Box are two other good alternatives. OneDrive and Box both aren’t as secure as MEGA, but they do have integration tools.

OneDrive is very budget-friendly as it’s cheapest price plan is only $1.99 per month. It also has a free version you can download, but you’re limited to 5GB of storage for your files.

OneDrive is available to download as a mobile app and desktop client, but the latter has a plain and outdated design.

Box is more suited to businesses, but it has a good range of features for home use. You can download a few different apps of Box, including a mobile app. It has a lot of integration tools and has great customer support. Aside from a free version, the cheapest price plan for Box is $5 per month.

This post first appeared on medium.com/best-software