Codes are projected onto a young woman.

iCloud Alternatives Reviewed: Cloud Storage for iOS Compared

Do users of cloud storage solutions need to fear that deleted data is never truly removed by the providers? Recently, Apple users reported that deleted pictures reappeared on their devices after a software update. In this article, we provide a brief overview of alternative cloud solutions to Apple iCloud and explain the security of your data. Additionally, we introduce our brand new luckycloud iOS app.

Apple iCloud in Cloud Storage Test

Every iPhone user knows about Apple iCloud. This cloud solution is integrated into all Apple devices and is automatically used by every Apple user. What many iCloud users do not question here is the security of their data. As an international conglomerate, Apple has server locations in the USA, Asia, and the EU. The European servers, for example, are located in Denmark. However, there is no guarantee that data from EU citizens will only be stored on European servers and not transferred to third countries such as the USA.

In general, iCloud enables automatic backup of photos, videos, notes, contacts, and documents. Through synchronization, all data is accessible on every Apple device. In addition, access is possible via any web browser, allowing changes to be synchronized across all devices. Users get the first 5 GB of storage space for free. For additional storage space, iCloud+ offers up to 2 TB and additional features such as "iCloud Private Relay," "Hide Email Address," and "HomeKit Secure Video."

The Key Differences of iCloud Alternatives at a Glance

Still unsure which cloud solution is right for you? Here we have summarized all providers for you:


Alternatives to Apple iCloud Compared

Is Google Drive a Suitable iCloud Alternative?

Google Drive is perhaps the biggest competitor to iCloud. This cloud solution from Google includes not only online storage but also an integrated mail service, calendar, and other features. Users only need a Google account. Google users thus have access to Google Photos and the ability to upload, edit, and create Office documents via the iOS app. Unlike iCloud, Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage space. This can be expanded to up to 2 TB for €9.99 per month and can be shared with up to five people.

Despite the advantages, Google Drive also has some disadvantages, especially regarding data privacy and GDPR compliance. As a US company, Google does not always fully comply with strict European data protection requirements, which can pose a significant risk to sensitive data. Google's default data analysis for personalized advertising creates uncertainty about the use of personal information. In addition, data is stored in global data centers. These factors make Google Drive less attractive to users who place the highest value on data privacy and GDPR compliance. Similar to the case of Apple, users likely "pay" for the free use of the cloud service with their data.

What Does Dropbox Offer for iOS Users?

A frequently used alternative to iCloud is Dropbox. The usage is quite simple: download the iOS app from the App Store, create a Dropbox account, and you're good to go. To start, you get 2 GB of free storage space, which is the least compared to iCloud and Google Drive. However, this storage space can be expanded to up to 3 TB for private use through a subscription. The Dropbox app allows for access to files from anywhere. Additionally, files and folders can be marked for offline access, allowing users to access their data even without a stable internet connection. Moreover, the Dropbox app can be linked with other iOS apps, allowing, for example, documents to be opened and edited directly in Pages.

However, there are important drawbacks to consider: despite claims of GDPR compliance, there are always concerns about whether these measures are sufficient. The data centers are mainly located in the USA, which can lead to issues with data sovereignty. There are also concerns about potential third-party access and past security incidents. The biggest drawback of Dropbox is the lack of end-to-end encryption. This ensures that data remains encrypted when transmitted to the cloud and cannot be intercepted. These aspects, combined with complex data management for large organizations, make Dropbox less attractive for some users.

Alternative Cloud Storage from luckycloud

luckycloud is a cloud storage from Germany that offers the highest security and ensures the processing of your data in accordance with GDPR guidelines. To use luckycloud on your iPhone, download the free luckycloud iOS app from the App Store and create a user account. With the iOS app, you have access to your files such as documents, pictures, and music anytime, anywhere. luckycloud not only allows for file backup but also for editing and sharing. With the right synchronization option, creating a complete backup of your smartphone is also possible. The luckycloud app for iOS is user-friendly and offers intuitive operation.

Unlike other cloud providers that may use data for advertising purposes, luckycloud guarantees full transparency and no data sharing with third parties. Flexibility is also convincing: luckycloud offers various storage plans that can be scaled according to your needs. All these factors make luckycloud the ideal choice for users who have the highest demands on security and data privacy without sacrificing user-friendliness and flexibility. You can try luckycloud for free for the first two weeks. After that, various subscription models are available, offering you an individually tailored cloud solution with up to 500 TB of storage space. The advantage: You are not tied to fixed storage packages and only pay for what you really need.


The luckycloud iOS App in Detail

Conclusion on iCloud Alternatives in Test

The selection of cloud solutions for iOS devices is vast and offers suitable options for different needs. While Apple iCloud scores with automatic integration and practical synchronization functions, it raises important questions about data security and storage. Although Google Drive offers free storage space and a variety of integrated services, it has similar privacy concerns as iCloud. Dropbox offers a user-friendly interface and useful offline features but suffers from a lack of end-to-end encryption. luckycloud, on the other hand, places great emphasis on data privacy and GDPR compliance, offers flexible storage options, and high security standards, making it particularly attractive for security-conscious users.

Ultimately, the choice of the right cloud solution depends on individual priorities, whether it's integration, functionality, price, or data privacy. Our new luckycloud iOS app combines the highest security standards with user-friendliness and flexibility and could thus be an excellent alternative to the major providers. More information on how to easily switch your cloud provider can be found here.

Want to try luckycloud? Then start our advisor and find the right solution for you! A 14-day trial period is a matter of course for us.

You might also be interested in