Dropbox

Dropbox is the original file sync service, with desktop clients that keep a folder mirrored across machines, shared links, and newer additions like Dash search and PDF editing. It remains the safe choice for sharing files with people outside your organisation. The Basic plan is free and has been for over a decade.

What the free plan gives you

Basic comes with 2 GB of storage and lets you connect up to 3 devices to your account. You get the desktop sync client, mobile apps, shared links and folders, and the ability to restore anything you deleted in the previous 30 days from dropbox.com. Dropbox Transfer, Paper docs and basic PDF viewing are included. Referral bonuses can add a little space, but the base allowance is 2 GB.

Where the free plan stops

2 GB is roughly one phone's worth of photos, and the 3 device limit is the second thing people hit when they add a laptop, a desktop and a phone plus a tablet. The Plus plan for one person is €9.99 a month (about $11.99 in the US) for 2 TB, unlimited devices, 30-day file recovery and 50 GB transfers. Standard for teams is €12 per user per month billed annually with 3 TB shared, 180-day recovery and password-protected links.

Who it suits

Basic is fine for a handful of documents you want on every device and for receiving shared folders from clients. As a backup or a working drive for photos, video or design files it is far too small, and Plus or a rival with a larger free tier is the practical choice.