OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box: Which cloud …

Which cloud storage service is for you? Sarah Mitroff/CNET

Editors' note, April 13, 2015: This post has been updated to include details about Amazon Cloud Drive and updated pricing for all services.

Storing your files in the cloud has many advantages, including the ability to access your files anywhere you go, and keeping a backup of those files away from your computer or phone. Using the cloud is a no-brainer, but picking which service to use is a bit more difficult.

For that reason, I've compiled a guide to the most popular cloud storage services, covering how they work and their strengths and weaknesses. I've also highlighted some lesser-known options if you want to get away from the mainstream.

*There is no file size limit with desktop apps.

**Amazon Cloud Drive offers free storage with an Amazon Prime subscription.

Before we get started, just a note about Apple's iCloud Drive. I didn't include it here because the service is not available for Android and it's really meant to be used within the Apple ecosystem, meaning if you use Mac computers and iOS devices together. If you do use mostly Apple products, it's a solid choice for cloud storage. For a full run-down of its features, pricing and availability, check out CNET's guide to Apple iCloud Drive.

OneDrive on the Web. Screenshot by Sarah Mitroff/CNET

First up is OneDrive, Microsoft's storage option. Those who use Windows 8 and 8.1 have OneDrive built into their operating system, where it shows up in the file explorer next to all of the files on your computer's hard drive. However, anyone can use it on the Web, by downloading a desktop app for Mac and earlier versions of Windows, or the OneDrive Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Xbox apps.

You can store any kind of file in the service, including photos, video and documents, and then access them from any of your Windows PCs or mobile devices. The service organizes your files by type for you, so it's easy to find what you need.

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OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box: Which cloud ...

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