As businesses increasingly turn to cloud storage, it’s clear that making the right choice can seriously boost your productivity and budget. Did you know that nearly 80% of IT professionals have found that moving to the cloud has not only saved them money but also ramped up productivity? It’s a game-changer, for sure!
We’ve tested five top cloud storage options for Mac and found the Zight file-sharing app to be a standout—perfect for keeping your data safe, accessible, and well-organized. We will also explore other top picks that might just revolutionize the way you handle data at work. Read on!
1. Zight
Zight offers an incredibly powerful and fast cloud storage solution for Mac:
- Upload large files in seconds
- Share content with anyone
- Control who has access to your data with passwords and expiry dates
The impact of Zight’s online cloud storage is amplified by its screen capture abilities. You can take a screenshot on Mac (or Windows), record an HD video of your screen, and create GIFs. Zight bridges the gap between communication and online cloud storage.
Named a leading screen recorder application by G2 based on user reviews and feedback. The Zight snipping tool is available for Mac, Windows, Chrome, and iOS. You can download and use it for free. Shave minutes off every snip and capture without opening a new window or app.
Here is why you should consider Zight for your cloud storage space:
1. The Best Online Cloud Storage for Mac
The world of technology is becoming faster every day. If you don’t keep up, you’ll be left behind. Zight is the best cloud storage and snipping tool for Mac computers because it adds jet fuel to your workflow. Everything happens instantaneously. No more waiting for a file to upload. No more searching for content!
With Zight online cloud storage, your team instantly becomes faster and more efficient. Drag and drop a video into Zight and send it to a client a second later. Take a video from your cloud database and embed it into a website. This cloud software is incredibly quick and insanely easy to use.
Getting Started with Zight
Starting with Zight’s free cloud storage service is straightforward:
- Click HERE to download Zight for Mac.
- From your internet browser’s download folder or with Finder, select and download the Zight .msi file.
- When prompted, create an account and register for free.
- Choose one of the icons to capture a screenshot, screen recording, or create a GIF
- All of your content is automatically stored securely in the cloud!
Plus, if you require extensive cloud storage, Zight offers premium pricing plans that provide unlimited storage capabilities.
2. Maximum Security for Online Cloud Storage
Keeping your files safe in the cloud is Zight’s number one priority.
All Zight files are stored on Amazon’s Virtual Private Cloud network. Servers, encryption protocols, and firewalls are constantly updated and monitored 24/7. All software and SSL encryption is open-sourced and peer-reviewed to prevent injecting, sniffing, and data breaches.
When you capture and store your files with Zight’s integrated screen capture and online cloud storage solution, you know it’s safe. Create, upload, and share with confidence!
3. Online Cloud Storage with Integrations
Zight software is integrated with the tools that you already use. Direct integrations with programs like Asana, Google Docs, or Trello increase your speed and efficiency. This way, seemingly complicated tasks are completed with a single click.
When you use the snipping tool to create a screenshot, you can instantly share it on Slack with your team. A single GIF can solve an issue in JIRA or resolve a support ticket in Zendesk. Having your online files accessible everywhere you need them elevates your entire organization.
4. Access Content Anywhere on Your Mac, iPhone, or Google Chrome
Zight’s cloud storage capabilities mean you can take your content anywhere—access all your images and videos during a meeting on your Mac or present a new product demo at the airport on your iPhone. Capture a screenshot using the Zight Chrome extension and share it instantly with your team.
In short, Zight is a powerful tool for increasing your communication and sharing capabilities across any location.
5. Other Screen Capture Tools Don’t Stand A Chance!
The right screen recorder software can do so much more for you and your business than just capturing and saving a screenshot or video to your computer.
That’s the way of the past, yet companies such as Techsmith, claiming to be top-of-class screen capture software, require downloading and installing 3 of their tools (Snagit, Jing, Screencast) to have all the features that Zight comes with – in the all-in-one native app.
Other tools, including Vidyard or Wistia, simply miss out on valuable workflow collaboration tools, analytics to help you grow your business and customization capabilities. Others, such as Loom, Soapbox, or GoVideo, are limited to Chrome Extensions and serve no further business function or value beyond a quick video or a screenshot.
But Zight also serves as more than just a DropBox-type file storage center. It also won’t cost you five times the amount of money for half the features like a Vidyard or a Droplr that provides little to no creative functions.
With Zight, you can let your creativity flow with video annotation or dual screen and webcam recording.
How to Record Your Screen?
- Step 1: To record your screen, click on your Zight icon. Select the TV recording image. Prefer hotkeys? Use this combination for Mac: Cmd+Shift+6, Windows: Alt+Shift+6
- Step 2: Use your mouse to select the area on your screen you wish to record and click. Then, choose between Screen Only, Screen & Cam, or Cam Only. Turn on the mic and camera if necessary, then hit the “Start” button to begin recording. Remember to annotate the video as you go.
- Step 3: Click the red “Finish” button when you are done recording your video.
- Step 4: The video will upload to the Zight cloud instantly. Once the upload is complete, your device will open the video link on your default browser. Follow the link to watch or edit the video further. With Zight, you can share large video files in very simple steps.
Get started today by registering for a Free Zight account and downloading the app for Apple devices.
2. Apple iCloud Drive
Apple iCloud Drive is your cloud storage solution if you’re deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. It’s designed to work smoothly with all your Apple devices, storing everything from documents to photos and music in the cloud. You can access your files from any Apple device or via the web on Windows systems.
Main Features
- Automatically syncs files across all your devices using the same Apple ID. As such, you will always access the latest versions of your documents and media
- Keeps your photos and videos in iCloud, helping to free up space on your devices
- Allows you to share purchases and iCloud storage with your family members, making it easier to manage apps, music, and files within a household
- It enables you to share files and folders with others and collaborate in real time on files stored in iCloud Drive, which is especially useful for productivity and teamwork
- It provides automatic cloud backup for your iOS devices when connected to power and Wi-Fi. This helps you protect your data without manual intervention
While iCloud is a reliable cloud storage provider, you may find the initial free 5 GB of storage quite limiting. In addition, while iCloud has improved its file organization and sharing capabilities, it might still feel restrictive compared to more flexible services like Google Drive or Dropbox, especially regarding file compatibility and collaborative features suitable for business environments.
3. Google Drive
Google Drive offers a flexible and expansive cloud storage solution that doesn’t limit you to a single type of device. Unlike iCloud, which is tied closely to Apple products, Google Drive can be used across various platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS, making it a versatile choice if you use multiple types of technology.
Main Features
- You start with 15 GB of free storage, which is significantly more than iCloud’s 5 GB, giving you more room to store your documents, photos, and other files without needing an immediate upgrade
- Google Drive works on any device that has internet access, providing a consistent experience whether you’re on a PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet
- You can share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with others and work on them together in real-time
- Quickly find the files you need with Google’s powerful search capabilities. The solution lets you locate content by keywords, file types, or even specific phrases within documents
- Google Drive integrates seamlessly with other Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides and also supports third-party app integrations you may be using on your Mac
Google Drive is a good cloud storage option for Mac if you’re looking for an integrated platform that enhances collaboration and productivity across various devices. However, it lacks end-to-end encryption, which you might not like if you’re collaborating on sensitive documents.
4. Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive might very well be the best cloud storage solution for your home office, even if you’re primarily using Mac devices. It integrates with macOS, allowing you to manage and synchronize files across all your Apple devices. In addition, it means better Office 365 integration for productivity.
Main Features
- Files On-Demand allows you to access your files without having to download them first. Goes without saying; that saves space on your Mac
- Seamless integration with Microsoft products like Office 365 enhances productivity. So, you can edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly in the cloud or from your device
- Advanced sharing capabilities let you easily share documents and control access with others to support both collaboration and individual file security
- Personal Vault provides an extra layer of security for sensitive information, accessible through two-factor authentication
- You also get file versioning and recovery features that let you restore previous versions of documents or recover deleted files within a set period
OneDrive only offers 5 GB of free storage, which may be insufficient if you have extensive storage needs – that would push you towards a paid plan. Plus, unlike iCloud, which is deeply integrated into all Apple services, OneDrive might require manual setup and management on Mac.
However, it offers better compatibility and features if you also use Windows devices or require extensive Microsoft Office integration.
5. Dropbox
Dropbox for your Mac could be a solid choice if you’re looking for a cloud storage service that is not only original in the space – but also very adept at syncing files across multiple devices. It offers a seamless user experience on Mac, characterized by its clean interface and strong integration with third-party apps, which enhances productivity and collaboration.
Main Features
- You can access your files without having to download them
- You get superb synchronization, so your files are always up to date across all your devices, making it easy to switch between your Mac, iPad, or iPhone
- It allows you to share files and folders with ease, set permissions, and manage access levels to enhance collaboration and maintain security
- Dropbox works with numerous other applications you already use on your Mac
- Provides strong encryption for data at rest and in transit, although it lacks zero-knowledge encryption, which could be a concern if utmost privacy is your priority
Dropbox integrates well within the macOS ecosystem – a flexible and efficient cloud storage solution that enhances your home office setup. Unfortunately, the free plan starts with only 2GB, which will be insufficient regardless of the type of files you want to store online. You will definitely need a paid subscription.
Conclusion
Ready to invest in the best cloud storage solutions? We have discussed them above, including the best one, Zight, and its superb visual content creation and reliable (and unlimited!) cloud storage services.
But if you want a dedicated service, the options are manifold, but iCloud, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and DropBox easily take the cake. They are easy to set up, and they integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack.