10 Best Personal Cloud Storage 2026 in the United States

The Microsoft 365 Personal 15-Month Subscription offers 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, which is ample space for storing and managing a variety of files. The integration of premium Office apps, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, adds significant value, making it easier to create and edit documents directly from the cloud.

This subscription supports up to five devices across different platforms, including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android, ensuring broad compatibility and accessibility for users on multiple devices. File syncing and sharing are seamless, allowing for easy collaboration and access to files from anywhere. When it comes to security and privacy, the included fingerprint reader provides an additional layer of biometric authentication, enhancing secure access to your data.

The setup process is straightforward with plug-and-play functionality, making it user-friendly even for those who might not be tech-savvy. However, the reliance on the Microsoft ecosystem might be a drawback for users who prefer other software suites or cloud services. Backup and recovery options are robust, although users should ensure they are comfortable with Microsoft's privacy policies. Customer support is generally reliable, with various online resources and direct support options available. This subscription is particularly beneficial for individuals who need a comprehensive cloud storage solution combined with productivity tools, and who prioritize security and cross-device compatibility.

The BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 4-Bay Desktop NAS offers a substantial 32TB of storage capacity, making it suitable for users with large data storage needs. It comes with four pre-tested 8TB hard drives, configured in RAID 5 for 24TB of usable space, with options to switch to RAID 6 or RAID 0 depending on your redundancy or capacity requirements. This NAS is optimized for organizing, storing, sharing, and backing up files, making it ideal for both personal and small business use.

It features 256-bit drive encryption to safeguard your data, ensuring a high level of security and privacy. The device integrates seamlessly with popular cloud services like Amazon S3, Dropbox, Azure, and OneDrive, offering hybrid cloud capabilities for additional data security and scalability. The inclusion of a native 2.5GbE port allows for fast data transfers without needing cable upgrades, which is a significant advantage for users seeking efficient file handling.

Compatibility with multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux) enhances its accessibility. The unit comes with a 3-year warranty that includes hard drive coverage and 24/7 US-based customer support, providing peace of mind. However, the mechanical hard drives, while reliable, have a 5400 RPM speed, which might not be the fastest for some performance-oriented tasks. Additionally, being a physical NAS device, it requires space and proper setup within your network. Despite these minor drawbacks, the TeraStation Essentials remains a robust option for those needing substantial, secure, and flexible storage solutions.

The Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a solid option for individuals or small businesses looking for personal cloud storage. With its 8TB capacity, it provides ample space for storing a wide range of files, from documents to multimedia. The high-performance 1.3 GHz dual-core processor ensures smooth streaming and quick access to your data, while the 1GB DDR3 memory allows for efficient multitasking, making it suitable for both casual users and more demanding applications.

One of its standout features is the automatic file syncing across all your computers, which simplifies keeping your files updated. Additionally, sharing files and folders is straightforward, enhancing collaborative work among users. The device supports multiple operating systems and web browsers, ensuring broad accessibility.

On the security front, Western Digital places a strong emphasis on privacy, but specific security measures are not extensively detailed. Users should consider whether additional security features like encryption are necessary for their needs. In terms of backup and recovery, the My Cloud EX2 Ultra offers reliable backups, but it may not have the most comprehensive recovery options compared to other advanced NAS devices. Customer support is generally rated positively, but response times may vary based on the issue at hand. For those seeking a user-friendly personal cloud storage solution with good performance and solid capacity, the Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a strong contender. However, those needing advanced security features or intricate backup solutions may want to explore other options.