5 Best Cloud Document Management Systems & Software for Secure File Management
Document management systems are pivotal to successfully organizing data. This guide delves into some of the top options and shares five options that stood out the most.
Written by Dan Ginn (Writer)
Reviewed by Valentina Bravo (Managing Editor)
Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski (Fact-Checker, Formatter)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: These Are the Best Cloud Storage Services for Document Management
- Sync.com — The most private option for document management. Secure your files for just $15 per user per month with unlimited storage.
- Google Workspace — Excellent productivity and collaboration tools. Start working with your team for as little as $7 per user per month.
- Proton Drive — Privacy-first document storage with built-in editing tools. Plans start at $3.99 per month.
- Internxt — Zero-knowledge cloud storage with affordable lifetime deals. Get 90% off on lifetime plans.
- Egnyte — Feature-dense document management system. Sign up for a 14-day free trial of all plans.
Facts & Expert Analysis: What Is a Document Management System (DMS)?
- Disaster proof: Unlike physical documentation, cloud-based document management systems have tools to protect files from damage, external threats and unauthorized eyes.
- Centralized storage: In the remote world, a digital DMS creates a centralized storage solution for an organization that users can access from anywhere in the world.
- Solid infrastructure: Through tags, user permissions and automation, you can create a robust infrastructure that makes it easy to locate, share and approve documents.
Getting your documents in order is essential for a smooth workflow, especially if you’re working in teams. As a cloud storage writer and a fully remote worker, I know how easy it is to lose track and end up with files here, there and everywhere. To help you bring everything together, I’m sharing what I believe are the best document management systems currently on the market.
The best cloud storage services can support managing business documents to a point, but that’s not their main goal. That’s why I tested services whose function is to help users store, manage and share documents — and even create and edit them — in the app. Features like file versioning and workflow automation are also key players to look out for.
If you’re wondering whether you need a document management system (DMS), let’s consider a real-world use case. Say you’re part of a human resources department working with contracts and training documents. Rather than spread them across devices, you can centralize those documents with a DMS for easy access, backup and collaboration.
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06/29/2021 Facts checked
Cloudwards.net updated this article, reflecting new service suggestions, adding Egnyte and removing iCloud.
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05/20/2024 Facts checked
The article was rewritten with new providers to reflect the changes in the world of online productivity.
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08/31/2024 Facts checked
Added video reviews for cloud storage providers in the list.
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06/17/2025 Facts checked
We adjusted the list to account for changes in different cloud storage services.
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10/19/2025 Facts checked
We have rewritten this article to reflect a new selection of services.
Cloudwards’ Choice: Sync.com
Cloudwards’ Choice: Egnyte
My top pick is Sync.com. It offers zero-knowledge encryption on all plans, meaning nobody — not even Sync.com’s staff — can access your documents. Combined with its Microsoft Office integration for document creation and collaboration, plus up to 12 months of version history, it’s the ideal choice for businesses that prioritize both productivity and privacy.
How to Choose the Best Document Management Software
The best way to choose the right service is to first understand your document management needs. Businesses managing sensitive data, like financial services, require the most robust security features. Companies developing written content may want to veer more toward services with good collaboration tools. Below are some points to consider.
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The 5 Best Document Management Systems Compared
| Provider: | Free Storage | Best DMS Price | Server Locations | Standout Feature | Best For | E2E* | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5GB | $15 per month (one-year plan) | Canada | Microsoft Office integration | Robust security & privacy | AES-256, TLS/SSL | |
 | 15GB | $7 per month (one-year plan) | North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia | Unlimited version history | Full access to Google productivity tools | AES-256, TLS | |
 | 5GB | $3.99 per month (one-year plan) | Norway, Germany, Switzerland | Built-in Proton Docs & Sheets | Privacy-focused document editing | AES-256, TLS/SSL | |
 | 1GB | $1.67 per month (one-year plan) | Spain, Ireland, Germany | Zero-knowledge encryption | Budget-friendly private storage | AES-256, TLS/SSL | |
 | N/A | $22/mo | EU, U.K., Asia, North America | AI-powered automations | Advanced search & digital document filing | ** | AES-256, TLS/SSL |
**On top-tier plan only
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Best Document Management Solutions
To offer objective analysis, I followed a specific testing methodology and delved into our numerous document management software reviews to ascertain your best options. I also spent a week or two testing each service to understand their pros and cons. I’ve included a list of my evaluation criteria below to give you a better idea of my process.
- Productivity: I tested each service’s ability to help users create, share and collaborate on documents, either through native tools or via third-party integrations.
- Versioning: To ensure you don’t regret changing or deleting a document, I specifically selected services with extended file retention of six to 12 months.
- Automation: I examined automation features to find services that can help speed up proofing and approval workflows.
- Security and privacy: As part of my research, I went through each security and privacy policy to determine whether each service can keep your documents safe from man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Speed: Our testing lab runs regular speed tests on all the cloud-based products we test. We run them twice using a 5GB folder of mixed files to obtain average upload and download speeds. You can see our full results in our fastest cloud storage and fastest online backup guides.
1. Sync.com — Best Electronic Document Management System for Security & Privacy
Sync.com markets itself primarily as a cloud storage solution. However, it has features that I believe make it a worthwhile document management system. Firstly, it offers zero-knowledge encryption, which means nobody — not even Sync.com staff — can see your documents. This is a feature few traditional DMS platforms seem to offer.
Paid plans offer anywhere from six months to one year of version history and deleted file retention. Plus, you can create documents within the app thanks to its integration with Microsoft Office. For security, you can password-protect files and set user permissions to view-only or edit mode.
Sync.com Hands-On Testing
The recent redesign puts Sync.com in line with modern standards. Its features work fine for the most part, though you can’t drag and drop files into folders. Instead, you have to move them via a submenu. I was able to create folders and documents with a simple tap of the + sign, though, and Microsoft Office integrates smoothly. Overall, it’s a very easy app to use.
Notes From the Lab: Sync.com Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)
| 1st Attempt* | 2nd Attempt* | Average* | Average** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uploads | 0:09:43 | 0:09:51 | 0:09:47 | 0:09:36 |
| Downloads | 0:11:48 | 0:12:04 | 0:11:56 | 0:10:56 |
**1 Gbps
Sync.com isn’t the fastest. However, we do use larger media files in our lab tests. Smaller documents shouldn’t be a cause for too much concern, nor should slower speeds. CPU usage was low to medium during testing. For daily document management, Sync.com should be just fine.
Notes From the Lab: Sync.com Security Analysis
| Encryption Type | Encryption Protocols Used |
|---|---|
| Encryption at rest | AES 256-bit |
| Encryption in transit | TLS/SSL |
| Client-side encryption | Yes, on all plans |
Sync.com Pricing & Value
If you’re part of a team, I’d recommend getting the Team+ plan, which costs $15 per user per month on annual billing. You get unlimited storage, plus 12 months of version control, giving you more room to scale. Plus, the investment in privacy is worth it. More info on all plans and the platform in general is available in our Sync.com review.
- 5GB
- 2TB
More plans
- 6TB
- per user, per month, billed annually
- 1TB
- Priced per user (3 users minimum)
- Unlimited GB
- Minimum 100 users, custom requirements, account manager, training options
2. Google Workspace — Best Document Storage Solution for Small Businesses & Affordability
Google Workspace is a market leader in document development and management. Its word processor offers tons of formatting options, and there are plenty of document templates to get started. During mobile app testing, I was able to perform document scanning, which is a time saver when adding physical documents to the cloud.
The platform excels in search functionality. I can enter a snippet of text in the search bar, and it immediately brings up the document I’m looking for. The real-time collaboration tools allow users to edit documents together, leave comments and see suggestions for potential edits. The best part is any document you create automatically saves to Google Drive.
Google Workspace Hands-On Testing
Google keeps most of its features in plain sight, making it very simple to create, upload and manage your documents. For me, having the option to color-code folders makes it much easier to locate them, as does the flexibility to rename them with in-house terminology. The document creator itself runs smoothly, though the suggested edits could look a little cleaner.
Notes From the Lab: Google Workspace Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)
| 1st Attempt* | 2nd Attempt* | Average* | Average** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uploads | 0:07:02 | 0:06:55 | 0:06:59 | 0:05:01 |
| Downloads | 0:07:10 | 0:07:13 | 0:07:12 | 0:05:47 |
**1 Gbps
Google pulls good numbers when it comes to speed. Both uploads and downloads were impressive during testing, though we expected better on a 1 Gbps connection. The platform also displayed very low CPU usage, putting little pressure on our computer resources.
Notes From the Lab: Google Workspace Security Analysis
however, there’s no password protection.
| Encryption Type | Encryption Protocols Used |
|---|---|
| Encryption at rest | AES 256-bit |
| Encryption in transit | TLS |
| Client-side encryption | No |
Google Workspace Pricing & Value
For small businesses, the entry-level plan is your best option, at just $7 per user per month on annual billing. The 30GB of storage should be more than enough for document management. The free plan may suffice as well, though. To learn more, take a look at our Google Workspace review.
- 15GB
- per user / month, 1 year commitment
- 30GB
- per user / month, 1 year commitment
- 2TB
More plans
- *100TB shared across all users
- 100TB
- per user / month, 1 year commitment
- 5TB
3. Proton Drive — Best Privacy-First Document Management Solution
Proton Drive stands out as a privacy-focused document management solution with its own built-in productivity tools. Unlike services that rely on third-party integrations, Proton has developed Proton Docs and Proton Sheets. With them, you can create, edit and collaborate on documents directly within the encrypted environment.
The service offers zero-knowledge encryption across all files, meaning even Proton cannot access your documents. For businesses handling sensitive contracts, legal documents or confidential research, this level of privacy is invaluable. Version history extends up to 10 years on paid plans, ensuring you can always recover previous iterations of important documents.
Proton Drive Hands-On Testing
During my testing, I found Proton Drive polished across all platforms. The desktop app handles file syncing reliably with no issues. The web app features a clean, modern design with multiple color themes to choose from, making it visually pleasant to work in.
The built-in document editors, while more basic than Google Docs or Microsoft Word, provide essential formatting options and real-time collaboration features. I was able to collaborate on documents with comments and suggested edits, working seamlessly. The mobile app impressed me with its detailed photo organization and reliable automatic uploads.
Notes From the Lab: Proton Drive Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)
| 1st Attempt* | 2nd Attempt* | Average* | Average** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uploads | 0:07:17 | 0:07:13 | 0:07:15 | 0:03:20 |
| Downloads | 0:07:06 | 0:07:16 | 0:07:11 | 0:03:48 |
**1 Gbps
In our 2026 speed tests, Proton Drive delivered stable, consistent speeds, very stable performance and low CPU usage. The service handled our stress test of 100,000 files without issues, uploading everything in alphabetical order with smooth folder navigation.
Notes From the Lab: Proton Drive Security Analysis
zero-knowledge encryption on all plans.
| Encryption Type | Encryption Protocols Used |
|---|---|
| Encryption at rest | AES 256-bit |
| Encryption in transit | TLS/SSL |
| Client-side encryption | Yes, on all plans |
Proton Drive Pricing & Value
Proton Drive offers excellent value for privacy-conscious users, especially when bundled with Proton’s other services (VPN, email, password manager, calendar) in the Unlimited plan, which costs $9.99 per month, annually, with 500GB of storage.
Besides the 5GB free plan, plans start at just $3.99 per month, though storage allocations are smaller than competitors. For document management focused on privacy rather than volume, it’s an excellent choice. To learn more, read our Proton Drive review.
- 5GB
- 200GB
- 500GB
More plans
- 1TB
- 3TB
- per user
- 1TB
- per user, minimum of 2 users
- 1TB
- 1TB
4. Internxt — Best Budget-Friendly Zero-Knowledge Document Storage
Internxt provides a straightforward, privacy-focused approach to document storage. Based in Spain and fully GDPR compliant, it offers zero-knowledge encryption across all plans, ensuring your documents remain completely private. While it lacks the productivity integrations of larger competitors, its simplicity makes it appealing for users who prioritize secure storage over collaboration.
The service supports basic document management tasks, including file previews for PDFs, images and videos. It also has folder organization and file sharing with password protection and expiry dates. Version history is notably absent, so this is better suited for archival storage rather than active document collaboration.
Internxt Hands-On Testing
During my testing, Internxt proved to be a straightforward service for basic upload, download and sync operations. The web interface is clean and easy to navigate, though I noticed it lacks some conveniences like file count displays when selecting multiple items.
The mobile app is more of an extension of the web browser. Notably absent is automatic photo uploads. The desktop sync folder experienced some reliability issues during stress testing. However, it’s a simple and clean interface that’s easy to navigate.
Notes From the Lab: Internxt Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)
| 1st Attempt* | 2nd Attempt* | Average* | Average** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uploads | 0:07:57 | 0:08:05 | 0:08:01 | 0:07:48 |
| Downloads | 0:09:26 | 0:09:30 | 0:09:28 | 0:09:27 |
**1 Gbps
Internxt showed decent baseline speeds but struggled with stability during our testing. While uploads averaged around 8 minutes for a 5GB folder, the service showed instability when handling large files and ZIP archives, with speeds occasionally dropping below 5MB/s.
Notes From the Lab: Internxt Security Analysis
advanced sharing features found in competitors.
| Encryption Type | Encryption Protocols Used |
|---|---|
| Encryption at rest | AES 256-bit |
| Encryption in transit | TLS/SSL |
| Client-side encryption | Yes, on all plans |
Internxt Pricing & Value
Internxt’s strongest selling point is its affordable pricing, particularly the lifetime plans that offer significant long-term value at 90% off. However, the lack of collaboration tools and occasional stability issues mean it’s best suited for individual users seeking affordable, private document archival rather than team-based document management. To learn more, read our Internxt review.
- 1GB
- Post-quantum encryption Zero-knowledge encryption Two-factor authentication Backup your computer Password-protected file sharing Encrypted VPN Antivirus
- 1TB
- Everything in Essential plus; Cleaner Invite, share & collaborate File versioning (coming soon) Cleaner
- 3TB
More plans
- Everything in Premium plus CLI & WebDav support NAS & Rclone support Meet Mail (coming soon)
- 5TB
- Annual Price is per user
- 1TB
- Annual Price is per user
- 2TB
5. Egnyte — Best Overall Document Management System
Egnyte’s strength lies in its blend of native and third-party app integrations. Native options include a browser to open and edit files, and migration tools to shift documents from an on-premises server. Third-party integrations — like Google, Adobe, Microsoft and more — open the door to productivity and collaboration features.
To manage files, you can create multiple folders, add users to each one, and add tags and descriptions for accurate indexing and searchability. You can improve document workflows through AI-powered automations, which allow you to easily action document reviews, approvals and e-signature requests.
Egnyte Hands-On Testing
Egnyte has built a practical application that doesn’t overburden you with unnecessary tools. During my real-world testing, I found performing actions like document uploads and document editing to be very straightforward, as was creating files and adding file-specific data like tags.
Notes From the Lab: Egnyte Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)
| 1st Attempt* | 2nd Attempt* | Average* | Average** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uploads | 0:07:40 | 0:07:43 | 0:07:42 | 0:06:23 |
| Downloads | 0:07:48 | 0:07:52 | 0:07:50 | 0:06:07 |
**1 Gbps
Egnyte did a good job in the speed department, displaying higher-than-average speed performance for both uploads and downloads. It kept consistent speeds throughout, even for different file types, and CPU usage was very low.
Notes From the Lab: Egnyte Security Analysis
dates are all available for file sharing.
| Encryption Type | Encryption Protocols Used |
|---|---|
| Encryption at rest | AES 256-bit |
| Encryption in transit | TLS/SSL |
| Client-side encryption | Yes, on the Ultimate plan only |
Egnyte Pricing & Value
Egnyte is a little pricer than other services, with the cost of entry starting at $22 per user per month on annual billing. The entry-level Business plan offers the best value for money, and you can perform pretty much any file management task. A free trial is available as well. To learn more about the service, check out our Egnyte review.
- Price per user/month/paid annually; Single document AI Q&A Secure collaboration Discretionary permissions Edge caching Compliant storage (HIPAA, FINRA, SOC2, ISO/IEC 27001) Google Workspace integration M365 co-editing (online and desktop)
- 1TB
- Price per user/month/paid annually; Everything in Business, plus: Single document AI Q&A Ransomware detection (artifact-based) Suspicious login detection Content lifecycle management Advanced workflows
- 1TB
- Price per user/month/paid annually; Everything in Enterprise Lite, plus: AI Copilot AI Search AI Workflows PDF markup E-signature Dynamic watermarking Auto-remediation
- 1TB
- Contact for custom quote; Everything in Elite, plus: AI Copilot AI Search AI Workflows Document type classification Sensitive data classification Snapshot & recovery (90-days) Ransomware detection (behavioral and artifact-based)
Honorable Mentions
While the five services above represent our top picks for document management, these alternatives are worth considering depending on your specific needs:
Planning Your Implementation & Migration Strategy
Beyond selecting the right software, users need a clear roadmap of how they should set up and implement their document management system. I’ll break it down into phases, and show you how to avoid disruptions and foster a culture of fluid document management.
Common Pitfalls in DMS Adoption (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best document management system, certain issues can arise that impact your success. The good news is you can control and avoid most of these issues with some preventive measures.
| Pitfall: | Preventive Measure |
|---|---|
| Lack of user adoption | Involve the end users as early as possible and ask for their input. Along with some hands-on training, this helps them best understand the system and prevents ongoing adoption concerns. |
| Poor data quality | Create clear instructions for how to create, name and tag your documents. Complete regular audits to ensure the highest level of quality control. |
| Unclear governance | Define roles, responsibilities and access permissions before going live. Have clear documentation that highlights current governance frameworks so people can learn them as early as possible. |
| Scope creep | Avoid doing too much too soon. Implement systems and automations for your most critical departments and documents first. Then, increase gradually and only when necessary. |
The Role of Metadata in a DMS
Metadata is a critical part of successful file management. Think of metadata as a way to digitally identify a file. Details like author, creation date, document type, topic, department and specific keywords all make up a document’s metadata.
Metadata is important because it helps you build a much more coherent file management workflow. Users can identify documents quickly, and it’s much easier to sort them in a specific order.
Why You Need a Document Management Tool
If you’re still unsure whether a document management system is for you and your team, let me outline some of its benefits a bit further.
- Enhances document security and compliance: Rather than a physical key, you get industry-standard encryption, password management and security tools to ensure no harm comes to your files. It also helps you remain compliant with regulated services that run independent audits of your file management.
- Eliminates wasted time searching for files: You can quickly locate and access files through integrated search functionality. What used to take your team minutes (or longer) now takes only seconds.
- Streamlines business processes with automation: You can proof and approve documents, and obtain e-signatures automatically, thanks to powerful automation tools.
- Creates a single source of truth: By using DMS software, you can improve data management by keeping documents in a centralized location that’s accessible to all of your employees.
Final Thoughts
This selection of software gives you the best possible opportunity to improve how you manage and interact with documents. However, the most important element is implementing the best practices outlined in this guide. That starts with making the right choice of software. I encourage you to consider your personal criteria before making a commitment.
Sync.com is my top choice because it uniquely combines zero-knowledge encryption with Microsoft Office integration, giving you both security and productivity. For teams that prioritize privacy without sacrificing collaboration features, it’s an excellent balance.
Which service will you choose? What’s your current challenge in document management? Is there a document management system you would like us to review? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: Document Management Software Solutions
Yes, it’s possible to use Google Drive for document management. You can create documents via Google Docs, sort them into separate folders and share them with other users.
Google Drive is better for document management. Its word processor is more powerful, it’s perfect for collaboration and the UI design makes it much easier to manage your documents.
Version control allows you to recover older versions of a document, including deleted files. We all make mistakes, and version control ensures you don’t lose the version of a document that you need. Access controls pertain to how other users can interact with a document, such as viewing or editing them. This control keeps files secure.
Optical character recognition (OCR) allows users to convert scanned documents into digital files you can search for and edit. This is useful for companies migrating on-premises documents to the cloud, as it ensures optimal accuracy and searchability.