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Best Cloud Storage With Version Control

We’ve all deleted a file we shouldn’t have and updated a document we wish we hadn't. To make sure there’s no need to panic, I’m sharing my top five choices for the best cloud storage with version control. 

Dan GinnValentina BravoSimona Ivanovski

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All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing.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.

best cloud storage with version control

These Are the Best Cloud Storage Services With File Versioning

  1. Sync.com — Private and secure cloud storage with up to one year of version control. Get 2TB of storage for $4.80 per month with our exclusive Cloudwards offer.
  2. pCloud — Excellent cloud storage for multimedia consumption, with 12 months of version history. Save 33% on lifetime plans and pay once for cloud storage. 
  3. Google Drive — A productivity powerhouse and workspace with unlimited version and comment history. Check out the 2TB plan and get it for $8.33 per month
  4. Dropbox — Useful for file and work management, with 180 days of version control on personal plans. You can grab the 2TB Dropbox Plus plan for $9.99 per month on an annual subscription. 
  5. MEGA — The best free cloud storage, with version control for your folders. Get 20GB of storage for free.

Facts & Expert Analysis About Cloud Storage With Versioning

  • Prevent data loss: Version history is important for both personal and business users, as it ensures you don’t accidentally delete critical data.
  • Not all processes are the same: Some services add a time length — say, 180 days — while others add copy limits, such as 100 copies. Heavy users should go for a service offering the former.
  • Types of retention: Most services give you the option to recover deleted files, but not all services have version history. Recovering deleted files involves recuperating the file in full, while version history lets you recover specific iterations of a file.
Best Cloud Storage With 1-Year Version History
200GB$2.65 / month
(save 40%) (All Plans)

Using cloud storage with version control is a must in the digital world. It allows us to go back in time and quickly access files we wish we hadn’t changed or that we need to reflect on. The problem is that not all cloud storage services have the same approach to version history, which is why I’m sharing the best options you can use right now.

Although almost all of the best cloud storage services offer some form of version history, the specifics vary. Some offer a limited number of versions, while others offer longer time frames. Some services charge for extended version history, whereas some of the best free services are more generous. Let’s unpack it all and see which option offers the best value.

  • 06/25/2022 Facts checked

    Updated Sync.com’s versioning, plans and pricing information.

  • 10/10/2022 Facts checked

    Rewrote this article and updated this of cloud storage service options for 2022.

  • 10/24/2023 Facts checked

    Updated information about Box Business.

  • 04/11/2024 Facts checked

    Updated to reflect changes in Icedrive’s pricing plans and storage offers.

  • 08/31/2024 Facts checked

    Added video reviews for cloud storage providers in the list.

  • 05/27/2025 Facts checked

    We updated this guide’s rankings to reflect recent provider testing results.

  • 08/18/2025 Facts checked

    Added a fresh video review of MEGA Cloud Storage

  • 09/10/2025 Facts checked

    We updated the article to reflect Icedrive’s new pricing.

  • 10/05/2025 Facts checked

    We have rewritten this article to reflect new services and add more up-to-date information about services.

Cloudwards’ Choice: Sync.com 

dan Headshot2
Cloudwards’ Choice: Sync.com 

Dan Ginn is a Cloudwards expert in cloud storage and online backup services.

Being able to access 365 days of version history is my main driving factor for using Sync.com. It also integrates with Office 365, so I don’t need to juggle multiple apps to create fresh documents. The platform is also one of the most secure and private. That’s important to me, as it ensures nobody can access my sensitive work.

200GB$2.65 / month
(save 40%) (All Plans)

How to Choose the Best Cloud Storage With Version Control

On average, cloud storage companies allow users to access previous versions of files for anywhere from 30 days to one year. If you have projects with a quick turnaround, a shorter version history is more suitable. However, if your projects tend to run for extended periods, then having access to longer version history will be better.

Imagine you’re a writer who has to turn in an article within a week. The article has gone through some edits, but before publication the editor realizes some early copy was actually more suitable for the final version. You can simply jump back and restore the previous version — you haven’t lost anything.

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When choosing a service, you also want to consider deleted history. This applies to files you remove from your account. Services differ in the amount of time they allow you to restore files. If your accountant deleted last quarter’s spreadsheet, for example, a service with extended deleted file access will be a godsend. 

why file versioning in cloud storage matters
What Is File Versioning?

File versioning allows you to go back in time and restore previous versions of your files. You can also restore files you’ve deleted accidentally. 

Why You Need Version Control
  • Allows you to change files freely without fear of losing past versions
  • Built-in safety net — like a backup for your backup
  • Protects critical data and preserves peace of mind
Who’s It For?
  • Beneficial for anyone using cloud storage
  • A must-have for businesses and professionals
  • Perfect for teams constantly updating internal docs

The 5 Best Cloud Storage Services With Version Control Compared

Before we get into my selection, let’s look at a quick comparison of the depth of version control features each service offers.

Provider:Max Version HistoryMax Retention PeriodAudit Trails
No limit365 daysBasic
No limit365 days with Extended File HistoryBasic
100 copiesUnlimitedAdvanced
No limit180 days personal, 365 days businessAdvanced
100 copies180 daysBasic

Below is a quick overview of each service’s core features.

Service:Free StorageBest PricingServer LocationsEnd-to-End EncryptionOnline CollaborationAdvanced SharingSecurity
5GB$4.80 per month (one-year plan) for 2TB (180-day history)CanadaOffice 365AES-256, TLS/SSL
10GB$8.33 per month (one-year plan) for 2TB (30-day history)U.S., Luxembourg (EU)N/AAES-256, TLS/SSL.
15GB$8.33 per month (one-year plan) for 2TB (unlimited history)North America, South America, EU, U.K., AsiaGoogle WorkspaceAES-256, TLS
2GB$9.99 per month (one-year plan) for 2TB (30-day history)U.S., U.K., EU, Japan, Australia *Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, native toolsAES-256, TLS/SSL
20GB$9.78 per month (one-year plan) for 3TB (180-day history)North America, EU, AsiaN/AAES-256, TLS/SSL, etc.
*Limited plans

Our Methodology: How We Tested the Cloud Storage With Version Control

I’ll now take you through how I compiled my selection of the best cloud services with version control. Beyond that feature, there were other criteria I looked out for to ensure users get the best possible product, regardless of the service they decide on. 

1. Sync.com — Best Cloud Storage With Version Control

www.sync.com
200GB$2.65 / month
(save 40%) (All Plans)
Visit Sync.comReview

Get 2TB of cloud storage for as little as $4.80 per month by signing up for Sync.com’s annual plan.

Pros:

  • Up to 365 days of file versioning
  • Optimal security & privacy 
  • MS Office integration
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Slow speeds
  • One-year version control on higher-tier plans only
  • Version history access via web version only

Sync.com offers six months to one year of version history on its paid plans and 30 days on the free version. You can access previous versions of a file by identifying the user and the date and time. You can upload files via the web, desktop and mobile apps, but you access version history only via the web version.

The web app comes with Microsoft Office integration, which gives you the ability to create documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. Paid plans also provide integration with Adobe Photoshop, so you can turn Sync.com into a creative powerhouse.

Sync.com Hands-On Testing

There’s no visible tab for accessing version history. This wasn’t an issue for me, but less tech-savvy users may feel confused. Thankfully, the process is simple. Just locate a file, tap the three ellipses and select “version history.” It’s straightforward from there. You’ll be able to see all current and previous versions, and you can select the one you wish to access.

The web application offers a pleasant user experience overall. I’m a big fan of the recent design update, as it puts the platform on a par with current design standards. Sharing files is a breeze, as is creating Office documents and running real-time collaboration with other members of my team. 

sync.com version history
The steps to restore a previous version of a file are easy to follow.

Notes From the Lab: Sync.com Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)

Sync.com’s speed performance isn’t the fastest, but to its credit, it does keep making improvements. Speeds fluctuated during our testing, and the platform measured low to medium CPU usage throughout. 

1st Attempt2nd AttemptAverageAverage
Upload0:09:430:09:510:09:470:09:36
Download0:11:480:12:040:11:560:10:56
*100 Mbps
**1 Gbps

Notes From the Lab: Sync.com Security Analysis

Current encryption standards are in place to keep your files secure. You can also use password protection for shared files and add two-factor authentication (2FA) each time there’s a new login to your account. Client-side encryption is also available on all plans, including the free version. 

sync security
The ability to add passwords helps ensure unauthorized users don’t gain access to files. 
Encryption TypeEncryption Protocols Used
Encryption at restAES-256
Encryption in transitTLS/SSL

Sync.com Pricing & Value

I’ve long applauded Sync.com’s approach to pricing. For just $4.80 per month on annual billing you can grab 2TB of file storage. That’s cheaper than most of the competition. Teams and Enterprise plans offer good value as well, and you can try the plans risk-free through the 30-day money back guarantee. Learn more in our Sync.com review

Free
  • 5GB
More plans
Pro Teams Standard
  • per user, per month, billed annually
  • 1TB
Pro Teams+ Unlimited
  • Priced per user (3 users minimum)
  • Unlimited GB
Enterprise
  • Minimum 100 users, custom requirements, account manager, training options

2. pCloud — Best Multimedia Cloud Storage With Version Control

Pay only once for lifetime cloud storage and save thousands of dollars with pCloud’s $399 2TB lifetime plan.

Pros:

  • Up to 12-month version history 
  • Client-side encryption 
  • Lifetime plans
  • Desktop backup tools

Cons:

  • Extended File History costs extra
  • Personal plans have only 30 days of version history
  • Encryption costs extra 
  • No productivity tools 

pCloud offers both changed and deleted file version history for up to one year. Most business plans come with 180 days as standard, and personal plans have only 30 days, but you can upgrade this in your account with a one-year extended file history.

The platform offers the best cloud storage for videos, thanks to its built-in media player. It also has some cool features like pCloud Save, which lets you download files to your account from a webpage. There’s a password manager too, so you can back up your passwords directly to your pCloud account.

pCloud Hands-On Testing

Accessing your version history in pCloud is much more self-explanatory: There’s a dedicated “rewind” tab in the left-hand menu. I was also able to use the calendar to jump to specific dates and select the exact files I wanted to restore. However, it isn’t very clear how to upgrade to 365 days of versioning — it’s hidden away in the user settings.

pcloud rewind
The calendar view makes it simple to jump back in time.

pCloud’s simple layout makes backing up files very smooth. Adding my MacBook to the backup application was painless, and I could select the folders I wanted to back up on a continuous basis. It’s a shame there are no productivity tools. However, if you collaborate on video content, pCloud more than makes up for it with its native media player.

Notes From the Lab: pCloud Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)

1st Attempt*2nd Attempt*Average*Average**
Upload0:07:020:07:100:07:060:02:06
Download0:06:500:06:530:06:520:02:33
*100 Mbps
**1 Gbps

pCloud is one of the fastest cloud storage services, especially on an uncapped 1 Gbps connection. Speeds were up and down during our testing, and we noticed mid-range CPU usage, though this didn’t impact all-around performance too much.

Notes From the Lab: pCloud Security Analysis

pCloud uses the same industry-standard encryption as Sync.com, plus password protection, download limits and expiration dates. A special client-side encryption folder is available for your most sensitive files, but it does come at an extra cost.

pcloud security
pCloud offers plenty of customizable security features.
Encryption TypeEncryption Protocols Used
Encryption at restAES 256-bit
Encryption in transitTLS/SSL

pCloud Pricing & Value

pCloud offers value ranging from decent to fantastic. Its 2TB plan works out to $8.33 per month on annual billing. However, its 2TB lifetime plan is currently only $399. Pay once and the service is yours to use forever. Learn more about the platform and its pricing options in our pCloud review

3. Google Drive — Best Productivity Cloud Storage With Versioning

www.google.com
100GB – 30TB$1.67 / month
(save 16%) (All Plans)
Visit Google DriveReview

Sign up for an annual subscription and get 2TB of Google Drive storage for $8.33 per month.

Pros:

  • Excellent version history features
  • Productivity powerhouse 
  • Collaboration tools

Cons:

  • No client-side encryption 
  • 30-day deleted file retention

Google Drive has some strengths and weaknesses when it comes to file retention. Its weakness is that you can recover deleted files for only 30 days. Its strength is that there’s no time limit on restoring previous versions of files, but only for a maximum of 100 versions. When restoring a file, you can see who made changes, as well as the dates and times. 

One of Google Drive’s big strengths is productivity. You can create documents, spreadsheets and presentations, and they’ll automatically back up to your account. Depending on your plan, you can turn Google into a complete workspace and take advantage of its apps for communication, creativity and AI. 

Google Drive Hands-On Testing

Like Sync.com, Google users access version control via a submenu. From there, it’s easy to access previous iterations thanks to a well-organized right-hand menu. I find that having names attached to versions makes it much easier to bring up a specific iteration. 

google user interface
All previous versions are accessible via the right-hand pop-up menu.

Google Drive has long been a go-to option for me because it’s one of the best for file management. I can color-code folders, which allows me to create a system to speed up access. Its search functionality is the best on the market too, offering high accuracy even with just a description of a file. 

Notes From the Lab: Google Drive Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)

1st Attempt*2nd Attempt*Average*Average**
Upload0:07:020:06:550:06:590:05:01
Download0:07:100:07:130:07:120:05:47
*100 Mbps
**1 Gbps

Google Drive’s speeds speak for themselves; they’re very quick. They remained stable during testing, and CPU usage was quite low as well.

Notes From the Lab: Google Drive Security Analysis

Your files are safe with Google Drive. However, it lacks password protection for shared files, and there’s no client-side encryption. Two-factor authentication is available, though, and you can set access permissions for shared files. 

google drive security
Google Drive is a little light on advanced security features.
Encryption TypeEncryption Protocols Used
Encryption at restAES 256-bit
Encryption in transitTLS

Google Drive Pricing & Value

Google Drive’s pricing is in line with most services in this selection.You can get 2TB of storage for $8.33 per month on annual billing. There are no lifetime plans, but the 15GB of free storage is one of the most generous free plans on the market. Learn more in our Google Drive review.

15GB
  • Free plan
  • 15GB
Standard 200GB
  • *The plan is “hidden.” To find the 200GB plan, you need to be subscribed to one of the other plans, upgrade or downgrade to the 200GB through your account’s settings.
  • 200GB
More plans

4. Dropbox — Best File Management Cloud Storage With Version History

www.dropbox.com
2TB – 5TB$9.99 / month
(save 16%) (All Plans)
Visit DropboxReview

Get 2TB of storage for $9.99 per month when you sign up for an annual subscription. 

Pros:

  • Up 12 months of versioning
  • Beautiful design
  • Native productivity tools

Cons:

  • Pricey 
  • 12-month versioning only on business plans
  • No client-side encryption on personal plans

Dropbox offers 30 to 365 days of version history, depending on your plan. Sadly, personal users on the entry-level plan have access to only 30 days of version history, with no option to extend. Professional users get 180 days, and business accounts enjoy 365 days. Each change made to a file is labeled with the user, the date and the time.

Dropbox Hands-On Testing

I found it wasn’t particularly clear how to access Dropbox’s version history — it’s hidden within a submenu behind another submenu. Once I found it, it was easy to go back in time and access previous file versions. Thankfully, accessing deleted files was much simpler, as there is a dedicated tab in the left-hand menu.

dropbox version control
Although easy to use, Dropbox’s UI has too many submenus for my taste.

If you need collaboration features, Dropbox can serve as a good Google Docs alternative. It has its own native document creator, and you can edit in real time with other team members. You also get version history for the comments section, which comes in handy if you comment too soon. Google and Microsoft integration is available for spreadsheets and presentations. 

I have a love-hate relationship with Dropbox’s overall UI design. I love the shapes, fonts and color scheme, as they have a modern, clean feel. However, I’m really not a fan of how much clutter there is on the screen due to the number of features and tabs. That aside, I do find Dropbox an easy tool to use for both personal and professional backup. 

Notes From the Lab: Dropbox Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)

1st Attempt*2nd Attempt*Average*Average**
Upload0:07:130:07:280:07:210:04:20
Download0:07:220:07:170:07:200:04:12
*100 Mbps
**1 Gbps

Dropbox is up there with the fastest cloud storage services. Its speeds were extremely stable during testing, and the low CPU usage allowed for plenty of multi-tasking. 

Notes From the Lab: Dropbox Security Analysis

Standard security protocols are included with all plans, with only the top-tier business plan offering client-side encryption as well. Free users have limited access permissions, while paid users can add passwords to files and 2FA to their account.

dropbox business security settings
The level of security varies depending on your plan.
Encryption TypeEncryption Protocols Used
Encryption at restAES 256-bit
Encryption in transitTLS/SSL

Dropbox Pricing & Value

Dropbox is a little pricier than other services. For example, the 2TB plan costs $9.99 per month on annual billing. With that, you get access to most of the workspace features and integrations. If you prefer Dropbox’s UI to Google Drive’s, the extra cash could be worth it. To see the full range of plans and features, check out our Dropbox review.

Free
  • 1 user
  • 2GB
More plans
Dropbox Essentials (aka Professional for professionals)
  • (Formerly Dropbox One) 1 user Signature requests and eSignature templates
  • 3TB
Dropbox Business (aka Standard for teams)
  • 3 users minimum
  • 5TB
Dropbox Business Plus (aka Advanced for companies)
  • 3 users minimum
Dropbox Enterprise

    5. MEGA — Best Free Cloud Storage With File History

    mega.io
    3TB – 100TB$9.78 / month
    (save 16%) (All Plans)
    Visit MEGAReview

    Get 3TB of storage space for $9.78 per month when you sign up for an annual subscription.

    Pros:

    • File versioning for 100 copies
    • Large storage options 
    • Client-side encryption

    Cons:

    • No 365-day versioning 
    • Limited productivity tools

    MEGA is new to the file-versioning party, recently adding the option to restore up to 100 previous copies of a file within a six-month period. It’s not a dead end outside of 180 days, but you will need to contact support to recover files after that time period. Unlike other services, MEGA doesn’t attach users to versions, nor does it label the date and time.

    There’s little in the form of productivity tools. However, you can collaborate on files to a degree by discussing them in the native chat tool. Users can also send out file requests, giving external users the ability to upload to a shared folder. 

    MEGA Hands-On Testing

    Accessing MEGA’s vision history was simple: I just hit the ellipses and selected “rewind.” Once I chose a date, MEGA restored the files within that folder to the version from that date. However, there’s one issue. At the time of writing, users can rewind only folders, not specific files. This is fine in some situations, but for documents, I recommend using another service.

    mega file versioning

    I do like MEGA on the whole, though. It has an eye-catching design that makes it enjoyable to use. I was able to quickly access features thanks to the simple layout, and color-coding folders made file management nice and smooth. The chat tool is especially cool. I was able to conduct a video call within the app and discuss files with collaborators. 

    Notes From the Lab: MEGA Speed Test Results (5GB Folder)

    1st Attempt*2nd Attempt*Average*Average**
    Upload0:07:080:07:060:07:070:05:41
    Download0:07:540:08:070:07:200:04:16
    *100 Mbps
    **1 Gbps

    MEGA’s upload speeds are nice and fast. Download speeds are good too, but they’re slightly slower than those of Google Drive and other services. Speeds were stable during testing, and we noted very low CPU usage.

    Notes From the Lab: MEGA Security Analysis

    MEGA is one of the most secure services you can use today. Password protection and separate decryption keys makes file sharing very secure. Plus, client-side encryption is available on all plans.

    mega security
    MEGA has plenty of security tools, but sadly, some of them are restricted
    to the Pro plan.
    Encryption TypeEncryption Protocols Used
    Encryption at restAES 256-bit
    Encryption in transitTLS/SSL

    MEGA Pricing & Value

    MEGA offers one of the best free cloud storage services, giving you 20GB of free data storage. Paid plans are pretty much in line with other services. MEGA also offers large 20TB storage plans for just $29.34 per month on annual billing. You can learn more in our MEGA review.

    Free
    • 20GB
    Pro I
    • File transfer: 3TB (Monthly plan) 36TB (yearly plan)
    • 3TB
    Pro II
    • File transfer: 10TB (monthly plan), 120TB (yearly plan)
    • 10TB
    More plans
    Pro III
    • File transfer: 20TB (monthly plan) 240TB (yearly plan)
    • 20TB
    Business
    • Price per user (minimum 3) 3TB Transfer quota
    • 100TB

    How to Use a Cloud Storage Service With Version Control

    If you’re new to version history and are unsure how the process works, let me take you through a quick step-by-step guide. As Sync.com is my top pick, I’ll use that platform as an example. 

    1. Locate Your File

      Locate the file you want to revert and select the three vertical dots.

      sync select file
    2. Select “Version History” 

      In the dropdown menu, navigate towards the bottom and select “version history.”

      sync select version history
    3. Locate and Restore the File

      Locate the version you wish to restore and select the three dots on the right-hand side. Select “restore” in the dropdown menu to access the previous version of the file.

      sync select version history

    Final Thoughts

    I’m sure you now better understand how to access and use file versioning. This simple but invaluable tool gives you more flexibility with how you update and manage files. Thanks to this feature, you can jump back in time without disrupting your workflow or the final outcome. 

    Sync.com remains my top choice because it offers extended version control, is extremely private and offers superb security for your data; you can get 40% off Sync.com plans with Cloudwards’ exclusive deal. 

    Which service will you use? Can you tell us about any deleted file disasters you’ve experienced? Are there any services you think I missed? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading. 

    FAQ: Cloud Storage With Version Control

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