What Is Dropbox? Ultimate 2024 Beginner’s Guide to Dropbox Cloud Storage
Dropbox is one of the pioneers of cloud storage. Many utilize it to store, share files, collaborate and back up data. In our “What is Dropbox?” guide, we will discuss what it is and explain how it works.
Written by Titus Kamunya (Writer)
Reviewed by Brett Day (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski (Fact-Checker)
Last Updated: 2024-08-24T08:39:25+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: What Is Dropbox?
- Dropbox has robust collaboration features and seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
- The biggest difference between Dropbox and Dropbox Business is that the former is designed for personal use, while the latter is suitable for business users.
- Dropbox offers a free plan with 2GB of storage and numerous paid plans that offer secure document sharing, PDF editing, admin controls and more.
Facts & Expert Analysis About Dropbox:
- Integration with third-party apps: Dropbox integrates with hundreds of applications, making it one of the best cloud services for collaboration.
- Good but not great security: Dropbox doesn’t implement zero-knowledge encryption, meaning the platform can scan your files. Other than that, it offers good security features.
- Dropbox Paper: Users can create, edit and share documents with text, images, videos and snippets of code without leaving Dropbox, making it a robust team collaboration platform.
![Should You Still Use Dropbox in 2024? [Updated Review]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/bwy8HZ1Uvnk/maxresdefault.jpg)
You can’t discuss file hosting or cloud storage without mentioning Dropbox. Founded in 2007, the service is still one of the best cloud storage services around due to its collaboration features, its ability to work on multiple devices and its user-friendly interface. If you want to learn how a service like this can benefit you, read on as we answer the question, what is Dropbox?
We have a Dropbox review that covers everything you need to know, from security, privacy and the user interface to customer support, but if you just want to learn what Dropbox is, how it works, what it can be used for and how much the platform costs to use, read on.
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01/18/2023
Rewritten to reflect new information, add new images and include a section on Dropbox security.
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07/16/2024 Facts checked
Guide rewritten to add new information and implement an easier-to-read format.
What Is Dropbox?
Dropbox is a file-hosting and cloud storage service that allows users to store, share and collaborate on files over the cloud. Founded in 2007, Dropbox is one of the pioneer cloud storage solutions and is loved for its ease of use and powerful collaboration features.
and share files and collaborate on documents.
What Is Dropbox Used For?
Dropbox is a multipurpose cloud service for storing, sharing and collaborating on files. The use cases for Dropbox are listed below.
- Cloud storage: Dropbox allows users to store files in different formats in its cloud. Dropbox uses AES-256 and TLS encryption, so files enjoy end-to-end encryption while in transit and at rest. Dropbox also makes it easy to download files to your local machine.
- File sharing: Dropbox allows individuals and organizations to share files with teammates. Recipients can be registered or unregistered Dropbox users. File owners can set granular permissions to control how recipients interact with the shared files.
- File syncing: Dropbox ensures files are consistently updated across all devices. When you enable sync, any change you make to your files on the web interface will be reflected on the mobile and desktop applications.
- Freeing up hard drive storage space: Dropbox lets you store files online instead of on your local drive. You can access these files from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Rich note-taking: Dropbox has an add-on known as Dropbox Paper that combines a whiteboard and a document editor. It allows you to add images, videos, code snippets and text to your notes. You can learn more about it in our Dropbox Paper review.
- Document editing and collaboration: Dropbox allows you to collaborate on shared files simultaneously. This service integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365 to enable document editing and collaboration.
- Data backup: Dropbox Backup allows users to back up important documents on their devices and store them in the cloud. You can also turn on automatic backup, which uploads your files to the cloud after a specific period.
- File recovery: Dropbox users can restore and recover deleted, lost or corrupted files from their accounts with a few clicks. The file history feature shows different versions of the documents you uploaded or edited.
What Is Dropbox Business?
Dropbox Business is a cloud storage solution designed for teams and businesses. In addition to the regular Dropbox features, Dropbox Business has customizable team settings through the admin console.
controls and advanced collaboration features.
Admins can regulate the number of devices on a team, configure settings, control how files are shared and generate team activity reports. For more details, we have an in-depth Dropbox Business review article, and our Dropbox vs Dropbox Business guide explains the differences between Dropbox and Dropbox Business.
How Much Does Dropbox Cost?
Dropbox’s costs vary based on the plan. Overall, Dropbox is fairly priced. Its free plan provides users 2GB of storage and is ideal for individuals. The cheapest paid plan under the personal use category is the Plus plan, which costs $9.99 monthly, billed annually. This plan supports one user and offers 2TB of storage. Power users can opt for the Essentials or Business plans.
You can also opt for Dropbox Business Plus, which costs $24 per user per month for a minimum of three users and includes 5TB of storage for each user. There’s also a customizable Enterprise plan. For more detailed pricing information, check out the table below.
- 1 user
- 2GB
- 1 user
- 2TB
- 1 user
- 2TB
More plans
- (Formerly Dropbox One) 1 user Signature requests and eSignature templates
- 3TB
- 3 users minimum
- 5TB
- 3 users minimum
Is Dropbox Free?
Dropbox offers a free plan called Basic, which provides users with 2GB of storage but little else. The plan is ideal for those who just need a little cloud storage space for a few personal documents and images.
How Dropbox Works
Dropbox is available on the web as well as through desktop and mobile applications. Users simply need to sign up for a Dropbox account and select a plan. Dropbox will prompt you to download its desktop app and install it. With Dropbox installed, you will see a Dropbox folder on your hard drive and a Dropbox icon in the menu bar (Mac) or taskbar (Windows).
Using Dropbox is simple. To save files to the cloud, simply drag and drop them from your computer to the Dropbox sync folder on your computer. Your files will be stored in the cloud, and you can store, download, share and even work on them together with teammates thanks to built-in collaboration tools.
Dropbox App for iPhone and Android
Dropbox has mobile applications for Android and iPhone devices. Visit the respective app store, search for Dropbox and install it. Follow the installation prompts and enter the login credentials you used during the sign-up process to upload files, pictures and videos online. Once installed, users can upload and access files stored in their Dropbox account while on the move.
What Are the Benefits and Disadvantages of Dropbox?
Dropbox’s biggest advantage is itsintegration with third-party applications. Integrations enhance collaboration, as users can use their favorite apps while working in Dropbox. Dropbox is also easy to use thanks to its clean user interface. Of course, being able to access important files from anywhere is always going to be an advantage.
Despite having positive traits such as having HIPPA-compliant features, Dropbox falls short on certain fronts, such as the lack of zero-knowledge encryption. Zero-knowledge encryption would prevent Dropbox from seeing what your folders contain. Competitors like Sync implement this feature. You can learn more about zero-knowledge encryption and other Sync features in our Sync review.
| |
|---|---|
| 2TB – 5TB$9.99 / month(All Plans) | |
| Review | |
| Sync | |
| Sync Folder | |
| Block-Level Sync | |
| Selective Sync | |
| Bandwidth management | |
| Sync Any Folder | |
| File Sharing | |
| File Link Sharing | |
| Link Passwords | |
| Link Expiry Dates | |
| Folder Sharing | |
| Folder Permissions | |
| Link Download Limits | |
| Upload Links | |
| Productivity | |
| File Previews | |
| Edit Files | |
| In-App Collaboration | |
| Office Online | |
| Google Docs | |
| Notes App | |
| Media Playback | |
| Mobile Apps | |
| Deleted File Retention | |
| Versioning | |
| WebDAV | |
| Security | |
| At-Rest Encryption | |
| In-Transit Encryption | |
| Encryption Protocol | AES 256-bit |
| Zero Knowledge | |
| Two-Factor Authentication | |
| Server Location | US |
| Support | |
| 24/7 Support | |
| Live Chat Support | |
| Telephone Support | |
| Email Support | |
| User Forum | |
| Knowledgebase | |
| Misc | |
| Free Plan |
Final Thoughts
Despite being one of the oldest cloud storage solutions, Dropbox is still in sync with modern users. Users can store and manage files and collaborate easily. However, its lack of zero-knowledge encryption and limited free space are drawbacks.
For a cloud solution with a generous free plan, check out MEGA and how it stacks up with Dropbox in our MEGA vs Dropbox comparison. We also have an article on the best Dropbox alternatives if you’d like to explore more options. Otherwise, Dropbox remains a fine cloud storage solution.
Did you find our guide helpful? Which Dropbox feature do you love most? What else would you like to know about Dropbox? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: The Dropbox Cloud Storage Service Explained
Yes. Dropbox is a cloud storage and cloud backup service. As a cloud storage service, Dropbox allows you to store documents, files and photos. As a cloud backup service, Dropbox allows users to quickly restore files.
Dropbox’s biggest downside is that it lacks zero-knowledge encryption, meaning it can read files stored on its servers. In addition, the free plan only offers 2GB of storage space.
Dropbox offers a free plan with 2GB of file storage and multiple paid plans with advanced features.