Box is a popular secure cloud storage and collaboration platform for individuals and businesses alike. As a cloud storage solution, Box offers all the features needed by a company seeking a comprehensive platform, including enterprise-grade security, strong compliance features, and AI integrations, making Box a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), as well as larger organizations.
Companies use Box to store, synchronize and share files, use real-time collaboration features, and streamline content-driven business processes in a secure environment. However, while excellent, Box might not cater the needs of all SMBs. Switching to an alternative might provide better pricing, better collaboration tools or a wider array of integrations. But… Which one is best for your business?
In today’s article we’ll review and evaluate the top Box competitors to help you choose a cloud storage solution that aligns with the growth and workflow requirements of your enterprise.
The best alternatives to Box
Box Alternatives: Why Choose a Secure File-Sharing Platform for Small Businesses?
While Box is a great fit for many, you may be looking for alternatives to Box because of specific pain points. There are many other options available in the market, including different platforms that cater to various business needs.
- Cost concerns: Box Business starts at $15 per user and month, while Business Plus and Enterprise cost $25 and $35 per user and month respectively. The total cost can increase significantly depending on the number of users in your organization. This falls in line with the price that Dropbox for Business charges, but Microsoft 365 Business Standard costs $12.50 per month and user and Sync’s Teams+ Unlimited plan $15 per month and user, making them affordable options.
- Limited Document editing and viewing: Box lags behind some of its competitors in real-time editing and viewing. While it offers some integrations, for instance with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, its native capabilities are limited, so that businesses that rely on seamless collaboration may require third-party integrations, which may increase costs and complexity. Some alternatives also offer robust file sharing services with advanced features.
- File upload limits: Box Business limits the size of a single file to 5 GB, which may not be sufficient for some businesses. The Business Plus tier increases the limit to 15 GB. Competitors may have larger file limits or none at all. Sync, for example, accepts files of any size. Choosing the right platform can help boost productivity by streamlining collaboration and file management.
Dropbox Business
Dropbox for Business is a cloud storage, file-sharing, and collaboration platform for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Dropbox focuses on real-time collaboration, security, and productivity enhancements, some of them using AI. In addition to these features,
Dropbox supports all major desktop and mobile operating systems with the Dropbox app, syncing files across devices and between team members. Collaboration tools include shared folders and real-time editing with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace integration. This lets remote teams manage and organize documents, media, and other digital assets from any kind of project efficiently.
Additional tools, like Dropbox Paper for the creation of documents, PDF editing and signing, or the secure document transfer tool DocSend, complement the toolset. These tools enhance document management and digital asset management workflows, supporting a wide range of file types (including media files such as images and videos). Dropbox also allows files to be securely downloaded via public links, with options for password protection and download limits.
Last, but not least, Dropbox supports strong security and compliance features. It uses AES-256 encryption, supports two-factor authentication (2FA), and features such as remote wiping and password-protected links. However, true end-to-end encryption is only available in Dropbox Advanced, a pricier plan. Regarding compliance, it supports GDPR, HIPAA and more.
Dropbox Business Key Features
- Scalable storage
- Selective and automatic file synchronization
- Shared folders
- Collaboration with real-time editing
- Centralized admin console
- Strong integrations with services such as Slack, Office, Workspace and more.
Dropbox Business Pros and Cons
| Fast syncing | Pricier than some competitors |
|---|---|
| Easy intuitive user interface | End-to-end encryption limited to Advanced plan |
| Real-time editing | Its Standard tier lacks some interesting features |
| Good customer support | |
| Extensive self-help and community forums |
Dropbox Business Pricing Plans
Dropbox Business’ prices start at $15 per month and user for Dropbox Standard, go up to $24 per month and user for Dropbox Advanced.
Box vs Dropbox
When you compare Box with Dropbox for Business, you will notice that there are similarities but also significant differences in what both services offer.
| Core Features | 5 TB per user (Advanced), Strong real-time collaboration, integrations, Smart Sync and LAN Sync, Dropbox Paper, e-signatures. | Unlimited storage, Workflow automation, e-signatures, Box AI (full only in Enterprise Plus). |
|---|---|---|
| Security | AES-256, Two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption (Advanced), password protect files, admin control, compliance tracking (Advanced), Advanced key management (Advanced) | AES 256-bit, Two-factor authentication, Data loss protection, Advanced user & security reporting, mobile security controls, optional add-ons (Box Keysafe, Box Shield) |
| Admin / Integrations | Admin console, SSO/SCIM (Business Plus), hundreds of integrations, groups and roles (Advanced), tiered-admin management (Advanced) | Granular permissions and access controls, hundreds of integrations, advanced governance (Box Zones), external collaborators. |
| Accessibility | Intuitive user interface, well-designed mobile apps, offline access. | Clear but complex user interface, good mobile apps, steeper learning curve due to advanced features. |
| Pricing | Dropbox Standard $15, Dropbox Advanced for $24 per user and month. | Box Business $15, Box Business Plus for $25, Box Enterprise from $35 per user and month |
Dropbox for Business offers a stronger focus on collaboration and usability when compared to Box, making it a strong option for teams and smaller businesses. Box offers stronger enterprise-features, robust security, more integrations, and AI content generation. Its focus on compliance, governance and security makes it more suited for larger businesses or regulated SMBs.
Google Drive (Google Workspace)
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage and collaboration platform by Alphabet that is part of Google Workspace. It is designed for businesses of all sizes, from small companies to large enterprises, and offers seamless integrations with other Google products, including Google Docs, Sheets, Gmail, or Slides).
It provides a unified environment for file storage, allowing to create a shared folder, as well as real-time collaboration and team communication. As a result, there’s an increased employee productivity. Recently, Google started to introduce its Gemini AI into Google Drive and its other products to improve search and interactions with files.
Google Drive Key Features
- Between 30 GB and 5 TB pooled storage
- Real-time syncing
- Real-time editing and commenting on files
- Allows shared drives
- Admin console
- Granular access controls to protect sensitive data
- Wide array of integrations with third-party apps
- Advanced search with AI integrations
Google Drive Pros and Cons
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Google Drive Pricing Plans
Google Drive’s price range is between $7 (Starter, 30 GB) and $35 (Enterprise Plus, 5 TB+).
Google Drive vs Box
Google Drive, with its seamless integration into Google’s ecosystem is ideal for small or medium-sized businesses who use Google products extensively already. Compared to Box, some of its plans are more affordable, but not by much. While Starter looks like a good plan with its $7 per user and month price, it is only an option for businesses that do not require much storage space, as it limits storage to just 30 GB per user.
The two main plans for SMBs are Standard at $14 and Plus at $22 per user and month. Not far off from Box’s Business ($15) and Business Plus ($25) plans. Also worth noting is that Box promises unlimited storage space whereas Google does not.
Larger SMBs or SMBs in regulated industries may pick Box, as it offers strong security, no storage limits, excellent compliance, and integrations.
Microsoft OneDrive (Microsoft 365)
Microsoft OneDrive is to Microsoft what Google Drive is to Google. It is the company’s cloud storage and file-sharing platform that is a part of Microsoft 365. It offers seamless integration with Microsoft’s productivity suite, including Word, Excel and SharePoint, and supports secure file storage, real-time collaboration and strong administrative controls.
Microsoft introduced its Copilot AI into its ecosystem recently to enhance workflows with the assistance of artificial intelligence
Microsoft OneDrive Key Features
- 1TB of cloud storage per user
- Real-time syncing
- Offline access to files
- Personal Vaults (with 2FA) that provide an extra layer of security
- Real-time editing in Microsoft 365 apps
- Secure file storage and document sharing
- Strong compliance and security
- Centralized admin controls
- Can be upgraded with extra features, like Copilot AI
Microsoft OneDrive Pros and Cons
| Seamless communication with Microsoft 365 | Limited third-party integrations |
|---|---|
| Affordable starter plan with 1TB storage | Client-side encryption requires Enterprise plans |
| Fast syncing | Limited sharing controls |
| Real-time collaboration | |
| Teams integration |
Microsoft OneDrive Pricing Plans
OneDrive’s plans start at $6 per user and month for Microsoft 365 Business Basic. Goes up to $22 per user and month for Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Budget-conscious businesses may also pick Microsoft 365 Apps for business for $8.25 per user and month, but it offers limited functionality.
Microsoft OneDrive vs Box
Microsoft OneDrive, as part of Microsoft 365, is a cost-effective file storage solution. It is ideal for small or medium-sized businesses that are invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem already, as it integrates seamlessly in that case and may require little training.
Box, with its unlimited storage plans and extensive integrations, may appeal to you if your business operates in a regulated sector or requires advanced security, compliance and governance. This comes at a price though, as some features, e.g. Box Zones, cost extra.
Sync
Sync.com is an affordable file-sharing and cloud storage platform for individuals and businesses with a focus on privacy and security. Its zero-knowledge architecture is available across all plans. Combined with solid compliance, it is suitable for SMBs that need excellent security and simple file management.
However, Sync.com lacks when it comes to collaboration features. As such, it is ideal for teams that prioritize data protection over extensive collaboration features.
Sync.com Key Features
- 1 TB per user to unlimited storage
- Secure file sharing
- Team folder management with role-based access
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- Comprehensive admin console
- Integration with Microsoft 365
- Remote share wipe
- Unlimited file version history
Sync.com Pros and Cons
| Robust security and privacy features | Limited collaboration |
|---|---|
| Affordable in comparison to other platforms | No native productivity apps |
| Good compliance | |
| Limited integrations |
| |
Sync.com Pricing
Sync’s price range goes from $6 per user and month (Teams Standard) to $15 for unlimited storage and VIP support (Teams Unlimited+).
Box vs. Sync
Sync.com is ideal for small or medium-sized businesses that seek an affordable, privacy-first storage solution with strong security and compliance support. This makes it a great choice for businesses in sectors like healthcare or law.
Box offers stronger features for larger organizations and enterprises that may require extensive integrations, advanced governance, or collaboration tools. It comes with higher costs and complexity though.
Egnyte for Business
Egnyte is a business and enterprise file storage, sharing, and synchronization platform that offers hybrid cloud and on-premises storage solutions. It focuses on secure file management, collaboration, governance and AI features.
The service offers add-ons for specific industries, e.g., life sciences or financial services, but they cost extra and require a quote. Strong AI features are integrated, but they require higher tiers or add-ons as well.
Egnyte Key Features
- Scalable storage
- Hybrid cloud with desktop caching and automatic syncing
- Large file support
- Secure file sharing
- Real-time editing via Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace integrations
- Strong security and compliance features
- Centralized admin console
- AI features
Egnyte Pros and Cons
| Hybrid cloud gives flexibility | Higher cost than other Box alternatives |
|---|---|
| Strong security and compliance | No zero-knowledge encryption |
| Granular permissions | Complex setup and implementation |
| Strong integrations | Certain features cost extra |
| High performance | |
| Industry-specific options |
Egnyte’s plans start at $22 per user and month, go up to $46 per user and month for Egnyte Elite with advanced AI. Ultimate plan on quote only.
Egnyte vs. Box
Both Egnyte and Box are leading cloud storage platforms that offer strong security, collaboration, and enterprise-focused features. Egnyte excels with its hybrid cloud solution, governance for regulated industries, industry-specific add-ons, and compliance, while Box offers deep integrations, unlimited storage for broad enterprise and large business use.
Egnyte is a strong alternative to Box, especially in regulated sectors that require industry-specific tools, a hybrid-cloud infrastructure, or granular permissions. However, its higher cost and complexity makes it less suitable for smaller teams and businesses.
The best alternatives to Box
Final Thoughts: These Are the Best Box Competitors for SMBs
Choosing the best box alternatives for SMBs as a content management and collaboration platform depends to a large degree on specific requirements and needs:
- If your business is invested into Google’s ecosystem of products and tools already and needs seamless collaboration with AI-powered features using Google services, then it is Google Workspace that you may want to look at first.
- Similarly, if your business is using Microsoft products already, including Microsoft Office or Windows, then Microsoft OneDrive, as part of Microsoft 365, is the standout choice.
- If your business requires hybrid deployment, strong data governance, and advanced compliance and content intelligence features, it is Egnyte that you may want to trial first.
- If you require a privacy-first and highly secure design, with little collaboration tools baked in, Sync should be your first pick.
- And finally, if you value simplicity and ease of use, combined with reliable file sharing and syncing, it is Dropbox that you may want to take a closer look at first.
I highly recommend that you take advantage of the free trial offers before making a commitment. This allows you to test the ins and outs of the services that you are interested in to make sure it fits your requirements best.