Businesses today deal with huge volumes of files on a regular basis. However, without a proper filing system in place, retrieving the right documents can be time-consuming.
Recently, 42% of HR professionals reported that it wasn’t easy to find certain documents, and 41% said documents were stored across too many locations.
Document management software (DMS) allows companies to store, track and manage all files in a central location like a network server or in the cloud where they’re accessible by anyone on the team.
Features like file management and workflow automation help companies manage their documents and automate certain processes.
However, 62% of HR professionals indicated that their organization wasn’t using a DMS.
You may have already heard of Dropbox — a popular storage service that keeps all your important files in the cloud and makes them accessible from any device. But is it the right DMS for your business?
Are there any Dropbox alternatives?
Yes, but it can be difficult to find objective information online. Compiling your research on your own can also be a long and tedious process.
Not to worry. We’ve put together an in-depth guide with important information you need about leading Dropbox alternatives so you can make an informed decision for your business.
Dropbox alternatives:
Introduction to Dropbox
What the Vendor Says: “Dropbox is the world’s first smart workspace. We bring all your team’s content together while letting you use the tools you love. And we help cut through the clutter, surfacing what matters most.”
About Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud-based document management system that allows individuals and businesses of all sizes to share and work on files in one central location.
What’s Offered by Dropbox?
Dropbox Business is an application primarily intended for corporations and offers more features over Dropbox Basic. Key features include cloud-based storage for all file types, collaboration across teams from any device, and integration with tools like Slack and Zoom.
Additional useful functions of Dropbox Business include:
- Control: Businesses can give access privileges to select users for certain files.
- Collaborate: A collaborative workspace enables real-time collaboration across different file types.
- Share: Users can quickly share files with others in an organization via a link.
- Backup: Files have unlimited version history and can be recovered for up to 120 days..
- Mobile: Mobile apps are available through Windows, Android, iOS and Linux.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Dropbox Cost?
Dropbox offers three pricing plans: Standard, Advanced and Enterprise.
Here’s a snapshot of Dropbox’s pricing (billed yearly):
Businesses can also opt to pay monthly instead, but will end up paying more per user each month:
Businesses interested in a more customizable solution will need to contact the vendor directly to request a quote for the Enterprise plan.
There’s a 30-day free trial available, which gives you full access to all the features.
Pros and Cons of Dropbox
Pros: Intuitive interface and easy to set up. Files are accessible from any device. Unlimited version history and 120 days of file recovery.
Cons: Multiple users can’t access and edit documents at the same time.
Check out this comprehensive review of Dropbox to learn more.
Dropbox Alternative #1: Box
What the Vendor Says: “Transformation starts with Cloud Content Management.”
Introduction to Box
Box is a cloud management solution that allows companies of all sizes to manage their files securely and collaborate across teams in one central location.
What’s Offered by Box?
Box offers a storage solution that allows users in an organization to manage and access files from any device. Box offers advanced security controls and information governance, so administrators can manage their own encryption keys and protect shared links with passwords.
On the Box Platform, businesses can enhance the functionality of the platform and simply content collaboration across different apps with an easy-to-integrate set of APIs.
Additional key features include:
- Mobile apps
- Integration with over 1,400 third-party applications
- Version control
- Workflow automation
- Global compliance standards
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Box Cost?
Box offers four pricing plans for businesses. Each has its own set of features and is priced per user, per month.
Here’s a snapshot of Box’s pricing (billed yearly):
Businesses can also choose to pay month to month, but the cost is higher:
Businesses interested in the Enterprise plan should reach out directly to Box’s sales team for a quote. Box offers a 14-day free trial.
Pros and Cons of Box
Pros: Offers companies a secure way to store and share files. Includes robust security features and integrates with applications like Microsoft Office and Salesforce.
Cons: Some users have reported inconsistencies in syncing files across folders. Non-Box users can access files as Read-Only.
Check out the following in-depth Box review for more information.
Dropbox Alternative #2: Google Drive
What the Vendor Says: “Your files in Drive can be reached from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. So wherever you go, your files follow.”
Introduction to Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage platform that allows individuals and businesses to store and sync their files across different different devices.
What’s Offered by Google Drive?
Google Drive allows users to store, view and edit different file types. Users can create and collaborate on documents using Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides. These web-based office suite apps are included in Google Drive and are accessible from any device. Different permission settings can be set for each file (e.g., read-only, ability to edit, etc.).
Team Drives is another feature that Google Drive offers. Files in the drive belong to the team instead of an individual. Even if an employee leaves, those files still stay in place.
Additional features include:
- Powerful search capabilities
- Offline functionality
- Enterprise-grade security and management tools
- Accessible from all devices
- 24/7 phone and email support
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Google Drive Cost?
Individual users can take advantage of 15 GB of free storage. An Enterprise plan is also available for businesses. Pricing is based on the number of active users and storage used per month.
Here’s a snapshot of Google Drive’s Enterprise pricing:
There is a free 30-day free trial available.
Pros and Cons of Google Drive
Pros: Robust and secure storage solution that includes an office suite of apps. Flexible pricing plan that allows companies to pay for what they use.
Cons: Some users note long loading times for larger files and the inability to share folders.
Check out this comprehensive review of Google Drive to learn more.
Dropbox Alternative #3: pCloud
What The Vendor Says: “The complete, secure platform to store, sync and collaborate on your business files with your colleagues.”
Introduction to pCloud
PCloud is a cloud-based storage solution that allows individuals and businesses to securely store different file types, such as images, videos, audio, documents and more in a central location.
What’s Offered by pCloud?
PCloud offers a data storage platform that’s built with enterprise-level security. Data is transferred via the TLS/SSL protocol and stored in data centers that have SSAE 16 SOC 1, Type II certification. This ensures a high level of security for all file types.
Users can also encrypt their private files, which can be locked and unlocked with passphrases. PCloud provides zero-knowledge privacy, meaning that encryption keys are never uploaded or stored on their data servers.
Additional features include:
- File management
- File sharing and collaboration
- File synchronization across devices
- Unlimited file uploads
- File versioning
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does pCloud Cost?
PCloud offers two tiers: Premium and Premium Plus. Both can be purchased with a one-time payment or with an annual subscription.
Pricing for PCloud Business isn’t displayed on the website. Interested businesses should reach out directly to the vendor for a quote. There is a free 30-day free trial available.
Pros and Cons of pCloud
Pros: Unlimited cloud storage space with enterprise-level security. Files are accessible from any device.
Cons: PCloud can’t be deployed on-premise. Some users note clunky elements within the interface.
To learn more, check out this comprehensive review of pCloud.
Dropbox Alternative #4: GLOBODOX
What the Vendor Says: “Securely manage documents and automate document approval processes.”
Introduction to GLOBODOX
GLOBODOX is document management software that makes it easy for medium to large enterprises to securely manage and share their documents.
What’s Offered by GLOBODOX?
GLOBODOX offers a scalable document management solution that can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. The intuitive interface allows users to easily drag-and-drop files from any source. Automated workflows can be designed to streamline business processes and greatly reduce manual effort.
Additional features include:
- Multiple file organization options
- Built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
- Enhanced search functionality
- Collaboration across teams
- Version control
- Signature and annotation
- Dedicated mobile app
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does GLOBODOX Cost?
GLOBODOX offers two plans for businesses: Standard and Suite. Pricing isn’t publicly displayed. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out directly to the vendor to request a quote.
Pros and Cons of GLOBODOX
Pros: Quick implementation and intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality. Custom workflows can automate business processes.
Cons: Mobile app lacks more advanced features. Some users note that customer support could be improved.
Check out this comprehensive review of GLOBODOX for more information.
Dropbox Alternative #5: Rubex
What the Vendor Says: “Your business automated, secure, compliant – freeing you for the work that really matters.”
Introduction to Rubex
Rubex is a new document management solution by eFileCabinet that combines advanced OCR and workflow automation tools for secure file sharing.
What’s Offered by Rubex?
Rubex offers on-premise and cloud options for its document management software in a centralized location, enabling businesses to easily locate any file. With advanced zonal optical character recognition (OCR), the system is able to recognize and automatically file any type of document.
The system is able to create new folder structures as new files are uploaded. Rubex also offers secure file-sharing, allowing users to send encrypted files to anyone.
Key features include:
- Automated workflows
- Advanced version tracking
- Instant file retrieval
- Role-based permissions
- Encrypted file sharing
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Rubex Cost?
eFileCabinet offers four pricing plans for its Rubex platform: Basic, Advantage, Business and Unlimited. Each is priced per user, per month (billed annually) and offers a different set of features.
Here’s a snapshot of Rubex’s pricing:
Pros and Cons of Rubex
Pros: Quick implementation and intuitive interface. Advanced zonal OCR can automatically file different file types.
Cons: Some users note that navigating between cabinets can be slow, and others have noted poor customer support.
Read this in-depth review of Rubex to learn more.
Dropbox Alternative #6: PinPoint
What the Vendor Says: “Have your organization become more efficient than ever using PinPoint document management software.”
Introduction to PinPoint
PinPoint is a highly customizable document management system that companies of all sizes can use to store and manage their files from one single location.
What’s Offered by PinPoint?
PinPoint offers document management software that users can access from any browser or on their mobile device. It can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. Automatic filing is powered by ARIE (Automated Robot Integration Explorer), which can perform multidocument batch filing using OCR capture as well as automating other workflow processes.
Additional features include:
- Document management
- Collaboration across teams
- Integration with other applications
- Version control
- Customized company portal
- On-site training
- 24/7 customer service
PinPoint also introduced a built-in customer relationship management (CRM) system at no extra cost.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does PinPoint Cost?
Pricing for PinPoint starts at $14 per user per month. The price includes one-on-one training with a project manager, product updates and live chat support. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out directly to their sales team for additional pricing information. There’s a free trial available.
Pros and Cons of PinPoint
Pros: Highly customizable document data management solution with a responsive customer support team.
Cons: For businesses that choose the self-hosted option, LSSP has to install the software. Only special exceptions are permitted.
Check out this comprehensive review of PinPoint for more information.
Conclusion
Document management software gives companies an excellent option to store and manage their files, which can significantly reduce costs associated with document-related tasks.
Dropbox is one of the more popular data management solutions that companies can use to store and share their documents.
But it’s not the only option. Many Dropbox alternatives offer different features that your business may need. Better Buys has several resources available to help you make an informed decision.