Livedrive vs. Dropbox: a comparison of cloud storage

In this practical tip we compare Livedrive and Dropbox. Find out which cloud service is better for you.

Dropbox: The blue cloud service can do that

Dropbox has become one of the leading cloud services in recent years. You get the following features with the blue box:

Different platforms: Dropbox is not only accessible via your browser. You can also download the service as a program or app for multiple platforms. Windows, Android, iOS, Linux and Blackberry are supported.
Security: The data is stored on American servers. Although these are relatively safe from hackers, in the course of the NSA affair you should consider whether you trust these servers with your private data. After all, you can encrypt your files manually.
Tariffs: You use the cloud service completely free of charge. You start with 2 GB and you can expand the memory for free. However, if you need more storage space, you have to pay for it: 500 GB, for example, costs around 37 euros a month.

Livedrive has also been around for a few years. This cloud service is also one of the most popular - although it does not offer a free model:

Different platforms: Similar to Dropbox, you have access to the storage of your Livedrive account from different platforms. These include Android, Windows, iOS, Linux and Blackberry.
Security: Livedrive data is sent encrypted and stored on English servers with SSL encryption.
Tariffs: You can test the Livedrive service free of charge for two weeks. Then you have to pay for your web storage monthly. The prices are very different: So in the basic tariff you pay 4 euros per month plus 0.001 euros for each GB you use. Livedrive even synchronizes your data automatically for 8 euros a month.
Performance: Livedrive convinced in comparison with a very fast synchronization in the download and upload area.

Both services have their advantages and disadvantages. Livedrive and Dropbox differ particularly in terms of security and price:

Dropbox: You should choose this cloud service if your data is free on all devices. Although security is given - you should keep in mind that the data is stored on American servers.
Livedrive: Although you don't get free storage space with Livedrive, the tariffs are also not very expensive. The cloud service is worth it if you also want to store more sensitive data, because Livedrive secures your files with SSL encryption on British servers. In addition, the upload and download performance is better than Dropbox.

If you don't like Livedrive and Dropbox, check out our 7 free alternatives.