However, it claims to have a lot of unique features that can make it a viable alternative to the other options such as a high level of security with a 2048-bit RSA public/private key generated for you when you sign up, collaboration and a whopping 50GB free storage space. Let’s take a closer look at this cloud storage offering and see if it measures up to the others.
Apps and Availability
MEGA Cloud Storage is available virtually everywhere. Apart from being accessible from modern web browsers, they have a sync client (MEGASync) for the all the major OSes including Windows, Mac and Linux. If you have used Dropbox, you will find that MEGASync behaves in a similar way, allowing you to place the files you want to upload in a special folder which you will create when installing the app. It will sync to the cloud whenever you have a Wi-Fi connection.
MEGASync also gives you the option to synchronize your entire cloud drive or selectively sync folders. You also get a small indicator to easily access it and see the status of your files. In addition, there are mobile apps for Android, iOS, Windows Phone and even Blackberry. MEGA Cloud also provides extensions for Chrome and Firefox, speeding up your experience when accessing their web client from any of the two browsers.
Getting Started
Signing up for a MEGA account is quite easy. All you need is an email address and a password (no credit card information required). Your master key will be created for you, and you will be prompted to select from one of their paid offerings, but you can just go ahead with the “Create a free account” option. Once you are logged into your account, it is very easy to navigate around. You will see options to upload files or create a new folder near the top.
Storage
The biggest allure of MEGA is the amount of storage space you get with a free account. Its 50GB free space is more than triple the amount Google Drive and OneDrive offer (both offer 15GB) while Dropbox offers a paltry 2GB, although you can increase this with some introductory offers and referrals. There are also paid plans available ranging from $5.63 per month for 200GB storage and 1TB bandwidth to $33.88 per month for 4TB storage and 8TB bandwidth. You also get two months free if you purchase a yearly subscription.
Security and Collaboration
MEGA is one of the most secure cloud storage services because it offers end-to-end encryption of your data which means files are encrypted during transit and when stored on the server.
MEGA gives you total control over your data by allowing you to hold the master decryption key, which means, theoretically, only you (and not even the authorities) have access to your stored data. If you forget your password, the only way you can recover your account is by using the master key.
In the case that you do not have the master key, there is absolutely no way to recover your account so your files will remain encrypted and stored on the server. It is recommended that you back up this master key properly once you create an account to prevent this from happening. Collaboration is also very good and private with MEGA. You can share files with other MEGA users by selecting the file or folder to be shared and selecting the users you want to collaborate with from your contacts list. It also facilitates real-time sharing so you can work simultaneously on a document and view updates instantly. You can also share files with non-MEGA users by generating a link, but you must include a decryption key, otherwise the person will not be able to access the file.
Speed
In my experience, the speed of uploading and downloading files was top-notch, at least much better than OneDrive where I was coming from. Using the mobile apps are a breeze also, I had no problems accessing my files from my phone or tablet. I haven’t tried uploading an extremely large file, but other users report high speeds for their file uploads which you would expect given their generous bandwidth allowance.
Verdict
While the fundamental features of most cloud storage options are the same, MEGA’s 50GB free offer is just unbeatable, and its superb security encryption gives it the edge over some of the more popular options. Overall, if high security and plenty of free space are your priorities in choosing a cloud storage, MEGA Cloud will serve your needs very well. Have you used MEGA? Share your experience in the comments below or name your favorite cloud storage.
