Reliable, Integrated Cloud Storage Doesn't Get Much Easier
December 07, 2017

Reliable, Integrated Cloud Storage Doesn't Get Much Easier

Valerie A. Williams | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Dropbox

I use dropbox primarily as a shared repository for clients/projects. We usually end up with a directory structure that separates content in a useful way, which helps everyone on the project stay organized. If I'm working on a design project and there are photos, logos and other supporting files I need, the client can easily upload all of it - plus, new files can be added or removed. I can also provide them with source files or finalized PDFs. It also keeps clients from attaching multiple 20MB picture files to an email!
  • Integration – you can use it everywhere. I use Dropbox on my desktop for the most part but I've used the mobile version and the app on my Android phone. I don't often "sync" files because I don't need to have GBs of data backed up on my local computer.
  • Folder structure / access. Super easy to create a folder, sub folders, upload files and then share with people on your team or with a client. Since Dropbox is widely used, I've never had an issue where a client wasn't familiar with it. Even non-techies.
  • Integrates with other apps and services. I can easily save attachments to Dropbox from gmail, Wrike and a few other services I use. Some sites I purchase resources from offer dropbox integration as well.
  • With a free account, you can run out of space pretty quickly if you're invited to a user's dropbox that has large amounts of data. For that reason I usually don't "add" the files to my account because I'm prompted to upgrade. I paid for the service for a month or so just to maintain access but since I don't use it every day, I couldn't justify a monthly fee, no matter how nominal. I just use other services that don't have limitations.
  • I get that they have to make their money but you have to upgrade to a business account to use two email addresses (unless something has changed). I have personal files and professional files I'd like to be able to access through one account.
  • It has a minimal, easy to use interface – cloud storage doesn't get much simpler. Definitely helps keep project flow on track by having a collaborative environment. No lost emails... no, "Did you get the files?" Now it's just a text or email: check dropbox.
  • Very reliable. I've never lost any files/data and can't recall any down time where I couldn't access something I needed.
I have free cloud storage accounts for a number of services but dropbox and Google Drive are my go-to's. I use GSuite and Android mobile devices and Drive is heavily integrated, however, all my clients use dropbox. When I start working with new clients, it's the first service I ask if they have and the one I recommend the most if they don't.
Works well for teams - especially for creative projects. We store and share all types of assets: videos, photos, Word docs and PDFs. Most can be previewed from within dropbox interface. The free account offers plenty of space if you don't use it constantly or have multiple connected accounts. It also keeps important files accessible. I've had clients text or call me urgently for some file they can't put their hands on and if I'm not on my desktop, I can't assist. That prompted me to create client folders with frequently requested files (like logos or media kits) on my account and leave them there indefinitely. They can go back and download files they need whenever they want or copy them over to their own dropbox account.

Dropbox Feature Ratings

Versioning
Not Rated
Video files
9
Audio files
Not Rated
Document collaboration
10
Access control
10
File search
7
Device sync
Not Rated
User and role management
9
File organization
8
Device management
Not Rated
Performance
10
Reliability
10
Storage Reports
Not Rated

Using Dropbox

Easy to use on multiple platforms. I can upload all types of files and share them whenever, with whoever. If I need to maintain the integrity of the file, I can compress it.
ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Quick to learn
Convenient
Feel confident using
Familiar
None
  • Folder creation and uploading multiple files or folders.
  • Choosing which folders to share and how to share.
  • Accessing larger files on others' accounts. If you run out of space, you are prompted to upgrade.
Yes - Great! It's accessible through your mobile browser but I prefer to use the app if I do anything on my phone.