This overall score is up of the following ease of use scores: desktop app (40%), web access (30%), Android app (10%), iOS app (10%) and set-up and help (10%).

We test to see how easily you can view or access your files on the cloud, without having to download them to your PC first. We also test the online-editing features.

We rate for the encryption security measures put in place by the cloud storage service as well as how effective they are we also look at how easy they are to implement.

Based on assessment of file and folder handling, navigation, search function and folder synchronisation working in an Apple Mac desktop environment.

Based on assessment of file and folder handling, navigation, search function and folder synchronisation working in a Windows PC desktop environment.

Based on assessment of file and folder handling, navigation, search function and folder synchronisation.

Based on assessment of file and folder handling, navigation, search function and folder synchronisation.

We test the installation process for each cloud storage service we test, including the setup of any sync boxes and folders that are installed on your computer. We also look at how easy is it to install the cloud software to your computer and get started with a new account.

We assess how well each service delivers on features such as online editing, versioning and device support.

We look at how easy it is to find help, look up FAQs and navigate through the online documentation.

CHOICE recommends a score of 70% or better overall, although you should also consider the other performance results and features to see how each service performs in the areas you consider most important.

While all are available as a free service, paid plans will give you more storage or features. The prices shown are the first level pricing plans per month.

The process of automatically archiving older versions of files when new ones are uploaded, so you can roll back to a previous version if need be.

An online security tool that protects data while it is being uploaded to the cloud. It was developed as a safeguard against 'man in the middle' attacks.

SSL: Secure Socket Layer protocol. 

TLS: Transport Layer Security.

Adds a second layer of protection when you want to access your files, often in the form of a text being sent to your phone with a unique code.

SpiderOak: Only available in US and Canada at time of testing.

Services that allow you to share folders containing files with other people.

Amazon: File sharing only, not folders.

App can automatically upload photos from mobile device to the cloud, a handy feature for mobile device users.

Nominated files can be saved to the storage of the mobile device for use without internet access.

Allows you to click on the image in the cloud service directory and view the image regardless of the device you are using to access the file.

Provides basic text editing features although you may not be able to carry out substantial editing when working on an Office document such as Word or Excel.

Support for standard audio files allows you to play the more popular music formats directly from the online service folder or directory.

Support for automatic updating of Kindle ebook purchases currently supported by Amazon and Dropbox using the appropriate app.