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Cloud storage services: MEGA vs. Box

Quick Verdict

MEGA is a strong choice for users prioritizing security and generous free storage, particularly those needing large storage capacities and end-to-end encryption. Box is better suited for businesses that require extensive third-party integrations, granular access controls, and compliance with a wide array of industry regulations, despite potentially higher costs.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeMEGABox
Storage CapacityUp to 16 TB for individuals, starting at 3 TB for business plans (scalable).Individual plans start with 10GB; Business and Enterprise plans offer unlimited storage; Departmental folders have a default of 50GB (can request more).
Free Storage Offered20 GB10 GB for individual accounts.
File Size LimitNo specific file size limits, depends on storage quota.Free personal: 250 MB; Starter: 2 GB; Business: 5 GB; Business Plus: 15 GB; Enterprise: 50 GB; Enterprise Plus: 150 GB; Enterprise Advanced: 500GB; Application-specific limits may be lower (e.g., Box Mobile: 15GB, Email Uploads: 50MB).
Data Encryption (at rest and in transit)At Rest: AES-128 encryption. In Transit: TLS encryption. End-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption.In transit: Uses TLS 1.3 (or TLS 1.2 if the browser doesn't support 1.3); At rest: Employs AES 256-bit encryption. Also uses key-wrapping encryption; Offers KeySafe for customer-controlled encryption keys.
File VersioningOffers file versioning, older versions saved for a limited time (up to 30 days), extendable with Pro account.Individual: 1 version; Personal Pro: 10 versions; Business Starter: 25 versions
Collaboration Features (sharing, permissions)Securely share files, folders, and links. Specify security key for the link. Paid users can set expiration dates and passwords for shared links. Share folders with other MEGA users.Inviting collaborators with various access levels (Co-owner, Editor, Viewer Uploader, Previewer Uploader, Viewer, Previewer, Uploader); Sharing links with customizable permissions, expiration dates, and password protection; Real-time collaboration tools like Box Canvas and Box Notes.
Platform Compatibility (desktop, mobile, web)Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera.Desktop, mobile (iOS and Android), and web.
Backup and Restore CapabilitiesRestore files from the trash bin, maintaining their original folder structure.Not explicitly detailed in the search results, but mentioned as a general benefit of cloud storage.
Security Compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR)GDPR compliant for all users worldwide.Compliant with regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP, FINRA, FIPS 140-2, ISO 27001, ISO 27018, PCI DSS Level 1, SEC 17 a-4, SOC 1, 2, and 3, SSAE 16; Offers Box Zones to address data residency obligations; Willing to sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) for HIPAA compliance (Enterprise or Enterprise Plus accounts).
Customer Support AvailabilityPrimarily email-based support. No live chat or phone support.Not detailed in search results.
Pricing PlansFree: 20 GB; Pro Lite: ~$5.67/month (400 GB storage, 1 TB transfer); Pro I: ~$11.35/month (2 TB storage, 2 TB transfer); Pro II: ~$22.71/month (8 TB storage, 8 TB transfer); Pro III: ~$34.07/month (16 TB storage, 16 TB transfer); Business: Starting at $17.04/month for 3 users; Yearly subscription discounts available.Individuals and Teams: Individual: Free, Personal Pro: Around $14/month; Business: Business Starter: From $5/user/month, Business: From $15/user/month, Business Plus: From $25/user/month, Enterprise: From $35/user/month, Enterprise Plus: From $50/user/month; Nonprofits may receive discounts.
Third-Party IntegrationsLimited integrations due to end-to-end encryption. Does not integrate with third-party productivity or email apps.Integrates with 1500+ apps, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Adobe, and Salesforce.

Overall Comparison

MEGA: 20 GB free storage, up to 16 TB paid storage, AES-128 encryption, GDPR compliant. Box: 10 GB free storage, unlimited business storage, AES 256-bit encryption, 1500+ integrations, HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP compliant.

Pros and Cons

MEGA

Pros:
  • Generous free storage (20 GB)
  • End-to-end encryption
  • File versioning
  • Secure file sharing with encrypted links
  • User-friendly interface
  • GDPR compliant
  • Competitively priced for larger storage needs
Cons:
  • Limited third-party integrations
  • Primarily email-based customer support with potentially slow response times
  • Bandwidth limits depending on the plan

Box

Pros:
  • Strong authentication
  • Data encryption (in transit and at rest)
  • Granular access controls
  • Auditing
  • Secure development processes and policies to restrict employee access
  • Machine learning techniques are used to monitor for threats
  • Facilitates file sharing through shareable links and direct collaboration invites
  • Offers various permission levels to control access
  • Real-time collaboration is supported through tools like Box Canvas and Box Notes
  • Integrates with over 1,500 applications
  • Complies with various industry regulations and standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP, and more
  • Offers 10GB of free storage
Cons:
  • Paid plans can be more expensive compared to services like Google Drive, IDrive, and Microsoft OneDrive
  • Bandwidth limits exist, with a 2TB per user per month limit for Box Business plans for shared links
  • Customer Support Availability: Not detailed in search results.

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