Top Cloud Services: The Great Hard Drive in the Sky

Cloud-based services offer extra storage space, and many allow you to sync files across multiple devices. But that's not all: Some can help you collaborate on projects, back up your PC, share photos, and stream music, too. We rounded up 20 cloud offerings across multiple categories, comparing their features, storage limits, and pricing.

To read the story about each category of cloud services, click the appropriate heading below, or use the contents box to the right.

File Sharing and Syncing

With the assistance of cloud services, you can edit your documents on any Internet-connected device, and keep them up-to-date. We looked at Box, Dropbox, MediaFire, SkyDrive, and SugarSync.

Collaboration

Looking to work with other people on shared project files? Google Drive, Office 365, and Zoho promise to help. We tried all three services.

Sending Large Files

Email attachment limits can be frustrating when you need to give colleagues large documents. We looked at RapidShare, Sendspace, and YouSendIt to determine which file-sending service is best.

Online Backup

Backing up your valuable files is a necessary chore, but cloud services such as Carbonite, CrashPlan, and Mozy can make the process fairly painless.

Storing and Sharing Photos

If you're an avid photographer, Flickr, Photobucket, and SmugMug can help you showcase your shots. You might even be able to make a little money from your photos.

Storing and Streaming Music

Want to bring your music collection with you? Through Amazon Cloud Player, Apple iCloud, or Google Play, you can enjoy tunes almost anywhere.