Dropbox

CNET Editors' review

If you're not already using Dropbox, we have to ask: What are you waiting for? This popular service lets you easily sync files between computers, share with them others, and create backups. Best of all, it integrates so seamlessly with Windows -- and other platforms -- that you're barely even aware that you're using it. This program is a must-have for anyone who needs to make their files readily available to multiple users or computers.

Once installed, Dropbox appears as an icon in the system tray. It doesn't have an interface, exactly; it turns up as a folder in My Documents, and it functions just as any other folder would. The magical thing about this folder, however, is that its contents are stored both locally and in the cloud. Any files or folders that you place inside the Dropbox folder can be easily shared: simply right-click, select Dropbox from the context menu, then select Share Link. This will open your default browser and provide you with the opportunity to share the selected file or folder via e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter, or to simply copy its Dropbox URL. The folder contents will also be automatically synced, so anyone who has access to a folder will immediately have the most up-to-date files. You can forget about using USB drives or e-mailing documents to yourself; Dropbox lets you keep everything you need in My Documents on multiple computers, or simply log into the Web interface if you're not on a machine that has Dropbox installed. Dropbox requires users to create an account; the service provides users with 2 GB of space for free, but paid upgrades are available if you need more. A thorough online Help center, as well as brief text instructions within the Dropbox folder, provide plenty of well-written documentation.

Dropbox is incredibly easy to use and will change the way you store and share files. We highly recommend it.

Publisher's Description

All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 169

  • 5.0 stars

    "Absolutely LOVE DropBox!"

    April 5, 2013  |   By kbcarey111

    Version: Dropbox 2.0.4

    Pros

    Change files on any device
    Files always the most current
    No need to remember which device's file is most current

    Cons

    Can't find any!

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Great to share files"

    April 5, 2013  |   By SamSym

    Version: Dropbox 2.0.4

    Pros

    You can easily share files with other computers on your network, your Android phone or tablet. You can send a link to a friend so they can download a picture or file from your Dropbox.

    Cons

    None. It just works.

    Summary

    2GB is lots of space for me, and it's free.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Amazing backup, synchronization, sharing tool and more."

    March 19, 2013  |   By mp-net

    Version: Dropbox 2.0.2

    Pros

    After simple installation this program requires no maintenance.
    Everything inside Dropbox folder is automatically backed up.
    Dropbox folder is automatically synchronized between all your computers.
    Access to all your files from Dropbox folder on cell phones and tablets (Android, iOS, BlackBerry).
    All my deleted and changed files are available for 30 days in the cloud, and can be easily recovered.

    Cons

    Only 2GB of cloud space for free, but can be increased to 16GB through referrals and other bonus programs if you don't want to update to paid version.

    Summary

    When you create Dropbox account from the referral link below:
    http://db .tt/12TTxBHt [remove space]
    you will receive extra 500MB (2.5GB instead of 2GB) at the beginning.

    Great program. I can't imagine my work without it any more. I have all my most important documents on my home computer in sub-folders of Dropbox. They automatically update on my Netbook and my computer at work when I open them. When I don't have any of my computers around me then I open my files on my cell phone.

    Recently I also started using automatic upload of pictures from my cell phone to Dropbox. Now I don't have to worry about connecting phone with computer through Bluetooth or USB cable any more.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "I love Dropbox"

    March 13, 2013  |   By tracytomm

    Version: Dropbox 2.0.0

    Pros

    Easy to Use
    No Hassle - My files are always available and always up-to-date
    I can update my files from anywhere
    The icon in the system tray makes it easy to access and update my files
    Dropbox keeps all my deleted and changed files for 30 days, so I can easily undo any accidents.

    Cons

    As with all free cloud storage services, the amount of free storage is limited. They entice you with the free storage in the hopes you will like their service and you will pay for more.

    Summary

    A few days ago I accidentally uploaded a couple movies to Dropbox and Dropbox automatically increased my storage to 5GB. Did they do this for everyone? Or are they just that helpful? I don't know, but I am not complaining and this type of foresight and service has been evident in the design of their product from the start.

    The only other free cloud storage services I have used are from Shutterfly, Amazon and Pogoplug so I am not an expert and I know there are many other services available with varying amounts of storage.

    The thing that sets Dropbox apart from the others is that everything you store in the cloud is also stored on every device you have, and on every device you have you can click on the Dropbox icon in your system tray and retrieve and update files. When I click on that it is just like clicking on any folder on my PC, except I know that that same folder exists on every other PC I use and it is always up to date. It is always synchronized with the latest changes. And even if I don't have access to the internet I still have access to that folder and any changes I make will get updated the next time I connect to the internet. And if I make a mistake, there is a 30 day history on dropbox to recover my deleted, corrupted or changed files. This feature has saved me having to re-enter a year's worth of accounting data.

    I stored my MP3's on Amazon but now I have several music folders on several devices. They all contain different music and some have duplicates. If I had used Dropbox for my music I would have one master music folder for all my devices with no duplicates.

    Pogoplug is supposed to be similar to Dropbox but with the exception that the files are not stored in the cloud but on a drive in your house. You can still access them from anywhere via the internet. The concept is good but my PogoPlug Mobile is extremely cumbersome and there is no synchronization of files. Pogoplug also offers 2GB of free cloud storage but also lacks the functionality of Dropbox.

    Shutterfly is a great service for storing my photos for free in the cloud but it also pales in comparison to the convenience and functionality of Dropbox.

    Eventually I may have to pay for cloud storage and so far Dropbox is at the top of the list.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Great backup, synchronization, sharing tool and more"

    March 12, 2013  |   By mp-net

    Version: Dropbox 1.6.17

    Pros

    After simple installation this program requires no maintenance.
    Everything inside Dropbox folder is automatically backed up.
    Dropbox folder is automatically synchronized between all your computers.
    Access to all your files from Dropbox folder on cell phones and tablets (Android, iOS, BlackBerry).

    Cons

    Only 2GB of cloud space for free, but can be increased to 16GB through referrals and other bonus programs if you do not want to update to paid version.

    Summary

    When you create Dropbox account from this referral link http://*****/12TTxBHt you will receive extra 500MB (2.5GB instead of 2GB) at the beginning.

    Great program. I can't imagine my work without it any more. I have all my most important documents on my home computer in sub-folders of Dropbox. They automatically update on my Netbook and my computer at work when I open them. When I don't have any of my computers around me then I open my files on my cell phone.

    Recently I also started using automatic upload of pictures from my cell phone to Dropbox. Now I don't have to worry about connecting phone with computer through Bluetooth or USB cable any more.

    Updated on Mar 12, 2013

    The referral link I mentioned is:
    http:// ***** /12TTxBHt
    (remove spaces)

    Updated on Mar 12, 2013

    Let me try this again:
    http:// db . tt /12TTxBHt
    (remove spaces)

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  • 5.0 stars

    "A wonderful facility for sharing files."

    March 3, 2013  |   By rio_rick

    Version: Dropbox 1.6.17

    Pros

    It allows you to store many large files in a convenient way and it allows you to transfer files easily.

    Cons

    It is easy to fill up the space and run out of space to store more.

    Summary

    A worthwhile service to use. It is simple to use and enables you to share large files with those you want to.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "this is a great app. does everything it says it does."

    February 23, 2013  |   By bozettka

    Version: Dropbox 1.6.17

    Pros

    does everything it says it does.

    Cons

    cannot think of anything.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "awesome awesome program"

    February 8, 2013  |   By bubblyone2134

    Version: Dropbox 1.6.16

    Pros

    easy to use and so helpful

    Cons

    none that i know of

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Awesome software indeed"

    January 23, 2013  |   By easstock

    Version: Dropbox 1.6.15

    Pros

    Great for work, home and through mu iPhone/iPad on the go !

    Cons

    None really...

    Summary

    Great for work, home and through mu iPhone/iPad on the go !

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Very good!"

    January 22, 2013  |   By lil_mee

    Version: Dropbox 1.6.15

    Pros

    Reliability
    Mobile support
    Apps integration

    Cons

    You get only 2GB on start. However, you can get increased initial capacity by using the following link to register your account: http://*****/zP1T1UAE

    Summary

    Highly recommended!

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Results 1-10 of 169

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