Files stored locally are saved on a device or a physical drive like an SSD, hard drive or USB drive, whereas files stored in the cloud are saved on a remote server accessed via the internet. Cloud storage allows files to be simpler to access, sync, share, and back up from. The advantage of local storage is that you have direct access to the data, and can access the files even if the internet is down. This will vary according to security, cost, storage capacity, access, performance and even the importance of it being offline.

Deciding on cloud storage versus local storage is not always necessarily easy. The two choices offer definite advantages—but they do so in different ways. Cloud storage is about convenient access, synchronising and online backup. Local storage allows you the control of and management over where and how your files are stored.

Many people don’t need to make the choice of one or the other. Hybrid cloud solutions, which integrate cloud and local storage, can strike a balance between convenience, performance, and protection.

This guide discusses cloud storage versus local storage to help you better understand the differences, and which option might work for you. 

What Is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a service that keeps your files stored on another (cloud) server that is managed by a storage company. You upload your data to the provider’s servers, rather than storing all of the files on your computer or phone. From then on you can get those files over an internet connection.

Documents, photos, videos, backups and collaborative work are all popular applications of cloud storage. Many services also have automatic synchronization, therefore alterations on one device will reflect on the other device.

If you usually use several devices for work, cloud storage may come in handy. One such example is that you might save a document on your laptop, and then open it from your phone or another computer.

Common advantages include:

• Access to files from multiple devices
• Automatic file synchronization
• Easy file sharing
• Off-site backups
• Flexible storage plans
• Simple collaboration
• Reduced dependence on a single physical device

But there are also downsides to cloud storage. Access may require an internet connection, particularly if there is no offline access to files. As your storage needs increase, you might also have to pay an ongoing subscription fee to storage providers.

There is another vital aspect of security too. Cloud storage is safe, but still it’s important to have strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and sensible sharing settings. Your data is housed on another company’s infrastructure, so provider reliability and privacy policies are important. 

What Is Local Storage?

Local storage refers to storing files on a physical, owned/controlled device. This can be a network-attached storage device, USB flash drive, external hard drive, internal hard drive or internal SSD.

Computers will default to local storage. When you save a file to your computer’s internal drive, the file remains on that device until you move, copy, or delete it.

The best thing about local storage is how fast it is. Most of the files on a modern SSD are not required to be downloaded from the internet to access them. This can be a good thing for big files, applications, games, video editing jobs and anything else that requires quick data access.

Local storage is also possible without internet connection. Files can be opened or edited when traveling or working offline, or when the network connection is unreliable. 

Key benefits include:

• Quickly access files that have been stored.
• Requires no Internet connection.
• One-time hardware purchases
• Direct control of your data
• Best for large files and intensive applications.Good for big files and intensive programs.
• Basic access without relying on a cloud provider. 

The drawbacks are mainly that physical storage can go wrong. Hard drives can malfunction, some SSDs can fail, and external hard drives can be lost or stolen. When a crucial file is only stored in this location, there is a risk of losing all your information when the device fails.

Therefore, don’t expect local storage to be a backup, since it isn’t. A second copy of your files is essential if the data is important. 

Cloud Storage vs Local Storage: Key Differences

Cloud storage is fundamentally different from local storage because it stores your data and grants you access to it in different ways. 

Feature	Cloud Storage	Local Storage
Access	Usually through the internet	Directly from your device
Offline access	Limited or requires offline syncing	Yes
Speed	Depends on internet connection	Usually faster for local files
Upfront cost	Often low or free	Requires storage hardware
Recurring cost	Common with larger plans	Usually no subscription
File sharing	Usually easy	Can require manual transfers
Synchronization	Often automatic	Usually manual unless configured
Physical control	Provider manages hardware	You control the hardware
Hardware failure risk	Managed by provider, depending on service	Your responsibility
Scalability	Easy to increase storage	Requires additional hardware
Backup potential	Strong option for off-site copies	Requires separate backup drives

Accessibility

Cloud storage can be beneficial if you frequently change devices. Cloud stored files can typically be accessed via a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Local storage is more convenient when you want to access it without a network. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are on the go or working in locations with restricted internet connections. 

Performance

In general, local storage is faster, since content does not have to be sent over the internet. This is important for working with large video files, high-resolution photographs, databases or software projects.

The speed of cloud storage relies on the internet speed, latency, and the cloud storage provider’s infrastructure. For everyday use, some cloud services may have desktop applications that synchronize files locally that can minimize this difference. 

Cost

Cloud storage is typically offered as a subscription service. Some plans are free or low cost, whereas some users with more storage needs may have to pay for monthly or annual storage.

Typically you’ll need a bigger initial investment for local storage. However, when you purchase a drive, you can store as much data as you have on the drive without a monthly charge to the storage provider. Eventually new or larger hardware will be needed to replace or expand. 

Security and Privacy

The two types of storage have security risks.

Cloud providers typically spend a lot of money and time on server/access security, monitoring, and redundancy. But users must still take precautions to safeguard their accounts. Files can be exposed with a compromised password or when a folder is shared incorrectly.

Local storage provides more control. Drives can be encrypted; physical access can be controlled and there is the option to control their own backup process. However, you have specific responsibilities to secure the device and keep back-up copies of valuable data with that control. 

Which Storage Option Is Better For Different Users?

When it comes to cloud storage vs local storage, there’s no single winner. The preferable one will depend on which you use your files.

Cloud Storage Is Better If You: 

• Use multiple devices to work together.
• Have a lot of files to share regularly
• Work co-operatively with others
• Want automatic synchronization
• Need to retrieve copies of important files from an outside location
• Seek easy access without dealing with physical drives.Wants reliable access, no drive-management.
• Ensure that you have access to reliable internet. 

Cloud storage can be useful for remote workers, for instance, as files can be accessed from a laptop, desktop, and mobile device. Shared folders can also be used to enable teams to collaborate without having to manually transfer files back and forth all the time.

Local Storage Is Better If You: 

• Work with very large files
• Having a lot of files that have to be accessed quickly.
• Frequently work offline
• Avoid ongoing storage costs.
• Choose direct control of hardware over the abstraction layer
• Do not have access to the internet that is adequate or reliable 

Need application, game or local project storage?

If a video editor needs to edit a bunch of big video files, for example, they can keep the active projects on a fast local SSD, knowing that they will not have to download it again and again. Backup and archiving can still be accomplished with cloud storage. 

Can You Use Cloud And Local Storage Together?

Yes. Most of the times it is best to use both.

A hybrid storage approach allows you to use local storage for speed and offline access, while also leveraging cloud storage to access, share and store offline files.

You can store your current work files on your internal SSD and automatically back up important folders to the cloud, and even store an extra copy on an external drive.

This will give multiple layers of protection. If your computer crashes, files can be retrieved from another location. In case an external drive is damaged, there could still be a cloud copy.

The 3-2-1 backup rule is a helpful rule of thumb: 

• Have three copies of valuable information.
• Store those copies on at least two different types of storage or devices.
• Store a second copy of the document in a different physically secure place. 

It’s not about the storage, it’s about the extra storage. The idea is to minimize the risk of losing all copies of your data in case of a hardware failure, an accident, a theft, or any other issue.

Also, synchronization is to be distinguished from backup. There is a risk of unwanted changes or deletion being replicated across a synchronized cloud folder. A good backup solution should offer recovery features such as version history or deleted file recovery. 

Final Thoughts

So, local or cloud storage? It will depend on what is most important to you.

Cloud storage offers an advantage in terms of accessibility, sync, file sharing, collaboration and off-site protection. For performance, offline retrieval, large files, and direct control of your data, consider using local storage.

To most people, these two options are not competition and there is no reason to choose one over the other. They tackle other problems. Local storage can keep your regular files and heavy workloads in place and cloud storage can be a helpful option for easy access and extra security.

When the data is critical, the best way to proceed is to not store it in one place. Store copies locally when quickness and convenience are important, and store reliable copies in other locations. The advantages of both methods can be harnessed together, to achieve higher performance, usability, and security against data loss.