File hosting: which provider to choose?

Online storage and cloud storage services are very convenient for storing and synchronizing files. File hosting allows data to be stored in an online space accessible by the client. Discover several file hosting sites in this article.

File hosting: what is it?

File hosting, or file hosting in English, designates the making files available on the Internet. Since the Cloud is now widely used for this purpose, in this case we speak of Cloud storage (also Cloud storage Or Cloud hosting).

But what does the term Cloud computing really mean? It simply refers to the fact that programs are executed via computers connected to a network. The files are therefore not (exclusively) located on the computer you are using, but also in the Cloud to which this computer is connected. Some interfaces allow coordination between the personal computer and a Cloud server (or even several servers) which are linked together in the Cloud.

Usefulness of file hosting

File hosting sites allow you to store files in an online storage space, sort them and access from anywhere. All you need is a computer and a sufficiently fast Internet connection. Most providers allow you to manage, edit, download and upload documents, music, photos, videos, etc. from a computer as well as a smartphone or tablet. File hosting sites, free or not, are often used to access data on the go, share it with other users, or create file backups.

Cloud storage is also particularly appreciated and useful for team collaboration. Files can be easily exchanged with each other and processed by different people. In Cloud storage, files are automatically synchronized as soon as they are modified, which has the great advantage of coordinating simultaneous work directly in the Cloud.

Data protection when hosting files

Various cloud storage providers have made headlines in the past for their handling of data protection. When using online storage services, it is often unclear who exactly has access to the files. This is why experts always advise encrypt all files which is downloaded to a Cloud storage service. Sensitive files shouldn't even be placed in the Cloud.

For businesses, the server location can also be important. The location of the computers on which the user files are located determines which data protection provisions apply here. The servers of many file hosts are mainly (or even entirely) located in the USA, where data protection is much less strict than in France or the EU. Here, GDPR applies to your data.

It is generally not recommended to store customer personal data in Cloud storage. Certainly, the successor to the Safe Harbor agreement between the EU and the United States, the EU-US Privacy Shieldcame into force in mid-2016. European data transferred to the United States must therefore benefit from better protection. However, many critics believe that this shield does not sufficiently protect the data of European users and allows American authorities to access it too easily. It is therefore strongly recommended not to store customer data in Cloud storage if the provider's servers are located outside the EU.

Overview of popular file hosting sites

Many different services offer file hosting today. Suppliers focus on different points. Some file hosting sites are free, others focus on the security of your data and therefore charge a fee. We have collected the six most popular file hosting providers for you.

Updated: June 2025

The alternative to file hosting: the private Cloud

There is also the option of creating your own private file server. Those who wish to have absolute sovereignty over their data in a Cloud storage space can create their own Cloud with IONOS Private Cloud. Data centers located in Germany as well as a dedicated security network ensure that your data is always best protected within your own Cloud. Another advantage: thanks to the billing model pay-as-you-goyou only pay for the resources you actually use.

Hosting vs File Sharing: Overview of the Differences

Anyone interested in the concept of file hosting often comes across the closely related term file sharing. What is it exactly? Every time you share the data you have deposited with a file hosting providerit's actually file sharing. The main benefits, however, are not limited to simply sharing your data with other people. File sharing also makes it easier to collaboration on documents. With IONOS HiDrive Sharefor example, you can upload your files to the Cloud and share them with others using a limited validity link. This allows you to keep your friends or colleagues informed at any time and with ease.