Copy vs Dropbox: Features, Pros, Cons, and Key Differences

By Alex Carter on October 4, 2024

Cloud storage services help users store, access, and share files across devices. Among the many services available, Dropbox has established itself as one of the most popular options due to its reliability and wide range of features. Another service, Copy, once offered a competitive alternative with generous storage and a strong referral program before it was discontinued in 2016. This comparison highlights the key features, advantages, and limitations of both Dropbox and Copy to give a clear understanding of how these services performed in the cloud storage market.

For more options beyond storage services, explore some of the best cloud applications that help improve productivity and simplify daily tasks.

Dropbox Overview

Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage services, known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. Once installed, it creates a dedicated folder on your computer, syncing everything you place in it directly to the cloud.

Dropbox is widely used for professional and personal use due to its reliability and compatibility with many applications.

Pros of Dropbox

• Fast Upload Speed: Known for reliable and faster upload and synchronization performance;
• Extensive Third-Party Integration: Integrates well with a wide range of apps and services, supporting professional workflows;
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use, with a clear, simple design;
• Reliable File Versioning: Allows users to restore prior versions of files as needed;
• Strong Security Features: Includes two-factor authentication and robust encryption to protect user data;
• Widespread App Support: Supported by many mobile apps and services, increasing flexibility;
• Automatic Photo Uploads: Mobile apps can automatically back up photos.

Cons of Dropbox

• Limited Free Storage: Only offers 2 GB of free space, which is quite low compared to competitors like Copy;
• Referral Program Limits: Gives 500 MB per referral, capped at 16 GB, and only benefits the existing user—not the person being referred;
• Shared Folder Storage Counts for All: Shared folders consume space from every user’s storage quota, potentially leading to unnecessary usage;
• Basic Sharing Control: Public share links can be forwarded to anyone, offering less control over shared content;
• Image Compression on Mobile: Screenshots and images may be compressed, reducing quality, especially noticeable for designers.

Copy Overview

Copy was a cloud storage service developed by Barracuda Networks, known for its data protection and security solutions. While Copy functioned similarly to Dropbox, it introduced several competitive advantages, particularly in storage and sharing.

Pros of Copy

• Generous Free Storage: Offers 15 GB of free storage at signup, much more than Dropbox’s 2 GB;
• Referral Program: Provides 5 GB of bonus storage to both the referrer and the referred user with no referral limit, allowing users to build large free storage quickly;
• Fair Storage Usage: Shared folders only count against the designated user’s storage quota, preventing duplicate usage across accounts;
• Secure Sharing: Allows folder sharing with specific users by email, giving better control over who accesses the shared content;
• User-Friendly Web Interface: Clean and modern design makes file viewing more convenient;
• Better Image Quality on Mobile: Does not compress images; ideal for designers viewing screenshots on devices like iPads;
• Direct File Sharing from App: Users can share files directly through the app without needing to visit the web interface;
• Folder Caching: Supports caching entire folders on mobile devices for offline access;
• Easy File Version Access: Users can quickly access previous file versions directly from the contextual menu.

Cons of Copy

• Slower Upload Speeds: Uploading files generally takes longer compared to Dropbox;
• No Live Video Preview: The web interface lacks support for live video previews.

Copy vs. Dropbox: A Cloud Storage Comparison

Dropbox has long been one of the most well-known brands in the cloud storage services sector. But there was previously a strong alternative provided by a lesser-known business named Copy. While Copy is no longer active, it attracted attention for its generous storage options and referral program. Below is a comparison of their features, strengths, and limitations.

Storage Capacity

Dropbox

Dropbox initially provides customers with 2 GB of free storage, which may be increased through referrals or premium subscriptions. Dropbox also worked with various smartphone makers at the time, giving up to 50 GB of free space per year through special promotions. However, after the special time, consumers were returned to the standard 2 GB unless they upgraded.

Copy

Copy offered a major advantage in storage from the start — users received 15 GB of free storage upon signing up. Furthermore, the business offered an aggressive referral scheme, with each recommendation earning both parties 5 GB. Inviting ten friends may result in up to 70 GB of free space, making Copy an especially appealing option for customers with vast collections of photographs or papers to back up.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Dropbox

Dropbox is known for its reliable file-sharing and collaboration features. Users can share folders or files with others through links or email invites. Its wide integration with third-party apps adds to the functionality, making it a common choice for both personal and professional use.

Copy

Copy also focused heavily on file sharing and collaboration, offering similar functionality. Users could easily share folders through URLs or email invites, with automatic synchronization across devices. However, being a newer service, Copy lacked the extensive app integrations that gave Dropbox a broader reach in the productivity space.

Mobile Support

Dropbox

Dropbox provides robust mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices. The mobile experience was user-friendly and supported automatic photo uploads, making file management on the go simple and efficient.

Copy

Copy also launched mobile apps for Android and iPhone, supporting automatic photo uploads. While the apps functioned well, Copy’s lower brand recognition meant fewer third-party apps supported it, limiting flexibility compared to Dropbox.

User Experience

Dropbox

Dropbox built its reputation on reliability and an intuitive interface. It offered smooth file synchronization and easy-to-use features, which helped it remain a favorite among both individual and business users.

Copy

Copy’s interface and functionality mirrored Dropbox closely, offering a similar user experience. For many, the switch to Copy was easy due to its familiar setup — install the app, move files to the Copy folder, and enjoy automatic cloud synchronization.

Security Features

Dropbox

Dropbox implemented robust security features such as file encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), giving consumers piece of mind about their data privacy and protection.

Copy

Copy also emphasized security but detailed information on its encryption standards was less widely known. Still, its approach was comparable to industry norms at the time.

Referral Program Comparison

Dropbox

Dropbox allowed users to increase free storage by inviting friends, with 250 MB awarded per referral. While helpful, it was not very generous for users seeking significant space without paying.

Copy

Copy’s referral program was one of the most attractive on the market — 5 GB per referral for both the inviter and the invitee. This allowed users to grow their storage significantly with minimal effort.

Final Verdict

Dropbox remains a reliable and established cloud storage solution with strong features, integrations, and security. Its global presence and app support make it ideal for regular use. Copy, during its time, stood out for its generous free storage, excellent referral program, and user-friendly experience. For users needing large amounts of free space, Copy was a valuable alternative — but its shutdown in 2016 ended its run as a Dropbox competitor. For current users looking for dependable cloud storage, Dropbox continues to be a solid choice, while Copy is remembered as a short-lived but noteworthy competitor that raised the bar in storage incentives.