Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
MEGA8.5
End-to-end encrypted by default, with published client source code.
Privacy & encryption
25% weight
Dropbox5.5
Encrypted at rest, but not end-to-end by default on personal plans.
MEGA8.0
Competitive per-terabyte pricing on paid tiers.
Value for money
20% weight
Dropbox6.0
Paid plans cost more per terabyte than most competitors.
MEGA9.0
20 GB free, though downloads are subject to transfer quotas.
Free tier
15% weight
Dropbox3.0
2 GB free and capped at three linked devices.
MEGA7.5
Sync apps for Windows, Mac and Linux plus mobile backup.
Sync & apps
20% weight
Dropbox9.5
Long-proven sync with an official Linux client.
MEGA6.0
Encrypted chat and sharing, but no office editing.
Ecosystem & sharing
20% weight
Dropbox8.0
Wide third-party app integrations and easy sharing.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | MEGA | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 20 GB | 2 GB |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | Yes | No |
| Lifetime plan option | No | No |
| Official Linux sync app | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in document editing | No | No |
| Company base | New Zealand | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose MEGA if…
You want something best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space.
- + Large free allowance
- + End-to-end encrypted by default
- + Linux app
Choose Dropbox if…
You want something best for people who need reliable cross-platform sync.
- + Very reliable sync
- + Official Linux client
- + Huge range of integrations
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
MEGA vs Dropbox: quick answers
Is MEGA better than Dropbox?
MEGA leads Dropbox by 1.3 points overall (7.8 vs 6.5). MEGA scores higher on privacy & encryption, value for money, free tier. Dropbox scores higher on sync & apps, ecosystem & sharing.
Who should choose Dropbox over MEGA?
Dropbox is best for people who need reliable cross-platform sync. MEGA is best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space.
How were MEGA and Dropbox scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for cloud storage services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.