Comparison · 6 min
The largest US network against the price-transparency favourite. Public Storage has a unit everywhere; CubeSmart rarely hikes the price later. Which to choose.
Public Storage is the largest US self storage network — over 3,000 facilities. If you need a unit today in almost any American city, they have it.
CubeSmart is smaller (~1,400 facilities) but built its reputation on two things that matter to your wallet: transparent online pricing and less aggressive rate increases.
Here lies the costliest difference. In the US self storage industry, prices commonly rise 3 to 6 months after move-in — you sign cheap and the rate climbs. Public Storage is known for these increases.
CubeSmart positions against this: less aggressive hikes and — a rare differentiator — a 12-month rate guarantee in many cases. For anyone storing longer than a semester, this significantly changes the total cost.
CubeSmart usually enters cheaper and offers up to 50% off on online booking. It charges a one-time admin fee (~$29) at move-in.
Public Storage charges a bit more but makes up for it in availability: the chance of having the exact unit you want, near you, is higher thanks to scale.
CubeSmart wins on digital experience: robust app, transparent pricing on site, generally cleaner facilities, and premium perks (professional organising, remote video monitoring).
Public Storage bets on scale + environmental responsibility (LED lighting, solar power, 100% recycled boxes) and strong in-person service.
You need a unit now, in any city — scale solves it.
You value in-person service and don't mind paying a bit more.
You're in a market where CubeSmart has no nearby unit.
You'll store for over 6 months — the rate guarantee protects your wallet.
You prefer to handle everything online with transparent pricing.
You want to save and use the online booking discount.
Need it today, anywhere: Public Storage. Staying months and want price predictability: CubeSmart.
Estimate your size in the [calculator](/en/calculator/) and, if you like, [ask our concierge](/en/contact/) — we compare both + Extra Space in your city.