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Cloud storage guides and comparisons
Where to keep your files. We compare free tiers, prices, and privacy across the services people actually use, and date every figure.
Cloud storage at a glance
| Service | Free storage | Entry paid plan | Encryption | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEGA source | 20 GB | ~€4.99/mo, 400 GB | By default | A large free tier with built-in encryption |
| Google Drive source | 15 GB | $1.99/mo, 100 GB | No | Everyday use in the Google and Android world |
| pCloud source | 10 GB | ~$4.17/mo, 500 GB | Optional | Lifetime plans and media libraries |
| IDrive source | 10 GB | $83.88 first yr, 5 TB | Optional | Multi-device backup on a budget |
| Box source | 10 GB | $14/mo, 100 GB | No | Work and team document sharing |
| Icedrive source | 10 GB | ~$4.92/mo, 1 TB | Optional | Cheap storage with an encrypted folder |
| Apple iCloud+ source | 5 GB | $0.99/mo, 50 GB | Optional | iPhone, iPad, and Mac owners |
| Microsoft OneDrive source | 5 GB | $1.99/mo, 100 GB | No | Windows and Microsoft 365 users |
| Proton Drive source | 5 GB | ~$3.99/mo, 200 GB | By default | Privacy-first storage, encrypted by default |
| Sync.com source | 5 GB | $3.50/mo, 150 GB | By default | Zero-knowledge storage with roomy plans |
| Dropbox source | 2 GB | ~$9.99/mo, 2 TB | No | File sync and sharing across devices |
| Tresorit source | 3 GB | ~$11.99/mo, 1 TB | By default | Security and compliance for professionals |
Free tier shown as an available-space meter. Entry paid plans seen July 2026, in USD unless noted, and some monthly figures reflect annual billing. A few free tiers (pCloud, Proton Drive) require completing setup steps to reach the full amount. The encryption column notes whether the service offers zero-knowledge (client-side) encryption. Prices and limits change, so confirm current details with each provider using the source link.
Guides in this section
Nine services compared on free space, price, and privacy.
Price per terabyte, lifetime plans, and the costs people miss.
Where to back up photos and RAW files without quality loss.
How to choose a cloud storage service
Three things separate one cloud storage account from another: how much space you get, what it costs as you grow, and who can read your files. Start with space. If you only sync documents and a phone backup, a free 15 GB tier from Google Drive or a paid 100 GB plan will carry you for years. If you keep a photo and video library, plan for 1 TB or more and compare the annual price, not the monthly sticker.
Price gets clearer when you measure it per terabyte. The big names sit near five dollars per terabyte each month, while backup-first services like IDrive and lifetime plans from pCloud can cut that sharply if you are willing to pay up front. Our cheapest cloud storage guide runs those numbers side by side, including the one-time lifetime deals that beat a subscription over a few years.
Privacy is the part most people skip. With Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box, the provider holds the encryption keys, so it can read your files and hand them to law enforcement if asked. Zero-knowledge services such as Proton Drive, Sync.com, and MEGA encrypt files on your device before upload, so only you can open them. That protection has a trade-off: if you lose the password, no one can recover your data. Our guide to cloud storage safety covers when that matters.
Match the service to the job. For an all-Apple household, iCloud+ is the natural fit at 99 cents a month. For Windows and Office, OneDrive comes with Microsoft 365. Photographers should read our best cloud storage for photos guide, since original-quality backup and RAW support are not a given. And if you want a full ranking for home use, start with best cloud storage for personal use.
Frequently asked questions
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage keeps your files on a company's servers and syncs them to your phone, tablet, and computer, so you can reach them from anywhere and recover them if a device is lost. Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and OneDrive are the best-known names.
Is cloud storage free?
Most providers give you a free tier. It ranges from 2 GB at Dropbox to 20 GB at MEGA, with Google Drive at 15 GB. Free space fills up fast once you add photos and video, which is when the paid plans start to matter.
Which cloud storage is the most private?
The most private services use zero-knowledge encryption, where only you hold the keys and the provider cannot read your files. Proton Drive, Sync.com, and MEGA offer this by default; Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive do not.
How much cloud storage do I need?
Documents and phone backups fit inside 100 GB for most people. A growing photo and video library usually needs 1 TB or more. Check how full your current storage is, then pick the next tier up.
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