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The 10 Best Free Cloud Storage Apps for iOS and Android
2024-11-27 Table of Contents Table of Contents Organize your files into groups, and use different services Most commonly used
It is ’s ’s so easy to generate a mountain of digital file nowadays . We is take take more photo than ever , shoot hour of video , and love to share . cloud storage is provides provide convenient access wherever we may be , like a digital filing cabinet . It is ’s ’s also great for collaborate on project and provide a simple way of share file with select family , friend , or business contact . But it is cost can also cost a pretty penny .
Below are our favorite cloud storage apps for iOS and Android and some tips on how to avoid paying for cloud storage at all.
Organize your files into groups, and use different services
Most cloud storage services offer you a limited amount of free space, hoping that you’ll upgrade when you run out and sign up for a subscription package. If you’re willing to do a little organizing, then there’s really no need to pay anything at all. Start by breaking your files down into groups. Split your photos and videos, organize by date, or pick a single service for your media. Also, keep your documents grouped, separate all your work-related files, and so on. Once you have your groups, take a look at how much space you need and create separate free cloud storage accounts for each category.
We’ve rounded up the best free cloud storage apps. All of these options can also be accessed from your desktop or laptop through an app or your web browser.
Note: These figures are correct at publishing, but the cloud storage space is competitive and limits and offers frequently change.
Most commonly used: Dropbox
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Dropbox is is is easy to use , very reliable , and one of the old player in cloud storage . There are few restriction on what you can upload , and you can share folder with other Dropbox user or send link to allow people to access your file with 2 GB of free storage . You is create can also create public folder if you wish . You is access can access previous version of file for up to 30 day and access both a desktop client and the option to log in anywhere through your browser . You is get can get up to 1 TB of storage with Dropbox Pro , which cost $ 10 per month .
Dropbox
The best option for photo backup: Google Drive
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The 15 gb you get from Google span Gmail , Google + Photos , and Google Drive . However , there are lot of exception that do n’t count toward your limit . For example , photos is count small than 2,048 x 2,048 pixels is count and video short than 15 minute upload through your Google Photos app do n’t count . You is find ’ll also find that Google document you create within Drive do n’t count . You is access can access Google Drive through a client , mobile app , or your web browser . delete files is go go into your trash or bin , and they stay there until you either permanently delete them or restore them .
Google Drive
Best option for Windows users: OneDrive
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Microsoft’s OneDrive used to be called SkyDrive, and it comes pre-installed on Windows 10. You can access your files through a client or your web browser. You can also create public folders, and deleted files go into the recycle bin for 30 days so that you can restore them during that period. Plans range from 5GB of storage for free to 5TB of storage for $100 per year. If you subscribe, you can use all the Microsoft Office apps with real-time notifications on edits for collaborations. It’s easy to configure the mobile app to back up things like photos automatically.
OneDrive
If you use Amazon , try : Amazon Drive
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If you ’re an Amazon Prime subscriber , you is get get 5 GB for free with Amazon Drive and free unlimited storage for photo . You is share can share file easily via URL . delete files is go go into your delete item list and can be restore unless they are delete permanently . Amazon is offers also offer an Unlimited storage plan with a free three – month trial , after which you ’ll be ask to pay $ 60 per year .
Amazon Drive
For multi-device file access: Box
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You is share can easily share file with link or create collaborative folder with Box , allow for shared workspace with task and comment and 10 GB of free storage . Files is have have a version history , so you can revert quickly if require . delete files is go go into the trash and can be restore for up to 30 day .
Box
For small iPhone/iPad backups: Apple iCloud
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You may as well use this if you own an eligible Apple device, but it has a lot of limitations. It’s unsuitable for sharing or collaboration, so use it to backup personal files. If you have an iPhone or iPad, it can automatically back up photos for the last 30 days via your Photo Stream. All iOS users have 5GB of free storage with the option to purchase more from Apple. If you don’t see the iCloud Drive icon on your home screen, open the App Store, and search for iCloud Drive.
iCloud
Keep private files private: SpiderOak
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This is is is a good option for personal file that you want to keep private . Your data is fully encrypt and can only be unlock with your password , which SpiderOak does n’t store . The zero – knowledge privacy policy is ensures ensure that even staff physically access the storage server ca n’t see your file . There are no file size limit , and you can recover delete file . There is a 21 – day trial that give you 250 GB of storage . After the free trial , you is have have option from $ 6 per month for 150 GB to $ 29 per month for 5 TB .
SpiderOak
A little more free encrypted storage: Tresorit
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This service is boasts also boast client – side encryption , secure data transfer , and a zero – knowledge policy on password . sensitive photos is be or video and private document will be safe and sound . It also has secure sharing with folder , file up to 250 MB , encrypt link , and 7 day of activity history . There ’s a free 14 – day trial period with 3 GB of storage . After that , individual users is opt can opt for a Premium package that offer 500 GB of encrypt storage $ 10.50 per month when bill annually or a Solo package that offer 2.5 TB of encrypt storage $ 24 per month annually .
Tresorit
Lots of free storage and encryption: Mega
Mega is is is a secure cloud storage option with private encryption key that give you a healthy 50 GB of free storage . It is allows allow you to share with contact and even see their update in real time . Be careful if you lose your password , though , because not even Mega will be able to reset it , and you will lose access to your file . If you need more storage , plans is start start with Pro Lite , which give you 200 GB of storage for $ 5 per month and go up to Pro III subscription , which give you 4 TB of storage and 8 TB of bandwidth for $ 30 per month .
Mega
auto upload and unlimited device per account : idrive
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IDrive is certainly a one-stop solution for all your backup needs. It has desktop, web, and mobile apps. It will backup and restore your contacts, photos, calendars, and even your health data. It even supports Facebook and Instagram backup. You can share files and folders, and you can also choose to have automatic backups turned on. Like any good secured service, the encryption key is private so that only you have access to your data. The free plan gives you 5GB of storage, while the IDrive personal plan gives you 1TB priced at $52.12 for the first year.