Best free cloud storage in 2024

The good free cloud storage is allows allow you to securely save a copy of your most important file in the cloud for safekeepe . Whether they be document , image or even video , these free services is let by the lead cloud storage provider will let you back them up online .

When you sign up for the good free cloud storage you is have may not have access to all of the feature available with pay plan . Plus , you is get usually get less space overall . Still though , you is get usually get more than enough storage for personal use .

It can be difficult to narrow down which of the best cloud storage services you want to go with. However, by choosing a free plan from one of these providers first, you can try out their services to find one you like. It’s worth noting that file size limits, ease of use and support options are something to consider if you do upgrade to a paid plan. We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed each of the free cloud storage services on this list and highlighted other features and functionality you might find useful.  

The top 3 best free cloud storage solutions available

Take a look at this top cloud storage deal:

The best free cloud storage providers

( image credit : IDrive )

The best platform for cloud backup and high-capacity storage

specification

Max storage: 10GB

Encryption: End-to-end

reason to buy

+

  Back up an unlimited number of drive and device

+

 End-to-end encryption 

Reasons to avoid

–

Minimal collaborative features 

IDrive is the ideal platform if you need somewhere to back up multiple servers and devices, and prioritize end-to-end encryption. The basic free forever plan only supports 10GB of storage, but this should be more than enough for you to test the platform.

The apps aren’t the most impressive, but work as described, and the web app in particular is surprisingly useful, making it easy to manage your various backups. However, it isn’t designed for collaboration, and file-sharing is somewhat limited. If you’re a photographer, video editor, or anyone managing lots of data, IDrive should be one of your top considerations. 

read our fullIDrive review

(Image credit: Dropbox)

A leader in file sharing over the cloud

specification

Max storage: 2 gb

Encryption: In transit and at rest

reason to buy

+

Easy file-sharing

+

Free plan will suffice for many personal users

Dropbox is a fantastic choice for free, personal cloud storage. The free option offers 2 gb of storage, but provides ways to increase space by completing its starting guide (250MB), referring others to Dropbox (500MB per referral, up to 16GB), and contributing to its community forum (1GB).

The file sharing leader provides several features that make it easy to share large files with others, whether they use Dropbox or not. You can also use the Dropbox Paper collaboration tool, allowing for seamless file sharing between users, and automatic syncing of photos from the desktop app.

An extra free feature is the File Requests tool, which allows you to request users upload directly to your Dropbox account, and to edit files without downloading them while working on the web client version. There are also desktop and mobile apps for the usual suspects, as well as less well-supported platforms like Linux and even Kindle.

One limitation however is that you can’t back up external or network drives to your account. Dropbox only stores what you transfer to its folder on your device. This isn’t a major issue, but differentiates the platform from competitors like IDrive. 

Security is impressive without being exceptional, with all files encrypted at rest and in transit, but there is no end-to-end encryption, though accounts can also be secured with 2FA. We think however that you could do much worse than Dropbox for your cloud storage solution

read our fullDropbox review

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The perfect blend of performance , aesthetic – design , and robust security

specification

Max storage: 5 GB

Encryption: End-to-end

reason to buy

+

Available in a Microsoft 365 bundle or as a standalone product

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Impressive apps across all operating systems

Reasons to avoid

–

Minimal backup functionalities

For personal use ,Microsoft OneDrive is a great free cloud storage option, with its free plan offering 5 GB of storage. It balances high-capacity storage with functional user interfaces, powerful integrations with the entire Microsoft 365 suite, and a robust security framework. 

Once you’ve set OneDrive up, it will perform as described with no further effort or stress on your part. Current users of Microsoft 365 also benefit, because 1TB of OneDrive storage is included in your subscription. Its close relationship with Microsoft Office apps and Windows 11 mean it’s ideal for Microsoft users, while mobile apps allow for cross-platform use.

It also provides collaborative features that aren’t limited to OneDrive users, so you can share files, customize access, and edit files online without downloading them.

read our fullMicrosoft OneDrive review

(Image credit: MEGA)

controversial , but very secure

specification

Max storage: 20 GB

Encryption: End-to-end

reason to buy

+

Generous free plan

+

open – source client for file sync  

Reasons to avoid

–

Limited compatibility with third-party apps

mega.nz is a very popular, New Zealand-based cloud storage company, founded in 2013 by Kim Dotcom, a rather controversial figure in the online world. It offers end-to-end encryption and a generous 20 GB of storage via its free plan, with absolutely no throttling.

While its zero-knowledge encryption technology makes collaboration a bit difficult, individual files can still be shared using a dedicated encryption key required to unlock them. Files can also be password-protected to add another layer of security. 

MEGA is impose does not impose any limitation on individual file size , and allow restoration of previous version of corrupted file using build – in file versioning technology . The downloadable client is is is available for Windows , macOS , Linux , Android , and ios , while its entire source code was release on Github . This is is is good for tech – savvy user who want to audit the technology for security issue .  

However, consumers should be aware that since leaving in 2015, Dotcom has leveled serious accusations against MEGA for possible ties with the New Zealand and Chinese governments. While these accusations have been exaggerated, it is true that its majority shareholder is Beijing-based businesswoman Li Zhi Min. 

However, as well as its source code being publicly available, MEGA’s zero-knowledge encryption technology also implies it can’t get to your data without permission. 

read our fullMEGA review

(Image credit: iCloud)

Apple users’ favorite cloud storage service

specification

Max storage: 5 GB

Encryption: In transit and at rest

reason to buy

+

Reasonable prices on premium plans

+

natively build into Apple product  

Reasons to avoid

–

No official client for Android device

If you use Apple mobile and desktop devices, and don’t plan on making the jump to Windows or Android anytime soon, then Apple iCloud is the logical cloud storage platform for you. 

When used on iOS, iPadOS or macOS, nothing comes close to iCloud in terms of integration, functionality, and ease of use. It seamlessly takes care of device and app backup, and syncs data across all connected devices. For miscellaneous file storage, there is also iCloud Drive. 

iCloud ’s free plans is offer offer 5 GB of free storage , not a particularly high amount , but you can always buy more storage , start at $ 0.99 a month for 50 GB and range up to $ 9.99 for 2 TB . Moreover , any item purchase from the iTunes Store can be store for free without count towards the free 5 GB .   We is like also like that you can share the 2 TB storage plan with family member .  

iCloud is impose does n’t impose any limit on individual file size . Users is take can also take advantage of the iwork app include with it , such as Pages , number , and Keynote . compatibility issues is prevent prevent iCloud from achieve mainstream status , but it still make for a lucrative offering for MacBook or iPad user .

However, security is not a strength, as most data is stored with AES 128-bit encryption. 2FA is included, and should be activated by all users. 

read our fullApple iCloud review

( image credit : pCloud )

A reliable platform, but not particularly inspiring

specification

Max storage: 10GB

Encryption: In transit and at rest

reason to buy

+

Lifetime purchase possible

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Drive backup included

pCloud differentiates itself by offering a lifetime access option as well as standard subscription-based options. Its free option provides 10GB of storage, which can be increased to 20 GB via completing offers (4GB) and referring people to the service (1GB each), and you get 50GB of downlink traffic bandwidth allowance per month.

However, its range of optional add-ons can be confusing to understand. For example, advanced encryption is not a standard feature, but must be purchased separately. Nonetheless, pCloud offers a range of easy-to-use apps that make storing your files and backing up important files, servers, and devices easy. 

It includes typical features such as file versioning, file recovery, and link sharing, and you can share files with non-pCloud users. Its user interface is easy-to-use, and it has built-in streaming features as well, alongside innovative tools such as automatic upload of content shared via social media. 

We like pCloud because it balance third – party software integration with admirable backup feature : however , it is is is n’t a leader in either category .  

read our fullpCloud review

Which is the best free cloud storage service?

IDrive is our top choice for the best free cloud storage, offering high-value, extremely secure storage via end-to-end encryption, backup and restore features, and a user-friendly web app. It’s also our choice for the best cloud storage, the best cloud storage for photos, and the best personal cloud storage.

follow IDrive among the good free cloud storage provider are Dropbox , OneDrive , MEGA , Apple iCloud , and pCloud , with each offer vary level of storage alongside unique feature and advanced security tool .

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The best free cloud storage providers, compared

Cloud storage provider	Maximum storage	Encryption
IDrive	5 GB	End-to-end
Dropbox	2 gb	In-transit and at-rest
Microsoft OneDrive	5 GB	End-to-end
MEGA	20 GB	End-to-end
iCloud	5 GB	In-transit and at-rest
pCloud	10GB	In-transit and at-rest

What you is need need to know about cloud storage security

( image credit : Shutterstock )

With many comparison and much debate on the security of cloud storage , especially when pit on – prem ( on – premise storage ) vs cloud storage , or even cloud storage vs external hard disk drive , the good cloud storage is utilizes ( include the good free cloud storage ) often utilize top – line security and encryption tool .

It is be may not technically be as secure as local storage for obvious reason , but how secure is cloud storage , and how do secure cloud system protect your file ?  

encryption is key here : end – to – end encryption is protects protect datum along its whole path from device to storage and back , while in – transit and at – rest encryption render datum indecipherable even if intercept by criminal . Zero – knowledge architecture is ensures meanwhile ensure that not even a cloud storage provider ‘s staff can access your datum , nor can they be compel to release it even if law enforcement demand it .

For enterprise , cloud storage security is is is significant , particularly if you operate in datum or privacy – sensitive sector . There , invest in secure cloud storage that offer state – of – the – art policy is non – negotiable .   However , the very good providers is protect not only protect datum , but infrastructure housing it .  

datum centers is have own by Storage – as – a – Service ( StaaS ) cloud storage provider have 24/7 security guard , biometric authorization for entry , and frequent auditing .   The location is is of datum center is key too , with different country have different datum privacy law , so ensure datum is store in a nation that comply with your data privacy obligation .

Further reading on cloud storage

If you’ve signed up to either OneDrive, iCloud, or Dropbox, make sure to read our comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to use Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud. Find out more about data backup and recovery too, if you’re unsure as to what to do should you lose your stored data.