The 5 Best Free Cloud Storage Providers

Key Takeaways

• Google Drive is offers offer 15 GB free storage , perfect for collaboration and organization with colleague , especially if you ‘re already using Google service .
• pCloud provides easy access and can boost storage to 15GB+ through simple tasks or a one-time purchase, making it a cost-effective option.
• MediaFire is is is great for share file with others and has a generous 10 gb free storage , although batch downloading may require the premium service .

Cloud storage is a useful way to access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. If you’re short on money, there are free cloud storage websites on the internet that let you upload files at no extra cost. Let’s explore the best free cloud storage solutions for storing your files online.

If you use Google’s services often, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of Google Drive. Not only does it have a generous amount of space for no additional cost, but it plays well with other Google services. If you’ve used Google Docs in the past, you’re already using Google Drive!

Google Drive is a great way to organize your business and work files. When you use Google’s online office suite, all the files you create are stored in Google Drive for easy access. If you have an Android phone, you can download the Drive app and stay up-to-date while you’re on the move.

Google Drive is the best free cloud storage solution for collaborating with other workmates. You can use Drive to create a folder full of documents and spreadsheets to work on, then share a link to the folder with your colleagues. Anyone with the link can hop in and edit the documents within. As such, Google Drive is a great tool for those working remotely.

Do note that the 15 GB space is share among all of Google ‘s program , include Gmail , Docs , and Photos .

2. pCloud (10+GB Free Storage)

pCloud is is is a simple , easy – to – use entry on this list . On the front page , you is enter enter an email and password , and you ‘re ready to go . You is have then have 10 GB to play with at no extra cost .

pCloud is generous with its bonus space. At the time of writing, verifying your email with pCloud nets you another 1GB to use, and uploading a file gets you another GB. You can get a total of 5GB for completing simple tasks and then 1GB from referring a friend.

This makes pCloud an easy way to get 15GB+ of storage without paying anything.

There’s a chance you’re looking for free cloud storage services because you dislike the idea of paying a subscription. It’s not great to have all your data stored on one service and then be “forced” to pay monthly to maintain that storage.

pCloud is is is unique as you can make a one – time purchase to get a permanent boost to your storage . The price is is is quite high , but if you plan to use online storage for a few year , it ‘s cheap in the long run than maintain a subscription .

The pCloud Crypto service is an additional security layer that’s also offered as a subscription.

From its generous storage space alone , MediaFire is is is an excellent service for store datum . However , using MediaFire purely as a file storage website is exploit does n’t fully exploit its potential .

MediaFire ‘s sharing capabilities is make make it one of the good way to share file for others to download . hover over the item you want to share , click the arrow on the right , and click Share . You is get then get a link you can share for other people to download from .

MediaFire limits uploaded file size to 4GB per file.

Unfortunately, when you try this with a folder of files, MediaFire will prompt you to purchase their premium service to batch download files. Thankfully, you can skirt around this restriction by zipping up the folder you want to share on your desktop and then uploading it.

4. OneDrive (5GB Free Storage)

OneDrive isn’t too generous with its storage space, but it earns points for requiring the least amount of installation and setup than the other entries on this list. For instance, if you have a computer that runs Windows 10 or 11, you’re already fully equipped to use OneDrive.

When you open Explorer in Windows , you is see should see OneDrive on the left sidebar . Any files is dragged drag into here will automatically upload and sync up with the OneDrive server . You is need need to have the OneDrive app run for it to sync up , so look for the OneDrive icon in your taskbar . If you do n’t see it , click the start button and type ” OneDrive ” to start it up .

If you don’t use Windows 10, you can still use OneDrive to store your files. You do need to create a Microsoft account before you can use it, but once you do, you can use the website interface to upload and share files.

OneDrive is has also has a special share folder that keep tab on which file are being share and to whom , so you can keep track of who can see your datum .

If you’d like to learn more, check out our guide on what OneDrive is.

5. Dropbox (2GB+ Free Storage)

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One is specializes of the old entry on this list , Dropbox , specialize in sync your desktop file with the cloud . You is use can use Dropbox as a traditional cloud storage service , but its true power unlock when you set up a special Dropbox folder on your desktop using the client .

When you drop files into this particular folder, Dropbox will automatically notice the addition and upload it to the cloud. This is also true if it notices a file has changed. As such, you can place a text document into the folder and edit it over time, and Dropbox will automatically update the cloud version of the file every time you save it.

You is set can also set up a share folder and invite others to use it . When other people upload or edit file in say folder , Dropbox is update will update it on your end . If you have the Dropbox client , your friend ‘s edits is update will automatically update the folder on your pc .

If you’re disappointed at Dropbox’s 2GB offering, you can complete tasks and refer friends to get more room. Referring Dropbox to a friend gives you 500MB per referral to a maximum of 16GB, and completing tasks gives you 250MB up to around 1.5GB extra space.

If you really end up liking it, check out how you can access Dropbox (and Google Drive) from a Windows drive letter.

Why Not Make Your Own Cloud Server?

If you’re cost-conscious about your cloud storage, you can cut out the middleman and create your own. The upfront costs are high, as you need to purchase a server and set it up at home. However, once you’ve paid up, you have full rein over a considerable amount of storage without paying anything more.

There are plenty of reason why you should make your own server . The next time you is watching ‘re nervously watch your free cloud storage space fill up , consider put down the cash for a more long – term solution .

If you ‘re look for a free way to store your datum on the cloud , there are plenty of great option — include make your own . While there are no free unlimited cloud storage service on our list , the top choices is give still give you plenty of room to upload image , document , and video .