Cloud storage keeps your files safe, synced, and accessible from anywhere. With options ranging from free 15GB to unlimited storage, this guide helps you find the best service for your needs and budget.
Top Picks 2025
- Best Overall: Google Drive (15GB free, great integration)
- Best for Apple Users: iCloud (seamless Apple sync)
- Best for Business: Dropbox (collaboration tools)
- Best Value: Google One (2TB for $10/month)
- Best for Windows: OneDrive (Office integration)
Cloud Storage Services Compared
| Service | Free Storage | Paid Plans | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | 15 GB | $2-10/mo | Gmail users, docs | |
| iCloud | 5 GB | $1-10/mo | Apple ecosystem | |
| Dropbox | 2 GB | $10-20/mo | File sharing, teams | |
| OneDrive | 5 GB | $2-10/mo | Microsoft users | |
| pCloud | 10 GB | Lifetime options | One-time payment | |
| MEGA | 20 GB | $5-30/mo | Privacy, encryption |
Detailed Service Reviews
Google Drive
Why we love it: The most generous free tier, excellent web apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides), and seamless integration with Gmail and Android.
- Free: 15 GB (shared with Gmail, Photos)
- 100 GB: $1.99/month
- 200 GB: $2.99/month
- 2 TB: $9.99/month (Google One)
- Strengths: Search, collaboration, Google ecosystem
Best for: Gmail users, document collaboration, Android users
iCloud
Why we love it: Seamless backup and sync across all Apple devices - iPhone, iPad, Mac. Essential for Apple ecosystem users.
- Free: 5 GB
- 50 GB: $0.99/month
- 200 GB: $2.99/month
- 2 TB: $9.99/month
- Strengths: Device backup, Photos, Keychain sync
Best for: iPhone/Mac users, family sharing, automatic backups
Dropbox
Why we love it: The original cloud storage pioneer with excellent file sharing, Paper docs, and team collaboration features.
- Free: 2 GB (limited)
- Plus (2 TB): $11.99/month
- Professional (3 TB): $19.99/month
- Strengths: Sharing, Smart Sync, integrations
Best for: File sharing, creative professionals, teams
OneDrive
Why we love it: Built into Windows, includes Office apps with Microsoft 365, and offers excellent value for Office users.
- Free: 5 GB
- 100 GB: $1.99/month
- Microsoft 365 (1 TB): $6.99/month (includes Office)
- Family (6 TB): $9.99/month (6 users, 1 TB each)
Best for: Windows users, Office 365 subscribers, businesses
Pricing Comparison
| Storage | iCloud | Dropbox | OneDrive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 15 GB | 5 GB | 2 GB | 5 GB |
| 100 GB | $1.99/mo | N/A | N/A | $1.99/mo |
| 200 GB | $2.99/mo | $2.99/mo | N/A | N/A |
| 1 TB | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6.99/mo* |
| 2 TB | $9.99/mo | $9.99/mo | $11.99/mo | N/A |
*Microsoft 365 Personal includes Office apps
Best Value Options
Money-Saving Tips
- Best free storage: Google Drive (15 GB) or MEGA (20 GB)
- Best cheap upgrade: iCloud 50 GB ($0.99/month)
- Best 2 TB value: Google One ($9.99/month)
- Best bundle: Microsoft 365 ($6.99 = 1 TB + Office)
- Lifetime option: pCloud (one-time payment, ~$350 for 2 TB)
Use Cases & Recommendations
For Photos & Videos
- iPhone users: iCloud (automatic backup)
- Everyone else: Google Photos (unlimited "storage saver" quality)
- Photographers: Dropbox or pCloud (original quality)
For Documents & Work
- Google Workspace users: Google Drive
- Microsoft Office users: OneDrive
- Cross-platform teams: Dropbox
For Backup & Security
- Privacy-focused: MEGA (end-to-end encryption)
- Full device backup: iCloud (iPhone) or OneDrive (Windows)
- Long-term archive: pCloud (lifetime plans)
Security Features Compared
| Feature | iCloud | Dropbox | MEGA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encryption at rest | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | Partial | Vault only | Yes |
| Two-factor auth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zero-knowledge | No | No | No | Yes |
| Version history | 30 days | 30 days | 180 days | 90 days |
How to Choose
- Consider your ecosystem: Apple → iCloud, Google → Drive, Microsoft → OneDrive
- Evaluate storage needs: Photos/videos need more space
- Check collaboration needs: Dropbox excels at sharing
- Think about security: Need encryption? Consider MEGA
- Calculate cost: Free tier enough? Or need paid plan?
Getting More Free Storage
- Google Drive: Refer friends (+500 MB each, up to 15 GB)
- Dropbox: Referrals (+500 MB each, up to 16 GB total)
- OneDrive: Referrals (+500 MB each, up to 10 GB)
- MEGA: Achievements (+35 GB temporarily)
- Combine services: Use multiple free tiers