Best Free Cloud Storage Services (2022)
Keeping in mind different needs, we have picked out a variety of cloud storage services. While some services are more geared towards offering real-time backup, others put more emphasis on enhanced collaboration. And there are quite a few cloud services that provide a ton of cloud space for free.
To be more precise, you can get almost unlimited cloud storage for backup for free. As to which one should you pick, it all comes down to your storage requirement and how much emphasis you put on additional features like file management, sharing capability, security, and collaboration
1. Google Drive
Deeply integrated with Google Suite, Google Drive makes file storage and management a pretty simple affair. And when you add the 15GB free cloud storage (shared across Google services such as Google Photos, Docs, Gmail, and more), Drive becomes a strong contender.
Google Drive offers a desktop client to let you upload and manage files with ease. Plus, it also comes with a handy mobile app to let you manage and keep a track of your files on the go. It allows you to share files and folders with specific Google users via their email address. You can also use a public link to share files with anyone.
Moreover, Google Drive lets you make a file view-only which prevents anyone from downloading your file. For better control, you can allow/disallow comments on a document and let a file be opened by more than one person at a time. However, what gives Google Drive an edge over many other cloud services is the smooth collaboration. You can take advantage of the Google Workspace to give collaborators admin control over file sharing via trust rules.
Pricing: Up to 15 GB free cloud storage, premium version starts from $1.99/month
Enhanced control over file-sharing Smooth collaboration Integrated with Google Suite Simple file management
Shared storage with other Google services15GB can be exhausted fairly quickly with Gmail, and Google Photos
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS Check out: Google Drive
2. pCloud
pCloud has long been a trusted cloud storage service, so there is no question of missing out on this one. Aside from offering up to 10 GB of free cloud storage, pCloud provides you the desired flexibility to store and manage your files. It comes with both mobile and desktop apps.
Notably, pCloud allows you to share files and folders with non-users. That means even if someone is not using pCloud, they can view your shared files. It also lets you download folders as a ZIP archive which can come in super handy for keeping the space tidy and making file sharing convenient. Moreover, it even allows you to create upload links for folders so that anyone can send files to your account.
There is no file size limitation, which is yet another plus. And when you add the multimedia streaming option, pCloud leaves very little room for complaint. What’s more, pCloud has a new Backup feature that lets you easily backup your files and folders and even maintains a handy version history so you can easily restore files and more.
Pricing: 10 GB free cloud storage, $500 GB is available for a $175 one-time payment (no subscriptions)
Up to 10 GB of free cloud storage No file size limitation Allows multimedia streaming Neat file management
None, as such
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows Check out: pCloud
3. Dropbox
Widely considered to be the best cloud storage service across platforms, Dropbox is what you should pick to store and manage files with the desired flexibility. While it offers a meager 2GB of free cloud storage, you can earn up to 18GB of free storage.
Dropbox offers feature-rich mobile and desktop apps to let you view, upload, and manage files in accordance with your preference. Probably the best part about it is the ability to edit Microsoft Office files right from inside your browser using Microsoft Office Online. Moreover, it also features highly efficient conversions which can play a vital role in helping you manage your files.
On top of all, Dropbox works with a wide range of apps and services including Zoom, Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Asana, and more. Hence, you can use it to work in sync with your colleagues. Talking about security, it’s up to the mark thanks to a trusted track record.
Pricing: 2 GB of free cloud storage (free storage can be increased up to 18 GB), premium plan starts from $9.99/month
Up to 18 GB of free storage Works with a wide range of appsEdit Microsoft Office files right from inside your browserExcellent for collaboration Secure
Initially, offers just 2 GB of free cloud storage
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows Check out: Dropbox
4. MEGA
What makes MEGA worth serious consideration is up to 20 GB of free cloud storage. Add to that the secure end-to-end encryption to keep your data safeguarded and it seems to have covered all the bases to be your preferred choice.
Apart from keeping your files secure, MEGA also comes with an integrated chat to let you exchange messages and share files with enhanced safety. You can use a browser to view and manage your files. With a simple interface and useful file management tools, it lets you keep everything organized in accordance with your preference.
Being available across platforms including Windows, macOS, Linx, iOS, Android, MEGA ensures your files remain secure and easily available across devices thanks to reliable syncing.
Pricing: Up 20 GB free cloud storage, Premium version starts from $6/month
Plenty of free cloud storage Clean and intuitive UIA straightforward way to share folders Offers mobile and desktop apps
May decrease storage capacity if you fail to complete tasks Downloading files is slow
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows Check out : MEGA
5. MediaFire
If you are on the lookout for a service that can help you get a ton of free cloud storage along with neat file management tools, MediaFire is the one you should check out. Though it offers just 10 GB of free storage upfront, you can increase it up to 50 GB or more through application downloads and friend referrals.
Notably, MediaFire allows hassle-free file and folder sharing. If you often have to upload large files, you would appreciate the 4G file upload limitation. Another feature that has managed to catch my attention is the smart filtering options that let you track down specific videos, files, or docks with ease.
MediaFire offers a well-optimized mobile app for iPhone and Android, which you can use to manage and keep a track of your files on the move. You can use the mobile app to easily upload files, share them with anyone, and collaborate at your own pace.
6. OneDrive
If you are in quest of a cloud service that works seamlessly with Microsoft Office Online, I would recommend you try out OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive). When you sign up for OneDrive, you get 5GB of free space. You can add plenty of extra space through things like mobile photo syncing and friend referrals.
Well-optimized appEasy file-sharing No bandwidth limitationsSmart filtering
Pricing: Up to 50 GB free cloud storage, $3.75/month for the premium version Supported Platforms: iOS and Android Check out: MediaFire
Your account is expired after inactivity
With the desktop app, you can easily transfer files and folders of any type. It allows sharing both files and folders with the non-registered users. And you also get option to grant full editing privileges or viewing only permissions based on your needs. You can choose to share password-protected or expiring sharing links.
Using OneDrive’s mobile app, you can upload files (both videos and photos) and keep a track of the changes with ease. Not to mention, the mobile app also lets you mark up and sign docs. If you can live within the 5 GB cloud space, OneDrive won’t disappoint you.
Pricing: Up to 5 GB of free cloud storage, premium plan starts from $1.99/month
Designed to work with Microsoft Office OnlineShare password-protected or expiring sharing linksMultiple ways to upload filesOption to mark up and sign docs
Comparatively less cloud storage
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, and Windows Check out: OneDrive
7. Box
For a more simplified cloud storage and collaboration experience, you can’t go wrong with Box. With 10 GB of free cloud storage, Box ensures you have enough space to accommodate important files and photos. Featuring advanced security controls and intelligent threat detection, it has got all the tools to offer the much-needed shield to your files.
Integrated with several productivity-centric services including Google, Zoom, and more, Box allows you to open, edit, and save files right from one spot. Yeah, you won’t need to hop from one platform to the other to manage your files. Another feature that makes it a preferred choice for professionals and businesses is the seamless e-signatures. You can sign business documents like offer letters and sales contracts with ease.
Pricing: 10 GB of free cloud storage, premium plan starts from $10/month
Top-notch protectionIntegrated with several appsBulk file downloads Seamless collaboration
Lacks password option for shared filesLimits upload file size
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows Check out: Box
8. Sync
Sync is designed to offer a simplified cloud storage experience. With it, you get 5 GB of free cloud space when you sign up. In terms of managing files, Sync is highly flexible. Depending on your needs, you can create shared folders and allow other users to interact with them. It allows you to share files with anyone, irrespective of whether or not they are a Sync user.
With password-protected shares, Sync prevents unauthorized access. You can create centralized folders which both internal team members and external collaborators can easily access. It lets you keep a track of all the members who have access to the centralized folders and manage permissions.
To keep some of your personal files under the wraps, you can create Vaults and store sensitive files inside. What I love the most about Sync is the ability to upload several files at once through both mobile/desktop app and website interface. Not to mention, it backs up your docs in real-time and offers a straightforward way to restore your data. In a nutshell, it’s a fully-equipped cloud storage service that you would like to have at your disposal.
Pricing: Up to 5 GB of free cloud storage, premium plan starts from $8/month
Password-protected sharesWeb-based folder uploadsReliable collaboration Complete tasks to increase free space
Lacks option to web uploads Not perfect for large files
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows Check out: Sync
9. iCloud
For the folks who are locked into the Apple ecosystem, iCloud has always been a top-notch option. The best part about it is the seamless integration with iDevices including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Hence, it’s able to back up and sync your data more smoothly.
While the mere 5 GB of cloud storage is a big letdown especially if you are looking for plenty of free space, it’s considered to be more secure and privacy-centric. So, if a top-tier safeguard against hacking is on your priority list, this one can fit into your bill. Upgrading to the iCloud+ version can let you unlock some notable features including Hide My Email and Private Relay.
Interestingly, Apple also offers temporary free iCloud storage (iOS 15 or later) to let you back up your data and restore it later. Times when you may want to erase and restore your device from a backup, it will come in super handy.
Pricing: 5 GB of free storage, Premium version starts from $0.99/month
Highly secure Deeply integrated with Apple ecosystem Seamless syncing across iDevices
Mere 5 GB of free storage
Supported Platforms: iOS, macOS, and Windows Check out: iCloud
10. Jumpshare
Jumpshare has got all the bases covered to be your preferred free cloud storage service. When you create a Jumpshare account, you get 2 GB of free space. And you can increase the total storage up to 18 GB by referring friends to join.
Jumpshare features a modern-looking interface that feels snappier. The highlight of this service is the built-in screen recorder that allows you to record your screen as a video or GIF. You can use the recording with webcam, drawing, and audio to enhance your presentation. Plus, it also provides handy annotation and markup tools to help you share your heads with better control.
Though the 250 MB upload limit per file is a disappointment, Jumpshare more than just covers the ground by offering a host of proficient file management tools.
Pricing: 2 GB of free storage (can be increased up to 18 GB), Premium version starts from $8.25/month
Impressive screen recording High upload file size limitFaster uploading from desktop Offers handy annotation and mark up tools
Initially offers just 2 GB of free storage Premimum version is quite expensive
Supported Platforms: iOS, macOS, and Windows
Check out: Jumpshare
11. Icedrive
There is a lot to like about Icedrive. For starters, it provides a reasonable 10 GB of free cloud storage. Plus, it allows you to stream your music and videos right from your account without needing to re-download your files. This smooth play is also available for people you share your files with. Yes, you read that right! It doesn’t force people to create an account to be able to download and stream files you share.
You can favorite specific files to quickly them from the Favorites tab and control bandwidth in the desktop program to suit your needs better. Moreover, Icedrive also lets you share files via email addresses or public links and download old versions of files.
Other notable features include WebDAV, encryption, and password-protected share links which you can unlock by upgrading to the premium version. Better still, Icedrive is available across platforms to let you store and manage your files without having to deal with the incompatibility issue.
Pricing: 10 GB of free storage, Premium version starts from $1.67/month
Allows you to preview PDFsAbility to store older versions of filespassword-protected share linksStream music and videos right from your account
Bandwidth is limited to 3 GB/dayEncryption and advanced link sharing are paid
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux
12. Yandex.Disk
Yandex.Disk is a Russia-based cloud service that provides 10 GB of free cloud storage to anyone who signs up. It’s feature-rich and comes with a host of handy features to let you store and organize your files. You can create shared folders to collaborate with others and share files with anyone. Better still, it also allows you to import your photos via social networks.
With the auto-upload feature, you can automatically back up all of your images to the cloud in their original resolution. Unlike many other cloud services, it doesn’t reduce the quality of images in order to save space. You can use it to handle docs, spreadsheets, and presentations right in your browser without having to rely on any additional tool.
Notably, Yandex.Disk allows you to send short links to files up to 50 GB in size which recipients can view and download. Upgrading to the premium version lets you unlock several other useful features including the ability to view the history of file changes for 3 months and download files from public pages.
Pricing: 10 GB of free storage, Premium version starts from $2/month
Backup images in their original resolutionCreate shared folders Import photos from social networksReliable collaboration
Web app doesn’t allow you to upload folders
Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux Check out: Yandex.disk
Which Free Cloud Storage Service Should You Choose?
There you go! So, these are the top free cloud storage services that you can use to securely back up your files, photos, and videos. Moreover, many of them can also deliver a seamless collaboration thanks to smart folder sharing and the integration with several productivity-centric apps. That said, let us know your favorite cloud service and the reasons why you prefer it. If there is any worthy contender that deserves a mention in this roundup, be sure to tip us about that as well.
