Here are some of the best cloud storage options that will not cost you one penny.
Gone are the days you had to fill your cabinets with documents to the brim or store your photographs in a suitcase. We now live in an era of cloud storage. As such, you can now store and access all your documents, photos, and other files virtually, anytime, anywhere.
What’s even better, you don’t need to spend a dime on cloud storage unless you need extra storage. Here, we’ve reviewed the best free cloud storage providers in the market to help you make an informed decision. Read on to learn more.
1. Google Drive
Let’s kick-start our list with Google Drive, which is one of the biggest cloud storage providers today. Most users use this service to store their files since it’s linked to Google Workspace. Google Drive users enjoy a whooping 15 GB once they sign up for the service. That’s more than what most providers offer their users. From a perspective, 15GB is enough to hold about 9,000 photos.
Google Drive will automatically back your Google docs, spreadsheets, Gmail, photos, and much more. Its integration with Google Workspace makes it easier to collaborate with others. Users can let files be opened and accessed by other individuals or allow comments on a document.
This cloud storage is worth checking out, and the fact that it’s free makes it even more interesting. But there’s a catch! There’s a trade-off in terms of user privacy. So, it’s up to you to settle for the trade-off or not.
Despite that, Google Drive is by far the best cloud storage service. It’s easy to upgrade and works effectively with Google Workspace tools.
2. Microsoft OneDrive
Unlike Google Drive, OneDrive offers its users only 5GB of free cloud storage. This might not seem so much, but it all depends on what you plan to store. Also, if you already have a Microsoft account, you can use OneDrive as part of your account- there’s no need to sign up for the account separately. The best part about this service is that Microsoft 365 users can receive 1TB of free storage.
Since the service integrates with Microsoft 365, your files will automatically get backed up. Also, you’ll be able to access and shares your files easily.
Its integration with Microsoft 365 makes it a great collaboration tool. It will automatically back your files, and allow you to access and share them with ease, whether online or offline.
3. Apple iCloud
Apple iCloud is perhaps one of the most renowned free cloud storage options among users. It’s integrated into all Apple devices, and users receive 5 GB worth of free cloud storage. This might get used up quickly, particularly if you have your device automatically set to back up your photos and videos to the cloud.
If your storage needs surpass 5 GB, you can upgrade to a paid plan at an affordable price. Alternatively, switch off the automatic backups and choose carefully what you wish to store in iCloud.
Since the cloud storage is already integrated with your apple device, you don’t have to set up anything to get started. Apple will backup your documents, photos, and other files to iCloud and synchronize them across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Apple’s cloud storage is ideal for backing up users’ photographs. It organizes all the pictures in an easy-to-access library within the cloud. iCloud allows you to search and share media files from one Apple device to another hassle-free.
In terms of security, iCloud uses a two-factor authentication feature to keep your stuff safe. That said, iCloud works only for Apple users. So, if you don’t have an Apple device, consider other cloud storage options.
4. Sync
If the mentioned cloud storage options don’t appeal to you, check out Sync. It’s a great storage tool that offers its users 5 GB of free storage. And if you get people to sign up for the service, you can gain an extra 1 GB for free, though the cap is 20 GB.
Unlike most cloud storage providers, Synch has no file size or data transfer limits. As a result, you can share several file types of any size with anyone.
Furthermore, the service keeps customer security and privacy in mind. Sync support two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption.
5. Dropbox
Last but not least, we have Dropbox. Chances are you’ve already come across this cloud storage service or you’re already using it. It’s a popular cloud storage option for most people, families, and even organizations.
Perhaps the biggest upside of Dropbox is it allows cross-platform syncing. Therefore, it’s possible to access your files from any device, anytime and anywhere. All you need to do is download the Dropbox app or log into your account, and you’ll be able to access and even edit your backed up files.
Dropbox offers users 2 GB worth of storage, and you can set it up to sync all your important files. If you want to save all your documents, you will need to pay a small monthly fee.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, free cloud storage is the best way to back up all your documents, including files, photos, videos, and others at no cost. These providers will offer you the best free cloud storage services in the market.
