Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
MEGA8.5
End-to-end encrypted by default, with published client source code.
Privacy & encryption
25% weight
iCloud+8.0
Optional Advanced Data Protection extends end-to-end encryption to most data.
MEGA8.0
Competitive per-terabyte pricing on paid tiers.
Value for money
20% weight
iCloud+7.5
Fair pricing with Family Sharing, plus privacy extras in iCloud+.
MEGA9.0
20 GB free, though downloads are subject to transfer quotas.
Free tier
15% weight
iCloud+4.5
Only 5 GB free, which device backups fill quickly.
MEGA7.5
Sync apps for Windows, Mac and Linux plus mobile backup.
Sync & apps
20% weight
iCloud+7.0
Seamless on Apple devices, a Windows app exists, but no Android or Linux app.
MEGA6.0
Encrypted chat and sharing, but no office editing.
Ecosystem & sharing
20% weight
iCloud+8.5
Deep Apple integration with Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | MEGA | iCloud+ |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 20 GB | 5 GB |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | Yes | No |
| Lifetime plan option | No | No |
| Official Linux sync app | Yes | No |
| Built-in document editing | No | Yes |
| Company base | New Zealand | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose MEGA if…
You want something best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space.
- + Large free allowance
- + End-to-end encrypted by default
- + Linux app
Choose iCloud+ if…
You want something best for people who use Apple devices.
- + Built into Apple devices
- + Optional Advanced Data Protection
- + Private Relay and Hide My Email on paid tiers
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
MEGA vs iCloud+: quick answers
Is MEGA better than iCloud+?
MEGA leads iCloud+ by 0.5 points overall (7.8 vs 7.3). MEGA scores higher on privacy & encryption, value for money, free tier, sync & apps. iCloud+ scores higher on ecosystem & sharing.
Who should choose iCloud+ over MEGA?
iCloud+ is best for people who use Apple devices. MEGA is best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space.
How were MEGA and iCloud+ scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for cloud storage services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.