Best cloud storage services in 2026
This list compares personal cloud storage for backing up photos and documents and syncing files between devices. We weigh privacy and encryption most, then value per gigabyte, the free tier, sync quality and how well each fits into the apps you already use.
8 brands scored5 weighted criteriaRegion: GlobalReviewed
Quick picks
Best cloud storage services by need
Best for Android and Gmail users
Google One (Google Drive)
15 GB free shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos, plus Docs and Sheets.
Ranking
All 8 cloud storage services, ranked
Showing 8 of 8 cloud storage services.
- 1
Google One (Google Drive)$
Best for android, Gmail and Google Docs users
Google's storage subscription covering Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Every Google account gets 15 GB free, and paid tiers can be shared with family.
7.8/10, Very good
- 2
MEGA$
Best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space
A New Zealand provider offering end-to-end encrypted storage with one of the largest free allowances. Free accounts have transfer quotas.
7.8/10, Very good
- 3
pCloud$$
Best for people who prefer a one-off payment
A Swiss storage provider best known for lifetime plans paid once instead of monthly. Client-side encryption is offered as a paid add-on for a dedicated folder.
7.4/10, Good
- 4
Proton Drive$$
Best for privacy-first users and Proton customers
End-to-end encrypted storage from Swiss company Proton, with encrypted document editing and photo backup. It can be bundled with Proton Mail, VPN and Pass.
7.4/10, Good
- 5
iCloud+$$
Best for people who use Apple devices
Apple's cloud service, built into iPhone, iPad and Mac. Every account gets 5 GB free, and paid iCloud+ tiers add more storage, Private Relay and Hide My Email.
7.3/10, Good
- 6
Microsoft OneDrive$$
Best for windows and Microsoft 365 users
Microsoft's cloud storage, built into Windows and bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. A free tier is available, and Personal Vault adds an extra-verified folder.
7.3/10, Good
- 7
Sync.com$$
Best for secure document storage and sharing
A Canadian zero-knowledge storage service with end-to-end encryption on by default. It suits document storage and secure sharing more than heavy media use.
6.9/10, Good
- 8
Dropbox$$$
Best for people who need reliable cross-platform sync
One of the original sync services, known for dependable desktop sync, including on Linux. The free Basic plan is small and limited to three linked devices.
6.5/10, Good
Method
What the score is made of
- 25%Privacy & encryptionEnd-to-end encryption by default and a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
- 20%Value for moneyLow cost per terabyte, family sharing and flexible plan sizes.
- 15%Free tierGenerous free storage without tight device or transfer limits.
- 20%Sync & appsReliable desktop sync on Windows, Mac and Linux plus good mobile photo backup.
- 20%Ecosystem & sharingBuilt-in editing, easy sharing and tight links with common devices and apps.
Published facts
Side-by-side table
| Brand | Score | Free storage | End-to-end encrypted by default | Lifetime plan option | Official Linux sync app | Built-in document editing | Company base |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google One (Google Drive) | 7.8 | 15 GB | No | No | No | Yes | United States |
| MEGA | 7.8 | 20 GB | Yes | No | Yes | No | New Zealand |
| pCloud | 7.4 | 10 GB | No | Yes | Yes | No | Switzerland |
| Proton Drive | 7.4 | 5 GB | Yes | Not published | Not published | Yes | Switzerland |
| iCloud+ | 7.3 | 5 GB | No | No | No | Yes | United States |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 7.3 | 5 GB | No | No | No | Yes | United States |
| Sync.com | 6.9 | 5 GB | Yes | No | No | No | Canada |
| Dropbox | 6.5 | 2 GB | No | No | Yes | No | United States |
Head to head
Popular comparisons
Before you pay
Buying checklist
- Decide whether you need end-to-end encryption or are comfortable with standard server-side encryption.
- Check the free tier's limits on storage, devices and transfers.
- Make sure there is a sync app for every computer you use, including Linux if needed.
- Compare the price per terabyte at the size you actually need.
- Look for family sharing if several people will use one plan.
- Keep a second backup elsewhere; sync is not the same as backup.
- Check how easy it is to export everything if you ever leave.
Questions
Cloud storage services: common questions
What does end-to-end encryption mean for cloud storage?
Files are encrypted on your device before upload, and only you hold the keys, so the provider cannot read them. The trade-off is that features such as server-side search and previews can be limited, and losing your password can mean losing access.
Which cloud storage has the most free space?
Among the services here, MEGA offers the largest free allowance, followed by Google's 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos. Most others offer between 2 GB and 10 GB free.
Is cloud storage the same as a backup?
Not quite. Sync services mirror changes, so a deleted or corrupted file can disappear everywhere. Most keep version history for a while, but a separate backup copy is still wise for anything important.
Are lifetime cloud storage plans worth it?
A lifetime plan, such as those pCloud sells, can be cheaper than years of subscriptions if you keep using it. The risk is that it depends on the company continuing to operate, so weigh its track record before paying upfront.
Is iCloud end-to-end encrypted?
Some iCloud data is always end-to-end encrypted, and turning on Advanced Data Protection extends it to most categories, including photos and iCloud Drive. The feature is optional and is not available to new users in every country.
Score alerts
Know when a score moves
One short email when we re-score a brand in cloud storage services: what changed, the old total and the new one.
Compare brands, tools, and deals from one place
Move from ratings into curated offers, product hubs, and hands-on utilities without losing context.