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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe best free cloud storage service depends on what you store and how you share it. Google Drive gives the largest general-purpose allowance, Box is useful for small business files, Proton Drive prioritizes encrypted storage, and Microsoft OneDrive is convenient if you already use Windows or Microsoft 365.
There is no unlimited free plan in this list. Each service has a different catch: shared Google storage also covers Gmail and Photos, Box limits individual uploads to 250 MB, Dropbox offers only 2 GB, and OneDrive’s 5 GB is separate from Outlook.com’s 15 GB mailbox allowance.
Best free cloud storage at a glance
| Service | Free storage | Best for | Important free-tier limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | 15 GB per Google Account | General storage, collaboration, and Google users | Storage is shared with Gmail and Google Photos |
| Box Individual | 10 GB | Sharing documents and work files | 250 MB maximum upload per file |
| OneDrive | 5 GB | Windows and Microsoft users | Existing files become read-only when over quota |
| Proton Drive | 5 GB | Encrypted personal storage | The free plan has basic features and a small quota |
| Sync.com Personal Free | 5 GB | Private file sharing and recovery | 5 GB data transfer, three password-protected links |
| iCloud | 5 GB | Apple device backups and files | Photos, backups, and files share the same 5 GB |
| Dropbox Basic | 2 GB | Simple file syncing and sharing | Smallest storage allowance in this comparison |
1. Google Drive: best overall free cloud storage
Free allowance: 15 GB per Google Account.
Google Drive is the strongest all-round option if you want the largest free allowance from a mainstream provider. It works well for documents, PDFs, photos, shared folders, and files created in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, Forms, and Vids.
The 15 GB figure needs an important qualification: it is not Drive-only storage. The same quota is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Large email attachments and photo backups can therefore consume space even when the Drive folder itself appears tidy.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Files in a folder shared with you count against the original owner’s quota, not yours. However, a copy you make, or files you add to that shared location, can use your own storage.
How to free space in Google storage on an iPhone or iPad
- Open Google Drive, Google Photos, or Gmail.
- Tap Clean up space or Manage storage.
- Open Usage details.
- Under Clean up by service, choose Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail, or Trash.
- Select items, tap Review, then choose Delete and either Move to trash or Permanently delete.
Deleting a large quantity of data may not update the quota immediately. Google says storage calculations can take 48–72 hours. Drive Trash, hidden app data, and some background system files also count.
Google Photos’ old “High quality” advice is no longer accurate. The setting is now called Storage saver, and Storage saver or Express backups made after June 1, 2021 count toward the account quota.
2. Box Individual: best for sharing work documents
Free allowance: 10 GB.
Box Individual, labeled Free single user, provides more free capacity than OneDrive, iCloud, Proton Drive, or Sync.com. It is a practical choice for PDFs, office documents, contracts, and other relatively small work files.
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The major restriction is the 250 MB maximum upload size per file. That rules out many large video files, disk images, and archive files. Box also provides one file version and five Box Sign signature requests per month on this plan.
Open-access shared links have a 10 GB per-user-per-month download-bandwidth limit. Box also lists a 1 TB per-user-per-month upload/download bandwidth threshold for Individual plans. Paid plans add sharing controls that should not be assumed to exist on the free tier, including advanced link settings, download disabling, custom expiration dates, and password-protected links.
To start, use the Box pricing page and select Sign Up or Sign up with Google.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
3. Microsoft OneDrive: best for Windows and Microsoft users
Free allowance: 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage.
OneDrive is the natural free option for people who already use a Microsoft account, Windows, or Microsoft’s web apps. It is convenient for keeping personal documents available across a computer, phone, and browser.
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Do not add OneDrive’s 5 GB to Outlook.com’s 15 GB mailbox allowance. Microsoft lists those as separate quotas: OneDrive provides 5 GB of cloud file storage, while Outlook.com provides 15 GB for email.
Check your usage from the Microsoft storage area of your account dashboard. Microsoft’s support page provides an Open account dashboard link.
Going over the Microsoft cloud quota has serious practical effects. OneDrive stops accepting new uploads, edits, or syncs, and existing files become read-only. Outlook.com sending and receiving can also be affected, even when the email-specific quota has not been exceeded. If the account stays over quota for more than three months, OneDrive is frozen; after six months, Microsoft may delete the OneDrive and its files, with deletion described as non-recoverable.
4. Proton Drive: best for encrypted free storage
Free allowance: 5 GB on the Proton Free plan.
Proton Drive is the best fit here when privacy matters more than maximum capacity. Proton says the free plan uses the same level of encryption as its paid plans. It supports storage for photos and documents, an online document and spreadsheet editor, and secure sharing features such as passwords, expiration dates, and access revocation.
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Create an account with Sign up free. To upgrade later, sign in at drive.proton.me, click Upgrade in the top-right corner, and select a plan.
Rank #3
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
5. Sync.com Personal Free: best for private sharing and recovery
Free allowance: 5 GB.
Sync.com’s free Personal plan is aimed at people who want private file storage with useful recovery and sharing controls. It supports up to five of your own devices, up to three password-protected links, and up to three team shared folders.
Free version history and deleted-file recovery are available for up to 30 days. That is valuable if you accidentally overwrite a document or delete a file and notice the mistake later.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe free plan includes a 5 GB data-transfer allowance. It does not provide the unlimited sharing and advanced access controls associated with paid plans. Signup uses the fields Email (name@company.com), Password, and Confirm password, followed by Sign up free.
6. iCloud: best for Apple device backups
Free allowance: 5 GB.
iCloud is the most convenient choice for an iPhone, iPad, or Mac because it is integrated into Apple’s account and device settings. It can store iCloud Photos, files, device backups, and other iCloud data without installing a separate storage app.
The 5 GB is a shared pool. It is not 5 GB for files plus a separate free allowance for backups or photos. A single iPhone backup, photo library, or app data collection can use much of the available space.
Apple’s paid storage is called iCloud+. Features such as iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domains belong to the paid iCloud+ tier, not the free storage allowance. Availability can vary by country or region.
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Use iCloud when Apple integration is more important than cross-platform flexibility. For a large photo library or several device backups, the free plan is likely to fill quickly.
Rank #4
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
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- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
7. Dropbox Basic: best for simple folder syncing
Free allowance: 2 GB.
Dropbox Basic is easy to understand and works well for a small set of files that you need to access on multiple devices or share occasionally. Its desktop folder-syncing model remains familiar and straightforward.
The problem is capacity. At 2 GB, Dropbox Basic is the smallest plan in this comparison. It is better suited to current projects, a few essential documents, or transferring selected files than to storing a large photo collection.
Do not assume that Dropbox Basic includes the sharing controls available on paid plans. Dropbox’s comparison table reserves advanced link settings, download disabling, custom expiration dates, and password-protected links for paid tiers. The 30-day history shown for Dropbox Plus should not be treated as a Basic entitlement.
The current free plan is labeled Basic Free, with a Get Basic signup button.
Which free cloud storage service should you choose?
| Your priority | Recommended service | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most free space from a mainstream provider | Google Drive | 15 GB, although Gmail and Photos share the quota |
| Apple backups and iPhone integration | iCloud | Built into Apple devices and services |
| Windows and Microsoft integration | OneDrive | Works naturally with a Microsoft account and Windows |
| End-to-end encrypted storage | Proton Drive | Encryption is included on the free plan |
| Private links and recovery | Sync.com | Password-protected links and 30-day recovery features |
| Work documents under 250 MB | Box | 10 GB free, with document-focused sharing |
| A small synced folder | Dropbox | Simple workflow, but only 2 GB free |
How to get more value from a free plan
- Check what shares the quota. Google storage includes Gmail and Photos; iCloud includes backups and photos; Microsoft separates OneDrive and Outlook quotas but can still restrict related services when the account is over quota.
- Keep a local copy of important files. Free cloud storage is not a complete backup strategy. A deleted, corrupted, or mis-synced file can affect every synchronized device.
- Empty the trash after deleting. In Google Drive, items in Trash continue to count until permanently deleted.
- Watch large files first. Videos, phone backups, old email attachments, and duplicated photo libraries consume free quotas much faster than documents.
- Read sharing limits before distributing a link. Box, Sync.com, Dropbox, and other services reserve some access controls for paid plans or impose transfer limits.
- Do not leave an over-quota account unattended. Google can restrict uploads and other creation activity; Microsoft applies increasingly severe restrictions if OneDrive remains over quota.
What happens when you exceed the free allowance?
Cloud services generally do not immediately erase everything when a free account fills up, but they can stop accepting new data. Google may block new Drive uploads, new Google Photos backups, and new files in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, Forms, and Vids; Gmail sending and receiving can also be affected. Microsoft stops new OneDrive uploads, edits, and syncing, while existing files become read-only. These are operational limits, not minor warnings, so check usage before relying on a full account for an important deadline.
Google says that content may become eligible for deletion if an account remains over quota for two years, after at least three months’ notice. Microsoft states that a OneDrive left over quota for more than three months is frozen and may be deleted after six months. Treat those policies as a reason to clean up or export data promptly.
FAQ
Which free cloud storage service gives the most space?
Google Drive provides the largest allowance in this comparison: 15 GB per Google Account. That storage is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, so it is not 15 GB reserved only for Drive files.
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Is OneDrive free storage 5 GB or 15 GB?
OneDrive provides 5 GB of free cloud storage. Microsoft separately lists 15 GB of Outlook.com mailbox storage. The two allowances should not be combined as OneDrive capacity.
Is Google Photos free storage unlimited?
No. Google’s current Storage saver and Express backups made after June 1, 2021 count toward the Google Account quota. Older backups made before that date do not count under the stated policy.
Which free cloud storage is best for privacy?
Proton Drive is the strongest choice in this list for privacy-focused storage. Proton says its free plan has the same level of encryption as its paid plans and supports secure sharing features such as passwords, expiration dates, and access revocation.
Is iCloud storage separate from iPhone backups?
No. Apple’s free 5 GB iCloud allowance covers photos, files, backups, and other iCloud data in one shared storage pool.
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Box Individual limits each file upload to 250 MB. Large videos, archives, and disk images may therefore exceed the free plan’s upload limit even when your account has unused storage.
What is the smallest free cloud storage plan listed here?
Dropbox Basic provides 2 GB, making it the smallest allowance in this comparison. It is suitable for a small synced folder rather than a full photo library or computer backup.
The Bottom Line
Google Drive is the best overall free choice if you want the most space and use Google services. Choose iCloud for Apple backups, OneDrive for Windows and Microsoft integration, Proton Drive for encrypted storage, Sync.com for private sharing and recovery, Box for smaller work files, and Dropbox when simple syncing matters more than capacity.
Before choosing, check the quota-sharing rules and file-size limits. A nominally larger allowance is less useful if Gmail, photo backups, or a 250 MB upload ceiling consumes your practical capacity.
Quick Recap
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