Google Photos
Google Photos: An easy photo backup service with broad search, editing, sharing, and device coverage. Ranked #1 of 70 in Photo Storage Services by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for most people wanting effortless photo backup.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMost people wanting effortless photo backup
- Free planYes
- Paid from$1.99/mo
- Original-quality storageYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Automatic photo and video backup across mobile devices and computers
- Search by people, places, and things, with face grouping
- Web, iOS, Android, and desktop app support
Where it doesn't
- Free storage is shared with Google Drive and Gmail
- Face Groups availability varies by region, domain, and account type
- Basic storage remains shared across Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail
Our verdict on Google Photos
Google Photos is a cloud photo and video service for consumers who want automatic backup, searchable organization, editing, and sharing in one library. It supports web, iOS, Android, and an official desktop photo backup application. Users can choose original-quality or storage-saving backup options, while features such as shared albums, partner sharing, face grouping, memories, and editing tools cover common personal photo workflows. It suits people who want their photos available across devices without managing a local-only archive.
The free plan includes 15 GB of shared storage for Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail. The Basic plan costs $1.99 per month and provides 100 GB of shared storage across those services; its storage can be shared with up to five other people. According to the vendor's pricing details, the paid tier adds capacity rather than removing the shared-storage model. Google One prices and plan availability vary by country and account region, while the cited pricing displays USD pricing. Buyers should choose the Free plan for a modest library or the Basic plan when shared storage and additional capacity matter.
Google Photos stands out through the breadth of its organization and editing tools. Search can cover people, places, and things, with face grouping and private face labels, while Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur add editing options alongside standard photo and video tools. Shared albums include collaboration controls, and partner sharing can automatically share libraries. Face Groups are not available in all geographic regions, domains, or account types. People seeking an integrated service across common platforms should consider Google Photos; those who do not want storage shared with Drive and Gmail may prefer a service with a separate photo-storage allocation.
Your product? Our editors can test Google Photos in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Google Photos pricing
All 4 Google Photos plans and prices →
Google Photos fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $1.99/mo |
| Free storage | 15 GB |
| Original-quality storage | Yes |
| Face search | Yes |
| Shared albums | Yes |
| Family sharing | Yes |
| Desktop app | Not verified |
| Video backup | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | 2FA |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | google.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Google Photos
- Apple PhotosA capable photo library for Apple households, with affordable entry pricing and limited free storage.9.2
- Amazon PhotosA capable photo backup and sharing service, especially for Prime members.9.0
- Synology PhotosA capable private photo library for Synology NAS owners who want control and depth.8.9
See all Google Photos alternatives →
Google Photos vs the competition
- Google Photos vs Amazon Photos
- Google Photos vs Synology Photos
- Google Photos vs Flickr
- Google Photos vs SmugMug
- Google Photos vs Piwigo
Compare Google Photos with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Google Photos is ranked in 7 of our directories.
Used Google Photos? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Google Photos for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Google Photos is listed in our Photo Storage Services directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/google-photos/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/google-photos.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update