If your information ever become corrupted or unavailable, or if your computer or mobile device runs out of storage space, a backup copy can be a lifesaver. on such a case, you have the option of storing your files on the cloud or creating a backup copy.
However, cloud storage is preferable to traditional methods of file storage since it has numerous additional uses. Instead of keeping data on your personal computer, mobile phone, or other storage device, you can save it on the cloud. In addition to keeping your data safe, this also frees up space on your local storage. Files stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere and shared with minimal effort.
If you’re interested in using a cloud storage service, you can pick from numerous different free and paid solutions. However, if you’re just starting off, the free cloud storage options available today should be more than adequate for your needs. If you’re looking for recommendations on which cloud storage service to choose, this article has you covered.
How can you create the best free cloud storage service?
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best free cloud storage.
The primary concern is safety. Try to find file-encryption software that uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256 bit key.
Second, verify that client-side encryption is available on the service so that your data is protected in the event of a platform compromise.
Third, to prevent intelligence agencies from accessing your data, select a service provider located outside the “14 Eyes” countries.
The simplicity of usage is the fourth point to consider. The service’s interface should be straightforward, allowing you to quickly locate your files and have access to them from any device.
Space for storing things is the fifth point. One of the most crucial aspects to consider when selecting a service is the amount of storage it provides. Make sure you pick a provider that has enough storage space for your needs (without sacrificing security, of course).
File sharing and other collaboration capabilities are only two examples of the extras you might find in some cloud storage services. If you need to share files with others, these may come in handy. You should think about whether or not you’ll actually use these options.
Which Are the Top Free Cloud-Based Storage Services?
While there are many free cloud storage solutions available online, the ten listed here are among the best in both storage capacity and other features.
Google Drive: Best Free Cloud Storage for File Sharing
Google Drive is a cloud storage service that supports a wide variety of file formats, including photos, music, movies, and even computer code. The service uses Google’s server, one of the most reliable data centers, to back up your data. Google Drive also syncs with other Google services, making it easy to back up your data anywhere within the Google ecosystem. If you already have a Google account, Google Drive will be automatically accessible to you.
Google Drive provides 15 GB of free space to all new users. Files from your devices can be stored here alongside those from Gmail, Google Photos, Docs, and Sheets and other Google services. Meanwhile, if you subscribe to one of the plans, you’ll gain access to G Drive’s expanded storage capabilities. The files you keep on Google Drive are synced across all your devices, making them easily accessible from anywhere. Google Drive is also ideal for team collaboration and sharing files. If you want to restrict others from downloading shared files, you can set them to read-only mode.
Download Google Drive: PC, Android, and iOS
Mega: Great for Collaboration
Mega is one of the most popular cloud storage companies due to its extensive free storage capacity and high level of security. Each new Mega customer is given 20 GB of free space to keep any kind of files they like. The cloud storage service is user-friendly, and the integrated chat feature is great for fostering collaboration.
Mega uses end-to-end encryption for your file and all other platform-related actions, so you can feel safe using the service in any capacity. Mega’s collaborative features also make it a useful tool for group projects. Browsers, the desktop sync client, and the mobile app all provide access to cloud storage on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additional storage is relatively reasonable at just $1.72 per year or £1.56 per month for a terabyte.
Download Mega: PC, Android, and iOS
pCloud: Best Free Online Storage
pCloud is another option for secure cloud backup of your personal data. This platform is so simple to use, you can trust it with your most sensitive data, and it will automatically sync your data across all of your devices. Free users of pCloud can take advantage of 10 GB of storage space, while those who upgrade to the premium plan can store up to 2 TB. In addition, you can use this service to generate an upload link that others can use to send you files. Using a dedicated email address for a certain folder in your pCloud account will greatly save the time spent organizing your data.
If you need to delete photos and videos from your social network account but would like to save them, you can always restore them from a pCloud backup. In addition, pCloud is great for sharing files with everyone, including those who do not have an account. Follow the instructions below to set up pCloud on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Download pCloud: PC, Android, and iOS
Dropbox: Reliable Free Cloud Storage
You’ve probably heard of Dropbox, another popular cloud storage option similar to Google Drive. Dropbox is a powerful and user-friendly cloud storage service that can be accessed from anywhere. Although 2GB of free space is all that Dropbox offers, there are ways to increase that space, including introducing friends. Remote wiping allows Dropbox users to remove their data from a misplaced device. Only three devices can be synced with the free plan. Dropbox Plus ($9.99/month) and the other premium options allow you to sync an unlimited number of devices.
Download Dropbox: PC, Android, iOS
TeraBox: Largest Free Cloud Storage
The vast majority of cloud storage services only provide a minimal amount of free storage space before you are required to upgrade to a paid plan. However, TeraBox gives its subscribers a whooping 1 terabyte of free space. On competing cloud storage platforms, this amount of space would cost you between $5 and $10 monthly. TeraBox provides free storage space, but it also has other privacy-enhancing features, such as the option to password-protect or time-limit access to your files.
This cloud service also has a trash can where you can restore files for 10 days before they are permanently removed. The free Terabox plan has some drawbacks, such as ads and a low maximum upload size, however they can be removed from the paying plan.
Download TeraBox: PC, Android, iOS
OneDrive: Best Free Cloud Storage for Windows Users
Microsoft OneDrive is a highly effective cloud storage option, and it provides users with 5GB of free space to get started. All Windows devices have OneDrive pre-installed as a native cloud storage option. Your files can be safely stored there regardless of whether you use a Windows computer or a smartphone. OneDrive is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
The online storage space allows you to access your data from any device with the help of a straightforward synchronization tool. The ability to share files with both OneDrive users and non-users, and to set permission to allow editing or just view, is another wonderful feature. First and foremost, your data is safe when using OneDrive.
Use OneDrive: PC, Android, iOS
Internxt: Secure Free Cloud Storage
New to the cloud storage market, Internxt boasts the highest level of security available. By protecting your data with zero-knowledge encryption, not even the service provider has access to it. You get 2 GB of free storage just for signing up with Internxt, and you can earn up to 10 GB more by installing the app, inviting friends, and signing up for the newsletter.
The platform’s capacity for file sharing is excellent. One of the less appealing features of Internxt is the inability to drag and drop files between folders. Despite its limited features, the cloud storage service serves its intended purpose well: storing information.
Use Internxt: PC, Android, iOS
Degoo: Biggest Free Cloud Storage Backup
Degoo is the greatest cloud storage solution if you need dependable service and a lot of free space. Degoo provides 100 GB free, with an additional 400 GB available for referrals and ad viewing. The cloud storage solution is easy to use and compatible with all of your gadgets.
The ability to preview files in Degoo is quite useful. The files are read-only, though. It’s also convenient that uploaded files are organized according to the source device. The platform excels at file storage but not collaboration.
Download Degoo: PC, Android, iOS
Koofr: Solid Free Storage with GDPR
Koofr’s free cloud storage space is quite large at 10 GB. The space is unlimited, and if you refer friends you can earn an extra 7 GB at no cost. Koofr satisfies all the prerequisites set forth by the General Data Protection Regulation and is thus GDPR compliant. It’s a safe bet for keeping confidential information safe and private.
Koofr’s numerous connections to external systems and utilities simplify integration and use. This include both software and data storage services. Koofr also provides a number of features, such as security, team collaboration tools, and more, that make it an attractive option for enterprises.
Download Koofr: PC, Android, iOS
Icedrive: Fastest Free Cloud Storage
When it comes to free cloud storage options, Icedrive is hard to beat. It has a quick and simple UI with excellent safety options. Icedrive is a cloud storage and file-sharing service that also serves as a backup. You can store up to 10 GB in the cloud with the free plan. With transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, it is among the fastest of the free cloud storage options.
The Twofish encryption mechanism is used, which is both robust and GDPR-compliant. With Icedrive, you have complete access to your own private information by downloading it all. Your account can be terminated at any moment at your request.
IceDrive has been criticized in the past for being unreliable, so it’s best to reserve it for temporary storage or as a supplementary cloud backup.
Download Icedrive: PC, Android, iOS
Final Words
Online file backups made possible by cloud storage providers. While some users may be OK with the minimal free storage space provided by non-open source cloud storage services, the vast majority of providers fall into the latter category. Here, we’ve outlined a few of the most reliable and popular free cloud storage options available. Pick the service that fits your requirements the best.