El cloud storage Cloud storage has become one of the most essential digital tools for both individuals and businesses to manage and back up digital files. Thanks to the cloud, users can store, share, and access documents, photos, videos, and all types of files from any internet-connected device, eliminating the dependence and limitations of traditional physical storage. However, the wide range of cloud storage services can make it difficult to choose the most appropriate option for your needs, especially if you're looking for a cloud storage solution. free, safe and reliable alternativesIn this article, you'll find a complete and up-to-date guide to the best free services on the market and their most relevant features, integrating all the key information available.
What is cloud storage and why is it so important?
In simple terms, the cloud storage It's a system that allows you to store your files and data off your device, on the servers of large technology companies or specialized providers. You can access these files over the internet, without taking up space on your hard drive, internal memory, or SD card.
The main advantages of cloud storage include:
- Cross platform access: You can view, edit, or share files from your computer, mobile phone, tablet, or any connected device.
- Automatic backups and synchronization: Cloud services allow you to safeguard your files from device failure, theft, or loss, and keep the latest versions automatically synchronized across all your devices.
- Real-time collaboration: Many services offer features for co-editing documents, sharing folders, and managing access permissions.
- Scalability and flexibility: Plans are usually easily expandable, both for individual users and for businesses with large volumes of data.
- Advanced organization, search and retrieval features: From automatic labeling, recycle bins with different restore times, to historical file versions.
Key differences between free storage and premium services
All leading cloud storage providers offer free plans with certain limitations, but they're generally sufficient for most users looking for a basic backup, sync, and collaboration solution. Key differences compared to paid plans include:
- Limited storage capacity: It ranges between 2 GB and 20 GB in most cases, although there are exceptions with more space.
- Transfer and bandwidth limits: Some services restrict the amount of data you can upload or download in a given period.
- Restricted security, sharing, or collaboration features: Free plans may not include advanced encryption, password protection on links, extended file history, priority technical support, or advanced integration with productivity apps.
- In-app advertising or recommendations: Some free providers include ads or suggestions to upgrade to premium accounts.
Still, there are providers that offer great guarantees of privacy and security Even in its free plans, implementing end-to-end encryption, two-step verification, granular access permission control, and compliance with European data protection regulations and international standards.
What to look for when choosing a free cloud storage provider?
Choosing the right option requires taking into account key aspects, depending on the needs of each user or company:
- Free space available and easy to expand: Evaluate whether the free gigabytes are enough and whether you can get more space through invitations, tasks, or recommendations.
- Integration and compatibility: Check if the service is easily accessible from your primary devices and operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) and if it integrates well with your usual apps and platforms.
- Privacy & Security: Prioritize providers with strong encryption, secure storage on certified servers, transparent policies, and features like two-factor authentication.
- Ease of use and intuitive interface: It should allow you to easily organize, search, and share files, as well as restore previous versions or delete items without difficulty.
- Collaboration and permission management features: Consider whether you can create shared folders, grant temporary access, or limit editing based on the recipient.
- Transfer speed and bandwidth: Important if you work with large files or need to upload and download data frequently.
Comparison and analysis of the best free and reliable cloud storage services
In this section, you'll find a detailed and up-to-date description of the best free options, organized for easy comparison and selection, as well as tips for making the most of your space and features.
1 Google Drive
Google Drive It is the most widespread and popular storage service. By creating a Google account you get 15 GB of free space, shared between Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. This amount is usually sufficient for most users, although if you frequently send and receive large attachments or store a lot of photos, it's a good idea to periodically clean up and optimize the space. Comparison of Google Drive and Dropbox can help you decide which is the best option for you.
- Advantages: Deep integration with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), accessible from any device, intuitive interface, advanced organization, search, and filtering features, sharing with editable permissions, real-time collaborative editing, and compatibility with all file types, including Office and multimedia formats.
- Safety: 128- or 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication, robust servers, and privacy compliance.
- Expansion plans: Google One offers 100GB, 200GB, and 2TB plans, which are affordable and shareable with family or colleagues.
- Compatible systems: Windows, MacOS, Linux (via browser), Android and iOS.
Recommended if: You regularly use Gmail, Google Photos, or Google apps, you look for real-time collaboration and maximum compatibility, and you value easy integration with other services and devices.
2.MEGA
MEGA It is one of the services that offers the most free space at the beginning: 20 GB (expandable up to 35 GB through temporary achievements), with end-to-end encryption and a strong privacy policy. It is particularly valued for its emphasis on security and privacy: : Not even the provider itself could access your files, as it uses encryption based on your password and a local master encryption key. European cloud storage alternatives They offer you additional options.
- Advantages: End-to-end encryption, password-protected and expiration-time-protected sharing links, cross-platform apps (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS), direct transfers, secure chat and video calls, fast and easy file transfers, and storage expansion via invites or achievements.
- Limitations: Monthly bandwidth is limited by plan; account recovery is only possible with a recovery key (if you lose it, you won't be able to access it); upload/download speeds are slightly slower than other options in certain regions.
- Paid subscriptions: Pro I (2 TB), Pro II (8 TB), Pro III (16 TB) and Flexible Business Plan.
Recommended if: You prioritize maximum privacy for your files, need to share protected documents with third parties, or want to take advantage of maximum capacity without a monthly fee.
3.pCloud
pCloud is a Swiss storage alternative with 10 GB free These can be expanded by completing simple tasks (checking email, installing the mobile app, inviting friends, etc.), adding up to an additional 10 GB. Highlights include:
- Ease of use, speed and flexibility: No size or upload/download speed limitations, access to multimedia files with a built-in music and video player, and automatic synchronization.
- Safety: TLS/SSL encryption for transfers, optional and paid pCloud Crypto encryption, secure servers in Europe or the US, and redundant backups on multiple independent servers.
- File recovery and versioning: You can restore deleted files up to 15 days later on free accounts (30 days on premium accounts), with a Rewind feature to return to a previous version of your entire account.
- Affordable payment plans: Premium 500 GB and Premium Plus 2 TB, also available on a “lifetime” basis.
Recommended if: You want flexibility, maximum speed, integrated multimedia playback, and complete privacy control, or you're looking for an affordable professional solution.
4. Dropbox
Dropbox It was a pioneer in cloud storage and remains a benchmark option, especially in the professional environment. Its free plan includes 2 GB, expandable up to 18 GB with invitations and challenges. It's ideal for those who prioritize file syncing across multiple devices and easy collaboration. can help you decide.
- Advantages: Real-time synchronization between computers and mobile devices, extensive cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web browser), offline access, intuitive web version, recovery of deleted or edited files for 30 days, expandable storage space, integration with Office Online and Google Workspace.
- Limitations: Very limited initial space, transfer restrictions (20 GB per day), some features only available on paid plans.
- Payment plans: Plus (2 TB), Family, Professional and scalable business solutions.
Recommended if: You prioritize automatic and easy synchronization, need to share large files, or work with external teams and collaborators.
5.Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive It integrates natively into Windows and the Microsoft 365 suite, making it perfect for those who use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other company products. The free plan offers 5 GB storage, with affordable expansion options and family models (1 TB per user for up to 6 household members). Recover deleted Android contacts It can be useful if you need to manage your files in the cloud and on mobile devices.
- Advantages: Deep integration with Windows (desktop sync, automatic backups, restore previous files), co-editing with Office Online, protected personal folders (Personal Vault), web and mobile access, protected and temporary links for sharing, and full mobile device support.
- Limitations: Reduced space on the free account, variable speed depending on server location, and dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem to maximize its potential.
Recommended if: You are a frequent user of Microsoft applications and systems and value seamless integration and collaboration in professional or academic environments.
6.Amazon Photos
Amazon Photos It's Amazon's go-to for image storage (unlimited for full-resolution photos and 5 GB for videos for Amazon Prime members). It includes:
- Advantages: Unlimited space for high-resolution photos (Prime account), easy organization into albums and tags, syncing with Amazon devices (Echo Show, Fire TV), advanced search, and easy sharing with family and friends.
- Limitations: Free plan only uses 5 GB; unlimited space is reserved for Prime members.
Recommended if: You're a Prime member looking for automatic backup of your photos, fully integrated into the Amazon ecosystem.
7. Internxt
Internt puts the focus on privacy and end-to-end encryption by design. It offers 10 GB free which can be expanded through tasks and references. Highlights include:
- Advantages: Zero-knowledge encryption, storage on secure European servers, open-source code, two-step verification integration, separate photo and file backups, clean and ad-free interface, and sharing options with added protection.
- Flexible payment plans: From 200 GB to 10 TB, competitive prices and one-time payments for lifetime space.
Recommended if: Privacy and control over your data are a top priority, and you're looking for a European provider committed to transparency.
8 Box
Box It is widely used in corporate and collaborative environments. The free plan includes 10 GB (limited to 250 MB per file; paid plans allow up to 5 GB per file). Offer alternatives for those seeking greater privacy.
- Advantages: Advanced team collaboration, integration with Office, Google Workspace, and hundreds of business apps, detailed change history, mobile and desktop apps, and multiple security and management controls.
- Limitations: File size limit on the basic plan; more advanced features are reserved for businesses.
Recommended if: You manage team projects, demand secure collaboration, and need integration with productivity suites.
9.MediaFire
MediaFire provides 10 GB free and the ability to scale via tasks. It's geared toward simple sharing of large files without limits on bandwidth or file size.
- Advantages: Bulk uploads and downloads, direct sharing links, social media integration, mobile and web management, and no bandwidth restrictions.
- Limitations: Lack of advanced encryption, free in-app advertising, and a deletion policy if you don't log in for a long period.
Recommended if: You need to share large files quickly, easily, and without relying on collaboration suites.
10.Icedrive
ice drive It is consolidating itself as one of the most solid free services: 10 GB free, modern interface and focus on security and encryption.
- Advantages: Twofish encryption, virtual drive synchronization on Windows, cross-platform apps, version history, password protection and link expiration control, and great file transfer performance.
- Limitations: Monthly transfer limitation, no native integration with third-party apps on the free plan.
Recommended if: You're looking for a simple, secure, and fast experience for personal data, with easy file sharing and backup.
11.sync.com
sync.com It stands out for its focus on confidentiality (end-to-end encryption and zero knowledge) and 5 GB free expandable up to 20 GB with invitations. You can also visit to explore additional options in Europe.
- Advantages: Unlimited file size transfer, deleted file recovery for up to 365 days, shared folders, granular link protection (password and expiration), GDPR and PIPEDA compliance, mobile and desktop apps.
Recommended if: You need maximum privacy, extensive recovery history, and secure, flexible file sharing without limits.
12. Koofr
With 10 GB free, Koofr Allows you to manage and search files across multiple cloud storage services (such as Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive) from a single dashboard. For more details, visit create your own free cloud storage.
- Advantages: Two-way synchronization, integration with external services, versioning, secure links, European storage option, and excellent privacy management.
- Limitations: Fewer collaborative features than the competition, less polished interface.
Recommended if: You want to centralize multiple accounts or take advantage of different services at the same time.
13. Sit down
Degoo stands out for offering 20 GB free (expandable through referrals) and a focus on automatic backup of photos and media files. It's a good option for automatic backups from mobile devices. Also, if you want more space, check out More information about Degoo.
- Advantages: Automatic mobile backups, advanced encryption, iOS and Android apps, and the ability to back up data to up to 5 devices simultaneously.
- Limitations: Ads in the free version, minimal collaborative features.
Recommended if: You want massive automatic backups, especially of photos and videos, at no cost and without worrying about manual management.
14. Amazon Drive (in transition)
Amazon Drive It was a benchmark in storage for Prime customers, with 5 GB free and unlimited photo storage, but it is in transition and migrating functions to Amazon PhotosIf you're a Prime member, enjoy unlimited image storage and 5GB for other files and videos.
15. Apple iCloud
iCloud It is Apple's commitment to cloud storage, with 5 GB free for all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), full integration with Photos, Notes, and Calendar, and automatic backup restoration. To manage your files, you can also visit, in some cases.
- Advantages: Automatic sync and backup, full integration into the Apple ecosystem, privacy and encryption, and easy device and file recovery.
- Limitations: Limited free space, limited integration with non-Apple devices, and extra features only available on paid plans.
Recommended if: Your entire digital ecosystem revolves around Apple, and you want your photos, documents, and chats to always be accessible and protected.
Tips to get the most out of your free cloud storage
- Combine several services to maximize space: You can add tens or hundreds of free GB by using multiple accounts from different providers and syncing only the most relevant folders on each one. You'll also find ideas for expanding your space here.
- Manage and clean your space periodically: Delete duplicate files, large email attachments, old copies, and low-value photos. Use automatic cleanup and optimization features where available.
- Turn on two-step verification and use strong passwords: Protect access to your data, especially if you use the cloud for confidential documents or sensitive personal information.
- Use advanced collaboration features: Take advantage of collaborative documents, comments, version history, and permission control to work together without losing control of your files.
- Schedule automatic backups: Many systems allow you to make periodic backups of your key folders, ensuring that you don't lose important data in the event of an incident.
Other specialized options and alternatives
Although the above services cover most needs, there are additional alternatives:
- Flickr: Specialized in photos, it allows you to upload up to 1.000 images in its free version, ideal for photographers and creatives.
- Jumpshare and Fireload: Platforms geared toward sending large, temporary files, perfect for sharing large volumes of data on a one-time basis.
- Zoolz, IDrive, NordLocker: Other solutions with different approaches: from hybrid backup and secure storage to extreme encryption and plans for large businesses.
Tools for managing multiple clouds and advanced productivity
If you manage different accounts across multiple services, you can unify file access and search with solutions like MultCloud, Koofr o Nira, which connect Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, and more. This way, you can transfer files between services, search for documents without having to remember which cloud they're in, and optimize the organization of your information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Cloud Storage
- Is it really safe to use free services? Major providers employ strong encryption and advanced security policies, although good password practices and additional verification are still important. If your data is highly sensitive, prioritize options with zero-knowledge encryption.
- Can I store large files? Most limit individual file size on free plans (e.g., 250 MB on Box, 4 GB on TeraBox), but others don't (MediaFire, pCloud). Also, on make Kahoot for free you can better manage your multimedia content.
- Will I lose my account if I don't use it for a long time? Some services (such as MediaFire or Mega) may delete inactive accounts after several months to maintain sustainability and free up space. Always check each provider's specific policy.
- Is it possible to have unlimited storage for free? Currently, there is no reliable and secure free unlimited storage: these are often temporary promotional offers, opaque services, or seriously lacking in privacy and support. The best option is to combine multiple clouds and take advantage of upgrade packages.
The future of free and reliable cloud storage It's increasingly comprehensive and accessible, focusing on privacy, speed, collaboration, and ease of use. Whichever service you choose, remember to regularly review your needs, keep your devices updated, and take advantage of new technologies to improve your digital efficiency and protect your files.
