The best free cloud storage in 2026
By Matteo Vigliante · Updated 23 May 2026 · 2 min read
MEGA gives the most free storage of any mainstream provider, 20 GB, and keeps its end-to-end encryption on the free plan. Google One and Infomaniak kDrive follow at 15 GB, and pCloud, Icedrive, and Koofr give 10 GB. A free tier is fine for documents and a small photo library, but automatic phone backups will outgrow it within a year or two.
Every major provider has a free tier, but they range from generous to barely there. MEGA leads the mainstream options at 20 GB and, unusually, keeps end-to-end encryption on the free plan. Google One and Infomaniak give 15 GB. A cluster of providers, including pCloud, Icedrive, Koofr, Filen, and IDrive, sit at 10 GB.
Free storage genuinely works for documents, a backup of your most important files, and a small photo collection. Where it runs out is automatic phone backup. A modern phone's photo and video library fills 15 to 20 GB within a year or two, which is exactly the point where providers want you to start paying.
Key numbers: Cheapest 2 TB is Google One at €9.99/mo. Biggest free tier is MEGA at 20 GB. Highest rated is Infomaniak kDrive at 4.5 / 5.
If you're choosing a free tier as a long-term home, pick one whose paid plans you'd also be happy with. Switching providers later means moving every file you have stored. The table below leads with the largest free tiers.
Providers with the largest free tiers
Frequently asked
Which provider gives the most free cloud storage?
Among mainstream providers, MEGA gives the most at 20 GB, and it keeps end-to-end encryption on the free plan. Google One and Infomaniak kDrive follow at 15 GB.
Is free cloud storage enough for phone backups?
Only for a while. A modern phone's photo and video library typically fills a 15 to 20 GB free tier within a year or two, after which you need a paid plan.
Is free cloud storage safe to rely on?
For a second copy of important files, yes. For your only copy, no. Free tiers can change, and some providers delete inactive free accounts. Keep at least one other copy of anything irreplaceable.
Related
iCloud storage full? What it really costs to fix
Apple charges €0.99/mo for 50 GB, €2.99/mo for 200 GB, and €9.99/mo for 2 TB on iCloud+. That's fair if you live in Apple's ecosystem. If you just need space and not Apple's services, providers like pCloud, Internxt, and Icedrive sell 2 TB for less, and their lifetime plans pay for themselves in about three years.
Is Google One worth it in 2026?
Google One is worth it if your photos, email, and files already live in Google's apps. The 2 TB plan is priced competitively and includes a VPN and family sharing. If you don't lean on Gmail or Google Photos, you can usually get the same storage cheaper from pCloud or Internxt, and with better privacy.
pCloud vs Google One: which should you pick?
Pick Google One if you live in Gmail and Google Photos. It's the smoother everyday experience and the family sharing is generous. Pick pCloud if you want a one-time lifetime price, the option of zero-knowledge encryption, and a Swiss company instead of a US one.
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