Why Free Cloud Storage Still Matters
Not everyone needs terabytes of cloud storage. For backing up important documents, syncing a few folders, or sharing files with friends, a free cloud storage plan can be more than enough. Here are the best free options available in 2026.
Google Drive: 15GB Free
Google Drive offers the most generous free tier among mainstream providers at 15GB. However, this storage is shared across Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive. If you receive a lot of email attachments, your available Drive space may be less than you expect. The integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides makes it incredibly useful for productivity.
MEGA: 20GB Free with Encryption
MEGA offers the largest free tier at 20GB with zero-knowledge encryption included. This means your files are encrypted before they leave your device, and even MEGA cannot read them. The catch is bandwidth quotas that can limit how much you can download in a given period.
pCloud: 10GB Free
pCloud gives you 10GB free with the option to earn additional space through tasks like verifying your email and inviting friends. The virtual drive feature lets you access all your cloud files without using local storage. pCloud is also one of the few providers offering lifetime plans if you decide to upgrade.
Icedrive: 10GB Free
Icedrive matches pCloud with 10GB free and adds a beautiful modern interface. The free plan includes 3GB of daily bandwidth and access to the web, desktop, and mobile apps. Zero-knowledge encryption is available on paid plans.
Microsoft OneDrive: 5GB Free
Microsoft OneDrive provides 5GB for free, but the real value comes when you upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month) for 1TB plus full Office apps. If you already use Windows, OneDrive is deeply integrated into the OS.
Sync.com: 5GB Free with Encryption
Sync.com offers just 5GB free, but it includes zero-knowledge encryption by default. This makes it the most private free cloud storage option for users who prioritize security over capacity.
How to Maximize Free Storage
You can combine multiple free accounts to get significant total storage. Using Google Drive (15GB) for everyday files, MEGA (20GB) for encrypted backups, and pCloud (10GB) for media gives you 45GB at no cost. Just remember to keep track of what is stored where.
When to Upgrade
If you find yourself constantly juggling between services or running out of space, it is time to consider a paid plan. Google One 100GB at $1.99/month or pCloud lifetime 500GB at $199 one-time are excellent entry points into paid storage.
