iCloud+
Apple's cloud storage with seamless iPhone, iPad, and Mac integration, iCloud Private Relay, and family sharing for up to 12TB.
Best for Apple ecosystem users
Our Verdict
Apple's cloud storage with seamless iPhone, iPad, and Mac integration, iCloud Private Relay, and family sharing for up to 12TB.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seamless integration with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch
- Advanced Data Protection enables true end-to-end encryption
- iCloud Private Relay and Hide My Email add real privacy value
- Affordable entry at just $0.99/month for 50GB
Cons
- Only 5GB free storage, quickly consumed by device backups
- No Android app — poor for cross-platform households
- Limited Windows support with a basic iCloud for Windows app
- No Linux support whatsoever
Full Review
Overview
iCloud+ is Apple's cloud storage and privacy subscription that integrates deeply with every Apple device. Beyond storage, iCloud+ includes privacy features like Private Relay (a VPN-like service for Safari), Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video support. For Apple users, it is the most frictionless cloud storage option.
Storage and Pricing
iCloud offers 5GB of free storage. Paid iCloud+ plans start at $0.99/month for 50GB, $2.99/month for 200GB, $9.99/month for 2TB, $29.99/month for 6TB, and $59.99/month for 12TB. All paid tiers include iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domain support.
Key Features
iCloud Drive syncs files seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows. iCloud Photos automatically backs up and syncs your entire photo library. Keychain securely stores passwords across devices. The 200GB and above plans support Family Sharing with up to 5 family members.
Security
iCloud uses AES-128 encryption at rest and TLS in transit. Advanced Data Protection (opt-in) enables end-to-end encryption for most iCloud data categories, making it effectively zero-knowledge for enabled categories. Two-factor authentication is required for all Apple IDs.
Who Should Use iCloud+
iCloud+ is the obvious choice for anyone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. The seamless integration with iOS, macOS, and Apple apps makes it effortless. However, the limited Windows support and lack of Android apps make it a poor choice for cross-platform users.
Alternatives to iCloud+
Frequently Asked Questions
iCloud has limited support outside the Apple ecosystem. There is an iCloud for Windows app that provides access to iCloud Drive, Photos, and Keychain passwords. However, there is no official Android app. You can access iCloud.com through a web browser on any platform, but the experience is not as seamless as on Apple devices.
Advanced Data Protection is an opt-in feature that enables end-to-end encryption for 23 iCloud data categories including iCloud Drive, Photos, Notes, and device backups. When enabled, only your trusted devices hold the encryption keys, meaning Apple cannot access your data even if their servers are breached.