How much free space you get
The free storage amounts on the official pages, from most to least:
| Free storage | Services |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 GB | Google (every Google Account) |
| 10 GB | Box, Koofr, Icedrive |
| 5 GB | iCloud, Proton Drive, Sync.com, Jottacloud |
| 2 GB | Dropbox Basic |
| 1 GB | Internxt |
| Your own disks | Seafile, ownCloud Infinite Scale, Syncthing |
Photos and phone backups fill a free plan fast. Use the data storage converter to see how many MB or GB your files really take.
Limits beyond the storage amount
The GB number is only part of the story. Check these limits before you move your files:
- File size: Box caps uploads at 250 MB per file on the free Individual plan. Koofr lists unlimited file size. Google's Drive help page lists files up to 5 TB.
- Devices: Dropbox Basic connects up to 3 devices; Sync.com's free plan syncs up to 5.
- History: Dropbox Basic and Sync.com keep 30 days of versions; Box keeps 1 file version; Icedrive's free plan has no file history.
- Sharing: Sync.com allows 3 password-protected links; Koofr allows up to 10 public links that expire after 14 days.
Encryption and privacy
With end-to-end encryption, files are encrypted on your device so the provider cannot read them. Proton says its free Drive plan has "the same level of encryption" as its paid plans. Sync.com lists end-to-end encryption on its free plan. Internxt describes zero-knowledge AES-256 encryption.
Not every free plan includes it: Icedrive's plans page lists "No crypto" for the free plan and keeps client-side encryption for paid plans. For a password that protects such an account, the password generator on this site creates one in your browser.
Run your own cloud
If you have a home server or a rented server, open source software gives you storage without a monthly plan:
- Seafile calls itself an open source cloud storage system; its server core is under AGPLv3.
- ownCloud Infinite Scale is a file sync and share platform under Apache-2.0 that runs from a Raspberry Pi to a Kubernetes cluster.
- Syncthing skips the server: it syncs folders directly between your own computers.
Nextcloud is in our open source alternatives list. Self-hosting means you handle updates and backups yourself.
Free file tools on this site
- Data storage converter: convert between MB, GB and TB.
- Download time calculator: how long an upload or download takes at your speed.
- Image compressor: make photos smaller before you upload them.
- Compress PDF: shrink large PDFs to save space.
- Password generator: a strong password for your storage account.
We opened each service's official pricing page, help page or repository on the date in the table and wrote down only what it says. An empty cell means the page does not say it.
Frequently asked questions
Which cloud storage gives the most free space?
Google says all Google Accounts come with up to 15 GB of storage. Box, Koofr and Icedrive each list 10 GB on their free plans. iCloud, Proton Drive, Sync.com and Jottacloud give 5 GB.
How much do I get with Dropbox Basic?
Dropbox Basic is free with 2 GB of storage for one person, on up to 3 devices. You can restore deleted files and earlier versions from the past 30 days.
Which free cloud storage is end-to-end encrypted?
Proton Drive says its free plan is protected with end-to-end encryption, and Sync.com lists end-to-end encryption on its free plan. Internxt describes zero-knowledge AES-256 encryption on its free 1 GB plan.
Can I keep files in sync without a cloud company?
Yes. Syncthing syncs folders between your own computers and says none of your data is ever stored anywhere else. Seafile and ownCloud Infinite Scale are open source servers you run yourself.
How can I fit more into a free plan?
Compress photos and PDFs before you upload them, and delete old backups you no longer need. Our image compressor and PDF compressor work in your browser for free.