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Free plans

The best free cloud storage

Free cloud storage is a crowded market, and the free allowances vary from a couple of gigabytes to ten or more. Several tools in our cloud storage top 5 offer a free tier worth using. This page compares them on how much free space you get and how usable that space really is.

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Our verdict

pCloud and Icedrive give the most generous free storage among our picks, at 10 GB each. Sync.com and Proton Drive are the best free options if privacy matters most to you. Dropbox’s free tier is small, so it is only worth it if you already use Dropbox with others.

At a glance

Free tools compared: Best Free Cloud Storage
ToolBest forStarting price
Rank 1pCloudPeople who want to avoid monthly subscriptionsFree plan available; paid from about $5/month
Rank 2IcedriveUsers who want an easy cloud drive with plenty of free spaceFree plan available; paid from about $5/month (billed yearly)
Rank 3Sync.comPrivacy-minded users and small businessesFree plan available; paid from about $5/month (billed yearly)
Rank 4Proton DrivePrivacy-first users already in the Proton ecosystemFree plan available; paid from about $4/month
Rank 5DropboxCollaboration and sharing across many appsFree plan available; paid from about $10/month

The free picks, ranked

  1. Rank 1
    Top pick

    pCloud

    Cloud storage with a pay-once lifetime option.

    Best forPeople who want to avoid monthly subscriptions

    What it does

    pCloud stores and syncs your files across devices and lets you share links easily. It is one of the few services that offers lifetime plans.

    Strengths

    • Lifetime plans available
    • 10 GB free to start
    • Easy file sync and sharing
    • Optional encryption add-on

    Good to know: Encryption is a paid add-on, and lifetime plans cost more upfront.

  2. Rank 2

    Icedrive

    A simple cloud drive that feels like a normal folder.

    Best forUsers who want an easy cloud drive with plenty of free space

    What it does

    Icedrive gives you cloud storage that can appear as a drive on your computer, with sharing tools and optional encryption.

    Strengths

    • 10 GB free storage
    • Cloud drive that appears like a folder on your computer
    • Optional zero-knowledge encryption on paid plans
    • Affordable plans

    Good to know: Plans offer less storage than some rivals, and it is a newer service.

  3. Rank 3

    Sync.com

    Private cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption.

    Best forPrivacy-minded users and small businesses

    What it does

    Sync.com stores and shares your files with end-to-end encryption, so only you can read them.

    Strengths

    • Zero-knowledge encryption on every plan
    • Good value for the storage
    • 5 GB free to start
    • Easy file sharing

    Good to know: Plans limit how many devices you can connect, so check the details before you choose.

  4. Rank 4

    Proton Drive

    Encrypted storage from the makers of Proton Mail.

    Best forPrivacy-first users already in the Proton ecosystem

    What it does

    Proton Drive stores your files with end-to-end encryption and works alongside Proton’s mail, VPN and password tools.

    Strengths

    • End-to-end encryption by default
    • Swiss-based, with strong privacy laws
    • A free plan to start
    • Works with other Proton apps

    Good to know: It costs more per gigabyte than some rivals, and because files are encrypted, losing your password can make recovery difficult.

  5. Rank 5

    Dropbox

    The classic file sync service, with great apps and sharing.

    Best forCollaboration and sharing across many apps

    What it does

    Dropbox keeps your files in sync across devices and makes it easy to share and work on them with others.

    Strengths

    • Reliable file sync
    • Easy sharing and collaboration
    • Works with lots of other apps
    • A free plan with 2 GB

    Good to know: Free storage is small, and Dropbox does not use zero-knowledge encryption.

Frequently asked questions

Which free cloud storage gives the most space?
Among the tools on this page, pCloud and Icedrive both offer 10 GB free, which is the most generous free allowance. Sync.com offers 5 GB and Dropbox offers 2 GB.
Is free cloud storage safe for personal files?
It can be, but it depends on the service. Sync.com and Proton Drive use end-to-end encryption even on free plans, which is stronger than what most free tiers offer. Check each tool’s privacy terms before you store sensitive files.
What happens when I run out of free storage?
You either stop syncing new files or upgrade to a paid plan. Most services let you buy more storage without changing your account, and some, like pCloud, offer a one-time lifetime plan.