Forget Flash Drive. Top Free Cloud Storage to Use

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage simply means storing files in the internet in which file owners can obtain or access them any time they want. If you are always forgetting your Flash Drive for the important meeting, worry of your Flash Drive getting corrupted, or have concerns of viruses from common Flash Drive sharing, consider cloud storage which you can access anywhere with an internet connection, store multiple copies with different cloud storage providers and share files using links for third-party download. Best of all, many of these cloud storage are available for free today!

The world wide web is huge, and yet you had stumbled on my site looking for something. I hope you find it as we had taken huge efforts to create them. Best of all, its FREE! Hence, some of our content may include affiliate links (i.e. whenever you click on the links and purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra costs to you!). No worries! Some of these links may look like phishing, but I assure you they are not! Lastly, the affiliation does not affect my reviews towards them. Enjoy!

Free Cloud Storage

Nonetheless, choosing a provider can be tricky, especially if you’re looking at free options. So today we’re going to explore some top free cloud storage providers which might fit your storage needs.

1. Backblaze
2. Blomp
3. Bitrix24
4. Degoo
5. Dropbox
6. Getspace
7. Google Drive
8. Icedrive
9. iCloud Drive
10. IDrive
11. MediaFire
12. Mega
13. OneDrive
14. pCloud
15. Publitio
16. Sync.com
17. Yandex Disk
18. Zoho Docs

1. Backblaze

Year Founded: 2007

Country: USA

No. of Users: ~500k

Use Factor

• 99.9% Uptime SLA
• No Storage Limits, No File Size Cap, & Unlimited Files Support Organisation-Level Backups
• Automatic & Scheduled Backups
• Restore Old Versions
• S3 Compatible Storage (B2 Cloud Storage)
• Lots of Integrations with Cloud Storage, Media Asset Management, & CDN Providers (B2 Cloud Storage)
• Mobile App

Things to Note

• Pricing is based on your monthly storage space online and how much additional downloads you use. Hence, on certain months where downloads are heavy, pricing increases too. Not so suitable for collaboration work.
• Scale up or down your storage anytime. Just pay for the additional after 10GB of free storage. The cloud storage is technically limitless!
• File sharing via links is possible only with B2 enabled. Per day, 1GB download bandwidth is provided. Any additional required will incur Backblaze B2 costs.
• Backups of servers, network-attached storage (NAS), Endpoints, and Virtual Machines (VM) are possible but third-party integrations are required. Separate charges may apply.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 10 GB (with B2 activated)
• Plans fr: US$ 6/mth + US$ 0.005/GB/mth (if B2 is activated)

2. Blomp

Year Founded: 2018

Country: USA

No. of Users: 100k+

Use Factor

• Works with Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu Linux
• Large File Upload Size of Up to 5GB Per Chunk
• Unlimited Chunks
• Uploaded Files Automatically Synced Across Apps
• Access Saved Files Offline
• Mobile App

Things to Note

• At least once in 2 consecutive month login is required to prevent deactivation of account according to the Terms & Conditions.
• Offline access requires desktop or app version downloaded on your devices.
• Viewing saved files is not possible without download, except for images that have a thumbnail.
• Saved files or folders cannot be shared via links.
• Paid plans support up to 10 TB of storage space only.
• No information on data protection and security such as firewall, encryption, etc.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 20GB + 20GB/referral Up to 200GB
• Plans fr: US$ 0.99/mth for 250GB

3. Bitrix24

Year Founded: 1998

Country: USA

No. of Users: 9m+ Organisations

Use Factor

• Lots of Office Tools for CRM, Sales, Contact Centre, Project Management, & Even Website Builder!
• Easily Create, Edit & Share Files with Ready-Integrated to Office 365 and Google Docs
• Individual & Group-Level Permission Access Setting
• Real-Time Usage Stats Support Audit Trail
• SSL-Encrypted Data Transfer, Daily Backup, & Version History/Rollback
• Integrates with Over 400 Software for Even More Productivity Boost!
• Windows, Mac & Mobile Apps Available

Things to Note

• The packaged software of office tools means the starting point will definitely be high.
• The highest pricing plan can support up to 1TB of storage.
• The storage space provided stores your other files when using other Bitrix24’s tools such as emails, calendars, notes etc. Hence, if you only wish to use Bitrix24 for free storage, skip on using other tools.
• There is no ad-hoc storage space purchase. Plan upgrade to a higher tier will be required for more space.
• More about Bitrix24 Here.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB
• Plans fr: US$ 19/mth for 10GB

4. Degoo

Year Founded: 2012

Country: Sweden

No. of Users: 50m+

Use Factor:

• AI-Powered Photo Feed
• Smart Sync Only with Wifi or Charging
• Auto-Sync
• Top Secret Storage
• Mobile App

Things to Note:

• Have to log in every 90 days to prevent account active
• No Desktop App So Offline File Access is Possible Only with Mobile App
• No file edit or creation tools
• Free plan shows Ads
• Largest plan provides up to 10TB

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 100GB + 5GB/referred Up to 500GB
• Plans fr: GBP 1.89/mth for 500GB

5. Dropbox

Year Founded: 2007

Country: USA

No. of Users: 600m+

Use Factor:

• Dropbox Paper, an Editing Tool, Support Collaboration Around Files
• Share Files or Whole Folder with Link & Permission Setting
• Auto-Backup Files & Folders Up to Whole PC
• 30-Days File Recovery & File Versioning
• Integrates with Over 130 Office Suites
• Desktop & Mobile App

Things to Note:

• 2GB File Size Limit, Except for Certain Plans at 100GB
• The largest plan have no space cap.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 2GB + 500MB/referred Up to 16GB
• Plans fr: US$ 9.99/mth for 2TB

6. Getspace

Year Founded: 2013

Country: USA

No. of Users: 20k+ Organisations

Use Factor

• File Access Control with Password, & Expiration Date
• Group-Level File Sharing
• Server-Side Encryption
• Deleted Files Have 30 Days for Restoration
• In-Built Chat App Supports Common Working Around Files
• Windows & Mobile Apps

Things to Note

• Getspace is not integrated with office tools. Any files need to be downloaded for external work.
• There are no integrations at all with Getspace to enhance its use especially as an essential office tool.
• Data Centres is in Europe only. Hence, download or upload speed may be slower outside countries in this region.
• Highest paid plan provides as much as 5TB storage only.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 50GB
• Plans fr: EUR 4/mth for 500 GB

7. Google Drive

Year Founded: 1998

Country: USA

No. of Users: 1bn+

Use Factor:

• Stores Over 100+ File Types
• Integration with Docs, Sheets, and Slides Support Working on Cloud
• AI-Powered Search & Suggestion Simplifies & Boosts Online File Working
• Google VPN Included (USA only)
• Integrates with Over 12+ Third-Party Office Tools
• Desktop & Mobile App

Things to Note:

• Google does not provide any subscription just for Google Drive. Users have to subscribe to the full suite or either Google One (for personal use), or Google Workspace (Business). Subscription for either one provides a bunch of other packaged Google office products.
• Messages & attachments in Gmail counts into storage too. Likewise for photos and videos in your Google Photos.
• Biggest plan provides up to 2TB only.

Pricing (Google Workspace)

• Free Cloud Storage: 15GB
• Plans fr: US$ 6/mth for 30GB/user

8. Icedrive

Year Founded: 2019

Country: UK

No. of Users: Unknown

Use Factor:

• Mount the Cloud Storage Onto PC Drive for Easy PC Access
• Cache Control Optimises Platform Performance
• Built-In Media Player Enable Streaming Directly
• Twofish Client-Side Encryption
• Password-Protected Files
• Windows, Mac & Linux-Compatible Desktop App & Mobile Version

Things to Note:

• No file versioning or recovery features.
• There are one-time payment lifetime plans too.
• The largest plan provides up to 5TB storage and 8GB bandwidth.
• Yes, there are monthly bandwidth limits per plan calculated every upload and download of files.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 10GB
• Plans fr: US$ 1.67/mth for 150GB

9. iCloud Drive

Year Founded: 1976 (Apple Inc.)

Country: USA

No. of Users: 850m+

Use Factor:

• Includes a Number of Other Apple Office Suites Such as iWork, Mail, Photos etc.
• Create & Edit Documents & Spreadsheets Directly via iWork
• iMessages, Calendar, Reminders, & Notes are Automatically Synced
• Offline Access Possible Which Are Synced with Internet
• Back Up Whole Devices Including Your iPhone or iPad
• Apps Available for All iOS Devices & PC

Things to Note:

• Can’t purchase iCloud Drive only. Need to purchase iCloud which comes with other software tools.
• The storage includes for any documents, emails, messages, calendars, and notes too.
• Up to 2TB for Largest Plan

Pricing (iCloud)

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB
• Plans fr: US$ 0.99/mth for 50GB

10. IDrive

Year Founded: 2007

Country: USA

No. of Users: Unknown

Use Factor

• Backup Everything in the Phone Including Contacts & Calendar Using the App
• Files Are Synced in Real-Time Across Devices (with Internet)
• Schedule Backups
• File Versioning Up to 30 Versions Support Audit Trial
• 30 Days for File Restoration
• Data Protection with 256-bit AES Encryption & Private User Key Option
• Desktop App for Windows & Mac, and Mobile Apps

Things to Note

• The largest plan provides up to 50TB of online storage.
• The number of free backups included in each plan are limited. Any additional number of backups required will be available at separate charges.
• Server backups are possible with a Business Plan.
• IDrive is built for storage and backups only. There are no office tools for creating files or editing them. Renaming files and adding certain information to the files are still possible though. No third-party software integrations.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB
• Plans fr: US$ 59.62 for first year for 5TB

11. MediaFire

Year Founded: 2006

Country: USA

No. of Users: 150m+

Use Factor:

• No Download or Bandwidth Limit
• Password Protected Files
• Stores Files from Website Directly via Pasting URL
• Share Files via Link, No Expiry or One-Time (Pro & Above)
• Desktop & Mobile Apps Available

Things to Note:

• File Size Allowed for Storage is Up to 4GB for Free Plan
• Free Plan shows Ads
• No File Versioning or Restoration Features
• No Info on Encryption or Other Security Features
• There are monthly limits for One-Time Links, Either 100 or 5k
• Largest Plan Provides As Much as 100TB!

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 10GB
• Plans fr: US$ 3.75/mth for 1TB

12. Mega

Year Founded: 2013

Country: Australia

No. of Users: 200m+

Use Factor:

• In-Built Chat, Messaging & Audio/Video Call via MEGAchat
• Real-Time File Sync with Online Access
• Data Centres in Europe & Canada
• Zero Knowledge Encryption (i.e. User-Controlled)
• 2FA, File Versioning & Recovery Available
• Desktop, Mobile & Browser Extension

Things to Note:

• There are bandwidth quota included in each plan per month. This depends on Mega’s system usage for Free users.
• 1GB max file size upload applies for Free users.
• With data centres dominantly in the Europe and Canada region, countries further away may not enjoy the same transfer speed.
• Requires login once every 6 months to prevent account deactivation.
• Businesses going for the business plan can subscribe to as much as 1000TB of stroage.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 20GB + 5GB Per Bonuses Valid for 365 Days Only
• Plans fr: EUR 4.99/mth for 400GB

13. OneDrive

Year Founded: 1975 (Microsoft Corporation)

Country: USA

No. of Users: est. 600m-1bn+

Use Factor:

• Can Use Seamlessly with Microsoft365, a Top Workplace Suite
• Stores Up to 3 Private Files in Personal Vault in Free Plan
• Document Scanning with the App
• File Sharing via Links
• Device- and Folder-Level Backup
• 30-Days File Versioning (with Microsoft365)
• Available for iOS, Android, Windows, and PC

Things to Note:

• Per File Size Limit is 100GB.
• Subscribing to OneDrive for its storage features only is possible. That means, no other Microsoft suites included.
• Business plan users can enjoy unlimited individual cloud storage.
• Ransomware detection & recovery is available only with Microsoft365 subscription.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB
• Plans fr: US$ 1.99/mth for 100GB

14. pCloud

Year Founded: 2013

Country: Switzerland

No. of Users: 10m+

Use Factor

• Built-In Video & Audio Player, & File Preview
• File & Folder Sharing via Links & Permissions
• Real-Time File Sync
• Standard 30 Days File Recovery. Up to 1 Year with Extended File History
• 256-bit AES Encryption & TLS/SSL Channel Protection
• Apps for Full Desktop Compatibility Including Linux & Mobile

Things to Note

• Client-side encryption, that is files are encrypted on the user’s end, is available on a separate cost. These are powerful security that pCloud had tested. If really necessary, don’t hesitate to buy it!
• If you intend to use pCloud for digital asset management, meaning you will share certain files publicly with your own branding, there are monthly ‘shared traffic’ limitations. Use with care.
• There are one-time payment lifetime plans too. However, the max storage space that it can support is 2TB only.
• File creation and edits are not possible although it can support preview for many file types. No integrations.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 2GB + Referrals & Tutorials Up to 10 GB
• Plans fr: EUR 4.99/mth for 500GB

15. Publitio

Year Founded: 2017

Country: Serbia

No. of Users: 50k+

Use Factor

• Edits Images & Videos Directly Including Format Conversion & Watermarking
• Share Files via Links or Embed
• Powered by CDN Across 6 Data Centres
• File Performance Analytics
• Video Monetisation & Advertising
• HTTP Live Streaming with Encryption
• Specialised WordPress Plugin, WP Offload Media Plugin

Things to Note

• No mobile app versions for quick on-the-go work and optimised experience on mobile devices. Offline access is not possible.
• Pay-as-you-go is available for Premium plan only. Henceforth, there are monthly allowance on the amount of storage and bandwidth for the files. Any excess will incur these pay-as-you-go charges. Technically, this also means there are no limits on storage or bandwidth in any case you need!
• No integrations, although having some would be nice. It would make Publitio much more powerful, in addition to, essential as an everyday office app.
• Read our article on Publitio Here.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB
• Plans fr: US$ 9/mth for 50GB

16. Sync.com

Year Founded: 2011

Country: USA

No. of Users: 1.7m+

Use Factor:

• 99.9% or Better Uptime SLA (Paid Plans only)
• Automatic Backup, Sync & Restore
• 30-Days File History for Restoration
• File Preview Possible (Paid Plans only)
• Advanced Security Controls with 2FA, User Permissions, Passwords, & Expiry Dates
• End-to-End Encryption Ensures Only Authorised Users Can Access The File
• Desktop Excluding Linux & Mobile Apps Available

Things to Note:

• There are transfer cap of 5GB for free users.
• The Free plan also provide 3 links for sharing monthly, and 3 shared folders.
• Data Centres are in Canada only. Hence, the further your location is away from Canada, you will not get the best possible transfer speed.
• Business users on the Unlimited Team Plan can get unlimited Storage.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB + 1GB/referred Up to 20GB
• Plans fr: US$ 5/user/mth for 1TB

17. Yandex Disk

Year Founded: 1997

Country: Russia

No. of Users: 85m+ (All Yandex Products)

Use Factor:

• In-Built Document Editor Works for Docx, XLSX, & PPTX formats
• All Files Scanned via NOD32 Antivirus
• File Sharing via Links
• 14-Days File History for Free Plan, & 90-Days for Paid
• Windows-Compatible, & Mobile App

Things to Note:

• 50GB File Size Limit
• Free version shows Ads
• When space runs out, users will not be able to generate new links, share files and folders, watch videos and earlier generated links become unavailable.
• Largest plan provides 3 TB space.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 10GB + Bonuses Available
• Plans fr: US$ 1.70/mth for 100GB

18. Zoho Docs

Year Founded: 1996

Country: India

No. of Users: 60m+ (All Zoho Products)

Use Factor

• Real-Time Sync Whenever Internet Comes Online
• Built-In Zoho Office Supports Creating & Editing Documents, Spreadsheets, & Presentations
• User-, Role-, & Group-Level Permission Setting
• File Reports, & Stats Enable Audit Trial
• Physical & Data Security with Encryption, Anti-Virus & More
• Integrates with Zoho Mail & Google Drive
• Fully Desktop & Mobile Compatible with Apps Even for Linux

Things to Note

• There are file size upload limits set by each plan. For instance, the free plan only provides 1GB max file size upload.
• The highest paid plan provides up to 1TB per user, unless choosing the Business plan, aka Zoho WorkDrive, which provides up to 5TB per team with additional of 500GB per user after 10 users.
• According to Zoho’s Terms of Use, inactive accounts without access of a continuous 120 days will be terminated. Additionally, stored data will be deleted too. Hence, log in at least once within 120 days. Or to be at the safer side, once every 60 days.

Pricing

• Free Cloud Storage: 5GB/user for Up to 5 Users
• Plans fr: US$ 4/user/mth for 100GB/user

Our Advice

Choosing which Cloud Storage provider to trust with your files comes down to how much space you want and how much risk appetite you could digest in losing the files. Should you only wish to store old, unimportant files, it’s best to opt for the cloud storage that offer the most space for free or without costs. However, for back up of important files needing to keep secured, then opt for the safest providers, and pay a subscription fee to extend the storage space if required.

As I understand, many users opt for Cloud Storage to store temporary files, that is files they know they need to send to others in the next week or two, hence performing much like a Flash Drive. Then should Cloud Storage replace Flash Drive? I believe with Cloud Storage and the availability of access to internet everywhere, the need for Flash Drive had greatly diminished. Although good to have, but you might find it often in the pockets of your bag once you are used to Cloud Storage, especially free ones.

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