There are a variety of excellent free online storage services available, which are perfect for file sharing, device synchronization, and more. While many offer premium options with extra space, these free alternatives are great for individuals, and some even offer additional storage for referrals or basic tasks.
In this post, we’ll discuss the free cloud storage apps for backup. It is important to keep in mind that cloud storage is distinct from scheduled online backup services. So let’s get started…
Table of Contents
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage refers to a method of storing digital data on remote servers managed by third-party providers.
These providers handle the hosting, management, and security of the stored data. This data is accessible over the internet, either publicly or privately.
Cloud storage offers businesses the ability to store and manage their data without the need to maintain their own data centers,
thereby shifting from a capital expenditure to an operational model.
It also provides scalability, allowing organizations to adjust their data storage needs as required.
How Does Cloud Storage Work?
Cloud Storage functions by storing data on remote servers. Users upload their files and data via the internet, which is then saved on virtual machines hosted on physical servers.
To ensure reliability and redundancy, the data is often replicated across multiple virtual machines in data centers around the world.
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When storage requirements grow, the cloud provider can allocate additional virtual machines to accommodate the increased load.
Accessing data in Cloud Storage is achieved through an internet connection and various software interfaces like web portals, browsers, mobile apps, and APIs.
The List Of 10 Best Free Cloud Storage Services.
Google Drive
Google Drive is Google’s cloud storage service, offering 15 GB of free space to new users. While initially used for free storage, many eventually opt for paid plans due to their convenience.
This storage is shared with Gmail and Google Photos, though you can use it mostly for Google Drive if you don’t use those services. It allows file sharing, collaboration, and sync clients for both desktop and mobile.
You can share files with specific users or the public, and Google Workspace enables advanced collaboration options. Accessible on various devices.
Pros:
- The website is exceptionally user-friendly.
- Facilitates easy collaboration and file sharing.
- Offers ample free storage.
- Provides both desktop and mobile applications for convenience.
Cons:
- Shared storage with other Google services may be a drawback.
- The desktop sync client lacks advanced features.
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MEGA
MEGA provides up to 20 GB of free cloud storage, with robust security through end-to-end encryption. Users can unlock the full 20 GB by completing tasks without any payment.
It has one best unique feature, which is the capability to share links that require a secondary URL component, similar to a password, for decryption.
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It gives users versatile accessibility, with options to manage and edit files via a web browser, desktop sync client, or mobile app, which ensures cross-platform compatibility across Android, iOS, and more.
Pros:
- Ample storage capacity.
- Facilitates sharing of public folders.
- Availability of mobile and desktop applications.
- Sleek and contemporary interface.
Cons:
- Delays in file preparation for download.
- Restrictions on bandwidth usage.
- Potential reduction in storage allocation for uncompleted achievements.
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pCloud
pCloud excels in collaborative work with its 10 GB storage. It’s compatible across various platforms, featuring an intuitive mobile app and useful collaborative tools.
It enables file uploads from remote URLs, browser extensions for desktop users, and direct photo and video uploads on mobile. It can create upload links for folders that are standout features.
The app also offers a unique email address for direct file-to-folder emailing. Additionally, it supports social media photo backup and runs on iOS, Android, and Windows.
Pros:
- Offers a generous amount of free storage.
- Supports multimedia streaming.
- There are no limitations on speed or file size.
Cons:
- Free accounts lack robust file sharing security.
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Degoo
Degoo is a cloud storage service that generously offers 20 GB of complimentary storage once you create an account in it for free.
If you have a network of friends interested in using Degoo for their file storage needs, you can earn an additional 5 GB by referring them to sign up.
Degoo’s user-friendly mobile app is available for both iPhone and Android, which ensures convenient access to your free cloud storage account while on the go.
Pros:
- Offers a substantial amount of storage.
- Provides various methods to increase your free storage allocation.
Cons:
- Navigation on the website can be challenging.
- Displays advertisements.
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MediaFire
MediaFire is one of the best free cloud storage sites offering 10 GB of free online file storage, expandable to 50 GB or more via referrals and app downloads.
It allows easy file/folder sharing and uploads up to 4 GB. Filters simplify file sorting. Guest accounts, offering 1 GB storage and 14-day inactivity limits, are available.
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Mobile apps for Android, iPhone, iPad, and computers provide on-the-go file access and uploads. It’s a versatile platform for file storage and sharing.
Pros:
- Ability to upload large files without restrictions.
- No limitations on bandwidth usage.
- Guest accounts are supported, allowing easy access.
Cons:
- Accounts expire due to inactivity.
- The website contains advertisements as a source of revenue.
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Dropbox
Dropbox offers a starting 2 GB of free storage, extendable up to approximately 18 GB through simple methods. It provides accessible file management from desktop and mobile apps.
It enables easy folder sharing, even with non-Dropbox users. Notably, users with Microsoft 365 files in their Dropbox can edit them via the web apps for free.
A unique feature allows converting files like PowerPoint presentations into separate image files, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
Pros:
- Generous allocation of complimentary storage space.
- Accessible on both mobile and desktop devices.
- Capability to recover deleted files.
- User-friendly file and folder sharing features.
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity provided.
- Imposed bandwidth restrictions on shared folders.
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Box
Box, formerly known as Box.net, offers 10 GB of complimentary online storage. Sometimes, it provides opportunities to expand your storage capacity, such as gaining 50 GB for free by signing up through the mobile app.
Users can easily share entire folders or individual files via public links. Additionally, the service boasts built-in note-taking capabilities and canvas, facilitating the creation of mind maps and charts.
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With mobile apps for various devices and a desktop sync client, content can be effortlessly uploaded, downloaded, and shared. Free users are subject to a 250 MB file upload limit.
Pros:
- Impressive search functionality.
- Convenient bulk file downloading.
- Seamless integration with notes and spreadsheets.
- Effortless folder uploads.
Cons:
- Limited maximum file size for uploads.
- Certain features come with a price tag.
- Absence of password protection for shared files.
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OneDrive
OneDrive, Microsoft’s online storage service, provides 5 GB of free space upon sign-up, with opportunities to earn more through referrals and mobile photo syncing.
The desktop program simplifies file transfer, making content accessible on mobile devices. It allows for easy file uploads via the mobile app.
OneDrive supports sharing files and folders with non-registered users, granting them either full editing or viewing permissions.
Pros:
- Diverse options for file uploads.
- Manage and customize file sharing preferences.
- Opportunity to increase storage without cost.
Cons:
- Provides a smaller storage capacity compared to similar services.
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Filen
Filen offers a zero-knowledge cloud storage service with 10 GB of free space and the option to upgrade or earn more storage by inviting friends.
It features a web app with folder uploads, pauseable uploads, version history, easy file sharing, media streaming, and accessible public links. Users can favorite files and folders for quick access.
Filen ensures security with 2FA and end-to-end encryption. Additionally, it provides mobile and desktop apps for convenient file access and management across all platforms.
Pros:
- Offers all the features of the paid plans, excluding storage.
- Accessible on both mobile and desktop devices.
- Enhanced link sharing capabilities.
- Allows for previewing media files.
Cons:
- Encounters difficulties during desktop app installation.
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Yandex Disk
Yandex is a Russian-based cloud storage company that offers Yandex Disk, a cloud storage service with 5 GB free storage to the users.
It features public/private sharing, social media photo imports, bulk downloads, mobile uploads, and drag-and-drop support.
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Additional storage can be purchased or earned through promotions. Yandex Disk provides both desktops as well as mobile apps to use it.
Pros:
- Unique Features Unavailable Elsewhere.
- Seamless Automatic Mobile Image Upload.
- Abundant Selection of Apps.
Cons:
- Excessive Website Advertisements.
- Additional Storage Must Be Purchased.
- Inability to Upload Folders Using the Web Application.
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Conclusion
Through this article, we’ve told you about some of the best cloud storage services which will now help you in backing up your data. The given services are available free of cost, and you can use them for free to back up any data.
Not only this, but there are dozens more such apps available, and we keep updating the list frequently. We hope that this article was useful to you; share it with your friends, also.
