The Best things in life are free. - Luther Vandross
I am not sure, how much of that is true or whether to trust Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr, at all. But one thing is for sure, tech enthusiasts like us will never stop hunting for the best free online cloud storage platforms to upgrade our unlimited free cloud storage game. As you are constantly evolving individually, and professionally, so is the need to organize and store large numbers of data securely and easily accessible whenever it’s needed.
Let us together explore all the 11 unlimited free cloud storage services that are trending in the cloud world keeping general usability features in mind like speed and reliable syncing, but first, we’ll look up the concept of cloud storage.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a cloud computing model that allows you to store data and files on the internet through a cloud computing provider which you can access on the public internet or by using a dedicated private network connection.
The provider securely stores manages and maintains the storage servers, infrastructure, and network to make sure you have access to the data when you need it at a virtually unlimited scale. No wonder it is the new revolution in the tech industry and if you are looking forward to learning AtoZ of cloud computing, you can always find the best Cloud Computing online courses to keep yourself updated.
What is the need for it?
- Cloud storage provides you with cost-effective, scalable storage. No need to worry about running out of capacity, maintaining storage area networks (SANs), changing failed devices, adding infrastructure to upgrade with demand, or operating underutilized hardware when demand downsizes.
- Cloud storage is elastic, which means you scale up and down with demand and usage-based billing.
- It is a platform for organizations to save data securely online so that it can be accessed anytime from any location by those with permission.
What Is the Best Free Cloud Storage?
Here comes the best part, let’s jump on to get started with our list of the top free 11 cloud storage companies that provide free plans.
1. pCloud -
Founded in 2013, pCloud is set to combine strong IT skills with the vibrant creativity of its growing team to create a cloud storage solution that works seamlessly for both individuals and businesses with over 18+ million users worldwide.
Some of the best features of pCloud are as follows:
- 10 GB of Free Storage:
- Access on all devices:
- Share and collaborate:
- Unbreakable security:
- No limits on usage:
- Built-in HD media player:
- Impressive media player:
Undoubtedly, pCloud is known as one of the largest free cloud storage services. Now, let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of having it.
Pros | Cons |
10GB of free cloud storage | Encryption requires a paid subscription |
Built-in multimedia playback | No productivity app support |
Unlocks extra storage via referrals |
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2. Sync.com
- File versioning and locking: Sync.com maintains a record of the modifications you make to your files and, if necessary, you can always restore previous versions.
- Remote file deletion: If your files are lost or stolen, you can remotely erase them from your devices.
- Various options for file transfer: Use a desktop app, mobile app, or web browser to upload and download files.
- Features of team collaboration: Share directories and files with your teammates, and manage access with permissions.
Pros | Cons |
Secure | Expensive as compared with other providers |
Flexible option for file sharing | Limited free storage |
Best version control platform | User-friendliness is low |
3. Icedrive
- Two-factor authentication: An additional layer of protection to your account
- File transfer acceleration: Sends and receives data more quickly than most other providers
- Built-in document viewer: Access and modify documents without downloading them.
- Integrated backup tool: Icedrive automatically creates backups of your files.
- Earn bonus storage: Get extra storage options by referring to your friends
Pros | Cons |
Quick options to transfer files. | Free storage is limited |
Most secured platform | No desktop app for Linux |
User-friendly interface | New service, features may be limited |
4. MEGA
Best features:
- 50GB of free storage: One of the most substantial free storage offers available is 50GB
- End-to-end encryption: Prior to being uploaded to MEGA's servers, your files are encrypted.
- Large file transfer support: Transferring big files is simple and limitless.
- Web browser integration: Use any web browser to access your files.
- Mobile app: On the go, manage your files.
Pros | Cons |
Huge free storage | Limited upload speed for free users |
Secure access | The web interface can be slow |
You can use it on a mobile app | Privacy concerns due to New Zealand jurisdiction |
5. Google Drive
- Integrated with Google apps: Easily view and modify your files from Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Real-time collaboration: Work on files in real-time with other people
- Offline access: You can still access your files without an internet connection.
- AI-powered search: Locate files with ease and speed.
- 15GB of free storage: expandable with different plans.
Pros | Cons |
Convenient integration with Google apps | Limited free storage |
Real-time collaboration | Google collects data on your files |
Offline access | Not as secure as some other providers
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6. OneDrive
- Integrated with Microsoft Office: Access and modify your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with ease.
- File syncing across devices: Update the files on all of your devices.
- Personal Vault: Keep your most private documents secured with a password.
- Ransomware detection and recovery: Defend your files against attacks using ransomware.
- 5GB of free storage: Additional features are available with a paid plan.
Pros | Cons |
Tight integration with Microsoft Office | Limited free storage |
Secure features | Potential privacy concerns due to Microsoft's data collection practices |
File syncing across devices | Not as feature-rich as some other providers
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7. Koofr
- Unlimited file size support: No limitations when it comes to file sizes.
- Military-grade encryption: Both in transit and at rest, your files are encrypted.
- File transfer acceleration: Sends and receives data more quickly than most other providers.
- Remote file deletion: If your files are lost or stolen, you can remotely erase them from your devices.
- Lifetime plans: Invest in a lifetime plan to avoid ever having to pay for storage.
Pros | Cons |
Unlimited file size support | Expensive compared to some other providers |
Secure features | No desktop app for Linux |
Lifetime plans | Limited free storage
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8. Dropbox
- User-friendly interface: This makes it suitable for both novice and expert users.
- File sharing and collaboration features: You can easily share files and folders with others and manage access by setting permissions.
- File versioning: You can, if necessary, restore earlier iterations of your files.
- Mobile app: File management on the go with a mobile app.
- 2GB of free storage: Free storage of 2GB; expandable with premium plans.
Pros | Cons |
Simple and user-friendly interface
| Limited features compared to paid plans |
2GB of free storage | File retention period of 30 days for free users |
Strong security measures to protect files | Limited bandwidth for free users
|
9. iCloud
- Seamless integration with Apple devices: Organize and modify files on all of your Apple devices.
- Automatic backups: Make a copy of your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
- Family Sharing: Up to five family members can share files and storage space.
- iCloud Drive web app: Utilize any web browser to access your files.
Pros | Cons |
Tight integration with Apple devices
| Limited free storage (5GB) |
Automatic backups | Not as feature-rich as some other providers |
Secure | Available only for Apple users
|
10. MediaFire
- Large file transfer support: Upload up to 20 GB of data at a time
- Built-in file converter: Change the format of your files.
- Unlimited file sharing: Send files to anyone using a link or email.
- Secure file deletion: When you are done using your files, you can permanently remove them.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable paid plans
| Limited free storage (50GB) |
Large file transfer support | The web interface can be slow
|
Mobile app | Not as secure as some other providers
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11. Degoo
- Lifetime free plan with 100GB storage: Save your files indefinitely for free.
- AI-powered search: Locate files with ease and speed.
- File transfer acceleration: faster than most other providers in terms of file uploads and downloads
- Military-grade encryption: Both in transit and at rest, your files are encrypted.
- Data centres in multiple locations: It guarantees data availability and redundancy.
Pros | Cons |
Lifetime free plan
| Limited features in the free plan |
Secure | Uploading large files can be slow
|
Data centres in multiple locations | The interface can be confusing
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What are the important things to know about cloud storage security?
- Select a free online cloud storage service that uses robust encryption: To prevent unwanted access, your files should be encrypted both in transit and at rest.
- Turn on two-factor verification. This strengthens the security of your account and increases the difficulty for hackers to access it.
- Use caution when sharing: Avoid sharing private information with unknown people to prevent mishaps.
- Update your operating system, web browser, and free online cloud storage app, among other software.
- Make regular backups of your data to ensure you have a copy in case something happens to the originals.
Apart from the above-mentioned points, it is also important to keep yourself updated with the “what’s new” on the best free cloud storage services to avail the best offers. Also if you wish to upgrade yourself with the AWS Solution Architect Associate exam, you know where to find us.
How to Get 1TB Free Cloud Storage?
Unfortunately, very few major free online cloud storage vendors offer 1 TB of free storage as of October 2023. There are, however, several ways to obtain quite a bit of storage space in the cloud for free or at low prices. Here are some possibilities:
- Mega: 50GB free + 20GB referral bonus + additional bonuses (highest free cloud storage service).
- pCloud: 10GB free + 4GB referral bonus + additional bonuses
- Degoo: 100GB free
- Icedrive: 10GB free
- Sync.com: 5GB free
Conclusion
To summarize, this article digs into the intriguing subject of best free cloud storage services, investigating the concept, its benefits, safety risks, and finding the right cloud computing tutorials such as KnowledgeHut Cloud Computing online courses. We have highlighted various distinctive functions, strengths, and weaknesses of 11 popular free services to help you make an informed decision. While obtaining that rare 1TB of free online cloud storage can prove difficult, clever strategies such as merging strategies and using referral incentives can significantly increase your storage capacity.
Always prioritize safety by selecting a service with reliable encryption and authentication with two factors. You can use the strength of online storage to handle and view data from any location around the world by staying up-to-date and making wise decisions.