In this blog article we give the best free cloud storage for consumers and companies.
Saving data in the cloud becomes more and more important in private and professional life. We rely on data storage, but additionally prefer to access data on multiple devices, and between multiple people. The cloud therefor answers a need of both consumers and companies.
However, the cloud is essentially the infrastructure of an external company. Amazon, Google, Dropbox and Apple, among others, offer extended cloud services. Cloud services are also referred to as online storage.
And we all use them happily. The advantages of using a cloud are great:
- Access your files from multiple devices
- No storage space used on your device
- Safe storage, as (external) hard disks can break.
Actually, using a cloud storage is part of a more sustainable ICT in your company.
Which free cloud service are you going to use today?
Best free cloud storage
The list below offers the best free cloud storage services. Most cloud services offer a free service, with certain limitations. You have an option to buy an extension for more cloud storage space.
Best free cloud storage: Google Drive
Google Drive is definitely the best cloud storage service, with wide options in its free service. Google Drive offers different Apps in which multiple persons can work at the same time.
- 15gb free space
- Use of tools in G Suite
- Backup options
- Work on the same file with multiple persons at the same time.
Every Google user can use the benefits of Google Drive. This is a complete digital software solution, that integrates email, online storage, working on files online, Google Forms, Google Photos, contacts, agenda and more. And an additional advantage: the online environment is a shared space of all Google services.
In Google Drive you get 15gb free storage space. This makes Google one of de most generous storage infrastructures. You can use Apps to easily access your Google Drive account on both iOS as Android devices. Different Google services also synchronize files and documents between different devices. And additionally, users can use an online office tool, to make documents that automatically synchronize and can be shared within the same online environment.
Second best free cloud storage: pCloud
Really handy, with a great online interface.
- Easy sharing with others
- Apps for both desktops and mobile devices
- Many options for free storage
- Max 10GB free storage
Did you ever hear of pCloud before? Probably not. However, pCloud is a great cloud storage, and free. You are given10gb to store your data, with a bandwidth of 50gb per month to download.
Note: You can upgrade to 500gb for $4,99 per month and to 2tb for €9,99 per month. pCloud also offers annual and even lifetime plans, which are more affordable on a longer period of time.
The free 10gb can be expanded to a total of 20gb free online cloud storage. However, to profit from this free offer you need to complete a few offers for 4gb and additionally you can get 1gb per referral.
The pCloud Apps are very well designed and easy to use, both on desktops and on mobile devices. The result is a great and easy-to-use interface.
pCloud offers great sharing options and doesn’t have a limit on file size. This allows you to easily share files with friends and colleagues, including people who don’t use pCloud themselves.
pCloud is definitely worth a look. Especially if you’re looking for a cloud service that isn’t offered by one of the large software and technology enterprises in the world.
Third free cloud storage: Microsoft OneDrive
A great online storage solution, especially for Windows users.
- Good integration with Microsoft software
- Edit files online
- 5gb of free online cloud storage (this is not so much compared to the above cloud services)
- Free online cloud storage: 5gb
We must admit: OneDrive cloud storage is a little bit disappointing due to the very limited cloud storage capacity, especially coming from a big company like Microsoft. It’s only 5gb, and not a bit more for free. However, extending the cloud storage to 50gb is relatively affordable. With an office 365 subscription you can get 1tb of cloud storage. But these days, who wants and office subscription?
Let’s be reasonable. Google Drive is great for Google users, iCloud great for Apple users, and OneDrive is great for Microsoft Office users, and combines well with other Microsoft products, like outlook. OneDrive also integrates really well with other external services, like for example AutoCAD.
Sharing files through OneDrive is easy, also with people that don’t use OneDrive.
Fourth free cloud storage: Dropbox
Supports third party Apps. Another well-known player in cloud services.
- Supports other platforms
- Great features and possibilities
- Only 2gb storage at first, but possibilities to further extend this
- Free cloud storage: 2gb
Dropbox is another well known cloud service, with a great interface and easy to use. Dropbox is quite popular, while it has only 2gb of free storage capacity. However, there are different options to get free extra cloud storage space. For example, by inviting friends you’ll get 500mb free storage space per referral, and up to a stunning 16gb. You’ll receive 250mb free cloud storage space when completing the Dropbox starting guide. And additionally 1gb per mighty answer that you contribute to the Dropbox forum. So: plenty of options for additional free cloud storage
Once you start delving into all the possibilities Dropbox has to offer, you’ll be happily surprised. For example, Dropbox Paper allows you to work together on a file in the cloud environment. Photos can be backed-up automatically in Dropbox. You can request other users to upload a file on your Dropbox. And Dropbox Rewind allows you to restore files until a specific date.
Dropbox can be used on different devices, like Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and even Kindle. This makes Dropbox a great third party cloud service. And lastly, Dropbox can also be used in the browser, without downloading an App.
Fifth free cloud storage: MediaFire
Cloud storage service with great experience.
- Up to 50gb free cloud storage
- Great sharing options
- Free accounts have adds
- Free storage: 10gb
You might not have heard from MediaFire, but they exist for over a decade. This is pretty long for a technological company. They have gained a lot of experience, which they have used in improving MediaFire as a cloud storage. You’ll receive initially 10gb of free cloud storage, but this can be extended to 50gb. How? For example, by referrals and following the social media accounts of MediaFire.
MediaFire can be used through the browser of an App. The interface is easy, with great options for sharing, storing and synchronising.