Insight ICT

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.

Ok, let’s be honest: Google Chrome is a great browser. It’s well designed, fast, has a lot of possibilities and you have a wide choice of add-ons for extra possibilities. What are the best Chrome extensions? Found out below.

We have made a list of the best Chrome extensions that are currently available. Use this list in your own advantage and create the best, individually designed, productive browser experience possible.

TreeClicks

We begin with one of the best Chrome extensions that also helps nature. That’s right, an environmental friendly Chrome extension.

TreeClicks is an innovative Chrome extension. It completely free to use and receives a fee for bringing you in as a customer. TreeClicks use this fee to plant trees. This means that with every online purchase, you support planting trees and therefor you support reducing pollution and to reduce the effects of climate change.

It’s that simple. In a time in which climate change actually threatens our existence as human beings, these easy measurements should be standard and used by every person around the world.

So: help our climate and download the free TreeClicks extension >>>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjvrm44Z_4I

LastPass

LastPass is a great Chrome extension to keep your passwords safe, on a place where you can find them.

You need to use passwords for everything you do online. Passwords are essential for safe online activities. However, if you can remember your password, a hacker can guess it as well. Better use passwords like Kdia93Ek$%adi. But how on earth are you going to remember that?

Solution: Use LastPass Chrome extension. This extension creates a variety of strong passwords for websites and accounts. It stores it encrypted and fills in the password automatically when you want to login. You only need to remember your LastPass password, and allow LastPass to do the rest.

No need to add all your passwords to the database. When you enter a new password, LastPass will ask you whether you want them to save it. This makes LastPass very convenient, while it also helps you to stay safe online.

Download LastPass here!

Evernote Web Clipper

This Chrome extension will make your life so much easier. The Chrome extension Evernote Web Clipper will help you to clip everything you want, so you can read it over later. For example: webpages, texts, bookmarks, things you want to buy, recipes, list for the grocery store, to-do list, etc. Evernote can also save an entire article by just clicking on the elephant.

It is super easy if you’re doing research. But it also helps you to stay focused. Are you easily distracted when working? By using Evernote, you safe these interesting articles, tags and notes. This allows you to stay focused on what you’re actually working on.

It just takes two clicks to safe a note on your Evernote Web Clipper. You can even use customized keyboard shortcuts to make it easier.

Are you ready to read over your notes and tags? Simply go to Evernote.com, log into your account and read your clips.

Save to Pocket

The Chrome extension Safe to Pocket is comparable to Evernote Web Clipper. This extension helps you to save content while you browse the internet. The saved content can be checked and read later.

Save to Pocket is a bit more extensive. It allows you to save links, images, files and websites. The saved items are synchronized on all your devices. That makes this extension unique, and very convenient in a time in which we use multiple devices for our online activities.

You can download and check out the Save to Pocket extension right here.

FoxClocks

Are you dealing with multiple time zones in your work of private life? Then the FoxClocks web extension is a must. It allows you to see the time in different countries or cities at the bottom of the internet browser. It can make life easier, as you don’t need to search for the right time in every unique situation and for every individual contact.

FoxClocks also keeps summertime and wintertime in account. As you know, regions in the world have different moments in the year to switch the clocks to summertime or wintertime, or only use a summertime. And as we struggle with summertime and wintertime changes, some regions decide to suddenly skip changing the clocks. I can tell you: our devices get mixed up by all these changes. FoxClocks is the solution.

With FoxClocks you’ll always be on time, and you’ll never be a victim of time changes or mistakes.

Download the FoxClocks extension in your Chrome browser by clicking here.

The Great Suspender

Unused tabs can still use memory and power. The Great Suspender closes tabs that aren’t in use. It allows you to free up RAM in order to boost the performance of your Chrome browser. And it prevents your computer to slow down.

You can add certain url’s to not be closed, like for example an email account. Or you can prevent tabs that are playing media from being closed.

Download The Great Suspender here and add it to your Chrome browser.

Pushbullet

Do you easily get distracted while working by your smartphone? For example, by social media notifications or incoming emails and WhatsApp messages?

Pushbullet puts all these services in your web browser and informs you when you’re receiving a call, message or notification. You do need an Android phone for this Chrome extension.

While working, you’ll see immediately the content of a notification in the Pushbullet extension. Therefor you won’t need to refocus your attention on your mobile phone. And it allows you to easily, but temporarily turn off any notification.

Pushbullet also allows you to easily send messages and notification. And I will tell you from my own experience: sending messages by using your computer keyboard and mouse is so much easier than on a small device like your phone.

Do you want to try this out? Download Pushbullet here.

Adblock Plus

This Chrome extension blocks adds and other tracking cookies. This allows you to have a faster internet speed and gives you more privacy. Adblock Plus is by far the most popular and well known adblocker.

You can adjust Adblock Plus to your own preferences, which makes it an easy and accessible extension to use.

Download it today and have an improved online privacy.

Are you ready for some efficiency during your internet activities? Download your favourite best Chrome extensions in your browser and start today! Also check out this article about the best Chrome extensions.