Best free cloud storage tools (2026)

1. Filen Cloud Storage

German zero-knowledge end-to-end encrypted storage (open-source clients) with cheap lifetime plans.

Free plan: 10GB zero-knowledge encrypted

Standout feature: 10GB free encrypted tier.

Best for: Budget-conscious privacy users wanting open-source encrypted storage with cheap lifetime options.

Full Filen overview

2. Icedrive Cloud Storage

Affordable client-side (Twofish) encrypted cloud with a slick drive-mount app and cheap lifetime plans.

Free plan: 10GB, no card required

Standout feature: Virtual drive mount that streams files without full local sync.

Best for: Budget privacy users wanting an affordable encrypted lifetime cloud with a slick interface.

Full Icedrive overview

3. IDrive Cloud Backup

Backs up unlimited devices (PC, Mac, mobile, servers) into one account at a very low per-TB price, with disk-based courier recovery.

Free plan: 10GB permanent free plan

Standout feature: Disk image backup and file/folder backup in one app.

Best for: Households and small businesses with many devices wanting one affordable backup account.

The catch: No plan offers truly unlimited storage (capped by tier, e.g. 5TB+).

Full IDrive overview

4. Internxt Cloud Storage

Open-source, EU-based zero-knowledge storage with post-quantum encryption by default and aggressive lifetime pricing.

Free plan: 1GB free forever

Standout feature: Bundled privacy tools (VPN, Meet, antivirus) in some plans.

Best for: Privacy purists wanting open-source, future-proof encryption and a one-time lifetime payment.

The catch: Free tier is small (1GB by default).

Full Internxt overview

5. MEGA Cloud Storage

Large free tier with zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption applied to all files by default.

Free plan: up to 20GB (some bonus storage temporary)

Standout feature: Cross-platform apps and browser-based access.

Best for: Privacy-minded users wanting a large free encrypted cloud, plus bundled privacy tools on paid plans.

The catch: Monthly data-transfer (bandwidth) limits can lock heavy users out temporarily.

Full MEGA overview

6. NordLocker Cloud Storage

Encrypted file vault and cloud from the Nord (NordVPN) team, with simple drag-and-drop end-to-end encryption.

Free plan: 3GB, no card required, local encryption included

Standout feature: Local encryption available free for everyone.

Best for: Nord ecosystem users and non-technical people wanting simple encrypted cloud storage.

The catch: Secure file sharing is restricted to paid plans.

Full NordLocker overview

7. pCloud Cloud Storage

Swiss/EU consumer cloud with optional zero-knowledge Crypto folder and rare lifetime one-off plans, removing recurring subscription cost.

Free plan: 10GB after completing onboarding tasks (5GB base + bonuses); permanent free plan

Standout feature: Built-in media player with playlists for audio/video stored in the cloud.

Best for: Individuals storing large media libraries who want to avoid recurring fees via a lifetime plan.

Full pCloud overview

8. Proton Drive Cloud Storage

Swiss end-to-end encrypted drive inside the Proton privacy suite (Mail, VPN, Calendar, Pass), open-source and audited.

Free plan: up to 5GB after onboarding (starts at 2GB)

Standout feature: Open-source and independently audited clients.

Best for: Privacy-focused users who want encrypted storage bundled with secure mail, VPN and password manager.

The catch: Fewer advanced/collaboration features than incumbents.

Full Proton Drive overview

9. Sync.com Cloud Storage

End-to-end zero-knowledge encryption by default on all plans, Canadian/GDPR jurisdiction, marketed as a private Dropbox replacement.

Free plan: 5GB, end-to-end encrypted, +1GB per referral

Standout feature: End-to-end zero-knowledge encryption by default on all plans, including free.

Best for: Privacy-conscious individuals and teams wanting secure file storage and sharing without configuring encryption.

Full Sync.com overview

10. Box Cloud Storage

Enterprise content management with granular governance, compliance (HIPAA/FedRAMP) and deep B2B workflow integrations.

Free plan: 10GB, 250MB max file size

Standout feature: 1,500+ enterprise app integrations (Microsoft 365, Salesforce, etc.).

Best for: Regulated enterprises and B2B teams needing governance, compliance and workflow controls.

The catch: Personal free plan caps uploads at 250MB per file.

Full Box overview

11. Degoo Cloud Storage

Mobile-first cloud storage marketed on very large capacity tiers (incl. heavily discounted lifetime 10TB offers).

Free plan: 20GB, ad-supported

Standout feature: 20GB free tier (ad-supported).

Best for: Mobile users wanting cheap high-capacity photo/video backup who keep a primary copy elsewhere.

The catch: Zero-knowledge encryption only on premium; free tier is ad-supported.

Full Degoo overview

12. Dropbox Cloud Storage

Best-in-class file sync reliability and the broadest third-party integration ecosystem, with strong collaboration features.

Free plan: 2GB, up to 3 linked devices, 30-day history

Standout feature: Dropbox Transfer for large file delivery (up to 100GB on higher plans).

Best for: Users and teams who prioritize seamless sync and integration with many third-party apps over maximum privacy.

The catch: Tiny 2GB free tier compared with rivals.

Full Dropbox overview

13. Google Drive (Google One) Cloud Storage

Deeply integrated with Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Photos) and ubiquitous on Android, with generous shared free storage.

Free plan: 15GB shared across Drive, Gmail, Photos

Standout feature: Google One plans add expanded storage, VPN and Gemini AI features.

Best for: Everyday users and teams already invested in Gmail, Android and Google Workspace.

The catch: 2026 rebranding (Google One to AI tiers) has made plan naming confusing.

Full Google Drive (Google One) overview

14. Jottacloud Cloud Backup

Norwegian/EU backup with effectively unlimited storage (fair-use throttled) and strong privacy jurisdiction.

Free plan: 5GB, permanent (also free 2-user business plan)

Standout feature: Automatic photo and folder backup from computer and mobile.

Best for: EU/privacy-conscious users wanting large-volume photo and file backup at a flat price.

The catch: Upload speeds are throttled after 5TB on the unlimited plan.

Full Jottacloud overview

15. Koofr Cloud Storage

EU (Slovenia) storage that connects and unifies existing Dropbox/Google Drive/OneDrive accounts, no file-size limits.

Free plan: 10GB free for life

Standout feature: Connects and unifies existing Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive accounts.

Best for: Users juggling multiple cloud accounts who want one EU-based hub with no file-size limits.

Full Koofr overview

16. Microsoft OneDrive Cloud Storage

Bundled with Microsoft 365, tight Windows and Office integration, and Personal Vault for sensitive files.

Free plan: 5GB; Personal Vault limited to 3 files

Standout feature: Files On-Demand to access cloud files without using local disk.

Best for: Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want storage tightly integrated with Office.

The catch: Small 5GB standalone free tier.

Full Microsoft OneDrive overview