10 best free cloud storage services for backup in 2024

Cloud storage has fundamentally changed how we store and protect our digital files. Gone are the days of worrying about hard drive crashes and lost USB sticks. The best free cloud storage services in 2024 offer secure, reliable, and convenient ways to back up your photos, documents, videos, and other important data.

Why you need cloud storage

Cloud storage brings many advantages over traditional physical storage solutions. Firstly, it ensures files are available anytime, anywhere, across various devices as long as there is an internet connection. Additionally, it provides crucial backup and protection against potential data loss, safeguarding against hardware failures or theft. Collaboration is streamlined through easy file sharing, enhancing teamwork efficiency.

Furthermore, the scalability of cloud storage offers flexibility, allowing users to expand their storage space as needed, making it an indispensable tool for individuals and businesses alike.

Important factors to consider

Here are some factors to consider while looking for a reliable free cloud storage solution:

1. How much free storage does the service provide?

2. How does the service protect your data? Look for encryption features.

3. Can you easily share files and collaborate with others?

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4. Are there extra features like automatic photo uploads, file versioning, or offline access?

5. What kind of paid upgrade plans are available if you need more space in the future?

Top 10 free cloud storage services

Here is a list of the top 10 free cloud storage services you can choose from:

1. Google Drive

2. Microsoft OneDrive

3. MEGA

4. pCloud

5. Sync.com

6. MediaFire

7. iDrive Cloud Storage

8. Apple iCloud

9. Dropbox

10. Degoo

1. Google Drive

With a generous 15GB of free storage, Google Drive offers seamless integration across other popular Google services like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets. This makes it a top choice for anyone who relies heavily on Google’s productivity and collaboration tools.

2. Microsoft OneDrive

Deeply integrated with the Microsoft Office ecosystem and offering 5GB of free storage, Microsoft OneDrive is a natural choice for users who frequently work with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It offers the convenience of easily saving and sharing Office documents directly within OneDrive.

3. MEGA

MEGA stands out with a substantial 20GB of free storage and robust end-to-end encryption, making it a favourite among users who prioritise privacy and security. Its focus on protecting your data from prying eyes adds an extra layer of reassurance.

4. pCloud

Known for its excellent security features and user-friendly interface, pCloud offers a solid 10GB of free storage with the additional opportunity to expand through referrals.

ALSO READ: How much laptop storage do you really need?

This cloud storage solution strikes a balance between functionality and ease of use.

5. Sync.com

Sync.com provides 5GB of free storage with top-notch security, including zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring that your data is highly protected and accessible only by you. Users who handle sensitive information will appreciate Sync.com’s commitment to privacy.

6. MediaFire

A well-established player in the cloud storage arena, MediaFire offers 10GB of free storage with the option to expand through completing tasks and referrals. This service is known for its longevity and flexible plans to accommodate growing storage needs.

7. iDrive Cloud Storage

iDrive Cloud Storage gives you about 10GB of free storage and is ideal if you want to expand up to 5TB of cloud backup. It is also especially helpful for PCs, MacBooks and smartphones. While it fits best for those running a large business, iDrive also offers a Mini program for budget-friendly backup. 

8. Apple iCloud

Apple iCloud provides 5GB of free storage that seamlessly integrates with the entire Apple ecosystem of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. For users deeply embedded in the Apple world, iCloud offers a convenient way to back up and sync data across devices.

9. Dropbox

Dropbox, one of the pioneers of cloud storage, offers 2GB of free storage and stands out for its seamless collaboration features. This makes it an excellent choice for teams and individuals who frequently work together on shared files and projects.

10. Degoo

Degoo catches the eye with a whopping 100GB of free storage space, making it a tempting option for anyone with large storage needs. However, be aware that this plan comes with ads and some potential speed limitations.

In conclusion, the 10 best free cloud storage services highlighted offer an array of features to meet diverse backup needs in 2024. While these free plans provide a solid foundation for storing and accessing essential files, it is important to note that each service also offers paid subscription options.

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These paid plans typically include expanded storage capacities and additional features such as enhanced security measures, automatic backups, and advanced collaboration tools. For more information on their paid offerings and to explore further customisation options, interested users can visit the official websites of these cloud storage providers.