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What is the best free cloud storage?
The best free cloud storage for most people is Google Drive for raw space (15 GB), Proton Drive for privacy (5 GB, end-to-end encrypted), and Filen for the best mix of both (10 GiB, end-to-end encrypted). pCloud and Koofr are strong picks at around 10 GB, especially for Linux users.
| Rank | Provider | Free space | Encryption | Jurisdiction | Platforms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filen | 10 GiB | End-to-end, default | Germany | Win, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Private and roomy |
| 2 | Proton Drive | 5 GB | End-to-end, default | Switzerland | Win, Mac, iOS, Android, web | Privacy first |
| 3 | Google Drive | 15 GB shared | Provider keys | USA | All except native Linux | Most space, collaboration |
| 4 | pCloud | Up to 10 GB | Provider keys (paid Encryption folder) | Switzerland | All, incl. Linux | Media, Linux |
| 5 | Koofr | 10 GB | Provider keys, optional Vault | Slovenia (EU) | All, incl. Linux | Connecting other clouds |
| 6 | IDrive Basic | 10 GB | Optional private key | USA | All | Free backup |
| 7 | OneDrive | 5 GB | Provider keys | USA | Windows, Mac, mobile | Windows users |
| 8 | Internxt | 1 GB | End-to-end, default | Spain (EU) | All, incl. Linux | Testing before buying |
Free space checked on providers’ pricing pages on October 16, 2026. Rankings weigh privacy and usability as well as size, so the biggest free plan is not automatically first.
How we ranked free cloud storage
We ranked free plans by five weighted factors: encryption model (30%), usable free space (25%), app quality and platform support (20%), restrictions such as device and link caps (15%), and the provider’s track record (10%). A plan that scans your files loses points even if it is large.
Full criteria live on our editorial policy page. For the broader free-storage picture, read our free cloud storage guide.
The best free cloud storage plans, reviewed
1. Filen: best private free plan with real space
Filen gives 10 GiB free with end-to-end encryption by default, plus apps for every major platform including Linux. It is a younger company than Google or Dropbox, so keep a second copy of anything critical.
2. Proton Drive: best for privacy and trust
Proton Drive’s 5 GB is smaller, but every file, name and folder is encrypted on your device. Proton’s open-source apps and Swiss base make it our safest free choice for IDs and contracts. See our Proton Drive review.
3. Google Drive: most free space
Google’s 15 GB is shared with Gmail and Photos, and Google holds the keys. It is excellent for collaboration and search. Read is Google Drive private before storing sensitive files there.
4. pCloud: best for media and Linux
pCloud’s free plan reaches 10 GB after simple tasks, with a virtual drive and built-in media player. Client-side encryption is a paid add-on. Details in pCloud free.
5. Koofr: best for managing several clouds
Koofr’s 10 GB comes with tools to connect Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive in one place. Its optional Vault adds client-side encryption.
6. IDrive Basic: best free backup
IDrive’s 10 GB plan is built for backup, with versioning and an optional private encryption key. See free cloud backup.
7. OneDrive: easiest for Windows
OneDrive’s 5 GB is built into Windows, but Outlook.com attachments share the quota. See OneDrive free storage.
8. Internxt: a private test drive
Internxt’s 1 GB is only enough to test, but every file is zero knowledge. See our Internxt review.
Want free and private? We dig into every free plan that keeps encryption keys on your device.
See private free plansWho each free plan suits
| You are… | Pick |
|---|---|
| Storing IDs, contracts, medical papers | Proton Drive or Filen |
| Working on shared documents | Google Drive |
| A Linux user | pCloud, Filen or Koofr; see free cloud storage for Linux |
| Sending big files | See free storage for sharing files |
| A student | See cloud storage for students |
Free plan catches to know
Every free plan has a catch. The usual ones are shared quotas, device limits, short version history, link-traffic caps and inactivity rules. Read the terms of any free account you rely on.
- Google and Microsoft share free space with email.
- Dropbox Basic limits the number of devices and offers 2 GB.
- Some providers reduce or remove free space after long inactivity.
- Free plans rarely include phone support.
When free is no longer enough, compare the best cheap cloud storage, or see our ranked best cloud storage services.
Frequently asked questions
Which free cloud storage gives the most space?
Among mainstream services, Google Drive gives the most at 15 GB, shared with Gmail and Google Photos. Several others, including Filen, Koofr, pCloud and IDrive, offer about 10 GB. MEGA has advertised a larger sign-up allowance, so check its current terms.
What is the most secure free cloud storage?
Proton Drive and Filen are among the most secure free options, because they encrypt files on your device before upload and the provider cannot read them. Internxt is also zero knowledge but offers only 1 GB. Always add two factor authentication.
Is free cloud storage really free?
Yes in money, but not always in trade-offs. Free plans have smaller limits and fewer features, and some providers benefit from wider use of your account data. Private providers fund free plans by converting some users to paid plans.
Can I lose files on a free cloud plan?
Yes, if the account is closed for inactivity, if you break terms, or if a sync mistake deletes files and the short version history has expired. Keep important files in at least two places and sign in to free accounts regularly.
Is MEGA’s free storage worth it?
MEGA is end-to-end encrypted and has offered generous free space at sign-up, though parts of it have been time-limited bonuses. It can be useful for sharing and storage. Check the current free allowance and conditions on MEGA’s own site before relying on it.
Get the free privacy checklist. One page that shows you how to check who holds the keys to your files, which settings to change first, and how to keep a real backup.
Get the checklistSources
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