9 Best Cloud Storage Services of 2026

1. 1

   Microsoft OneDrive

   Microsoft's cloud storage service, built into Windows and sold through Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal and Family plans.

   9.0overall

   Microsoft's cloud storage service, built into Windows and sold through Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal and Family plans.

   Best forWindows users and households that also want the Office apps.

   Adoption data

   89.0 millionMicrosoft reported 89.0 million Microsoft 365 Consumer subscribers in fiscal year 2025, the subscriptions that carry OneDrive storage for consumers.

   Microsoft, Microsoft 2025 Annual Report (2025): “Microsoft 365 Consumer cloud revenue grew 11% driven by Microsoft 365 Consumer subscriber growth of 8% to 89.0 million”

   OneDrive is the storage layer of Microsoft 365 and is built into Windows, which makes it the path of least resistance for most PC users. Microsoft 365 Basic adds 100 GB of storage, ad-free Outlook email and ransomware protection for $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year. Microsoft 365 Personal raises storage to 1 TB and adds the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote desktop apps with Copilot features for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, and Family covers up to six people for $12.99 per month. For anyone who would pay for Office anyway, the storage is effectively bundled. Microsoft reported 89.0 million Microsoft 365 Consumer subscribers in fiscal 2025, the subscriptions that carry consumer OneDrive storage, and then stopped publishing that metric. The main limitation is the jump from 100 GB to 1 TB with no tier in between, and Mac and Android users get less integration than Windows users.

   Strengths

   • +Low entry price with monthly or yearly billing
   • +Personal and Family plans bundle Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
   • +Built into Windows file management

   Limitations

   • −Basic plan tops out at 100 GB
   • −Microsoft stopped reporting the consumer subscriber count after fiscal 2025
   • −Copilot features in Personal and Family raise the price compared with storage-only plans

   SummaryOneDrive is the best overall choice for Windows users and anyone who wants storage bundled with Office. Apple and Android households may prefer their platform's own service.

2. 2

   Google Drive (Google One)

   Google's cloud storage for Drive, Gmail and Photos, with paid Google One plans that add storage and Gemini AI features.

   8.6overall

   Google's cloud storage for Drive, Gmail and Photos, with paid Google One plans that add storage and Gemini AI features.

   Best forAndroid and Gmail users who want shared family storage.

   Adoption data

   350 millionAlphabet said paid subscriptions across its consumer services reached 350 million in the first quarter of 2026, with YouTube and Google One the key drivers; the figure is not specific to Google One.

   Alphabet, Alphabet earnings, Q1 2026: CEO's remarks (2026): “Overall the number of paid subscriptions has now reached 350 million, with YouTube and Google One being the key drivers.”

   Every Google Account includes 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Google One plans add storage on top: Basic brings the total to 100 GB, Google AI Plus adds Gemini app access and Gemini in Gmail, and Google AI Pro raises storage to 5 TB with Gemini in Gmail, Docs and Vids, Deep Research and YouTube Premium Lite. Google's U.S. Gemini plans page lists AI Plus at $4.99 per month with 400 GB and AI Pro at $19.99 with 5 TB. Every paid plan can be shared with up to five other people, and annual billing saves up to 16 percent. Alphabet said paid subscriptions across its consumer services reached 350 million in early 2026, with Google One a key driver, though it does not break out Google One alone. The Google One page displayed Polish zloty from our location, so the Basic price is pending. Higher tiers bundle AI features that storage-only buyers may not want.

   Strengths

   • +The largest free allowance among the mainstream services
   • +Storage can be shared with five other people on every paid plan
   • +Annual billing saves up to 16 percent

   Limitations

   • −Storage is shared between Gmail, Photos and Drive
   • −Higher tiers bundle AI features some buyers will not use
   • −The Google One page showed Polish zloty from our location, so the Basic plan's US price is pending

   SummaryGoogle Drive with Google One is the best choice for Android and Gmail households. Buyers who only want storage should compare the Basic tier with OneDrive and iCloud+.

3. 3

   Dropbox

   A file sync and sharing service with personal and team plans, large file transfers and e-signatures.

   8.3overall

   A file sync and sharing service with personal and team plans, large file transfers and e-signatures.

   Best forFreelancers and teams that share large files with clients and work across platforms.

   Adoption data

   18.19 millionDropbox reported 18.19 million paying users as of June 30, 2026, and more than 700 million registered users.

   Dropbox, Dropbox Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026 (2026): “We’ve built a thriving global business with 18.19 million paying users.”

   Dropbox popularized folder sync and remains one of the most capable services for sharing files across platforms. The free Basic plan holds only 2 GB, so most users move to Plus, which gives one person 2 TB, 30 days of deleted file recovery and transfers of up to 50 GB. Standard starts at 3 TB for the team, extends recovery to 180 days and adds team folders, branded sharing, password-protected links and admin controls, while Advanced starts at 15 TB for three or more people and adds one-year recovery, end-to-end encryption, advanced key management and single sign-on. PDF editing and e-signatures are built in, and Dropbox integrates with AI tools. The company reported 18.19 million paying users and more than 700 million registered users as of mid-2026. The weaknesses are price and the small free plan; storage-only users can get more for less from OneDrive or iCloud+. The pricing page showed euros from our location, so the US price is pending.

   Strengths

   • +Stays in sync across all of a user's devices
   • +Large transfer limits for sending files to clients
   • +Long recovery windows on team plans

   Limitations

   • −Free Basic plan offers only 2 GB
   • −Team plans have minimum user counts on Advanced
   • −The pricing page showed euros from our location, so the US price is pending

   SummaryDropbox is the best pick for cross-platform file sharing with clients and teams. Storage-only users will usually pay less elsewhere.

4. 4

   iCloud+

   Apple's paid cloud subscription that adds storage and privacy features to every Apple Account.

   8.1overall

   Apple's paid cloud subscription that adds storage and privacy features to every Apple Account.

   Best forHouseholds that use iPhone, iPad and Mac.

   iCloud is the default backup for iPhone, iPad and Mac, and every Apple Account starts with 5 GB free. iCloud+ adds storage plus privacy features: in the United States, plans cost $0.99 per month for 50 GB, $2.99 for 200 GB, $9.99 for 2 TB, $29.99 for 6 TB and $59.99 for 12 TB, billed monthly. All tiers include iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, a custom email domain and Apple Invites, and HomeKit Secure Video support scales from one camera on 50 GB to unlimited cameras on 2 TB and above. Each plan can be shared with up to five other family members. For Apple households, the 200 GB and 2 TB tiers are among the cheapest ways to back up every device. The limits are platform reach, since the service is built around Apple devices, and a small free allowance. Apple does not publish iCloud+ subscriber numbers, so the adoption score is a conservative estimate.

   Strengths

   • +Lowest verified paid entry price on this list
   • +Every tier can be shared with five family members
   • +Privacy features included at no extra cost

   Limitations

   • −Best experience is limited to Apple devices
   • −Only 5 GB free, which fills quickly with phone backups
   • −Apple does not publish an iCloud+ subscriber count, so adoption is scored conservatively

   SummaryiCloud+ is the best value for families on Apple devices. Mixed-platform households should consider Google Drive or OneDrive instead.

5. 5

   Box

   A content management platform for businesses, with unlimited storage on business plans, Box AI and compliance controls.

   8.0overall

   A content management platform for businesses, with unlimited storage on business plans, Box AI and compliance controls.

   Best forBusinesses that need governed file sharing, compliance and AI over their content.

   Adoption data

   100,000Box reported more than 100,000 paying organizations as of January 31, 2026.

   Box, Box Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 (2026): “As of January 31, 2026, we had over 100,000 paying organizations, and our solution was offered in 25 languages.”

   Box is less a personal storage locker than a content management platform for organizations. Its business plans include unlimited storage, with per-file upload limits rising from 5 GB on Business to 15 GB on Business Plus, 50 GB on Enterprise and 150 GB on Enterprise Plus. Every business plan includes Box AI, unlimited e-sign requests and more than 1,500 integrations, and Enterprise adds advanced workflows, content portals through Box Hubs and FedRAMP Moderate and HIPAA compliance support. Individuals can start on a free plan with 10 GB and a 250 MB upload limit. Box reported more than 100,000 paying organizations at the start of 2026. For regulated businesses, the compliance credentials and admin controls justify the cost. For individuals and very small teams, it is expensive compared with OneDrive or Google Drive, and business plans require at least three users. The pricing page showed euros from our location, so the US price is pending.

   Strengths

   • +Unlimited storage removes capacity planning for businesses
   • +Strong compliance coverage for regulated industries
   • +Large integration catalog

   Limitations

   • −Business plans require at least 3 users
   • −Free Individual plan limits uploads to 250 MB per file
   • −The pricing page showed euros from our location, so the US price is pending

   SummaryBox is the strongest option for businesses that need governed, compliant content storage with AI. It is overbuilt for personal use.

6. 6

   Proton Drive

   End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Swiss company Proton, sold alone or bundled with Proton Mail, VPN and Pass.

   8.0overall

   End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Swiss company Proton, sold alone or bundled with Proton Mail, VPN and Pass.

   Best forPrivacy-focused individuals and families who want encrypted storage.

   Adoption data

   100 millionProton says more than 100 million users and organizations use its services, a figure that covers all Proton products.

   Proton, Proton Drive: Free secure cloud storage | Proton (2026): “Trusted by over 100 million users and organizations”

   Proton Drive applies end-to-end encryption to files, photos and documents, so Proton itself cannot read what you store. The free plan gives 5 GB with an online document and spreadsheet editor. Drive Plus costs $4.99 per month on monthly billing for 200 GB and keeps previous file versions for up to 10 years, a much longer window than most rivals. Proton Unlimited, at $12.99 per month, raises storage to 500 GB and adds Proton Mail, Calendar, Pass and VPN, while Proton Duo gives two users 2 TB for $19.99 and Proton Family covers up to six. A Drive Professional plan serves teams with 1 TB per user. Proton says more than 100 million users and organizations use its services overall. The trade-offs are typical of encrypted services: fewer third-party integrations and a smaller collaboration feature set than Google Drive or Dropbox, and storage tiers that push heavy users toward the bundles.

   Strengths

   • +Proton cannot access stored files
   • +Long version history on Drive Plus
   • +30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans

   Limitations

   • −Smaller ecosystem of third-party integrations
   • −Drive Plus tops out at 200 GB before moving to bundles
   • −The adoption figure covers all Proton services, not Drive alone

   SummaryProton Drive is the best choice for people who want encrypted storage from a large, established privacy company. Heavy collaborators will find more features in Google Drive or Dropbox.

7. 7

   MEGA

   An end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service with a 20 GB free plan and bundled VPN and password manager.

   7.8overall

   An end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service with a 20 GB free plan and bundled VPN and password manager.

   Best forUsers who want a large free allowance with encryption.

   Adoption data

   356 millionMEGA's company page reports more than 356 million registered users and more than 50 million monthly active users.

   MEGA, About MEGA (2026): “356M+ registered users 234B+ files uploaded 50M+ monthly active users”

   MEGA combines end-to-end encrypted storage with a free plan of 20 GB, the largest free allowance on this list, though free accounts have a limited transfer quota. Paid plans run from Essential with 200 GB through Pro Lite with 750 GB, Pro I with 3 TB and Pro II with 10 TB to Pro III with 20 TB, plus a Pro Flexi option and a Business plan for three or more users. Paid plans include MEGA VPN and MEGA Pass, keep 100 file versions and offer Rewind recovery of up to 60 days, and video calls and meetings have no duration or participant limit on paid accounts. MEGA states that all transactions are charged in euros and that prices shown in other currencies are estimates, so we cannot publish a verified US price. Its company page reports more than 356 million registered users and more than 50 million monthly active users. MEGA suits users who want encryption and a large free tier, but heavy transfer users should check the quotas.

   Strengths

   • +Largest free storage allowance on this list
   • +End-to-end encryption on every plan
   • +VPN and password manager included with paid plans

   Limitations

   • −Free plan has limited transfer quota
   • −All transactions are charged in euros, so US prices are estimates
   • −Registered users far outnumber the 50 million monthly active users MEGA reports

   SummaryMEGA is the best free encrypted option for users with modest transfer needs. US buyers should expect euro billing on paid plans.

8. 8

   pCloud

   A Swiss cloud storage provider known for lifetime plans as well as annual subscriptions.

   7.7overall

   A Swiss cloud storage provider known for lifetime plans as well as annual subscriptions.

   Best forBuyers who prefer a one-time payment over a subscription.

   Adoption data

   24 millionpCloud says more than 24 million people have used its service over the past decade.

   pCloud, pCloud Pricing | Lifetime & Subscription Plans (2026): “For over a decade, 24+ million people have trusted pCloud with their files.”

   pCloud stands out for offering lifetime plans alongside monthly and annual subscriptions, which appeals to buyers who want to pay once. Plans come in three sizes: Premium with 500 GB, Premium Plus with 2 TB and Ultra with 10 TB, each with shared link traffic twice the storage size. Files are protected with 256-bit AES encryption and TLS/SSL in transit, stored in certified data centers under Swiss privacy law, and previous versions can be restored for up to 30 days. Premium plans include pCloud Photos and pCloud Docs, which offers six built-in editors for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, text and markdown, and a built-in music and video player streams stored media. pCloud says more than 24 million people have used it over the past decade. The pricing page showed euros from our location, so the US price is pending. Buyers who need zero-knowledge encryption by default may prefer Proton Drive or Sync.com.

   Strengths

   • +Lifetime plans avoid recurring fees
   • +Built-in music and video player for streaming stored media
   • +14-day money-back guarantee

   Limitations

   • −Client-side encryption is not part of the standard plans described on the pricing page
   • −30-day recovery is shorter than Dropbox team plans or Proton
   • −The pricing page showed euros from our location, so the US price is pending

   SummarypCloud is a strong choice for people who want to pay once and keep large media libraries in the cloud. Privacy-first buyers should compare it with Proton Drive and Sync.com.

9. 9

   Sync.com

   A Canadian end-to-end encrypted storage service with HIPAA, GDPR and PIPEDA compliance.

   7.1overall

   A Canadian end-to-end encrypted storage service with HIPAA, GDPR and PIPEDA compliance.

   Best forProfessionals who need encrypted storage with compliance documentation.

   Adoption data

   2 millionSync.com says more than 2 million individuals and businesses use its products.

   Sync.com, About Sync.com: Private Cloud Storage Since 2011 (2026): “Over 2 million individuals and businesses worldwide use our products”

   Sync.com builds its pitch around end-to-end encryption and compliance: every plan encrypts files so Sync cannot see them, avoids third-party tracking and lists HIPAA, GDPR and PIPEDA compliance with SOC 2 Type 1. Personal plans start at 1 TB for $12 per month billed annually, with a first-year promotion that lowers it to $9, and include 90 days of file history, unlimited data transfer and advanced sharing controls such as password protection, download restrictions and remote share wipe. Solo 5TB costs $28 per month annually and adds custom branding and 180-day history, while Personal Unlimited at $45 removes capacity limits and keeps 365 days of history, with upload speed management possible above 10 TB. Sync.com says more than 2 million individuals and businesses use its products. It is a good fit for therapists, accountants and lawyers who need encryption with compliance paperwork, but buyers with small storage needs will find the 1 TB minimum expensive.

   Strengths

   • +Encryption and compliance in one consumer-priced plan
   • +Unlimited data transfer on all personal plans
   • +30-day money-back guarantee

   Limitations

   • −Entry plan starts at 1 TB, more than many people need
   • −Advertised first-year discounts renew at higher regular prices
   • −Upload speed management may apply beyond 10 TB on the unlimited plan

   SummarySync.com is a solid pick for professionals who need encrypted storage with compliance documentation. Light users can pay less with iCloud+, OneDrive or Proton Drive.

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