8 Cheapest cloud storage providers (2024)

Whether for personal, academic, or business purposes, cloud storage is a very important tool on the internet today. Everyone probably knows Google Drive, One Drive, Drive, and other popular names.

Using a cloud storage service also means you don’t have to worry about losing important files or running out of space. Besides, you can get cheap/free space and pay for more when you need it.

Regardless of the reason(s) why you need cloud storage, the most reasonable thing to do is to look for the cheapest options. In this post, we have provided information about the 8 cheapest cloud storage providers.

1. Google Drive

Booyah, it’s your lucky day. Do you know that the cheapest cloud storage provider is completely free? Yes, it is.

Google Drive comes with a free 10 GB alongside every Google Account. By performing a few other tasks, you will get an extra 5 GB, which makes it 15 GB in total. Let’s look at the pros and cons of Google Drive.

Pros

• You can access files from any location
• The standalone app is available for most devices. You don’t have to use the web version if you don’t want to.
• You can easily share files by assigning links to them. You can also grant read, comment or edit access. Isn’t that wonderful?
• The free 15 GB is incorporated with Google Photos and Gmail.

Cons

• Security is good, but not as good as other paid cloud storage providers.
• The embedded images you add to a document must not be more than 2 MB.
• Slideshow presentations must not exceed 100 MB.
• The download and upload speeds are not that fast.
• Google will analyze your files, including emails. This helps them target the right audience for each type of ad.

Google Drive Pricing

• Completely free.

2. Apple iCloud

Just like how Google Drive automatically comes with Android devices, Apple iCloud easily integrates with iOS devices.

If you only need up to 50 GB, then iCloud may be worth your attention. Besides, it would be the most reasonable choice if you’re already using an iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.

Pros

• Easily sync files between devices
• If you have an iOS device, you’re entitled to free 5 GB storage.
• iCloud also works well with Windows.

Cons

• Not a good option for people using Android devices.
• If you’re a heavy user, 50 GB may not be enough for you.

Apple iCloud Pricing

• 50 GB for $0.99 per month.

3. Google One

If the 15 GB Google Drive or 50 GB iCloud isn’t enough, you can step up your game with this cloud storage.

Note that you can’t upgrade directly from Google Drive. You have to first purchase a Google One pricing plan. There are many benefits, including the option to add family members to your plan.

Pros

• All the benefits of Google Drive extend to Google One. (But there’s no free 15 GB… Smiles)
• You have extra-member benefits, including the ability to add family members.
• You can get up to 30 TB of storage.

Cons

• The price is good, considering the extra features it provides. However, other options offer more storage at the same price.
• The maximum storage is 2 TB. Although there’s an option to purchase 5 TB to 30 TB, that option is only available for current users and in certain countries.

Google One Pricing

• 100 GB for $1.99 per month
• 200 GB for $2.99 per month
• 2 TB for $9.99 per month

Other Pricing (Only available to a few users in certain countries)

• 5 TB Plan: For $25 per month ($250 per year)
• 10 TB Plan: For $50 per month ($600 per year)
• 20 TB Plan: For $100 per month ($1,200 per year)
• 30 TB Plan: For $150 per month ($1,800 per year)

4. Microsoft OneDrive

If you’re using a Windows Device or operating system, then this is probably the best cloud storage provider for your needs. OneDrive is seamlessly integrated into Windows 10.

Pros

• Simple and user-friendly interface.
• You can use it with any device. 
• It is integrated with Microsoft 365 apps, which can enhance your productivity.

Cons

• The low storage options can be a limitation for high-end users.

OneDrive Pricing

• Free 5 GB for all users.
• 100 GB for $1.99 per month
• 1 TB for $6.99 per month (Plus a Microsoft 365 Office subscription)

5. pCloud

pCloud is popular for the outstanding 500 GB storage it provides. Most cloud storage providers out there only offer 1 TB, but not the 500 GB option.

Whenever you sign up for a free account on pCloud, you will be entitled to a free 10 GB storage space. 

Pros

• Free 10 GB for all users (lifetime).
• Provides more security than some of the other providers.
• It is supported on all kinds of devices.
• If you don’t have time for a monthly or annual payment, you can always pay once for lifetime access.

Cons

• There’s a limit to how much you can download in a month.

pCloud Pricing

• Free 10 GB for all users (forever)
• 500 GB for $4.99 per month
• 2 TB for $9.99 per month
• One-time lifetime access payment offered of $175 for 50 GB or $350 for 2 TB

6. MediaFire

If you frequently download large files from many websites, there are chances that you’ve once been directed to download from a MediaFire cloud.

Most people don’t use MediaFire for personal or sync reasons. It is mostly used as a file-sharing option. It offers one of the cheapest 1 TB storage you’ll ever find out there.

Pros

• It offers 1 GB at a very low price.
• It is very fast for file-sharing and downloads.
• MediaFire has mobile apps that anyone with a tablet or smartphone can use.

Cons

• MediaFire doesn’t offer a desktop app. This means you have to stick to a web browser whenever you want to access your cloud storage on desktop devices.

MediaFire Pricing

• 1 TB for $5 per month

7. Dropbox

Dropbox is one of the popular names in the cloud storage industry. It is very suitable for personal users, team members and small businesses. Dropbox features and apps are compatible with most devices out there.

Pros

• Suitable for individual users, teams and businesses.
• Works well across many devices.
• Collaborates with PowerPoint and Photoshop in real time.
• Free 2 GB for all users.

Cons 

• Limit of 2 GB per file transfer.

Dropbox Pricing

• 2 TB for $9.99 per month

8. MEGA

MEGA is widely known for the high cloud storage space it provides. It is also the only provider on our list that gives out 50 GB for free. Isn’t that marvelous?

Pros

• Offers high storage capacity of up to 16 GB.
• Offers 50 GB of free storage.

Cons

• MEGA lacks some third-party integrations that other cloud storage services provide.
• Its smaller storage pricing plans are quite costly compared to other providers. For instance, picture yourself buying MEGA’s 400 GB for $6.02 per month when you can buy 1 TB from other providers roughly at the same price.

Pricing

• 50 GB for free
• 400 GB for $6.02 per month
• 2 TB for $12.06 per month
• 8 TB for $24.13 per month
• 16 TB for $36.20 per month

Conclusion

Almost everyone now uses cloud storage services one way or the other, even though they still have some local storage available.

This shows that cloud storage is not only being used to store files. It serves bigger purposes.

You can use a cloud storage service to share files conveniently, synchronize data across devices, enhance productivity in your workplace, integrate with third-party applications and many more.