Last checked: August 24, 2026. Choosing cloud file storage is not only about finding the largest free allowance. Free storage is useful for documents, selected photos, and sharing, but privacy, device support, collaboration tools, and the way a provider counts storage can matter more.
Before choosing, estimate what you will store, which devices need access, and how you would recover files after an account or device problem. This cloud file storage comparison checks current vendor pages across six consumer plans. The short answer: MEGA offers the most clearly stated free space in this comparison at 20 GB; Google is convenient for its ecosystem but now describes its allowance as up to 15 GB; and Proton Drive is the privacy-focused option, although reaching its full free allowance requires setup actions.
Cloud file storage comparison for 2026
| Provider | Free storage advertised | Important catch | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEGA | 20 GB | Free accounts have limited transfer; recovery depends on keeping your credentials and recovery key safe | More free space and privacy-focused storage |
| Filekub | 15 GB | Check the current account terms, apps, support, and file limits before moving important data | Trying Filekub for everyday file storage and sharing |
| Google Drive | Up to 15 GB | Shared with Gmail and Google Photos; the amount is described as “up to” 15 GB | Google Docs collaboration and Android/Google users |
| Proton Drive | Up to 5 GB | Starts at 2 GB; complete Drive setup actions to unlock 5 GB | Privacy-focused documents and photos |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5 GB | Small allowance; some protection and Microsoft 365 features require a paid plan | Windows and Microsoft Office users |
| Dropbox Basic | 2 GB | The smallest allowance here | Simple syncing and occasional sharing |
Which free cloud storage is best?
Best for the most clearly stated free space: MEGA
MEGA advertises 20 GB on its free plan and says files are protected with zero-knowledge encryption. It is the strongest space-first option in this list. The trade-off is that free transfer is limited, and privacy does not remove the need to secure your password, recovery key, and devices.
Best for Google collaboration: Google Drive
Drive is convenient if you already work in Google Docs, Sheets, Photos, or Gmail. Google’s current wording is important: an account includes up to 15 GB, shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. Large email attachments and photo backups can therefore reduce the space available for files.
Best privacy-focused alternative: Proton Drive
Proton says Drive files are protected with end-to-end encryption. Its free plan starts at 2 GB and can be boosted to 5 GB by completing the Drive-specific setup actions. That is less space than MEGA, Filekub, or Google, but it may suit people who value privacy more than capacity.
Best for Windows and Office: OneDrive
OneDrive’s 5 GB free allowance is modest, but the service fits naturally with Windows and Microsoft’s web and mobile productivity apps. Choose it for workflow convenience rather than maximum free storage.
Best for lightweight syncing: Dropbox Basic
Dropbox Basic includes 2 GB with syncing, security, and file-sharing features. It is easy to understand and useful for a small working folder, but 2 GB fills quickly with photos or video.
Where Filekub fits
Disclosure: this cloud file storage article is published on Filekub’s blog, so Filekub is not presented as an independent winner. The Filekub homepage advertises 15 GB free. If you want to try it, test uploads, downloads, sharing, account recovery, and support with non-critical files first. Review the current terms and limits before relying on any provider for irreplaceable data.
Try Filekub’s current free offer and compare the live account experience with the services above. For more context, read our guide to file storage and sharing or start with how cloud storage works.
How to choose without regretting it
- Estimate your real cloud file storage need. A few documents need little space; phone photos and video can consume gigabytes quickly.
- Check what shares the quota. Google’s allowance also covers Gmail and Photos, while Proton’s Mail and Drive limits are described separately on its free plan.
- Review more than capacity. Check individual file-size limits, transfer limits, device support, deleted-file retention, version history, inactivity rules, and support.
- Understand the privacy model. Encryption in transit and at rest is not the same as end-to-end or zero-knowledge encryption. Read the provider’s security documentation if confidentiality matters.
- Plan your exit. Keep files organized and confirm that bulk download or sync works before you commit years of data to one service.
Free cloud storage is not a complete backup
Sync can copy accidental deletion, corruption, or unwanted changes across devices. Account lockout, provider policy changes, and ransomware are separate risks. Keep irreplaceable files in more than one place, with at least one copy that is not continuously synced. Our ransomware guide explains why access control and recoverable copies matter.
Frequently asked questions
Which service gives the most free cloud storage in this comparison?
As checked on August 24, 2026, MEGA advertises 20 GB free—the largest clearly stated allowance among the six services compared here. Filekub advertises 15 GB, while Google says accounts include up to 15 GB shared across several services.
Can I combine several free plans?
Yes, but splitting files across providers makes search, sharing, and recovery harder. Use a simple map of what is stored where, and do not treat several free sync accounts as your only backup.
Is free cloud storage safe for sensitive files?
No service is risk-free. Enable multi-factor authentication when available, use a unique password, review link-sharing permissions, and encrypt highly sensitive files yourself when appropriate. Confirm the provider’s current privacy, retention, and recovery policies before uploading regulated or irreplaceable information.
Sources and methodology
We used first-party vendor pages for this cloud file storage comparison rather than third-party roundups. This is a feature-and-fit comparison, not a laboratory test of speed, uptime, or support. Pages were checked on August 24, 2026.
