Well-known cloud storage providers like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Apple iCloud are convenient. They offer free file storage, but there are strings attached. When you upload files to the Big Tech companies, they have full access to your files. This leaves many users wary and wondering where they can get free encrypted cloud storage.
The best free encrypted cloud storage companies are NextCloud, Keybase, Tresorit, Internxt, Sync.com, and Mega. These services include features like end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge file storage, secure file sharing, and generous starter tiers, with some offering over 200 GB free cloud storage.
The following table details the best personal cloud storage providers. The top six are the most secure while the remainder can be made secure.
The Best Personal Cloud Storage
Law enforcement may compel the company to provide access to your content. Despite budgeting for top security teams, data breaches also occur which may accidentally permit incorrect access across users. In the more egregious cases, these companies exploit your data to profile you for advertising or even repurpose your content.
| Rank | Service | Free Space | Why It's Awesome | Use Cryptomator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NextCloud | 2-8 GB or Unlimited | Choice of Nextcloud provider location; Self-host to control your data in personal cloud storage | No |
| 2 | Keybase | 250 GB | Includes other end-to-end encrypted tools like chat, team collaboration, cryptocurrency wallet, social media tools, and more | No |
| 3 | Tresorit | 5 GB | Based in Switzerland. Free tier includes secure file sharing | No |
| 4 | Sync.com | 5 GB | Up to 25 GB free cloud storage by referring friends | No |
| 5 | Internxt | 10 GB | Blockchain-based, distributed storage | No |
| 6 | Mega | 15 GB | Mega online storage offers up to 50 GB if you're an active user in their achievement program | No |
| 7 | pCloud | 10 GB | Up to 20 GB free storage by referring friends; Linux desktop client available; Single-payment, lifetime plans available | Yes, unless you're a subscriber |
| 8 | icedrive | 10 GB | Single-payment, lifetime plans available; Multi-OS portable app; Beautiful web user interface | Yes, unless you're a subscriber |
| 9 | Google Drive | 15 GB | You probably have a Google account already for this cloud storage | YES |
| 10 | Box Individual | 10 GB | Business focus including compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, GxP, & FedRAMP | YES |
| 11 | MediaFire | 10 GB | Single-use, expiring sharing links for file sharing | YES |
| 12 | Amazon Drive | 5 GB | ||
| Restricted | Unlimited storage for photos for Amazon Prime subscribers | YES | ||
| 13 | Apple iCloud | 5 GB | Tightly-integrated into Apple platforms and devices | YES |
| 14 | Microsoft OneDrive | 5 GB | 1 TB for Office 365 subscribers | YES |
| 15 | Dropbox | 2 GB | Includes a suite of productivity tools | YES |
How To Secure Files In The Cloud On Any Online Cloud Storage Provider
The "Use Cryptomator" column in the above table indicates our advice to use file encryption before uploading. This is a crucial step to prevent Big Tech from leveraging your content for their own use. Cryptomator is an excellent project listed on PrivacyTool.io.
The desktop version uses pay-what-you-want pricing. There are versions for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
While I wish the mobile app was open-source, it is well worth the purchase on Android and iOS. The smartphone version offers automatic photo uploads, timed vault auto-lock, and fingerprint-based unlocking for your less-secure vaults.
This project gives users a truly secure cloud storage solution no matter where space is available. Turn any free cloud storage like Google Drive, iDrive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc into secure and private storage.
Cryptomator pairs well with ExpanDrive which makes using cloud storage providers show up as a drive on your operating system easily expanding your computer's storage space.
If you are not paying for the product, you and your data are the product.
modification of Andrew Lewis's quotation via Quote Investigator
Besides using encryption, consider the following simple tips for storing files online:
Avoid trusting Big Tech GAMAM providers with your files: Google, Apple, Meta (Facebook), Amazon, and Microsoft
Compartmentalize where you save files.
Save your files in a different service than your email, contact, and calendar
Save your types of files at different cloud services. For example, use one service for sensitive files, another for media like photos and video, and a third for less-secure data.
Spreading your data across storage providers ensures files are also in different data centers.
Access your cloud-stored files only from trusted devices.
Share links to your files sparingly and manually expire them when you're done.
Ensure your files in cloud storage service allows long strong passwords and includes two-factor authentication
Know in what country your files are stored. The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway among others have laws that favor privacy including cloud storage providers.
Ever wonder why cloud storage can be slow? Here's why.
Easy Built-In Encryption Via These Paid Providers
There's nothing better than owning your own data. But, if you want to focus on your expertise and put your trust in a reputable, secure cloud storage service, consider one of the following. There's no need to use Cryptomator.
These commercial cloud storage services offer top-notch security through their software tools and operational procedures. They do not have free storage starter tiers but instead offer limited-time trial periods.
| Rank | Service | Storage | Annual Pricing | Why It's Awesome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ente | 10 GB | $10/year | High-quality open-source desktop & mobile apps |
| 2 | ProtonDrive | 5 GB for Plus users, 20 GB for Visionary users | $48 or $288/year | From the trusted makers of ProtonMail and ProtonVPN |
Tech-Savvy Users:
Check out what Internxt. The company is leveraging blockchain and distributed, zero-knowledge encryption to provide secure data storage online without the need for centralized servers. You can get 2GB free to try them out.
Storage You Might Already Have
Subscription Service
Are you a Microsoft Office 365 or Amazon Prime subscriber? Many cloud services offer large amounts of online storage as a perk. Take advantage of this benefit saving your less secure files.
Again, plan carefully what you upload and encrypt the files first. Despite Big Tech's best efforts, access errors occur. Google allowed the export of private user data to random other Google users.
Memory Sticks, Cards, Hard Drives
Do you need to store all your files online? The best place for your sensitive files is often offline away from cloud services.
I found a couple of 8 GB USB memory sticks that I received at a trade show. Aside from the logos, I wiped them and used them for storing tax returns. Additionally, I'm not limited by some file size restrictions on some cloud storage providers. My total storage space is only based on how many drives I have on hand.
Did you get a "starter" memory card with your camera, tablet, or one of your kid's toys? Some consumer electronics come with low-storage SD cards. We use these as more offline storage. Either insert them directly in your laptop's card reader or use a USB card reader for less than $15.
Are you a DIYer with an old laptop? You can remove the hard disk drive from the computer, wipe the operating system, and repurpose it as a USB hard drive for less than $20.
Smartphone
Did you know you can use your smartphone or an old burner phone as portable storage? If you practice digital minimalism, you can use your smartphone's extra space like a USB drive.
Storing files directly on your mobile device is a bit riskier than cloud storage. There's a higher chance of someone gaining physical access to your device. Use Cryptomator's mobile application as local storage to make your spare storage secure.
There are lots of good, free options for storing files in the cloud. Even with our higher rating on services that respect your content and privacy, be skeptical. Prefer online storage services that have end-to-end encryption. Alternatively, use open-source tools that encrypt your files before you uploaded them to public cloud storage.
It's your data. No one else is going to care about it as much as you do.