Best Free Online Backup Services in 2026 (and How to Back Up Properly)
Free storage from Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox, MEGA and pCloud compared, the difference between sync and real backup, and a simple 3-2-1 plan anyone can follow.
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Free storage compared
| Service | Free storage | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive / Google Photos | 15 GB (shared with Gmail and Photos) | Android phones, Google Docs users | Gmail attachments eat into the same 15 GB |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5 GB | Windows PCs: backs up Desktop, Documents, Pictures | Small free tier; Microsoft 365 plans include 1 TB |
| Apple iCloud | 5 GB | iPhone and Mac device backups | 5 GB fills quickly with a single iPhone backup |
| Dropbox Basic | 2 GB | Sharing files with others, version history | Free tier limits linked devices |
| MEGA | 20 GB (plus temporary bonuses) | Large free space with end-to-end encryption | Lose your password and recovery key, lose your data |
| pCloud | Up to 10 GB (unlocked by tasks) | Lifetime paid plans later | Starts lower until tasks are completed |
Free allowances change from time to time; check each provider's current plan page before relying on a number.
Sync is not backup
Sync keeps the same files on all your devices. That is convenient, but it copies mistakes too: delete a folder on your laptop and it vanishes from the cloud and your phone. A real backup keeps older versions you can roll back to. Many sync services keep deleted files for 30 days or offer version history, which helps, but a separate copy is safer.
The 3-2-1 rule, made simple
- 3 copies of anything you cannot replace: the original plus two backups.
- 2 different types of storage, for example your laptop and an external drive.
- 1 copy off-site: a cloud service, or a drive kept at a relative's house.
A practical version for most homes: phone photos to Google Photos or iCloud, computer documents to OneDrive or Drive, and a monthly full copy to an external drive that you unplug afterwards (so ransomware cannot reach it).
Built-in tools you already have
- Windows 11: Windows Backup (OneDrive folders and settings) and File History for versioned backups to an external drive.
- macOS: Time Machine to an external drive keeps hourly, daily and weekly snapshots automatically.
- Android: Settings › Google › Backup; Google Photos for pictures.
- iPhone: iCloud Backup, or a local backup to a Mac or PC.
How long will the first backup take?
Uploading hundreds of gigabytes over home internet takes time because upload speeds are often much lower than download speeds. Use our calculator with your upload speed to plan it.
Free toolDownload Time CalculatorHow long a file takes at your Mbps.Open →Quick answers
Which free service gives the most space?
MEGA currently offers the largest permanent free tier of the big names, at 20 GB. Google's 15 GB is the most useful for Android and Gmail users.
Are free cloud backups private?
Your files are encrypted in transit and on the provider's servers, but most providers hold the keys. For sensitive documents, choose an end-to-end encrypted service or encrypt files before uploading.
How often should I back up?
Continuously for phone photos and documents (let the app do it), and at least monthly for a full external-drive copy.