Cloud Computing is the latest technology we use in our daily lives. It has changed the meaning of IT resources. Cloud Computing is related to the delivery of Cloud services like storage, networking, database, and more. We all have used Cloud Storage for the better.
In today’s world of technology, everyone and I mean everyone, ranging from big companies to you use cloud storage.
Instead of wasting time and money on hardware storage devices, its easier to upload your backup online to the cloud storage. It can be easily accessed, and the chance of losing any data is minimal.
Cloud storage is an essential part of modern digital life, offering an accessible and convenient means to store data and files. While the concept is familiar to many, questions like “Who owns the cloud storage?” and “Is cloud storage safe?” still surface frequently.
In this SEO-optimized article, we will dive into these questions, explore the benefits of using cloud storage, and discuss its safety and cost factors.
What is Cloud Storage?
For all the novices asking this question in their mind, let us make it easier for you to understand. You must be aware of the hard drives, pen drives, and memory cards used for storing data.
That’s the old fashioned way because if any of them gets corrupted, then the data or content in them also gets lost. Thus, cloud storage was developed.
You can store your data on a cloud storage device, but the only difference between them is that in a cloud storage device, all your data gets uploaded online as backup files. So there are less chances of losing them.
15 Best Free Cloud Storage Available Online for Individual and Business
If you are looking for proper cloud storage, but you don’t want to spend any money on using cloud storage, then you don’t have to look any further because today we are bringing you a list of 15 Best Free Cloud Storage for 2023.
You can try them all and then take your pick according to your tastes and preferences. The list is as follows-
1. Google Drive: Free Cloud Storage for Personal Use
The first one on our list for the best free cloud storage is Google Drive. It allows you to store your files in their cloud in a personal way. Google Drive provides you with free storage of 15 GB, which is a lot, especially if you consider that it’s completely free.
One of the best cloud storage services out there, taking the top spot of our list. Another main advantage of this cloud storage is that it allows you to view all your files even when you are offline. If you have once uploaded it, you can see it.
You can also scan documents using Google Drive, and you just need to take a picture, and Google Drive will do the rest, ultimately storing it in PDF format. Google Drive is highly compatible with all the other Google services and, therefore, is considered as one of the best cloud storage devices.
2. Microsoft OneDrive: Personal Cloud Storage
OneDrive is the second most popular free cloud storage after Google Drive. It offers you 5 GB of free storage space. OneDrive is developed by Microsoft. You can access it anywhere from any device at any point in time. OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage services out there. You should try it out.
3. Amazon Drive
We think Amazon Drive is the best cloud storage solution overall right now. Amazon Drive helps you save your files, documents, and photos safely. This cloud storage device helps you in maintaining workflow by allowing you to share files, documents, and other stuff as required.
Amazon Drive provides you with 5GB of free storage space. Amazon Drive also provides good support all round the clock. So if you face any problem while using their cloud storage, then you can call up their customer support.
4. MiMedia: Personal Cloud Storage
Similar to the aforementioned free cloud storage solution, MiMedia also allows you to store your files and photos safely. You can easily access their storage and manage your files, documents, photos, and videos.
5. Icedrive: Get 10GB Free Cloud Storage
Icedrive is the best cloud storage and next generation of cloud storage solution. Using IceDrive you can store up to 100 TB worth of files.
The interface is pretty simple and user friendly. You can easily access, manage, and update the cloud storage. You should check this one out.
6. Sync: Secure Cloud Storage
Sync is a secure cloud storage solution that allows you to store 5 GB for free. One of the extraordinary and very useful features of this cloud storage device is that it allows you to restore deleted files.
Therefore you don’t have to mourn the loss of any important file that got deleted mistakenly or mysteriously. Another important feature is that you can get free space by inviting your friends to sign up for Sync.com.
The Get Free Space feature allows you more space for each sign up made by the friends you invited. The Sync Vault feature also helps you save files and documents in a separate store called Vault. It’s a special place, separate from the Sync folder.
7. MediaFire
MediaFire is one of the best cloud storage device where you can store your photos and files. Initially, it offers 10 GB of memory, but you can quickly increase it to 50 GB of storage anytime.
A unique feature of MediaFire cloud storage solutioni is that you can upload multiple files from any browser. You can organize your files and photos easily too. Another essential feature is that you can send specialized and free one-time link to someone who can be shared further.
8. MEGA
MEGA provide you with an amount of free 50 GB of storage. You can save all your files up in this cloud storage device. You can also upload files through their mobile application. They also have an excellent backup option. If you want good security features, then you can opt for MEGA.
9. Dropbox
Dropbox one is very similar to Mega and it has a great backup feature too. You can store all your files and photos up here. You are also provided with a sync option with which you can link all your devices and access your files from all of them.
The remote wipe feature is another one of the mentionable features of this cloud storage device. When you lose a device, you can clear all the data on that device to protect your privacy. Dropbox offers free cloud storage of 2 GB, but you can opt for more space if you so much desire.
10. pCloud
pCloud is cheapest cloud storage that provides 2 GB of free storage. You are also provided with free storage of 10 GB if you use a basic account. You can also archive files using pCloud since it offers a special option for this job. pCloud also has an option to crypto folders automatically every time you log off a device.
11. iCloud
iCloud is specially designed for Apple users as it offers 5 GB of free online storage. You can easily store your photos and files, and you can also share your files and photos with your family. You can also save messages and organize your files and photos with your iCloud storage.
12. NextCloud
NextCloud is another free Cloud Storage Device that offers you a lot of exciting features. Your files and photos are also well protected because of their good security. NextCloud provides an excellent backup feature where you can keep track of your data even if you lose your device.
13. xCloud
xCloud cloud storage device is a private one. So if you are looking for a private one, then this is for you. You can upload files through your phone or desktop. It is providing you with a free storage space of 2 GB initially, but if you wish to buy more storage space, then you can buy it for a very minimal fee. This cloud storage device is completely Eco friendly.
14. Yandex Disk
Yandex Disk is another cloud storage device that helps you to share and store files. It offers a maximum of 50 GB of free storage space. You can also sync your data to access it from different devices. Yandex Disk is available on Windows and Linux based platforms. This makes Yandex Disk the best free cloud storage for heavy users.
15. Upthere
The last but not the least on our least for the best cloud storage for 2020 is Upthere. This one is available for use on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. You can share any number or quantity of files from Upthere cloud storage. You can save photos, files, documents, and videos on this cloud storage device.
Who Owns Cloud Storage?
The term “cloud storage” refers to a system where data is stored on remote servers, which can be accessed via the internet. Cloud storage services are provided by various companies, which own and manage the servers that hold your data.
Popular cloud storage providers include Google (Google Drive), Microsoft (OneDrive), Apple (iCloud), and Dropbox, among others. While you retain ownership of your files, the storage space is owned and managed by these companies, usually housed in vast data centers worldwide.
Benefits of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage offers a plethora of advantages that make it a preferred option for both individuals and businesses:
- Accessibility: You can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you’re at home or on the go.
- Collaboration: Cloud storage enables easy sharing and collaborative editing of files, improving productivity.
- Cost-Effective: With scalable plans, you only pay for the storage space you need, making it more affordable than buying and maintaining physical storage solutions.
- Automatic Backups: Many cloud storage services offer automatic backups, so you don’t have to worry about losing important files.
- Disaster Recovery: In the case of hardware failures or other catastrophes, cloud storage acts as a reliable backup source for your essential data.
Is Cloud Storage Safe?
The safety of cloud storage largely depends on the provider’s security measures and your own practices. Reputable providers use encryption algorithms, multi-factor authentication, and secure data transfer protocols to protect your data. However, it’s important to be cautious:
- Password Strength: Always use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication when available.
- Data Encryption: Use additional layers of encryption for sensitive data.
- Read the Terms: Understand the privacy policies and terms of service before signing up for a cloud storage service.
- User Practices: Be cautious while sharing files and giving access permissions to safeguard your data.
Is Cloud Storage Free?
Many cloud storage providers offer a limited amount of free storage, which can be sufficient for individual users with minimal storage needs. However, for larger storage capacities, or for business use, you’ll need to subscribe to paid plans. These can range from a few dollars a month to enterprise-level pricing, depending on your needs.
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Summing Up
While making a decision, it is better to cover all your bases. In the case of searching for a perfect cloud storage service, you need to look out for two things – space and security. It is very much clear to every computer user that data often gets lost in the web.
While moving files or during some other function. Thus in today’s world, storing up your data in a cloud storage service is the best option. Even if you lose your original file, you will always have a backup of that file present in the cloud storage.
We have curated a list of the best cloud storage tools available for free. We do hope you find the perfect match for yourself to work following your taste and preference. Be sure to compare the space and security according to your wishes and then choose the right one.
So, while you may not “own” the cloud storage in the traditional sense, you do have control over your data stored in the cloud, with the storage service acting as a custodian. Cloud storage offers numerous benefits like accessibility, collaboration, and cost-effectiveness, but it’s crucial to consider safety and cost factors while choosing a cloud storage provider.
Understanding these aspects can help you make an informed decision that suits your storage needs while ensuring that your data is safe and secure. Happy storing!
