From Google One to Apple iCloud: 5 affordable cloud storage services

Backing up all your important files and memories on portable hard disks and smartphones may be a good option in the short term, but you might want to store all those on the cloud where your data will be safer.

Cloud storages have a huge advantage over offline storage devices as your data is stored on servers instead of your devices, which means it is less susceptible to getting damaged or corrupted. These services also offer the convenience of accessing all your files from anywhere in the world. From Google Drive to iDrive, here are some of the best cloud services that offer great value for money.

Google One offers 15GB of free storage. (Image Source: Google)

Google One

Google Drive is hands down one of the best cloud storage solutions available right now. While the free tier that offers 15GB storage may be enough for most users, those looking to back up their entire photo gallery, videos and documents will have to upgrade to the paid tier.

Apart from additional storage, Google One also offers perks like the ability to share the account with up to five members, dark web reports and advanced Google Photos’ image editing features like Magic Eraser, Portrait Blur, Colour Pop and more.

It also happens to be one of the most pocket-friendly cloud solutions in the market, with the Google One Basic plan that offers 100GB storage for Rs 130 per month or Rs 1,3oo annually. While Google won’t delete your data when your plan expires, a downside is that the service does not offer unlimited storage.

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iDrive is one of the cheapest and best cloud storage solutions. (Image Source: iDrive)

iDrive

Trying to find a no non-sense cloud storage service that is light on pocket and offers more storage than the competition? iDrive may be the answer to your storage woes. The company’s cheapest paid plan – iDrive Mini costs $2.95 (approx. Rs 250) per year and offers 100GB storage whereas the 500GB plan will cost you $9.95 per year (approx. Rs 830). The only downside with this is that these plans are limited to one user, meaning you won’t be able to share it with your friends or family.

Jottacloud is one of the few platforms to offer unlimited cloud storage. (Image Source: Jottacloud)

Jottacloud

If you are looking for a cloud service with no storage restrictions, give Jottacloud a try. The cloud storage platform lets you upload all types of files and can automatically back up all your photos and videos. For individuals, Jottacloud offers unlimited storage for just EUR 9.90 per month, which translates to roughly Rs 900.

While this may sound a lot, keep in mind that no other service on the list offers truly unlimited storage. Jottacloud also has an AI-powered tool that lets you search photos by describing them and lets users preview and edit Office documents and collaborate with friends or colleagues in real-time.

You also get additional features like the ability to sync files between all your mobile devices and desktops. The only catch is that the service limits the upload speeds after 5TB, but this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if you back up your files overnight.

Apple only offers 5GB storage with the free plan (Image Source: Apple)

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Apple iCloud+

Apple’s iCloud+ may not be the best cloud storage solution, but the bundled services that come with the paid tier make it worth the price for Apple users. Moreover, you can share your cloud storage with friends and family even if you purchase the basic tier, which offers 50GB storage for just Rs 75 per month.

With all iCloud+ plans, you get access to features like iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, HomeKit Secure Video and Custom Email Domain. The only con is that most of these features are only available for those using iOS devices and may not make sense if you are looking for a cloud storage service on Android and Windows devices.

OneDrive subscription also includes access to mobile and web versions of Office apps. (Image Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is another popular cloud storage provider that isn’t heavy on price. The cheapest plan named Microsoft 365 Basic costs Rs 149 per month of Rs 1,499 annually and offers 100GB of cloud storage along with 50GB of mailbox storage.

You also get additional perks like access to the web and mobile versions of Microsoft’s Office suite which includes Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Excel and more. If you are unsure, Microsoft also offers a free 30-day trial.