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Alternatives · File Storage

iCloud alternatives

iCloud compared with 5 alternatives: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Proton Drive and pCloud.

iCloud has a free plan. Paid plans start at $0.99 per month for 50 GB. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 5, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
iCloudThis toolFree plan · from $0.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS
Google DriveFree plan · from $1.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Microsoft OneDriveFree plan · from $1.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
DropboxFree plan · from $9.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Proton DriveFree plan · from $3.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
pCloudFree plan · from $4.99/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

How each one differs from iCloud

  1. Google Drive

    Cloud storage tied to Google Docs, Gmail and Photos

    • Google Drive starts at $1.99 per month for 100 GB (US App Store price). iCloud starts at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.
    • Only Google Drive lists an Android app.
    • Google Drive also covers AI search.

    Suits: People who already use Gmail, Google Docs and Google Photos

    Google Drive vs iCloudGoogle Drive pricing and details

  2. Microsoft OneDrive

    Microsoft's cloud storage, bundled with Microsoft 365 plans

    • Microsoft OneDrive starts at $1.99 per month, or $19.99 per year. iCloud starts at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.
    • Only Microsoft OneDrive lists an Android app.

    Suits: People who already pay for Microsoft 365 and its Office apps

    Microsoft OneDrive vs iCloudMicrosoft OneDrive pricing and details

  3. Dropbox

    Cloud storage and file sync with transfer and signing tools

    • Dropbox starts at $9.99 per month, billed yearly. iCloud starts at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.
    • Only Dropbox lists Linux and Android apps.
    • Dropbox also covers documents.

    Suits: Individuals who want 2 TB synced across Windows, Mac and Linux

    Dropbox vs iCloudDropbox pricing and details

  4. Proton Drive

    End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from the maker of Proton Mail

    • Proton Drive starts at $3.99 per month, billed yearly. iCloud starts at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.
    • Only Proton Drive lists an Android app.
    • Proton Drive is open source and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Proton Drive also covers documents and spreadsheets.

    Suits: People who want encrypted storage under Swiss jurisdiction

    Proton Drive vs iCloudProton Drive pricing and details

  5. pCloud

    Swiss cloud storage sold by subscription or one-time payment

    • pCloud starts at $4.99 per month, or $49.99 billed yearly. iCloud starts at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.
    • Only pCloud lists Linux and Android apps.
    • Only pCloud lists a browser extension.
    • pCloud can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: People who prefer a one-time lifetime payment to a subscription

    pCloud vs iCloudpCloud pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in iCloud

  • The free tier is 5 GB, which has to cover device backups, photos and files together.
  • Apple lists access through iPhone, iPad, Mac, the iCloud for Windows app and iCloud.com; no Android app is listed.
  • End-to-end encryption for iCloud Drive, Photos and Backup applies only after turning on Advanced Data Protection, which is optional.
  • Plans are priced per month only; the page lists no annual billing option.
iCloud pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to iCloud?

The alternatives to iCloud in this directory are Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Proton Drive and pCloud. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with iCloud.

Is there a free alternative to iCloud?

Yes. Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Proton Drive and pCloud have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which iCloud alternatives work on Linux?

The iCloud listing does not include a Linux app. Dropbox and pCloud list one.

Which iCloud alternatives work on Android?

The iCloud listing does not include an Android app. Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Proton Drive and pCloud list one.

Is there an open-source alternative to iCloud?

Proton Drive is described as open source on its own site.

When were these prices checked?

Every listing on this page was checked on Oct 5, 2026, against the pages it cites. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.