DB LabsThe Quick Verdict
For Apple-only users, iCloud+ wins on integration — automatic photo sync, seamless Messages/Notes/Calendar sync, and end-to-end encryption with Advanced Data Protection. For cross-platform users, Google One is the flexible choice with 15 GB free and $1.99/mo for 100 GB. Dropbox is best for file organization and collaboration. OneDrive is the logical choice if you use Microsoft 365 (1 TB included). Amazon Photos is unbeatable for Prime members — unlimited full-resolution photo storage is included with Prime.
Pricing Comparison
| Service | Free Tier | 100 GB | 200 GB | 2 TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud+ | 5 GB | — | $2.99/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Google One | 15 GB | $1.99/mo | $2.99/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Dropbox | 2 GB | — | — | $9.99/mo (Plus) |
| OneDrive | 5 GB | $1.99/mo | — | $9.99/mo (M365) |
| Amazon Photos | 5 GB photos | $1.99/mo | — | $11.99/mo |
iCloud+
Best for Apple-centric users. Automatic photo sync, iCloud Backup, Hide My Email, custom email domain, and Private Relay. Advanced Data Protection (ADP) adds end-to-end encryption for photos, backups, and more. Paid tiers start at $0.99/mo for 50 GB. The 2 TB and 6 TB Family plans can be shared with up to 5 family members via Family Sharing.
Google One
Best for cross-platform users. 15 GB free (shared with Gmail, Drive, Photos), 100 GB at $1.99/mo, 2 TB at $9.99/mo. Excellent iOS app with auto photo backup. Google Photos' AI search and face detection is the best in the industry. Downsides: Gmail counts against storage, and Google scans unencrypted content.
Dropbox
Best for files and collaboration. 2 GB free tier is small. Plus plan is $9.99/mo for 2 TB. File-centric workflow, excellent sharing, document signing, offline folders, and cross-platform support. Not optimized for photo browsing like iCloud Photos or Google Photos.
Microsoft OneDrive
Best for Microsoft 365 users. 5 GB free, 100 GB at $1.99/mo. If you subscribe to Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/mo) or Family ($9.99/mo), you get 1 TB of OneDrive per user along with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Automatic iPhone photo backup is included.
Amazon Photos
Unbeatable for Prime members. Amazon Prime ($14.99/mo or $139/yr) includes unlimited full-resolution photo storage. That's a massive perk nobody else offers. Videos are capped at 5 GB unless you pay more. For photos alone, it's the cheapest option for Prime members.
Switching Services
If you're moving from one service to another, use Apple's iCloud export tools or Google Takeout to download your full archive, then upload to the new service. For iCloud Photos migration specifically, see our Google Photos to iPhone migration guide.
For more cloud comparisons, see Swype Photo Cleaner for cleanup first, plus iCloud vs Google Photos vs Amazon Photos, best photo backup solutions, and our iPhone video storage guide.