Independent · UK-focused · Dated and checked
Find the right cloud storage, without the sales pitch
Plain-English comparisons of cloud storage and large file transfer services: what you really get for free, what it costs, how private it is and where your files are stored.
Cloud storage compared
Free allowance, price for 2TB, lifetime options, encryption and where your data is stored. Prices are shown in the currency each provider publishes.
| Provider | Free storage | 2TB price | Lifetime plan | Encryption | Data location | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pCloud | Up to 10GB (starts at 2GB) | $99.99/yr | Yes, from $219 (500GB) | Optional (paid Crypto folder) | EU (Luxembourg) or US, your choice | View deal |
| Icedrive | 10GB | $99/yr | Yes, from $399 (500GB) | Optional on paid plans (Crypto folder) | Not stated | Visit site |
| Proton Drive | 5GB | $19.99/month (Duo, 2 users) | No | End-to-end (default) | Switzerland and Germany | Visit site |
| Filen | 10GB | €89.99/yr | No (withdrawn) | End-to-end (default) | Germany | Visit site |
| Koofr | 10GB | €20/month (2.5TB) | No | Optional (Vault) | EU | Visit site |
| Sync.com | 5GB | No 2TB plan (5TB from $28/month billed yearly) | No | End-to-end (default) | Canada | Visit site |
| MEGA | 20GB (plus bonuses that expire) | €99.99/yr (3TB Pro I) | No | End-to-end (default) | EU, Canada and Japan (no choice) | Visit site |
| Google Drive | 15GB (shared with Gmail and Photos) | $9.99/month (Google AI Plus) | No | Standard (Google holds the keys) | Global | Visit site |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5GB | £104.99/yr (Family, shared by up to 6) | No | Standard (Microsoft holds the keys) | Global | Visit site |
Prices and limits from each provider's own website, last checked 19 October 2026.
We may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page. It never affects our rankings. How we make money
Popular guides
How we compare
Free that stays free
We separate permanent free storage from bonuses that expire and conditions you have to meet.
Where your files live
Every provider is tagged with where it says your data is stored, and whether you can choose.
Real prices, real currency
We show the price each provider publishes, and say when that’s in euros or dollars rather than pounds.
Dated and re-checked
Every comparison shows when it was last checked against the provider’s own website. How we check
Cloud storage and file transfer, explained for UK users
Most cloud storage comparisons are written for American readers, or by a provider recommending its own product. Mega Uploads is different: it’s an independent site, run in the UK, that compares the services people actually use to store and send big files.
We cover two things. Cloud storage is a home for your files online, kept in sync across your phone and computer, such as MEGA, pCloud, Proton Drive, Google Drive and OneDrive. File transfer services are for sending one large file or folder to someone else, without either of you needing much storage. Our file transfer comparison covers services such as SwissTransfer and WeTransfer.
If you came here looking for Megaupload, it closed in 2012. Our Megaupload history explains what happened, and our MEGA alternatives guide covers where to store and share large files today.
FAQs
Is Mega Uploads part of MEGA or Megaupload?
No. Mega Uploads is an independent comparison website. We’re not connected to MEGA Limited or the original Megaupload, and we don’t host or store anyone’s files.
Which cloud storage gives the most free space?
Of the mainstream services, Google gives 15GB (shared with Gmail and Google Photos) and MEGA gives 20GB, plus bonuses that expire. Several smaller providers give 10GB. See our best free cloud storage guide for the full list and the catches.
What's the best way to send a really large file?
For a one-off, a free transfer service such as SwissTransfer lets you send up to 50GB without an account. For anything bigger, a cloud storage share link usually works better. Our guide to sending large files covers each option.
Is cloud storage safe?
Mainstream providers encrypt your files, but most can technically access them. If privacy matters to you, choose a provider with end-to-end (zero-knowledge) encryption, so only you hold the keys. See encrypted cloud storage.
Is lifetime cloud storage worth it?
It can be if you’ll use the service for many years, as some lifetime plans cost the same as a few years of subscription. The risk is that the plan lasts only as long as the company. Our lifetime cloud storage guide works through the numbers.
How does Mega Uploads make money?
Through adverts and affiliate commission: some provider links pay us if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. Commission never affects our rankings. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Looking for MEGA or Megaupload?
Mega Uploads is an independent review site. We’re not connected to MEGA Limited or to the original Megaupload service, and we can’t help with MEGA accounts. If you want MEGA itself, go to mega.io. If you’re weighing up your options, start here.