How we check cloud storage and file transfer services

Every comparison on Mega Uploads is built from each provider’s own published information, checked by hand and dated. Here’s what we look at and where it comes from.

Where our information comes from

For each provider we check, in this order:

  1. The official pricing page, viewed from the UK where the provider shows different prices by country.
  2. The provider’s help centre or support articles, for limits such as maximum file size, transfer quotas and link expiry.
  3. The terms of service and privacy policy, for data location, encryption claims and what happens to inactive free accounts.
  4. The provider’s security or encryption documentation, to see whether encryption is end-to-end (zero-knowledge) and whether it’s on by default or an optional extra.

If two official sources disagree, we say so rather than picking the more flattering number. If we can’t confirm something from an official source, we leave it out or label it clearly.

We don’t run our own speed or upload tests. Where we describe how a limit works in practice, we’re relying on the provider’s own explanation.

What we compare

Free storage that stays free

We list the permanent free allowance separately from bonuses. Some providers add temporary extra storage for installing an app or inviting friends, and that space can expire after a set period.

Price

We use the provider’s published price for the plan. Where a provider publishes prices in pounds we use those. Where it only shows euros or US dollars to UK visitors, we show that currency and say so, because the amount you’re charged will depend on your card’s exchange rate and fees. We compare annual prices where possible, as monthly billing usually costs more.

Lifetime plans

For one-off “lifetime” plans we note the price and what “lifetime” means in that provider’s terms, plus the obvious risk: the plan lasts only as long as the company does.

Limits

Maximum file size, transfer or bandwidth limits, how long shared links last, and any monthly caps on free transfer services.

Privacy and data location

Whether files are end-to-end encrypted, where the company is based, and which countries it says your data is stored in. For UK users we flag whether data is held in the UK, the EU, Switzerland or the US.

How we rank providers

Lists are ordered by how well each service fits the specific need on that page, such as most free storage, best value for 2TB or best for privacy. Whether a provider pays us commission plays no part. We include popular services that don’t have affiliate programmes, so you can see the full picture.

Keeping pages up to date

  • Every comparison shows the date it was last checked.
  • We re-check prices and limits on our main comparison pages regularly and whenever a provider announces a change.
  • If you spot something out of date, tell us and we’ll check it.