Discovering the best cloud storage for photos can be a daunting task. Whether you’re an amateur photographer curating holiday memories or a seasoned professional handling RAW files and sharing images with clients, the perfect cloud storage solution varies for each individual.
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Some might be content with free services offering limited storage, while others may prefer a premium service with expansive storage, advanced features, and enhanced peace of mind.
Although portable hard drives have merits, cloud storage provides unmatched assurance against accidents and calamities. Combining the best cloud storage for photos with a password manager and portable SSD can further bolster data security.
Imagine a single, easily accessible online repository available anytime, anywhere, from camera phones, laptops, and tablets. A platform that lets you seamlessly organize photos into albums, making life easier and more organized.
Despite the convenience of the best cloud storage for photos, it’s important to remember that no system is infallible. I strongly recommend combining physical drives and the best cloud storage for photos to mitigate risks.
While upload and download speeds depend on internet strength, concerns about service permanency may also arise. However, established platforms like iCloud or pCloud reduce these risks.
The best cloud storage for photos offers a lot of valuable features. This includes file management automation, utilizing geotags and metadata to group photos by location, device, date, or even facial recognition to categorize by an individual.
I’ve compiled a list of the best cloud storage for photos after using almost everyone mentioned in the list. These storage services even help you sort photos by location, device, date, or who’s in them. A cherry on top, right?
Well, let’s check out some amazing cloud storage for photographers that can end your pain in storing photos safely.
The best cloud storage for photos you should know about
Now, before we begin, these are not the only cloud storage solutions available. In fact, there are hundreds of such cloud storage available today. But I included those that offer the best services, are affordable and secure, and on top of it, are reliable.
Cloud Storage Compared
The first thing we always look at when it comes to trying a specific service is the free storage it offers and the max file size we can upload along with what would be the starting price for paid cloud storage plans per month and a year etc. Let’s compare Free and Paid starting storage and price information from top cloud storage services.
Cloud Storage Services | Free Storage | Starting Paid Storage | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|
pCloud | 10GB | 500GB | $4.99/month |
MEGA | 20GB | 400GB | $4.99/month |
iCloud | 5GB | 50GB | $0.99/month |
iDrive | 5GB | 5TB | $52.12/year |
Google Drive | 15GB | 100GB | $1.99/month |
Backblaze | – | Unlimited | $7/month |
Dropbox | 2GB | 2TB | $9.99/month |
Box | 30GB | 100GB | $10.00/month |
Microsoft OneDrive | 5GB | 100GB | $1.99/month |
Adobe Creative Cloud | 2GB | 1TB | $19.99/month |
Amazon’s Cloud Drive | 5GB | 100GB | $1.99/month |
Here is the best cloud storage for photos that you should know about:
1. pCloud: For those who need Reliability and Security
pCloud – A secure cloud storage service
A cloud storage service with the highest level of encryption and files synced on all devices.
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pCloud is a secure and user-friendly cloud storage service that is particularly well-suited for photographers and anyone who requires a reliable solution for storing and managing their images.
pCloud Features
- Generous Storage Options
- User-Friendly Interface
- Built-In Photo and Video Viewer
- Secure File Sharing and Collaboration
- File Versioning and Recovery
- Enhanced Security and Privacy
- Generous Storage Options: pCloud offers both free and paid plans with a substantial amount of storage space. Users can start with a free account that includes 10GB of storage and upgrade to paid plans offering up to 2TB of storage.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform boasts a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate, upload, and manage their photos. The pCloud desktop app seamlessly syncs with your computer, allowing you to access and organize your images from any device.
- Built-In Photo and Video Viewer: pCloud’s built-in photo and video viewer lets users preview and stream their media files directly within the platform. This eliminates the need to download files to view them, making it even more convenient to access and share your photos.
- Secure File Sharing and Collaboration: pCloud offers advanced sharing features, allowing users to easily share their photos with others via secure links. You can also set permissions, such as view-only or edit access, and password-protect your shared links for added security.
- File Versioning and Recovery: The platform supports file versioning, enabling users to access and restore previous versions of their images for up to 30 days. Additionally, pCloud’s “Rewind” feature allows you to recover deleted files within a specified time frame.
- Enhanced Security and Privacy: pCloud takes the Security and privacy of its users seriously, providing 256-bit AES encryption for stored files and TLS/SSL encryption during file transfers. Moreover, the platform offers an optional feature called pCloud Crypto, which adds an extra layer of client-side encryption to protect your sensitive photos.
How pCloud Benefits Users?
pCloud’s comprehensive feature set makes it an ideal solution for photographers and individuals who need a secure and reliable way to store and manage their photos. Its user-friendly interface, generous storage options, and built-in media viewer make it easy to access, organize, and share your images with others.
Additionally, pCloud’s advanced security features, including optional client-side encryption, ensure your photos remain safe and private. The platform’s file versioning and recovery features provide peace of mind, allowing you to easily restore previous versions of your images or recover accidentally deleted files.
With its focus on usability, security, and convenience, pCloud is a top choice for users who require comprehensive and best cloud storage for photos.
pCloud Pricing
Plan | Storage | Price (Monthly) | Price (Yearly) | Price (Lifetime) |
Free | 10GB | FREE | ||
Premium | 500GB | $4.99/month | $47.88/year | $175 |
Premium Plus | 2TB | $9.99/month | $95.88/year | $350 |
pCloud Crypto (Add-on) | $3.99/month | $47.88/year | $125 |
pCloud Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Generous storage options | pCloud Crypto requires an additional fee |
User-friendly interface | |
Built-in photo and video viewer | |
Secure file sharing and collaboration | |
File versioning and recovery | |
Enhanced security and privacy features |
2. MEGA: For those who prefer security above all
MEGA – Cloud storage service
MEGA is a cloud storage service that provides secure online storage.
MEGA is a privacy-focused cloud storage service that offers a secure and user-friendly environment for photographers and individuals who need a trustworthy platform for storing, managing, and sharing their images.
MEGA Features
- Generous Storage Options
- User-Friendly Interface
- End-to-End Encryption
- Secure File Sharing and Collaboration
- File Versioning and Recovery
- Built-In Photo and Video Viewer
- Generous Storage Options: MEGA provides both free and paid plans with ample storage space. Users can start with a free account that includes 20GB of storage and upgrade to paid plans offering up to 16TB of storage and 16TB of transfer quota.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform features a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate, upload, and manage their photos. MEGA’s desktop app and mobile app allow you to access and organize your images from any device.
- End-to-End Encryption: MEGA takes security seriously, implementing end-to-end encryption to protect your files during storage and transfer. This means only you have the encryption keys to access your photos, ensuring the utmost privacy.
- Secure File Sharing and Collaboration: MEGA offers advanced sharing features, allowing users to securely share their photos with others via encrypted links. You can also set permissions, such as view-only or edit access, and add expiry dates to your shared links for extra security.
- File Versioning and Recovery: The platform supports file versioning, enabling users to access and restore previous versions of their images. Additionally, MEGA’s “Rubbish Bin” feature allows you to recover deleted files within a specified time frame.
- Built-In Photo and Video Viewer: MEGA’s built-in photo and video viewer lets users preview and stream their media files directly within the platform. This eliminates the need to download files to view them, making it even more convenient to access and share your photos.
How MEGA Benefits Users?
MEGA’s comprehensive feature set makes it an ideal solution for photographers and individuals needing a secure and reliable way to store, manage, and share photos. Its user-friendly interface, generous storage options, and built-in media viewer make it easy to access, organize, and share your images with others.
Additionally, MEGA’s end-to-end encryption ensures your photos remain safe and private. The platform’s file versioning and recovery features provide peace of mind, allowing you to easily restore previous versions of your images or recover accidentally deleted files.
With its focus on privacy, security, and usability, MEGA is a top choice for users who require a comprehensive cloud storage solution for their photos.
MEGA Pricing
Plan | Storage | Transfer Quota | Price (Monthly) | Price (Yearly) |
Free | 20GB | 1TB | FREE | |
PRO-LITE | 400GB | 1TB | $4.99/month | $49.99/year |
PRO I | 2TB | 2TB | $9.99/month | $99.99/year |
PRO II | 8TB | 8TB | $19.99/month | $199.99/year |
PRO III | 16TB | 16TB | $29.99/month | $299.99/year |
MEGA Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Generous storage options | Limited collaboration tools |
User-friendly interface | Expensive compared to some competitors |
End-to-end encryption | |
Secure file sharing and collaboration | |
File versioning and recovery |
3. iCloud: For those who are using Apple products
Apple’s iCloud is a comprehensive cloud storage solution designed primarily for Apple product users. Its seamless integration with iOS and macOS devices makes it an ideal choice for those who need a secure and user-friendly platform for storing and managing their images and other files.
Comprehensive iCloud Features
- Storage Options
- User-Friendly Interface
- File Syncing
- File Previews and Edits
- File Sharing
- File Retrieval
- Security
- Storage Options: iCloud offers a range of storage plans, starting with a free 5GB plan. Paid plans are available with storage capacities of 50GB, 200GB, and 2TB. While iCloud doesn’t offer lifetime cloud storage plans, its pricing is competitive with other top cloud storage providers.
- User-Friendly Interface: iCloud’s interface is simple and easy to use. Apple device users can easily access their iCloud Drive using their Apple ID and password. iCloud is compatible with Windows and macOS systems, and its mobile app is available for iOS devices.
- File Syncing: iCloud Drive enables users to sync their files across all their devices, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets. Users can access an imaginary drive for their iCloud Drive files on their desktop, which also stores local copies of their files.
- File Previews and Edits: iCloud Drive supports in-browser file previews for PDFs, music, and images. However, it does not support video previews or Office document editing within the browser.
- File Sharing: Users can share files and folders with others with Apple accounts by creating shared folders or links. iCloud Drive allows users to set access and permission levels for shared files and folders. Still, it does not offer advanced sharing features such as password protection, link expiration dates, or download limits.
- File Retrieval: iCloud does not have a built-in versioning system for files within iCloud Drive. However, it does have a trash bin feature that stores deleted files for up to 30 days before permanently removing them.
- Security: iCloud uses a minimum of 128-bit AES encryption to protect data in transit and on the server. While iCloud Drive does not use end-to-end encryption, it does offer two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. However, it is not a zero-knowledge cloud storage provider, as the decryption keys are stored on Apple servers.
How iCloud Benefits Users?
iCloud is an ideal solution for Apple product users who need a secure and user-friendly platform for storing and managing their files. Its seamless integration with iOS and macOS devices makes accessing and syncing files across devices easy and convenient.
While iCloud does not offer advanced sharing features or a built-in versioning system, it does provide a simple and straightforward cloud storage solution for Apple users.
iCloud Pricing
Currency | 50 GB | 200 GB | 2000 GB |
USD | $0.99 | $2.99 | $9.99 |
Euro | $0.99 | $2.99 | $9.99 |
GBP | $0.79 | $2.49 | $6.99 |
Note: For a full list of pricing and plans for all countries, you can visit support.apple.com
iCloud Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
User-friendly interface | Designed primarily for Apple product users |
Seamless integration with Apple devices | Limited advanced sharing features |
Competitive Pricing | No built-in versioning system |
Two-factor authentication | Not a zero-knowledge cloud storage provider |
4. iDrive: For those who are looking for a feature-rich cloud storage
iDrive – Cloud Backup and Storage Service
IDrive provides cloud backup solutions with a centralized web console and a range of features.
iDrive is a comprehensive cloud storage and backup solution that is perfect for photographers and individuals seeking a robust and feature-rich platform for storing and managing their images securely.
Special iDrive Features
- Extensive Storage Options
- User-Friendly Interface
- Automatic Photo Backup
- Efficient File Sharing and Collaboration
- File Versioning and Recovery
- Enhanced Security and Privacy
- Extensive Storage Options: iDrive offers a wide range of storage plans, starting with a free 5GB plan and extending up to 5TB or 10TB with its paid plans. This variety allows users to choose the storage capacity that best suits their needs.
- User-Friendly Interface: iDrive features an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the process of uploading, accessing, and managing your images. The platform is compatible with multiple devices, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets, making it convenient to access your photos from anywhere.
- Automatic Photo Backup: With iDrive’s automatic backup feature, users can ensure their images are always protected. The platform can be set to automatically back up your photos from your computer and mobile devices, safeguarding your memories and providing peace of mind.
- Efficient File Sharing and Collaboration: iDrive enables users to share photos with others via secure links, with the option to set expiration dates, password protection, and download permissions. This makes sharing and collaborating on image projects easy and secure.
- File Versioning and Recovery: iDrive supports file versioning, allowing users to access and restore up to 30 previous versions of their images. In the event of accidental deletion or system crashes, iDrive’s file recovery feature helps you retrieve your lost data.
- Enhanced Security and Privacy: iDrive prioritizes user security and privacy, providing 256-bit AES encryption for stored files and SSL encryption during file transfers. The platform also offers private key encryption, giving users the option to create and manage their own encryption keys for added protection.
How iDrive Benefits Users?
iDrive’s extensive features make it an ideal solution for individuals and photographers who need a secure and reliable platform for storing and managing their photos. Its user-friendly interface, automatic backup, and compatibility with multiple devices make accessing and organizing your images easy.
Moreover, iDrive’s advanced security features, including optional private key encryption, ensure your photos remain safe and private. The platform’s file versioning and recovery features provide an additional layer of protection, allowing users to easily restore previous versions of images or recover deleted files.
With a focus on usability, security, and convenience, iDrive is an excellent choice for users seeking a comprehensive cloud storage and backup solution for their photos.
iDrive Pricing
Plan | Storage | Price (Yearly) | Price (Two-year) |
Basic (Free) | 5GB | FREE | |
Personal | 5TB | $52.12 (first year) | $104.25 (first two years) |
Personal | 10TB | $74.62 (first year) | $149.25 (first two years) |
Business | 250GB | $74.62 (first year) | $149.25 (first two years) |
Note: The prices shown above are for the first year or the first two years. The regular pricing will apply after the initial period.
iDrive Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Extensive storage options | No unlimited storage plans |
User-friendly interface | |
Automatic photo backup | |
Efficient file sharing and collaboration | |
File versioning and recovery | |
Enhanced security and privacy features |
5. Google Drive: For those who are looking for integrated solutions
Google Workspace
Google Workspace makes it easy for employees to collaborate, share, and manage documents all in one place.
Google Drive is the most widely popular from the best cloud storage for photos available. It offers a comprehensive and integrated solution for photographers and individuals who require a convenient platform for storing, managing, and collaborating on their images.
Special Google Drive Features
- Generous Storage Options
- User-Friendly Interface
- Seamless Integration with Google Workspace
- Advanced Sharing and Collaboration Features
- Built-In Image Viewer and Editing Tools
- Reliable Security and Privacy
- Generous Storage Options: Google Drive provides both free and paid plans with ample storage space. Users can start with a free account that includes 15GB of storage and upgrade to Google One paid plans offering up to 2TB or even 10TB of storage.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform features a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate, upload, and manage their photos. Google Drive’s desktop and mobile apps allow you to access and organize your images from any device.
- Seamless Integration with Google Workspace: Google Drive is fully integrated with Google Workspace, allowing users to collaborate easily on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time. This makes it a convenient solution for teams working on projects involving images and other digital assets.
- Advanced Sharing and Collaboration Features: Google Drive offers advanced sharing features, allowing users to easily share their photos with others via links or by inviting them to collaborate directly. You can also set permissions, such as view-only or edit access, and set expiry dates for your shared links.
- Built-In Image Viewer and Editing Tools: Google Drive’s built-in image viewer allows users to preview their photos directly within the platform. Additionally, the platform provides basic editing tools for images, allowing you to make simple adjustments without the need for external software.
- Reliable Security and Privacy: Google Drive uses industry-standard security measures, including 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for file transfers and 128-bit AES encryption for stored files. Google also offers two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.
How Google Drive Benefits Users?
Google Drive’s comprehensive feature set makes it an ideal solution for photographers and individuals who need a reliable and integrated way to store, manage, and share their photos.
Its user-friendly interface, generous storage options, and seamless integration with Google Workspace make it easy to access, organize, and collaborate on your images with others.
Additionally, Google Drive’s advanced sharing features, built-in image viewer, and editing tools offer users a convenient way to manage their photos. The platform’s security measures ensure that your files remain safe and protected.
With its focus on convenience, integration, and collaboration, Google Drive is a top choice for users who want robust and the best cloud storage for photos.
Google Drive Pricing
Plan | Storage | Price (Monthly) | Price (Yearly) |
Google Drive Free | 15GB | FREE | |
Google One 100GB | 100GB | $1.99/month | $19.99/year |
Google One 200GB | 200GB | $2.99/month | $29.99/year |
Google One 2TB | 2TB | $9.99/month | $99.99/year |
Google One 10TB (and higher) | 10TB+ | Starting at $99.99/month |
Google Drive Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Generous storage options | Limited advanced photo editing tools |
User-friendly interface | Privacy concerns with Google’s data usage |
Seamless integration with Google Workspace | |
Advanced sharing and collaboration features | |
Built-in image viewer and editing tools | |
Reliable security and privacy |
6. Backblaze: For those who need Space, Space, and some more Space
Backblaze – Cloud storage and backup service
Backblaze Cloud Storage and Backup with an enterprise-grade storage service.
Backblaze is one of the best cloud storage for photos. It’s very helpful for individuals who require unlimited storage space for their images. With its simple pricing structure and robust features, Backblaze is an ideal choice for users who need to store a large number of high-resolution photos, including RAW files and heavily edited images.
Special Backblaze Features
- Unlimited Storage Space
- Simple Pricing Structure
- Easy-to-Use Interface
- File Sharing Features
- Courier Recovery Service
- Data Security
- Unlimited Storage Space: Backblaze offers a single plan with unlimited storage space, making it an ideal choice for users with an extensive collection of photos. This allows you to store all your images, regardless of file size or format, without worrying about running out of storage.
- Simple Pricing Structure: Backblaze keeps things simple by offering one plan for everyone, with no complicated tiers or additional fees. The unlimited storage plan costs $7 per month, $70 per year, or $130 for a two-year subscription.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: The Backblaze interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy for users to upload, manage, and access their photos. The platform also provides a desktop app for Windows and macOS, allowing you to access your images from any device.
- File Sharing Features: Backblaze includes basic file-sharing features allowing you to share your photos. You can generate shareable links or email files directly to other users.
- Courier Recovery Service: In the event of a system failure, theft, or damage, Backblaze offers a unique Courier Recovery Service. They will send you a physical hard drive containing your files and data, enabling you to recover your images and set up your new system seamlessly.
- Data Security: Backblaze takes data security seriously, using encryption to protect your files during transfer and storage. The platform also offers two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.
How Backblaze Benefits Users?
Backblaze’s unlimited storage space and simple pricing structure make it an attractive solution for users with a large collection of photos. Its easy-to-use interface and file-sharing features allow you to efficiently manage and share your images.
The platform’s unique Courier Recovery Service offers peace of mind in case of system failures or theft, ensuring you can recover your images and continue your work with minimal disruptions. Backblaze’s focus on data security also ensures that your files remain safe and protected.
For photographers and individuals who need a reliable cloud storage solution with unlimited space for their images, Backblaze is a top choice.
Backblaze Pricing
Plan | Storage | Price (Monthly) | Price (Yearly) | Price (2-Year) |
Backblaze Unlimited Storage | Unlimited | $7/month | $70/year | $130/2 years |
Backblaze Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Unlimited storage space | Lacks advanced photo management features |
Simple pricing structure | Security concerns due to encryption key handling |
Easy-to-use interface | |
File sharing features | |
Unique courier recovery service |
Some other best cloud storage for photos worth mentioning
Apart from the best cloud storage for photos mentioned above, here are some others that you can give a shot:
- Dropbox
- Box
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Amazon’s Cloud Drive
Wrapping up
Look, there are a plethora of options available when it comes to the best cloud storage for photo solutions. You should pick the one that meets your need. If you ask me, I generally prefer pCloud and iCloud from Apple. But again, they meet my specific needs, and that’s why I use them.
Others mentioned in the list are no less powerful and useful. So do some brainstorming, set your goals, and make the decision. I hope this comprehensive guide will help you in your quest to find the best cloud storage for photos.
FAQs
What is the best cloud storage for photographers?
The best cloud storage for photographers offers ample storage, easy sharing options, and excellent security features. Some top contenders include pCloud, Google Drive, iDrive, Backblaze, and Sync.com.
Is cloud storage safe for storing my photos?
Yes, cloud storage is generally safe for storing photos, as most providers offer encryption and other security features to protect your data. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable service with strong security measures.
Can I access my photos from multiple devices using cloud storage?
Yes, most cloud storage services allow you to access your photos from multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This makes it easy to view and manage your photos wherever you are.
How much storage do I need for my photos?
The amount of storage you need depends on the number of photos you have, their file size, and the file format. A basic plan with a few hundred gigabytes may be sufficient for casual photographers, while professionals might require several terabytes of storage.
Are there free cloud storage options for photographers?
Yes, many cloud storage providers offer free plans with limited storage capacity. These plans can be a good starting point for photographers on a budget, but they may not provide enough storage or advanced features for professional use.