Cloud Storage Pricing Guide: Compare Google One, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, and More

If you're like most people, you're already paying for cloud storage. We found that 62% of people pay for cloud storage, with an average cost of $5.92/mo. 

And you're probably wondering if you're overpaying for storage you don’t need, or whether other popular cloud storage services offer better value. 

I can help you understand whether you’re paying the right amount for personal cloud storage. Let’s run through how much top cloud storage providers cost, and what you can expect to get for the money.

Cloud storage pricing by provider

Cloud storage tiers are usually priced consistently across major providers, but there are some outliers, largely due to initial storage amounts and bundled extras.

Each major provider brings something unique to the table in addition to cloud storage to justify its pricing:

• Google One: Google One is more than just cloud storage. In addition, you get perks like sharing storage with family members, advanced editing in Google Photos, and cash back on Google Store purchases. Higher tiers include additional AI features, as well. Google Drive also integrates very well with Google Docs and other tools, if you use those.
• iCloud+: The main advantage of iCloud is its clean integration with Apple devices like iPhones. It’s also the most convenient way to back up your iPhone, and comes with other perks like family sharing and the Hide My Email feature to enhance privacy.
• OneDrive: OneDrive storage is tightly integrated with Microsoft 365. Higher-tier subscriptions include Office apps like Word and Excel, along with additional AI features.
• Dropbox: Dropbox is more strictly focused on storage but still includes features like Dropbox Dash (an AI-powered search) and integrations with third-party apps. Although Dropbox's pricing looks higher than the others, it’s actually competitive for comparable storage amounts.
• Proton Drive: Proton Drive is the privacy champ of the bunch. Higher-tier plans come bundled with tools like Proton VPN and Proton Pass to help protect your online privacy. Plans also include Proton Docs and Sheets for secure document editing. We've found Proton Drive to be the best cloud storage alternative to the Big 3 cloud storage providers, Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive.

Free cloud storage: What you actually get

Cloud storage services are notoriously stingy with free space. This is compounded by the fact that free tiers have largely remained the same over the last 10 to 15 years, while file sizes have largely increased. This is especially true with photos and videos, and that’s a problem. 

In our cloud storage survey, we found that 93% of users store them in the cloud.

It’s also a major issue with iCloud, where you basically fill the free storage on the first backup. Here’s what you get for free from each provider:

• Google: 15 GB
• iCloud: 5 GB
• OneDrive: 5 GB
• Dropbox: 2 GB
• Proton Drive: 5 GB

Cloud storage pricing by storage size

The main storage tiers most people consider are 200 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. Some providers have options in between, but represent good breakpoints for different types of users. Here’s a breakdown of what each provider charges for each tier:

200 GB

• Google One: $2.99/mo
• iCloud+: $2.99/mo
• OneDrive: N/A — but offers 100 GB for $19.99/yr
• Dropbox: N/A
• Proton Drive: $2.99/mo

1 TB

• Google One: N/A
• iCloud+: N/A
• OneDrive: $99.99/yr
• Dropbox: N/A
• Proton Drive: N/A — but offers 500 GB for $9.99/mo

2 TB

• Google One: $9.99/mo
• iCloud+: $9.99/mo
• OneDrive: N/A — but you can supplement the 1 TB plan with an additional 1 TB for an extra $9.99/mo
• Dropbox: $9.99/mo
• Proton Drive: $14.99/mo

How to choose the right storage tier

Choosing the right tier can feel stressful, but it’s actually fairly straightforward. Just consider your primary use for cloud storage:

1. Photos and videos only: Aim for between 200 GB and 1 TB (or more), depending on how many years’ worth of photos and videos are in your camera roll. Videos take up significantly more space, so keep that in mind.
2. Documents and personal files only: If you’re not storing photos and videos, 50–200 GB is usually plenty.
3. Full computer backup: At least 1 TB — these can get large quickly.

What affects cloud storage pricing?

Cloud storage pricing is based on three main factors:

1. How much storage you need: This is usually the biggest factor — more storage equals higher cost. Pretty simple.
2. Individual plans vs. family plans: If you’ve got multiple family members who’ll be using storage, family plans are definitely the way to go. They often cut per-person costs significantly. For example, OneDrive’s individual 1 TB plan is $99.99/yr, but the family plan is $129.99/yr and gives up to six people 1 TB of storage. That’s a major savings compared to buying individual plans.
3. Bundled services: Some providers look more expensive on the surface, but you’re actually getting a ton of extra value because the plan includes other services. For example, OneDrive plans often come with the full Microsoft 365 suite, including all of the Microsoft Office apps. Proton Drive plans are similar.

Is paying for cloud storage worth it?

Yes, paying for cloud storage is worth it. In our cloud storage survey, 55% of users said they’d recovered files they thought were permanently lost thanks to cloud storage. That alone is worth the price.

There’s also something to be said for the peace of mind that comes from having automated backups of things like photos and videos. Cloud storage plans help make that possible.

Tips for getting the best cloud storage price

If you’re considering cloud storage, here’s how to get the most bang for your buck:

1. Choose annual billing over monthly: If you know you’ll be sticking with a service for at least a year, this is an excellent way to save. Annual discounts can range from 15–20% off. For example, Google One annual plans are 16% cheaper than paying month-to-month.
2. Review what you’re actually storing before upgrading: All those random screenshots can really add up. You may be able to significantly reduce your storage needs by doing a little cleanup.
3. Check whether an existing subscription already includes storage: Subscriptions to Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and some Proton plans include cloud storage, so you may not need a separate plan.
4. Consider a family plan: If more than one person will be using the storage, a family plan is almost always the way to go, and the value only goes up the more family members you add. For example, Microsoft 365 Personal is $99.99/yr for 1 TB of storage for one person, while Microsoft 365 Family is $129.99/yr and gives you 1 TB of storage for up to six people.

Bottom line

Most people will end up spending between $2 and $10 per month on cloud storage, depending on what they’re storing. 

The right choice of plan and provider often comes down to what device ecosystem you’re already in. For example, iCloud makes a lot of sense if you’re an Apple fan. However, there are a ton of excellent cloud storage services available, so shop around and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

PROMOTION: Get 200 GB of End-to-End Encrypted Cloud Storage for $1.00

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AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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• Clean, easy-to-use interface across web and mobile apps
• Higher-tier plans bundle extra Proton services, including VPN, Mail, and Pass, for added value

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AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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Proton Drive

PROMOTION: Get 200 GB of End-to-End Encrypted Cloud Storage for $1.00

• End-to-end encryption keeps your files truly private, so not even Proton can read them
• Clean, easy-to-use interface across web and mobile apps
• Higher-tier plans bundle extra Proton services, including VPN, Mail, and Pass, for added value

Author Details

Dave Schafer

About the Author

Dave Schafer has written about consumer cybersecurity and technology since 2014, with a focus on the products people rely on most to stay safe online — VPNs, password managers, and cloud storage. With more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech, he cuts through product complexity to help readers choose tools that protect their data. He has authored more than 60 articles for All About Cookies and has been published in MakeUseOf, SatelliteInternet.com, and HighSpeedInternet.com.