Today, we will explore several cloud storage systems that you can use to store and transfer your photos. Having multiple storage options is advisable, as it enhances reliability, ensures organization, facilitates easy access, and frees up space on your primary devices. This strategy helps prevent data loss due to device malfunctions, allows for categorization of photos for easier searching, and optimizes the storage capacity of your phone or computer.

Storage system Key advantages Important trade-offs When subscription ends
Google Drive
Part of Google Workspace; works on Web, Windows/macOS (Drive for Desktop), iOS, and Android.
  • 15 GB free across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
  • Upgrade via Google One: 100 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 5 TB, 10 TB + tiers.
  • Granular link-sharing, expiry dates, and file-version history (up to 30 days).
  • Seamless real-time collaboration in Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
  • Server-side encryption by default; client-side encryption in beta.
  • Paid plans are subscription-only (no lifetime option).
  • 15 GB can fill quickly if Gmail inboxes are large.
  • Privacy concerns for users wary of Google’s data-powered business model.
  • Reverts to 15 GB quota; uploads & Gmail sending stop.
  • 2-year grace to get under quota.
  • After 2 yrs over-quota, Google may start deleting content.
Yandex.Disk
Russian service with Windows/macOS, Web, iOS, Android, and Linux clients.
  • 10 GB free (expandable by referrals and promo quests).
  • Paid “Yandex 360” bundles: 100 GB, 200 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB.
  • Built-in photo viewer and slideshow maker; automatic camera-roll backup.
  • Public-link sharing with optional PIN and expiration date.
  • Data stored in Tier-III data centers with TLS encryption in transit.
  • Fewer third-party app integrations outside the Yandex ecosystem.
  • Interface defaults to Russian (English toggle available but not universal).
  • Local regulations may concern users unfamiliar with Russian privacy laws.
  • Falls back to 10 GB free tier.
  • Disk is read-only for 44 days if over quota.
  • Six months after block, excess files are deleted.
Amazon Photos
Optimized for images; available on Web, Windows/macOS (Amazon Drive app), iOS, Android, and Fire devices.
  • Unlimited full-resolution photos + 5 GB videos/files for Prime members.
  • Non-Prime: 5 GB total free; paid plans at 100 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 3–30 TB.
  • AI search (faces, objects, places), automatic mobile backup, Family Vault sharing with up to five people.
  • Order prints, photo books, and wall art directly from stored images.
  • Data encrypted at rest and in transit; two-factor authentication supported.
  • Unlimited tier locked behind an Amazon Prime subscription.
  • Only 5 GB for videos—even on Prime—so filmmakers may need extra space.
  • No native document editing; focuses on media rather than general files.
  • Reverts to 5 GB total.
  • Uploads & sharing disabled when over quota.
  • 180-day clock; afterward Amazon deletes newest files first until under quota.
pCloud
Swiss-based provider with data center choice (EU or US); apps for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • Up to 10 GB free after completing onboarding tasks.
  • Two pricing styles: annual or one-time lifetime (500 GB or 2 TB); add-on for 10 TB lifetime.
  • Optional client-side “pCloud Crypto” folder (zero-knowledge encryption).
  • File-version history: 30 days free, extendable to 365 days with Extended History add-on.
  • Built-in audio/video streaming, offline “virtual drive” on desktop, and WebDAV compatibility for third-party apps.
  • Crypto add-on costs extra (€49 / yr or €150 lifetime).
  • Fewer native productivity tools (no in-browser office suite).
  • Lifetime plans require higher up-front payment, even if cheaper long-term.
  • 5-day billing grace, then account drops to 10 GB free tier.
  • Over-quota files remain for 30 days, then move to Trash.
  • Trash purged after 15 additional days.