data storage Archives - H is for Home Harbinger

OK, so you’re looking for free cloud storage. Smart move! Nobody likes running out of space on their phone or computer. But wading through all the options out there can feel like trying to find a specific sock in a dryer full of laundry – a total nightmare! Don’t worry, we’re here to help you sort through the digital fluff.

Let’s be honest, completely free cloud storage with unlimited space is basically a unicorn. But there are some pretty decent options out there that offer a solid chunk of free storage, perfect for casual users. We’re talking about keeping your photos, important documents and maybe even a few films safely backed up – without paying a penny (at least initially).

Google Drive: You probably already use Gmail, right? Well, Google Drive is bundled into that whole Google ecosystem, and it comes with a healthy amount of free storage. It’s really easy to use, integrates seamlessly with other Google services, and it’s generally pretty reliable. Perfect for your everyday digital stuff.

Microsoft OneDrive: Similar to Google Drive, if you’re a Windows user, OneDrive is likely already on your computer. It offers a decent amount of free storage too, and works well across multiple devices. Plus, it’s deeply integrated with the Microsoft Office suite – handy if you’re working on documents.

iCloud: Apple users, this one’s for you. iCloud comes pre-installed on your iPhone, iPad and Mac – you can even access it on your iWatch. It offers a convenient way to keep your photos, videos and documents synced across your Apple devices. The free storage isn’t as massive as some others, but it’s a great option if you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Currently, as of January 2025, you can upgrade to an extra 50GB of storage for 99^p per month.

Dropbox: Dropbox has been a cloud storage stalwart for ages. While the free storage is fairly modest, it’s a solid, reliable service that’s easy to use. Plus, it has simple file sharing features – great for collaborating with friends or colleagues on projects.

Box: Box.com is another popular choice, and while their free plan isn’t as generous as some competitors in terms of raw storage space, it caters to a slightly different need. Box is known for its collaboration features, making it a great option if you work on projects with other people. Sharing files and folders is a breeze, and you can control access levels easily. So, if your primary concern is collaborating on documents and projects instead of just storing massive numbers of family photos, Box may be your perfect match.

iDrive: iDrive is a solid contender in the free cloud storage arena. You’ll get a decent chunk of storage, enough to back up your most important stuff. While they do offer paid plans with significantly more space, their free tier is surprisingly generous (currently 10GB). It’s easy to set up, and the interface is pretty straightforward, even for tech novices. Think of it as your friendly neighbourhood cloud storage solution; it doesn’t try to be fancy, but it gets the job done reliably. Plus, having your files backed up is way less stressful than worrying about losing them all to a hard drive crash!

Mega: Mega stands out because it offers a significantly larger amount of free storage (currently 25GB) compared to some other options. It’s a good choice if you need more space for your files, but remember to always check user reviews and security aspects before entrusting large amounts of data to any service.

The bottom line

The best free cloud storage option for you depends on your needs and what ecosystem you’re already using. If you’re all in on Google, Google Drive is a no-brainer. Apple loyalist? iCloud is your friend. If you need a bit more free space, check out Mega. But whichever you choose, remember that free storage often comes with limitations on file size and features. If you need more space or advanced features, upgrading to a paid plan may eventually be worth considering. But for now, start with one of these options and get all those files safely backed up!

Do you use another free cloud storage provider that you’d like to share? Leave us a recommendation in the comments below.

According to a recent WD study, the average consumer now values their digital content at £3,241. That data could include anything from family photos, music collection and film library to a diary, address book or university dissertation. How would you feel if any of it simply vanished? I have first hand experience of this last one, I’m still traumatised!

The study found that more than half of UK consumers have been forced to delete content from a device, due to capacity issues, which they’ve then later regretted. Post Deletion Stress Disorder (PDSD) – which refers to people who delete content on impulse to make room for more photos, videos and selfies – is only set to continue as consumers’ digital consumption habits begin to exceed device storage capabilities.

So, when we were asked if we wanted to review the My Passport Ultra portable hard drive we didn’t hesitate in agreeing. Even though our web hosts back up all our data daily, we know that we should be making a separate copy of our shop and blog websites for ourselves. You can never be too safe. Besides, we have two laptops that are becoming increasingly sluggish as they struggle under the weight of photos, music, spreadsheets. A digital spring clean was in order!

We are really impressed with it; for something that can store a massive 1 terabyte of information (that’s 1,000 gigabytes!), the My Passport Ultra is really compact. Smaller than many mobile phones, it will fit snugly in a jacket pocket or clutch bag. We chose the sleek, white version that matches our iPhones and Macs but it’s available in four other colours and in 2 and 3 TB capacities too.

It’s very simple to use – especially if you have a Windows PC – there’s a little bit more effort involved if you have a Mac, but clear instructions are included. If you’re worried about this externally saved data finding its way into the wrong hands, you can set up a password just as you would on your mobile or computer.

Here are some more of the figures from that study in an easy to read infographic. Go on, get all your precious digital data backed up elsewhere – it will leave you with much more space to download more apps, take more photos and expand your music collection!

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H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: data storage

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