Cloud storage: what to choose and how much it costs

Cloud storage today is as basic a necessity as antivirus was 10 years ago. Without it, you risk losing all your photos, documents and important files the first time your phone or laptop breaks down.

But there are many offers – Google, Yandex, Apple, Dropbox, Mail.ru, Microsoft. How to choose? Let’s sort it out honestly.

Why do you need a cloud at all?

Three main reasons:

1. Backup.The phone crashed, the laptop was stolen, the hard drive died – with the cloud, all data is intact. Without a cloud, everything is lost.

2. Access from any device.If you start a document on your computer, continue on your phone. Photos from your phone directly to your computer.

3. File sharing.Sending a large file, giving access to a folder to a colleague, showing a photo album to relatives is easier than through instant messengers.

Overview of the main players

Google Drive

For free:15 GB (total for Gmail, Photos and Drive)
Paid:100 GB — $1.99/month, 200 GB — $2.99/month, 2 TB — $9.99/month

Pros:

• Best integration with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides – editing directly in the browser
• Works on all platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac
• Smart search by file contents and even text in photos

Cons:

• 15 GB runs out quickly if you actively use Gmail and photos
• Servers abroad – relevant for those who value Russian jurisdiction

Suitable for:Anyone who works with Google services and documents.

Yandex Disk (or OneDrive)

For free:10 GB (you can get bonuses up to 42 GB)
Paid:100 GB — $0.99/month, 1 TB — $2.99/month, 3 TB — $5.99/month

Pros:

• Russian servers – data is stored in Russia
• Excellent integration with the Yandex ecosystem: Mail, Documents, Teleconference
• Auto-uploading photos from your phone works stably
• Affordable tariffs at Russian prices

Cons:

• Online document editor weaker than Google Docs
• Free volume is more modest than competitors

Suitable for:Users who want a Russian cloud, active users of Yandex services, those who are looking for an inexpensive solution with a large volume.

iCloud

For free:5 GB
Paid:50 GB — $0.99/month, 200 GB — $2.99/month, 2 TB — $9.99/month

Pros:

• Perfect integration with iPhone, iPad, Mac – everything syncs automatically
• Photos, contacts, notes, passwords – a single ecosystem
• Very easy to use, requires almost no setup

Cons:

• Works only in the Apple ecosystem – limited functionality on Android and Windows
• 5 GB for free is catastrophically not enough
• More expensive than competitors in large volumes

Suitable for:Exclusively for iPhone and Mac users. If you have Android, iCloud is not your choice.

Dropbox

For free:2 GB
Paid:from $10/month for 2 TB

Pros:

• Cloud storage pioneer, reliable and stable
• Excellent synchronization – changes are applied instantly
• Good integration with enterprise tools

Cons:

• Just 2GB free – that’s next to nothing in 2026
• Expensive paid plan
• For private users, Google Drive or Yandex Drive is more profitable

Suitable for:Teamwork in a corporate environment, professionals who are already in the Dropbox Business ecosystem.

OneDrive (Microsoft)

For free:5 GB
Paid:included in Microsoft 365 Personal (~$6.99/month) – 1 TB + full Office

Pros:

• If you already have Microsoft 365 – OneDrive is included in your subscription
• Deep integration with Windows and Office
• 1 TB as part of an Office subscription is very profitable

Suitable for:For those who work on Windows and actively use Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Comparison table

Can I use multiple clouds?

Yes – and it’s even reasonable. Many people use:

• Yandex Disk (or OneDrive)for photos from a phone (Russian, inexpensive)
• Google Drivefor working documents (best editor)
• iCloudto synchronize iPhone (if in the Apple ecosystem)

The total free volumes are quite enough for most tasks.

Conclusion

There is no universal “best” cloud – there is the best one for your specific tasks and devices. Main rule:there must be a cloud. Losing years of photos due to a broken phone is something people really regret. Set up automatic sync today and don’t think about it anymore.