iCloud Drive

Apple's built-in cloud storage for files, photos and device backups across Apple devices.

Free plan + paidCloud storage and file sync services

Verified facts: 5 of 5
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive is part of iCloud, the storage service built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac. It syncs the Desktop and Documents folders on a Mac, holds app data and iPhone backups, and shares one storage pool with iCloud Photos and Mail. On Apple devices it needs no setup and works through the Files app and Finder; on Windows there is an iCloud for Windows app, and anyone can reach files through iCloud.com. Paid storage comes as iCloud+, which also adds Private Relay, Hide My Email and custom email domains, and a plan can be shared with family members. With Advanced Data Protection turned on, most iCloud data including Drive is end-to-end encrypted. The weak spots are outside Apple's world: there is no Android app, no Linux client, sharing links are basic, and the free allowance fills up quickly once phone backups land in it.

Best for: Households that use iPhones, iPads and Macs.

What works

Zero setup on Apple devices
Plans can be shared with up to five family members
Optional end-to-end encryption via Advanced Data Protection

Why people leave

Only 5 GB free, shared with backups and photos
No Android or Linux app
Limited sharing and admin controls for teams

Top iCloud Drive alternatives

See all 6

1
Google Drive
Works equally well on Android and iPhone, with more free space.
66.5
2
Dropbox
Cross-platform sync for mixed Apple, Windows and Linux setups.
62.6
3
Microsoft OneDrive
Better value if you also want the Microsoft Office apps.
59.6
4
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted by default, with apps for every platform.
57.2
5
Sync.com
Encrypted storage with simple sharing links and no Apple lock-in.
55.3

Why people left iCloud Drive

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iCloud Drive: common questions

Is iCloud Drive free?

iCloud Drive has a free plan and paid plans.

Is iCloud Drive open source?

No, iCloud Drive is not open source.

What platforms does iCloud Drive run on?

iCloud Drive is available for Web, Windows, macOS and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to iCloud Drive?

The highest-ranked iCloud Drive alternatives right now are Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 iCloud Drive alternatives

iCloud Drive facts

5 of 5 verified

Free storage: 5 GB; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “with 5 GB of storage for free.”
Starting price: $0.99/month for 50 GB (US); Checked Oct 25, 2026apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “2 Compare plans 50GB $0.99/month Storage for thousands of photos, videos, and files.”
Largest plan: 12 TB; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “iCloud+ with 2 TB, 6 TB, or 12 TB storage 2 TB, 6 TB, or 12 TB of storage”
Family sharing: Up to five other family members; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “Share everything with up to five other family members.”
Windows app: iCloud for Windows; Checked Oct 25, 2026apple.com(opens source in a new tab); “And with the iCloud for Windows app, you can access photos and files you’ve saved to iCloud directly from your PC.”