Best Free Cloud Storage Apps for Storing and Sending Photos and Videos in 2025

In today’s digital age, capturing and sharing memories through photos and videos has never been easier—or more space-intensive. With smartphones boasting high-resolution cameras and 4K video capabilities, our devices quickly fill up with media files. That’s where free cloud storage apps come in. These apps not only provide complimentary space to store your photos and videos but also make it simple to send large files to friends, family, or colleagues without compressing quality or dealing with email attachment limits.

Whether you’re a casual user backing up family vacation snaps or a content creator sharing high-definition videos, free cloud storage solutions offer a lifeline. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best free apps that provide storage space for photos and videos while enabling seamless sending and sharing. We’ll cover their features, limitations, and tips for optimization, all based on the latest 2025 updates. By the end, you’ll know which app suits your needs, helping you free up device space and keep your media accessible anywhere.

Why Choose Free Cloud Storage Apps for Photos and Videos?

Before diving into the top picks, let’s understand the appeal of these apps. Traditional storage methods like external hard drives are prone to failure, loss, or theft. Cloud storage, on the other hand, offers:

• Accessibility: Access your files from any device—phone, tablet, or computer—with an internet connection.
• Automatic Backups: Many apps auto-upload photos and videos from your camera roll, ensuring nothing gets lost.
• Sharing Capabilities: Send large files via links, emails, or direct shares without size restrictions that plague apps like WhatsApp or email (typically capped at 25MB).
• Security Features: Encryption, password protection, and two-factor authentication keep your personal media safe.
• Cost Savings: Free tiers provide ample space (from 2GB to a whopping 1TB in some cases) without upfront costs, though paid upgrades are available for heavy users.

According to recent analyses, the average user generates over 1TB of data annually, much of it media-related. Free apps help manage this without breaking the bank. However, free plans often come with limits like bandwidth caps or ads, so evaluate based on your usage.

Top Free Cloud Storage Apps for Photos, Videos, and Sending

We’ve curated this list from expert reviews and user feedback, focusing on apps with generous free space, media-friendly features, and easy sending options. All are available on iOS, Android, and desktop unless noted.

1. Google Drive (15GB Free)

Google Drive tops our list for its seamless integration with Google Photos and robust sharing tools. It’s ideal for Android users or anyone in the Google ecosystem.

• Storage and Media Features: 15GB shared across Google services (including Gmail and Photos). Google Photos offers smart organization with AI-powered search (e.g., “beach photos”) and automatic backups. Videos up to 1080p stream smoothly without downloading.
• Sending Capabilities: Share files via links with view/edit permissions. No size limit for uploads, and recipients don’t need an account. Collaborate in real-time on shared albums.
• Pros: Unlimited photo backups in “high quality” mode (compressed but still sharp); integrates with Google Workspace for editing; mobile app supports offline access.
• Cons: 15GB fills quickly if you use Gmail heavily; no end-to-end encryption on free tier.
• Best For: Everyday users who want easy photo/video organization and quick shares.

Upgrade to Google One for 100GB at $1.99/month if needed.

2. MEGA (20GB Free)

MEGA stands out for privacy-focused users, offering generous free space and strong encryption for sensitive photos and videos.

• Storage and Media Features: 20GB base, expandable to 35GB via referrals or app installs (valid for a year). End-to-end encryption ensures only you can access files. Built-in media player for videos and photo previews.
• Sending Capabilities: Share via secure links with passwords and expiration dates. No transfer quotas on free plan for uploads/downloads, making it great for large video files.
• Pros: High privacy standards; zero-knowledge encryption; supports folder sharing and chat integration.
• Cons: Transfer bonuses expire after a year; interface can feel cluttered for beginners.
• Best For: Users prioritizing security when sending personal videos.

MEGA’s referral program lets you earn 5GB per friend, with no cap—perfect for expanding space organically.

3. Dropbox (2GB Free)

Dropbox is a veteran in file sharing, excelling at quick sends for photos and videos, though its free space is modest.

• Storage and Media Features: 2GB free, with bonuses for referrals (up to 500MB each). Automatic camera uploads and photo galleries make media management simple.
• Sending Capabilities: Dropbox Transfer allows sending up to 2GB files without an account. Links can include passwords and expirations; track views and downloads.
• Pros: Intuitive interface; integrates with apps like Adobe for editing; offline access on mobile.
• Cons: Limited free space; larger videos may require compression or upgrades.
• Best For: Quick, professional shares, like sending wedding photos to clients.

Family plans start at $17/month for 2TB shared among six users.

4. pCloud (10GB Free)

pCloud combines storage with media playback, making it a favorite for video enthusiasts.

• Storage and Media Features: 10GB free, with virtual drive for streaming videos without downloads. Built-in player supports 4K; photo backups with resizing options.
• Sending Capabilities: Share links with passwords; no size limits on transfers. Public folders for easy media sharing.
• Pros: Lifetime paid plans available; strong encryption add-on; no bandwidth limits.
• Cons: Free tier lacks some collaboration tools; web app could be faster.
• Best For: Streaming and sending high-res videos without eating device space.

Lifetime 500GB costs $199—one-time payment for long-term users.

5. TeraBox (1TB Free)

TeraBox offers the most generous free space, perfect for hoarding videos without worry.

• Storage and Media Features: 1TB (1024GB) free—enough for thousands of photos and hours of video. AI organization categorizes media; built-in player for previews.
• Sending Capabilities: Share via links with passwords; recipients need accounts for downloads, adding security.
• Pros: Massive space; automatic backups; supports large file uploads.
• Cons: Ads in free version; download limits for non-premium users; privacy concerns with data in China.
• Best For: Heavy users needing bulk storage for family videos.

Premium removes ads and boosts speeds for $3.99/month.

6. Icedrive (10GB Free)

Icedrive’s modern interface shines for media, with fast streaming and easy shares.

• Storage and Media Features: 10GB free; virtual drive for video playback. Sleek apps with photo previews and folder syncing.
• Sending Capabilities: Share links with expirations; no file size limits.
• Pros: Fast speeds; no encryption on free tier but available paid; lifetime plans.
• Cons: No client-side encryption free; limited collaboration.
• Best For: Users wanting a clean, fast app for video sending.

3TB lifetime for $99.

7. Microsoft OneDrive (5GB Free)

OneDrive integrates deeply with Windows and Office, great for mixed media and docs.

• Storage and Media Features: 5GB free; Personal Vault for secure photo storage. Auto-tagging for videos and photos.
• Sending Capabilities: Share links with edit/view options; integrate with Outlook for email sends.
• Pros: Seamless with Windows; offline editing; family sharing.
• Cons: Small free space; tied to Microsoft account.
• Best For: Windows users sending video edits.

100GB for $1.99/month via Microsoft 365.

8. MediaFire (10GB Free)

MediaFire focuses on simple storage and sharing, expandable to 50GB via bonuses.

• Storage and Media Features: 10GB base; one-time links for media. Previews photos and streams videos.
• Sending Capabilities: Direct links; no captcha; password protection.
• Pros: No bandwidth limits; easy bulk uploads.
• Cons: Ads; files expire after inactivity.
• Best For: Quick, ad-tolerant shares of large photos.

Pro for 1TB at $5/month.

9. WeTransfer (No Storage, 2GB Transfers)

While not traditional storage, WeTransfer excels at sending photos/videos without accounts.

• Storage and Media Features: No permanent storage—focus on transfers.
• Sending Capabilities: Send up to 2GB free; links expire in 7 days. High-quality, no compression.
• Pros: Simple; no signup; tracks downloads.
• Cons: No backups; limited to transfers.
• Best For: One-off sends of vacation videos.

Pro for 200GB transfers at $10/month.

10. Filemail (No Storage, 5GB Transfers)

Filemail is another transfer-focused app, ideal for large videos.

• Storage and Media Features: Temporary storage during transfers.
• Sending Capabilities: 5GB free per send; unlimited recipients; no account needed.
• Pros: Fast; secure; virus scanning.
• Cons: Files delete after 7 days.
• Best For: Sending uncompressed 4K videos.

Pro unlimited for $10/month.

How to Choose the Right App for Your Needs

Selecting an app depends on your priorities:

• Space Needs: Go for TeraBox (1TB) or MEGA (20GB) for heavy storage.
• Privacy: MEGA or pCloud with encryption.
• Ease of Sending: WeTransfer or Dropbox for quick links.
• Integration: Google Drive for Android/Google users; OneDrive for Windows.

Test free tiers first. Check compatibility with your devices and read user reviews for real-world performance.

Tips for Optimizing Free Cloud Storage

• Compress Files: Use tools like HandBrake for videos to save space.
• Organize Folders: Create albums for photos/videos to avoid clutter.
• Monitor Usage: Most apps show breakdowns—delete duplicates.
• Enable Auto-Backup: Prevent loss by setting camera roll sync.
• Security Best Practices: Use strong passwords; enable 2FA; avoid public Wi-Fi for uploads.

Potential Drawbacks of Free Apps

Free plans often include ads, slower speeds, or data collection. For mission-critical media, consider paid upgrades for ad-free experiences and unlimited transfers.

Conclusion

Free cloud storage apps revolutionize how we store and send photos and videos, offering convenience without cost. From Google Drive’s ecosystem integration to TeraBox’s massive space, there’s an option for everyone in 2025. Start with one that matches your device and needs, and you’ll never worry about “storage full” alerts again. If your requirements grow, most offer affordable upgrades. Happy storing and sharing!

FAQs

What is the best free app for unlimited photo storage?

Google Photos offers “high quality” unlimited backups (compressed), but for raw files, TeraBox’s 1TB is unbeatable.

Can I send large videos for free?

Yes, apps like WeTransfer (2GB) and Filemail (5GB) specialize in this, while storage apps like MEGA handle larger shares via links.

Are free cloud apps safe for personal photos?

Most use encryption, but opt for zero-knowledge providers like MEGA for maximum privacy.

How much space do I really need?

For casual users, 10-20GB suffices for hundreds of photos and a few videos. Heavy users may need 100GB+.

Do these apps work offline?

Many allow offline access to downloaded files, but uploads require internet.