Guide · Free & private
The best free encrypted cloud storage
Private cloud storage doesn't have to cost anything. Several providers give you genuinely zero-knowledge storage — where only you hold the key — for free. Here's how they stack up, and the honest caveats on the one with the most space.
Last updated: July 10, 2026 · Researched by the Privacy Intact team; see how we review.
The free zero-knowledge picks
Sync.com — best balance (our pick)
5 GB, with zero-knowledge encryption on the free plan too. It's our overall pick for free private storage: a sensible amount of space, fully zero-knowledge, with secure sharing — and an easy upgrade path if you outgrow it. For most people, start here.
MEGA — most free space, with caveats
20 GB — the most free encrypted storage of any mainstream provider, end-to-end encrypted by default — easily the most. But honesty first: MEGA's reputation is mixed: independent researchers have disclosed serious security flaws in its design, and its history (it was founded by Kim Dotcom and is based in New Zealand) leaves some users wary. The encryption is real, but if you use it, treat it as convenient bulk storage rather than the home for your most sensitive files. Great for bulk, non-sensitive files; not where we'd put our most private documents.
Proton Drive — best for the privacy-committed
up to 5 GB free (2 GB on signup, 5 GB after a few setup steps), with zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption on every plan by default, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and part of the Proton (Mail / VPN / Pass) ecosystem; uploads can be slower than rivals. It matches Sync on free space, and its open-source, externally-audited, Swiss-based pedigree is the strongest in the group — ideal if you're already in the Proton ecosystem.
What "free" doesn't mean private
Two common traps:
- Big Tech free tiers aren't private. Google Drive's 15 GB, Dropbox's 2 GB and iCloud's 5 GB are encrypted but the provider holds the keys — so they can read your files. Free, but not zero-knowledge.
- pCloud's free plan isn't zero-knowledge by default. It's generous on space, but BUT zero-knowledge encryption isn't on by default — it's a paid add-on (pCloud Crypto, around $150 lifetime). Without it, pCloud holds the keys like a mainstream provider.
The rule: with free cloud storage, "encrypted" isn't the question — "who holds the key?" is. Our cloud privacy explainer breaks down why.
The simple answer
Want free and genuinely private? Start with Sync.com's free plan — it's the best balance of space, security and ease. Need more room and don't mind the caveats? MEGA. Already a Proton user? Proton Drive.
FAQ
Free encrypted cloud, answered
What's the best free encrypted cloud storage?
For a balance of space and genuine privacy, Sync.com — 5 GB, with zero-knowledge encryption on the free plan too, fully zero-knowledge. If you want the most free space and don't mind the caveats, MEGA gives 20 GB — the most free encrypted storage of any mainstream provider, end-to-end encrypted by default. Proton Drive offers up to 5 GB free (2 GB on signup, 5 GB after a few setup steps) with open-source apps. All three are genuinely encrypted; mainstream "free" clouds like Google Drive are not zero-knowledge.
Is MEGA's free 20 GB safe to use?
The encryption is real, but be aware: MEGA's reputation is mixed: independent researchers have disclosed serious security flaws in its design, and its history (it was founded by Kim Dotcom and is based in New Zealand) leaves some users wary. The encryption is real, but if you use it, treat it as convenient bulk storage rather than the home for your most sensitive files. So MEGA is a reasonable place for bulk, non-sensitive files, but we wouldn't make it the home for your most private documents — Sync.com or Proton Drive are the safer free picks.
Does pCloud's free plan have zero-knowledge encryption?
Not by default. pCloud gives a generous free allowance, but BUT zero-knowledge encryption isn't on by default — it's a paid add-on (pCloud Crypto, around $150 lifetime). Without it, pCloud holds the keys like a mainstream provider. So on the free plan (and standard paid plans), pCloud holds the keys like a mainstream provider unless you buy the Crypto add-on.
Why isn't Google Drive's free 15 GB on this list?
Because it isn't private. Google Drive (and Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud by default) encrypt your files but hold the keys themselves, so the company can read them. This guide is specifically about free storage where only you hold the key — genuine zero-knowledge encryption.