- iCloud alternatives at a glance
- Ten storage and photo services to consider instead of iCloud
- The encryption setting Apple leaves off
- Questions to ask before moving away from iCloud
- Moving your photos safely
- Storage for a small business on Apple devices
- My plain advice on iCloud alternatives
- Frequently asked questions
The right iCloud alternative depends on what you store: photo services suit people whose phone pictures are the main worry, encrypted cloud storage suits sensitive files, and self-hosted options suit people who want full control. Many people keep iCloud for device backups and use an alternative alongside it.
iCloud is easy because it's built into every Apple device. But it gets crowded, the storage fills up, and families with a mix of Android and Apple devices find it awkward to share.
Below are ten alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from small privacy-focused services to well-known names. Each description comes from the service's own website, re-checked today. If you're also backing up chats, here's how to see your WhatsApp backup in Google Drive.
Decide whether you're replacing iCloud or adding to it. Device backups and app data are hard to move away from iCloud on an iPhone, while photos and files are easy to store elsewhere.
iCloud alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the service's own site describes a free plan or free storage, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free storage amounts vary and change over time.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Photos | Photo storage service | Photo backup for shoppers with a membership | Yes |
| Degoo | Cloud backup service | Mobile photo backup | Trial only |
| Ente | Encrypted photo storage | Private photo backup | Yes |
| Google Photos | Photo storage and editor | Mixed Android and iPhone families | Yes |
| Immich | Self-hosted photo platform | Your own photo server at home | Yes |
| Jottacloud | Norwegian cloud storage | European storage with photo backup | Yes |
| pCloud | Cloud storage | Files and media with optional encryption | Yes |
| Proton Drive | Encrypted cloud storage | Privacy-first file and photo storage | Yes |
| Sync.com | Encrypted cloud storage | Secure file sharing for small teams | Yes |
| Synology | Network storage devices | Storing everything at home | No |
Ten storage and photo services to consider instead of iCloud
Amazon Photos
Best for: People who want photo backup that ties in with an existing shopping membership.
Degoo
Best for: Phone users who want a simple app to back up photos and videos.
Ente
Best for: Families who want end-to-end encrypted photo backup across iPhone, Android and computers.
Google Photos
Best for: Families with both Android and Apple devices who want shared albums and strong search.
Immich
Best for: Technical users who want a self-hosted photo and video backup with a modern app.
Jottacloud
Best for: People who want cloud storage and photo backup from a European provider.
pCloud
Best for: People who want cloud storage for files and media with an optional encrypted folder.
Proton Drive
Best for: Privacy-minded users who want end-to-end encrypted files and photos.
Sync.com
Best for: Small businesses who want encrypted storage and secure file sharing.
Synology
Best for: Households and small offices who want their own storage device with photo and backup apps.
The encryption setting Apple leaves off
Here's what many iPhone owners don't know. Apple's own support page says standard data protection is the default for iCloud, with encryption keys secured in Apple data centres so Apple can help with data recovery, and only certain data end-to-end encrypted. Advanced Data Protection, which keeps the keys on your trusted devices for most iCloud data, is an optional setting.
So before you switch, check whether turning that setting on solves your worry. If it doesn't, or you want storage that works equally well on Android and Windows, an encrypted alternative or your own storage at home may suit you better.
Questions to ask before moving away from iCloud
- What are you moving: photos, files, or everything?
- Devices: do you need Android or Windows support?
- Privacy: do you want end-to-end encryption?
- Sharing: family albums, shared folders or both?
- Backups: where will your phone itself back up?
Moving your photos safely
- Download a full copy of your photo library to a computer.
- Install the new service and start its photo backup.
- Wait until the upload finishes and spot-check old albums.
- Keep the downloaded copy on an external drive.
- Only then reduce or turn off iCloud Photos.
Storage for a small business on Apple devices
If your business runs on Macs and iPhones, think separately about personal and work files. Client files belong in storage with sharing controls and an admin who can remove access, while your personal photos can stay in a consumer service. Mixing the two makes it hard to hand over work if someone leaves.
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Security codes matter as much as storage, and here's where to find Instagram backup codes before you need them.
Whichever service you choose, test a restore. Download one old album and open it, so you know the backup works before you ever need it.
And set a reminder to check your storage every few months. Full storage is the most common reason backups quietly stop, and you won't get much warning before it happens.
Do you make cloud storage and photo services? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on iCloud alternatives
Never delete your only copy while moving. Download everything, check it, and keep a copy on a drive before you change any settings on your phone.
And remember the rule of three: your photos should live in at least two places, and one of them shouldn't be in your house.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to iCloud?
It depends on what you store. Photo services suit picture backup, while encrypted storage suits sensitive files.
Is iCloud end-to-end encrypted?
Only partly by default. Apple says Advanced Data Protection is an optional setting that extends end-to-end encryption.
Can I back up my iPhone without iCloud?
You can back up to a computer, though app data backups are easiest with iCloud.
Which alternative works on Android and iPhone?
Most third-party photo and storage apps work on both.
Is self-hosted photo storage hard?
It needs some technical setup and a device at home, but the apps can be very polished.
Will I lose photo quality?
Check whether the service keeps original quality or compresses uploads.
Can I share albums with family?
Most photo services support shared albums and family plans.
How do I download all my iCloud photos?
Use the Photos app on a Mac or Apple's data download tools, then copy them to a drive.
Should I keep iCloud for backups?
Many people keep a small iCloud plan for device backups and store photos elsewhere.
Can I use two storage services at once?
Yes. Many people keep phone backups in one service and photos or work files in another.
