Cloud Storage Explained: OneDrive, Google Drive, and iCloud

Cloud storage means keeping your files on remote servers (accessed via the internet) rather than solely on your local device. It provides automatic backup, access from multiple devices, and protection against hard drive failure.

The main options

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is built into Windows 10 and 11, and integrates seamlessly with Office applications. You get 5GB free. Microsoft 365 personal subscription (around £6/month) includes 1TB of OneDrive storage alongside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. If you already pay for Microsoft 365, use OneDrive — you're already paying for it.

Google Drive

15GB free (shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos). Google Workspace plans start from £4.60/month for 30GB. If you use Gmail, an Android phone, or Google Docs, Google Drive is the natural fit. The Google Drive desktop app syncs selected folders automatically.

Apple iCloud

5GB free. iCloud+ starts from 79p/month for 50GB. If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, iCloud integrates seamlessly and syncs everything automatically including photos, contacts, and app data. For Windows users, iCloud is available but less intuitive.

What should you store in the cloud?

Priority items for cloud backup: important documents (bank statements, insurance, passports), irreplaceable photos and videos, work files, and anything you'd be devastated to lose. Large media libraries (films, music) are generally not worth storing in the cloud due to size — keep those on external drives.