Google Photos has long been a popular choice for storing and organizing images across devices. However, with the 15GB free storage limit shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos, users may find themselves running out of space quickly. Previously, Google Photos offered free unlimited storage for high-quality images, but that benefit has been discontinued.
If you’re searching for a better storage plan, enhanced features, or simply want to break free from Google’s ecosystem, here are some of the best alternatives worth considering.
1. Flickr
Free Storage: 1,000 photos
Flickr takes a different approach from most storage services by allowing users to store up to 1,000 images and videos for free, regardless of file size. This is a big advantage over Google Photos, which has a 75MB limit per image on the free plan. With Flickr, you can upload images up to 200MB in size, making it ideal for high-resolution photos.
For those who need more space, Flickr offers paid plans starting at $10.44 per month for unlimited storage. Additionally, it provides social features, enabling users to make their photos public, join photography groups, and engage with a community of photographers worldwide.
2. Dropbox
Free Storage: 5GB
Dropbox is not strictly a photo storage service, but that can work to your advantage if you need a versatile cloud storage solution. It allows users to store various file types, including documents, videos, and images, making it a great all-in-one storage platform.
Dropbox’s paid plans start at $9.99 per month for 2TB of storage, which is comparable to Google One’s premium plans. The platform also offers seamless integration with productivity tools, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.
3. Ente
Free Storage: 5GB
Developed by a former Google engineer, Ente is a privacy-focused alternative to Google Photos with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that no one—including the company itself—has access to your data. Unlike Google Photos, where image processing happens in the cloud, Ente processes all image-related tasks on your device, improving security.
Ente offers additional features such as automatic face recognition, location-based organization, and smart categorization (e.g., sunsets, documents, and memes). The platform also supports multi-user sharing, allowing you to share storage with up to five people. Paid plans start at an affordable $2.49 per month for 50GB.
4. Cryptee
Free Storage: 100MB
Cryptee is another privacy-centric photo storage service with a strong focus on encryption and open-source transparency. Unlike mainstream platforms, Cryptee allows users to sign up with a simple username and password, with the option to use an email for recovery.
Though the free plan is limited to just 100MB, the paid plan starts at $3.30 per month for 10GB. Cryptee works across various platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, through a progressive web app. Additionally, it offers a secure document editor that supports Markdown, KaTeX math, and various file formats, making it a great option for users who need both photo and document storage in one place.
5. Amazon Photos
Free Storage: 5GB (Unlimited for Prime members)
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you already have access to unlimited photo storage via Amazon Photos. This makes it a great way to store your images without additional costs. Even if you’re not a Prime subscriber, Amazon offers affordable storage plans, starting at just $1.99 per month for 100GB.
Amazon Photos provides automatic photo backup, family sharing features, and AI-powered search capabilities, making it a compelling alternative to Google Photos.
6. 500px
Free Storage: 21 high-resolution photo uploads per week
500px is designed specifically for photographers—whether hobbyists or professionals—who want a platform to showcase their work. Unlike traditional storage services, 500px offers community engagement features, allowing photographers to receive feedback and grow their audience.
Paid plans cost less than $50 per year and include unlimited high-resolution photo storage, ad-free browsing, and insights into how your photos are performing. The Pro plan, priced at around $100 per year, provides additional tools for building a professional portfolio with a custom domain.
7. Photobucket
Free Storage: None
While Photobucket does not offer a free storage tier, it compensates with one of the most affordable paid plans on the market. At just $5 per month, users get a generous 1TB of storage—significantly more than what competitors offer at similar price points. Opting for an annual plan further reduces the cost.
Photobucket also provides group storage plans, allowing families, friends, or organizations to share 1TB of storage for $8 per month. Additionally, the platform offers a built-in photo editor for quick edits before sharing.
Final Thoughts
With Google Photos no longer offering free unlimited storage, it’s essential to explore alternative services that better fit your needs. Whether you prioritize privacy, affordability, or features tailored for photographers, these options provide compelling alternatives to Google’s ecosystem.
For casual users, Amazon Photos (for Prime members) and Flickr offer great free storage plans. Dropbox and Ente cater to those looking for versatility and security. Meanwhile, 500px and Photobucket are excellent for photographers who want to showcase their work professionally.
Before making a switch, consider factors like storage capacity, cost, privacy features, and additional tools to ensure you find the perfect cloud storage service for your photos.
