7 BEST File Hosting Services (Free Storage Sites) 2023
Richard Peterson
File hosting services are used by many of us on a daily basis. However, choosing a non-ideal tool for storing your files can lead to a disastrous outcome. With some file hosting site, there are risks involved like low security that puts your sensitive files in the hands of hackers.
Such free file hosting services also have heavy downtime, give limited control over your links and data, and have low to no support. These services also provide a restricted number of uploads and downloads and may even alter your file quality.
Some file hosting services also lack features like real-time collaboration, backup, synchronization, etc.
We researched over 50 best file hosting services and selected the seven best tools and evaluated these file hosting services based on their storage capacity, free storage allowance, security, size of file upload and sharing, etc.
Best File Hosting Sites & Services
| Name | Free Storage | Data Transfer Limit Per File | Maximum File Upload Size | File Versioning and Backup | Encryption | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icedrive | 10 GB | No limit, upto 100 TB | No limit, upto 100 TB | Yes. 3 versions, Backup Wizard | Twofish algorithm, AES/ Rijndael, Zero Knowledge | Learn More |
| Mega | 20 GB | No limit | No limit | Yes, 100+ versions, File Backup | Zero Knowledge,End-to-end encryption , keys generated passwords | Learn More |
| pCloud | 10 GB | 5 GB for Basic plan | No Limit | Yes, 15 days, Auto-save backup | Strict pCloud Encryption, 4096-bit RSA, 256-bit AES | Learn More |
| Dropbox | 2GB | 100 MB for Basic plan | 2GB for Basic plan | Yes, 180 days, Recover files from 30 days | 256-bit AES, SSL/TLS, two-step-verification | Learn More |
| Google drive | 15 GB | 750 GB for Basic plan | 750 GB for Basic plan | Yes,40 versions, Primary data backup | reCAPTCHA, Notifications to secondary registered email | Learn More |
1) Icedrive
Best for accessing your files immediately upon installation
Icedrive is a free cloud storage tool that makes you feel like you are using a physical hard drive. You get all the features for file hosting services like edit, delete, upload, open, etc. It is one of the best cloud storage platforms that comes with a smart cache control operation that helps you access your files immediately upon installation without waiting for syncing.
With Icedrive you can easily not only upload and download but also stream media with a built-in media player. You can also preview all formats and images without downloading them. It simplifies file editing as the old one is only temporarily saved so the new version is instantly uploaded to the cloud once it is edited.
For customer support, you can use their website and send a ticket or chat via the site or call or mail them for assistance.
Lifetime Free Storage: 10 GB
Data Transfer Limit Per File: No limit, upto 100 TB
Maximum File Upload Size: No limit, upto 100 TB
Pricing: Starts at $1.67 per month (paid annually)
Features:
- File sharing: Share files with no limit as there are no size restrictions to upload or send. Create public links which can be made for both files and folders.
- File upload: Upload entire folder at once from the “add new menu” or use just drag-and-drop to move folders to web browser.
- Storage space: Get upto 5TB storage capacity with this file hosting website
- Encryption: Twofish algorithm encryption with AES/ Rijndael, client-side encryption, Zero Knowledge, and 256-bit keys.
- Integrated media players: Web version and mobile apps have integrated players for audio and video files, you can also adjust the speed of the audio.
- Collaboration: It has an easy collaboration where the users can also use emojis, provide instant feedback, leave remarks, etc.
- Backup: You can backup files in your iOS, Android devices using its backup wizard.
- Auto-sync: It auto-syncs your files and you can access them immediately after installation.
- Cache control: It has an intelligent caching system which boosts app speed while using minimum space.
- Selective Sync: You can use selective sync for any folder on the hard disk.
- Supported platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: Free upto 10 GB
Pricing: Paid plans start at $1.67 per month, billed yearly, 150 GB, Clientside encryption
2) Mega
Best file hosting with chat and meets in one place
Mega provides high-security storage for your files and data for sharing online. It helps in stocking large files with easily extendable storage. Mega also helps you send chat messages and have a meeting over audio and video calls.
Share Mega files with limited access or full access with family, friends, and colleagues. It allows you to decide whether they can only read or make changes, etc. It also enables you to set passwords on your files and create expiring links.
Mega lets you be the true controller of your data. You can also restrict access by preventing newly added individuals in the group from reading old messages and much more.
Features:
- File sharing: Share files and folders with total control of your data and any size of links even with non-Mega users. You can also set expiring dates on links with up to 16 TB transfer capacity.
- File upload: No size limit for uploading files, can even upload upto 3TB at once.
- Storage space: Expand upto 16 TB with a paid plan.
- Encryption: It uses Zero-Knowledge, also has encryption keys, and generated password protection.
- Integrated media players: Stream videos and other media without downloading.
- Collaboration: Easy and safe collaboration with end-to-end encryption and make audio and video calls for meetings.
- Scan files: It scans all local files in the synced folders and asks for permission to make changes.
- Backup: Easy backup available with Desktop App
- Auto-sync: It automatically runs once you are on your device and syncs files using a complex matrix for accuracy and update you once done.
- Selective sync: Add multiple selective syncs between specific folders on your Mega account and PC.
- Supported platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: Free up to 20 GB
Pricing: Paid plans start at $9.06 per month, billed yearly, 2TB GB
3) pCloud
Best auto-backup for your photos and videos
pCloud is a file hosting tool that has an easy-to-use interface that lets you locate all your files in an instant. With pCloud you can store several kinds of files like music, videos, and documents and also use its filter for arranging them as per their formats.
Along with regular syncing capability, it includes an additional sync feature for connecting local files with its drive.
It lets you share and receive files instantly and your recipients can also upload materials without login into your account. pCloud’s interface provides visibility of every change instantly on your devices which boosts efficiency while working together on documents and files.
Features:
- File sharing: Share large files upto 5GB for free with friends and co-workers even if they don’t own a pCloud account. You can also use this free file hosting without registration.
- File upload: It allows you to upload any type of file and even store HD videos without a size limit at high speed.
- Storage space: Upto 10 TB storage capacity in a paid plan
- Encryption: High-end pCloud encryption with Zero Knowledge and encryption key, 4096-bit RSA and 256-bit AES per file and per folder.
- Integrated media players: Watch videos and play audio in any format with its integrated media player.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with teams and work on files and provide restricted access or full access, use “Invite to folder” for sharing exclusive folders.
- Scan files: It has a pCloud scanner app for iOS.
- Backup: Automatically saves the folder you select from your system and changes are synced in real-time.
- Auto-sync: Get Instant synchronization with iCloud between all your devices.
- Media file management: You can resize photos straight from pCloud, compress and download videos and it lets you customize your auto-upload.
- Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: Free upto 10 GB
Pricing: Paid plans start at $49.99, and 500 GB
4) Dropbox
Best for editing Microsoft Office files online for free
Dropbox is a well-known file hosting tool that helps in storing, sharing, giving e-signatures, document tracking, etc. This cloud storage tool is your daily companion for tasks like creating, editing, sharing cloud content from Google docs, sheets, slides, Microsoft Office and much more.
It has Standard+ DocSend bundle that gives you real-time analytics, personalized document spaces, advanced doc controls, etc. Using Dropbox you can safely send files to your clients, colleagues and family members. This file storage tool also lets you use a custom password and also provides expiration date settings to safeguard your files.
All Dropbox plans have priority email support. With paid plans you receive 24/7 live chat and phone support during business hours.
Features:
- Link sharing: You can share any uploaded file by sharing its associated short link.
- Storage space: Get upto 5000 GB in standard version and customize as per your requirement in advanced paid plan.
- File sharing: Share files as large as your cloud storage space limit
- Annotate files: Collaborate on files by adding annotations and exchange feedback in real time instead of emails.
- To-do lists: To-do lists can be added to files to keep track of project progress and assign different tasks to different team members.
- Templates: Dropbox includes templates for many types of files including brainstorming, project planning, timelines, meeting minutes, and social media calendars. You can use these templates to create and edit files within Dropbox.
- Encryption: Dropbox uses 256-bit AES, SSL/TLS and two-step-verification
- Backup: With this cloud storage service you get an “always on” cloud auto-backup files and instant recovery with DropBox backup capability.
- Scan documents: With Dropbox’s mobile app, you can scan documents and upload them to Dropbox as PDFs.
- Auto-sync: You can automatically sync your devices with Dropbox for easy backups.
- E signature: Sign e-signatures, add or request unlimited legally binding signature requests to the stored documents in Dropbox workflow
- Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: FREE up to 2GB
Pricing: Paid plan starts at $9.99 per month for 2TB, 1 user
5) Google Drive
Best file storage tool for working offline
Google Drive is a widely known free file hosting service provider that stores your files and documents for easy access from all your devices. It easily integrates with docs, slides, and sheets for handy and quick collaboration.
Using Google drive you can also collaborate in Microsoft Office files without even converting the files into any format. It is an AI-driven tool that amplifies performance speed, collaboration, and reliability.
You can share files with up to 200 email addresses for all functions such as viewing, editing, and commenting. This online file storage service also helps you organize your files systematically and you can use its Star icon to keep your favorites in one place.
Features:
- File sharing: Share personal files and other documents directly from the tool to the email address and edit access as per your wish.
- File upload: It lets you upload up to 750 GB in Basic Plan and upload all kind of files, documents, photos, and videos.
- Storage space: Get upto 5 TB in paid plan and custom storage space for Enterprise plan.
- Encryption: It provides reCAPTCHA, Notifications to the secondary registered email
- Integrated media players: You can use Music Player for Google drive as an extension to play music and you can also store and play videos in the drive.
- Collaboration: It easily integrates with other Google applications like Documents, Sheets, etc., and provides seamless collaboration in real-time.
- Scan files: Easy scanning available for Android and desktop.
- Backup: This cloud storage app has a great backup capability for disaster management and business
- Auto-sync: All the changes made in your files in files in the computer appear in Google Drive and also its desktop app has auto-sync for local files to the cloud.
- Built-in Protections: It comes with built-in protection against corrupt files, thus, any malware files found will be scanned and automatically removed.
- Supported platforms: Windows, Android 6(Marshmallow) and later, and iOS 14 and later.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: Free upto 15 GB (this space is shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google photos)
Pricing: Paid plans start at $6 per month
6) Internxt
Best open source tool for file storage with strict privacy policies
Internxt is a free file hosting platform that stores all your documents and provides total control over them. It is an open-source cloud storage provider that uses powerful encryption technology to ensure the security and privacy of user data.
You can use Internxt to organize and access your files anywhere and anytime. It also has a password generator, password checker, temporary email, and virus scanner. Internxt also provides 24/7 live chat for quick assistance for users.
Internxt is available in 7 languages (English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, and Italian) and offers lifetime storage plans of up to 10 TB.
Features:
- File sharing: Share large files and photos securely.
- File upload: Upload files from all platforms. You can use both desktop and website apps to upload files.
- Storage space: Get upto 2 TB of storage with a Lifetime paid plan. Pay once with no recuuring fees.
- Encryption: This cloud storage too uses military-grade encryption with AES-256, has Zero Knowledge technology, is GDPR compliant, and has end-to-end encryption
- Collaboration: You can collaborate on projects in real time with teams and friends.
- Anonymous account creation: You do not need to provide an email address or any identity verification to use Internxt
- Scan files: It has a free virus and malware scanner tool for scanning files.
- Backup: You can initiate “Backup” on the desktop and reserve your files and photos.
- Supported platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
- Instantly preview DOCX and XLSX files as PDF or Excel without altering the original file.
- Accepts debit or credit cards, PayPal, iDEAL, Sofort, Bancontact, Cryptocurrency, and SEPA Debit.
- Free tools include a password checker, virus scanner, byte converter, password generator, and temporary email.
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: Free upto 10 GB
Pricing: Paid plans start at $0.99 per month (Note: the pricing on the official website is in Euros)
7) Sync
Best tool for team collaborations
Sync is a file storing tool that is built for smart collaboration. It brings together all your external and internal partners, customers, clients, files, documents, etc. for creating a seamless workflow.
You can remotely access your files and share them instantly with its safe file-transferring portal. It also includes offline access which helps you work anytime even without connecting to a network connection.
This cloud file hosting tool also allows you to share files through a personalized client file portal with your brand/company’s logo.
Features:
- File sharing: Send and receive files and use custom-branded client gateway, transfer unlimited data for paid plans, and create upto 3 links with limited data transfer in the free version.
- File upload: It lets you upload documents and media files of any size
- Storage space: Get unlimited storage capacity with paid plans.
- Encryption: It provides two-factor authentication, pin lock for mobile apps
- Collaboration: You can create centralized folders for both internal and external members and allow permissions as per your requirement
- Backup: This cloud storage has a feature called Sync Vault that is useful for backup and storing files
- Download multiple files at once: If the sender sends a link to a folder containing several files you can download all of them at once as a Zip.
- Auto-Sync: It provides quick and real-time sync.
- Supported platforms: Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, macOS, Google Chrome, Firefox
Pros
Cons
Key Specs:
Free version: Free upto 5 GB
Pricing: Paid plans start at $6 per user, per month, billed annually
FAQ
Verdict:
File hosting service is an extremely necessary tool for storing your files with high-end security. In this article, we have mentioned seven tools that are widely known for their best file hosting services.
We have listed down their important features, and pros and cons for better decision making. Some of best cloud storage we shortlisted are Icedrive, Mega and pCloud.
Best File Hosting Sites & Services
| Name | Free Storage | Data Transfer Limit Per File | Maximum File Upload Size | File Versioning and Backup | Encryption | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icedrive | 10 GB | No limit, upto 100 TB | No limit, upto 100 TB | Yes. 3 versions, Backup Wizard | Twofish algorithm, AES/ Rijndael, Zero Knowledge | Learn More |
| Mega | 20 GB | No limit | No limit | Yes, 100+ versions, File Backup | Zero Knowledge,End-to-end encryption , keys generated passwords | Learn More |
| pCloud | 10 GB | 5 GB for Basic plan | No Limit | Yes, 15 days, Auto-save backup | Strict pCloud Encryption, 4096-bit RSA, 256-bit AES | Learn More |
| Dropbox | 2GB | 100 MB for Basic plan | 2GB for Basic plan | Yes, 180 days, Recover files from 30 days | 256-bit AES, SSL/TLS, two-step-verification | Learn More |
| Google drive | 15 GB | 750 GB for Basic plan | 750 GB for Basic plan | Yes,40 versions, Primary data backup | reCAPTCHA, Notifications to secondary registered email | Learn More |