Apple offers each iCloud user 5GB of cloud storage for free, but users who require more storage will need to upgrade to iCloud+, and it might be hard to choose the right subscription plan. File sizes are growing with each product release, especially for photos and videos. With iCloud Photos, Apple users can store their entire photo and video library in the cloud — provided they have enough storage.
There are clear benefits to using cloud storage for files, photos, and videos. Data stored in iCloud can be accessed on any device with an internet connection, just like Google Drive or Dropbox. However, like those other cloud storage solutions, users who store large amounts of data in iCloud will have to pay monthly fees for additional storage. iCloud+ includes iCloud storage, iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video support. This new version of iCloud+ is the one users who exceed or are approaching their current iCloud storage limit are presented with, but it isn't the only option for purchasing additional cloud storage.
There are two ways to buy extra iCloud storage space — subscribing to iCloud+ or Apple One — and choosing the cheapest option depends on a few factors. For users who are only looking for a small amount of additional cloud storage space and do not subscribe to any other Apple services, the best subscriptions are the basic iCloud+ plans. They are the absolute cheapest way to obtain more storage space, starting at $0.99 per month for 50GB of iCloud storage. Users can also upgrade to 200GB for $2.99, or even 2TB for $9.99. These are the cheapest ways for people to get extra iCloud storage when they don't pay for other Apple services, but for other users, the options are different.
An Apple One Bundle Could Be Cheaper
Over the past few years, Apple has considerably expanded its portfolio of services. It now offers subscriptions to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+. For users that subscribe to even one or two of those plans, it may be cheaper or more cost-effective to subscribe to Apple One, a bundle that includes all these services. For example, a user can subscribe to the individual Apple One plan for less than the cost of Apple Music and Apple TV+ combined — and they'll get 50GB of iCloud+ included. Additionally, users who sign up for the individual plan, which costs $16.95 per month, also get Apple Arcade.
The real cost-saving occurs through the Apple One Family and Premier plans, which can be shared with up to five other people. Apple's Family plan includes all the features of the individual plan, but the included iCloud storage is upped to 200GB that can be divided among a family sharing group. Essentially, this plan allows each family member to upgrade their iCloud storage and access Apple services for just $22.95 per month. The premier plan, priced at $32.95 per month, includes every Apple service and adds 2TB of iCloud storage. If a family of five people subscribed to Apple One, each member could get access to 400GB of extra iCloud storage for just under $7 per month, and that doesn't include the cost savings from the other five Apple services included. For people who subscribe to a few Apple services and need extra iCloud storage, Apple One is the most cost-effective way to expand their cloud storage.