Apple iCloud+ review

For a home where everyone carries an iPhone, iCloud+ is the least effort option on this list. Apple gives 5 GB free the first time you sign in, which fills quickly once phone backups start, so most families move to a paid tier. Apple's US price table lists 50 GB at $0.99, 200 GB at $2.99, 2 TB at $9.99, 6 TB at $29.99 and 12 TB at $59.99 a month. Any of those plans can be shared with up to five other family members at no extra cost, and Apple says each person's photos and files stay private and separate. Subscribers also get iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email and HomeKit Secure Video, where camera footage is end-to-end encrypted. The weak points are outside Apple's own devices: Android and Windows users get less polished access, and there is no one-time payment plan. For mixed households, Google One or OneDrive usually fits better.

Who it is for

All-Apple households that want device backups, photos and files handled without extra apps.

Price

50 GB $0.99, 200 GB $2.99, 2 TB $9.99, 6 TB $29.99 and 12 TB $59.99 per month in the US; 5 GB free.

United States 4 (USD) $0.99 $2.99 $9.99 $29.99 $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• 5 GB free when you sign in to an Apple device
• iCloud+ plans from 50 GB to 12 TB
• Share any plan with up to five other family members
• iCloud Private Relay and Hide My Email
• HomeKit Secure Video with end-to-end encrypted footage

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The cheapest entry plan here at $0.99 a month
• Strength: Family Sharing included on every tier
• Strength: Device backups and photos work with no setup
• Weakness: Only 5 GB free
• Weakness: Windows and Android access is limited compared with Apple devices
• Weakness: No lifetime or one-time payment option

Key facts

• Free storage: 5 GB
• Plans: 50 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, 6 TB, 12 TB
• Family sharing: Up to five other members
• Cheapest US price: $0.99 per month

Where it ranks

Apple iCloud+ is No. 2 in our Best Cloud Storage for Personal Use verdict and No. 8 in Best Free Cloud Storage.