As Google Photos ends free unlimited uploads, what options do users have?
Currently, the service provides unlimited backup for high quality media files, which are slightly reduced in quality from the original. Storage is only limited for files uploaded in their original format
All good things must come to an end. That is true of Google Photos as well. Users have less than two weeks to upload all the images they have to the service without having to pay anything. As Google announced last year, any “high quality” photo or video uploaded on Photos after June 1 will count towards the free 15GB storage quota that is standard for all Google accounts. That cap will be shared with Gmail, as well as Workspace documents, slides and spreadsheets.
Currently, the service provides unlimited backup for high quality media files, which are slightly reduced in quality from the original. Storage is only limited for files uploaded in their original format. After June 1, however, users have to pay for a Google One storage plan if their uploads go beyond 15GB. The basic subscription of Google One offers 100GB storage space for ₹130 per month or ₹1,300 per annum. For 200GB storage space, users pay ₹210 per month or 2,100 per annum. For 2TB, the price of Google One in India is ₹650 per month and ₹6,500 per year. For 10TB, the price is ₹3,250 per month.
Those with a Pixel 2 or a newer Pixel model don’t have to worry about hitting the limit. They can keep on enjoying unlimited storage for free.
What are the options?
Not many, sadly, considering that Google Photos is one of the best photo services on the internet. There are a few photo services, but they also come with a storage quota.
Dropbox
Users can try Dropbox, but it offers only 2GB per user as part of its free basic personal plan. Those who want to store more content on this cloud service will have to buy additional storage.
Microsoft OneDrive
This is another decent option. The service offers a free tier of 5GB, and if users want more space, they can buy the 100GB plan (₹140 per month).
Amazon Prime
Prime members have the option of Amazon Photos, which offers unlimited, full-resolution photo storage and 5GB video storage. But this is not available in India.
DigiBoxx
India’s very own DigiBoxx offers 20GB of free cloud storage. The plan supports Gmail integration and unlimited external collaborations. The service supports end-to-encryption. DigiBoxx offers 100GB of storage space per month for just ₹30. Users can also buy the annual plan for ₹360.
Degoo
Degoo offers 100GB of free cloud storage. Like DigiBoxx, it claims that all the files are end-to-end encrypted, so users don’t need to worry about security. Additionally, only three devices can upload files with the free plan. Degoo’s 500GB storage plan costs ₹220. There is also a 10TB plan, priced at ₹735.
