Is iCloud+ worth it in 2026?
By Matteo Vigliante · Updated 23 May 2026 · 2 min read
iCloud+ is worth it if you're committed to Apple devices. It backs up your iPhone with no effort, and the bundled extras like Private Relay and Hide My Email add real value. At €0.99/mo for 50 GB it's cheap to start. If you only want storage, you can get 2 TB cheaper elsewhere, and iCloud is awkward on Windows or Android.
iCloud+ is the paid tier of iCloud. It costs €0.99/mo for 50 GB, €2.99/mo for 200 GB, and €9.99/mo for 2 TB. Pricing is the same worldwide, and family sharing is included on every paid tier.
Its strength is integration. On an iPhone or Mac it handles device backups, photo sync, and app data without you thinking about it. The bundled privacy features, like Private Relay, Hide My Email, custom email domains, and unlimited HomeKit camera support, are genuinely useful and don't eat into your storage.
Key numbers: Cheapest 2 TB is Apple iCloud+ at €9.99/mo. Biggest free tier is Google One at 15 GB. Highest rated is Icedrive at 3.8 / 5.
The weak spots are lock-in and value for plain storage. iCloud on Windows is clumsy and on Android it barely exists, so it's a poor fit for a mixed household. And if storage is all you want, the 2 TB tier is matched or beaten by providers that also sell lifetime plans. The table puts iCloud next to those alternatives.
iCloud+ and the alternatives
Frequently asked
How much does iCloud+ cost?
€0.99/mo for 50 GB, €2.99/mo for 200 GB, and €9.99/mo for 2 TB. Apple also sells 6 TB and 12 TB tiers. Prices are the same worldwide.
Is iCloud+ worth it without an iPhone?
Not really. iCloud's value is how tightly it works with Apple devices. On Windows it's clumsy and on Android barely supported, so a cross-platform provider would serve you better.
Does iCloud+ include end-to-end encryption?
Optionally. Apple's Advanced Data Protection turns on end-to-end encryption for most iCloud categories, but it's off by default and you have to enable it yourself.
Related
iCloud storage full? What it really costs to fix
Apple charges €0.99/mo for 50 GB, €2.99/mo for 200 GB, and €9.99/mo for 2 TB on iCloud+. That's fair if you live in Apple's ecosystem. If you just need space and not Apple's services, providers like pCloud, Internxt, and Icedrive sell 2 TB for less, and their lifetime plans pay for themselves in about three years.
iCloud+ vs Google One: which should you choose?
Choose iCloud+ if your life runs on Apple devices. It backs up your iPhone automatically and works best on Mac and iOS. Choose Google One if you use Gmail and Google Photos, want storage that works the same on Android, Windows, and the web, or want the bigger free tier. At 2 TB they cost the same, €9.99/mo, so the choice is about ecosystem, not price.
Is Google One worth it in 2026?
Google One is worth it if your photos, email, and files already live in Google's apps. The 2 TB plan is priced competitively and includes a VPN and family sharing. If you don't lean on Gmail or Google Photos, you can usually get the same storage cheaper from pCloud or Internxt, and with better privacy.
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