Google Photos review

Google Photos earns first place because it does the two jobs on this list well for the widest group of phone owners: it backs up a camera roll automatically and it makes sharing easy. Every Google account gets up to 15 GB of storage, though that pool also holds Gmail and Google Drive, and in some countries the full amount requires adding a phone number. When space runs out, the US App Store lists 100 GB for $1.99 a month, 200 GB for $2.99 and the 2 TB Google AI Plus plan for $9.99. Search works with plain descriptions, duplicates and similar shots are grouped into stacks, and sensitive pictures can go into a locked folder. Shared albums open for people who do not use Google Photos, which matters when grandparents are on a different phone. Once photos are backed up, the app can clear them from the phone in one tap. The drawback is that the free space fills quickly when email and documents share it.

Who it is for

Android owners and mixed-device families

Price

15 GB free per Google account; 100 GB $1.99 per month, 200 GB $2.99, Google AI Plus 2 TB $9.99 as in-app purchases on the US App Store.

100 GB $1.99 200 GB $2.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Up to 15 GB of free storage per Google account, shared with Gmail and Google Drive
• Descriptive search such as "Kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains"
• Shared photos, videos and albums open for contacts who do not use Google Photos
• Locked folder protected by the device screen lock
• Magic Eraser, Unblur and Portrait Light editing tools

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Largest free allowance among the big platforms at up to 15 GB
• Strength: 100 GB costs $1.99 a month on the US App Store
• Strength: Same app and library on Android and iPhone
• Weakness: Free space is shared with Gmail and Google Drive
• Weakness: In some countries accounts start at 5 GB and need a phone number to add 10 GB
• Weakness: The 2 TB tier is bundled with Google AI Plus features

Key facts

• Free storage: Up to 15 GB per Google account
• Cheapest paid plan: 100 GB, $1.99 per month
• Annual option: 100 GB for $19.99 a year
• Platforms: Android, iPhone, iPad, web

Where it ranks

Google Photos is No. 1 in our Best Photo Storage Apps verdict.