iCloud Photos review

iCloud Photos is the easiest option for anyone whose family is all on iPhone, iPad and Mac, because it is already switched on in the device settings. Apple says it keeps high-resolution photos and videos in iCloud while devices hold space-saving versions, which frees room on a full phone. The free tier is only 5 GB, but iCloud+ starts at $0.99 a month for 50 GB, the lowest entry price we found, and 200 GB costs $2.99. Every iCloud+ plan can be shared with up to five other family members at no extra cost, so one 2 TB plan at $9.99 a month can hold a whole household's camera rolls. Shared Albums let friends and relatives add their own photos, videos and comments. Plans go as high as 12 TB for $59.99 a month. The limit is reach: people on Android or Windows get a weaker experience, which is why it ranks just behind Google Photos.

Who it is for

iPhone and Mac households

Price

5 GB free; iCloud+ 50 GB $0.99 per month, 200 GB $2.99, 2 TB $9.99, 6 TB $29.99, 12 TB $59.99.

50GB $0.99/month Storage for thousands of photos, videos, and files.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Keeps high-res photos and videos in iCloud with space-saving versions on each device
• Shared Albums where everyone can add photos, videos and comments
• iCloud+ plans from 50 GB to 12 TB
• Share any iCloud+ plan with up to five other family members at no extra cost
• Built into iPhone, iPad and Mac settings

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest paid tier on this list at $0.99 a month for 50 GB
• Strength: Nothing extra to install on Apple devices
• Strength: Plans reach 12 TB for very large libraries
• Weakness: Only 5 GB free, which also holds device backups
• Weakness: Best experience needs Apple hardware
• Weakness: Large plans cost $29.99 and $59.99 a month

Key facts

• Free storage: 5 GB
• Cheapest paid plan: 50 GB, $0.99 per month
• Largest plan: 12 TB, $59.99 per month
• Family sharing: Up to five other family members

Where it ranks

iCloud Photos is No. 2 in our Best Photo Storage Apps verdict.