iCloud is Apple’s built-in cloud storage and device backup service for iPhone and Mac. Its optional Advanced Data Protection mode extends end-to-end encryption to most data categories, so that even Apple cannot read them.
Reviewed by Marcus Holmberg
iCloud
apple.com/icloud 2.1 (11)
Rate iCloud: No account needed
Threat level
Covered
A covered pick. Anyone can use it as a private drop-in, with no setup or know-how. Enough for most people. Threat levels
Our take
With Advanced Data Protection switched on, iCloud becomes end-to-end encrypted for most of your data, which puts it ahead of the Google and Microsoft defaults. The catches are real: that protection stays off until you enable it, the code is closed so you are trusting Apple’s word, and the company answers to US jurisdiction. A sensible pick if you already live in Apple’s ecosystem and will turn ADP on. If you want zero-trust storage you can audit, a dedicated encrypted provider is stronger.
Website at a glance
apple.com
B- score 65
Solid website security headers
Graded by Mozilla HTTP Observatory, tested 2d ago
Inspect this site yourself
Measures the security configuration of the tool's own website, not the privacy of the product itself. A strong tool can still score low here.
iCloud alternatives
Internxt Drive Internxt is a privacy-focused cloud storage platform with zero-knowledge encryption and anonymous accounts. The free plan offers 1GB of storage forever, with paid plans…
NordLocker Premium plans to get 500 GB ($3.19 USD/mo) or 2 TB ($7.99 USD/mo) storage space. 30-day money-back guarantee. Company is based in Lithuania.
PrivacyNotes Encrypted notes, tasks, calendar, files, passwords and a journal with mood and medication tracking, all unlocked by one 12-word recovery phrase. Sign up with no email and no password. Open source.
MEGA The free plan offers 20 GB storage and a daily 5GB transfer limit. Company is based in New Zealand.
Proton Drive 15 GB storage for 3.99€/mo or 500 GB for 9.99€/mo. Discount for yearly payments. Based in Switzerland.
Tresorit End-to-end encrypted cloud storage founded in 2011, owned by Swiss Post, the national postal service of Switzerland. Closed-source clients with multiple independent security audits; available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.