Which iCloud plan best suits your needs?
Your iPhone beeps again. "Storage almost full." For the umpteenth time this month. You deleted all those photos from your last vacation, but two days later the message is back. Time for more iCloud space, that's clear. But: 50 GB, 200 GB, or that 2 TB right away? And how much does that actually cost per year?
Yet choosing the right iCloud plan can be surprisingly complex. It's not just about how much space you need for your photos. It's all about how to make all your Apple devices—from your AirPods to your MacBook—work together intelligently. In fact, with the right approach, you can often get by with less storage than you think. And that can easily save you tens of euros a year, money you could better spend on useful accessories for your Apple products .
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Why iCloud Storage is Essential for Apple Users
Your Apple devices work best when they communicate seamlessly with each other. Whether you're taking photos with your iPhone, editing documents on your MacBook, or taking notes on your iPad, everything needs to be in sync. This is where iCloud plays a crucial role. It's not just a storage service; it's the glue that holds your Apple ecosystem together.
The free 5GB that Apple offers by default fills up quickly for most users, especially if you use multiple devices or enjoy taking photos and videos. Then you're faced with a choice: which paid plan best suits your needs?
The three iCloud subscriptions under the microscope
50 GB for €0.99 per month
This entry-level plan is perfect for the average iPhone user. You'll have enough space for:
- Daily photos and videos
- WhatsApp backups
- Documents and notes
- App data from one or two devices
Users with just an iPhone and maybe AirPods will usually be fine with this. It saves you €11.88 per year compared to the next-highest plan.
200 GB for €2.99 per month
The perfect compromise for families or people with multiple Apple devices. This plan offers:
- Space for extensive photo collections
- Backups of multiple devices
- Possibility of family sharing (up to 6 persons)
- Plenty of space for work and private files
With family sharing, you effectively pay €0.50 per person per month – a bargain for the functionality offered.
2 TB for €9.99 per month
The premium option for professionals and content creators. Ideal when you:
- 4K videos edited
- Saves RAW photo files
- Synchronizes large project files
- Maintains a complete digital library
Make smart use of your available space
Before upgrading to a more expensive plan, you can optimize your current storage. Start by checking your storage allocation in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. Old backups and unnecessary photos often take up the majority of your storage.
Manage photos and videos
Enable "Optimize iCloud Photos" on your iPhone. This feature only saves smaller versions locally, while the originals are safely stored in the cloud. This saves gigabytes of local storage without losing quality.
Also consider turning off Live Photos for everyday snapshots. They take up three times as much space as regular photos. Save the feature for special moments.
Clean up app data
Not all apps need to store their data in iCloud. Go to iCloud settings and disable syncing for apps you rarely use, such as games whose progress isn't crucial.
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
Apple encrypts your iCloud data both in transit and at rest. This means that even in the event of a data breach, your files remain unreadable to malicious parties. Furthermore, Apple uses end-to-end encryption for sensitive information such as passwords and health data.
Two-factor authentication is enabled by default for new accounts. This adds an extra layer of security: in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code sent to a trusted device.
Practical tips for daily use
Set up automatic downloads
Have new purchases automatically appear on all your devices. This prevents you from having to download apps or music twice and saves time.
Using shared albums
Instead of sending photos via WhatsApp, create shared albums. The quality is preserved, and recipients can add photos. Ideal for holidays or family gatherings.
Synchronize desktop and documents
MacBook users can sync their desktop and document folders. This allows you to work seamlessly across devices without manually transferring files.
When upgrading is really necessary
There are clear signs that an upgrade is inevitable:
- You will receive daily notifications about full storage
- Backups fail frequently
- You have to constantly delete files
- Photos no longer syncing between devices
Don't wait too long to upgrade. A failed backup could mean losing important data if your device experiences problems.
Considering alternatives
While iCloud integrates seamlessly with Apple devices, there are times when alternatives are useful. For example, use Google Photos for unlimited compressed photo storage, or Dropbox for sharing large files with non-Apple users.
Combine different services intelligently: iCloud for system backups and syncing, and other services for specific tasks. This keeps your iCloud usage limited and costs low.
Making the right choice
Choose your iCloud plan based on your actual usage, not on what you think you'll need. Start small—you can always upgrade later. Monitor your usage in the first few months and adjust as needed.
For most people, 50 GB is sufficient, especially with smart space management. Families and people with multiple devices benefit from 200 GB. Only professionals with specific needs really need 2 TB.
Remember: it's not about having the most storage, but about finding the right amount for your situation. The tips in this article will help you get the most out of your chosen plan.
Making the right choice without paying too much
Choosing the right iCloud plan doesn't have to be complicated. Start with 50 GB and see if that's enough —with smart space management, you can go a long way. If you find yourself regularly hitting the limits after a few months, simply upgrade to 200 GB.
This could save you tens of euros per year, which you could better invest in a refurbished iPhone or useful accessories . The most important thing is that your iCloud storage matches how you actually use your Apple devices, not what you might eventually need.
