I use these 4 apps to back up my pictures instead of Google Photos

I don’t have any major issues with Google Photos. It’s a suitable option for backing up photos and videos, especially if you use an Android phone, where it’s the default service. However, not everyone may want to support Google financially, and some users might find the app’s interface confusing. If you simply want a backup app without additional features, you may want to explore other options.

An important reason to consider alternatives to Google Photos is redundancy. While the chances of Google failing are low, there’s always a risk of server failures or changes in policies that may prompt you to switch services. Additionally, accidental deletion of files can happen, so having backups on other platforms can be a lifesaver. Personally, I’ve had to retrieve files from secondary services on occasions, which highlights the importance of having multiple backup options for peace of mind.

The services mentioned below may not be the absolute best alternatives to Google Photos, but they are the ones I personally use. By utilizing these services, the likelihood of permanently losing a photo or video is minimal. Pairing these services with offline external storage drives can provide an extra layer of security.

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1 iCloud Photos

Built for Apple devices, but not exclusive to them

You might assume that iCloud Photos is only useful if you own an iPhone. While the service is primarily designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users with no native Android app, creating an iCloud account gives you 5GB of free storage and allows you to easily upload files from a Mac or Windows PC. For automatic sync from an Android phone, there are third-party apps available, although personal testing is recommended. If all else fails, you can access iCloud.com/photos via your phone’s web browser to upload content. This could facilitate transitioning from Android to iOS if you’re planning to switch platforms.

iCloud becomes a more complex choice if you require more than 5GB of storage. While Apple offers iCloud+ subscriptions for increased storage, if you don’t own an Apple device, you may miss out on additional benefits like iCloud Private Relay and HomeKit Secure Video. In such cases, other services on the list might be more suitable for your needs.

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2 Microsoft OneDrive

The best alternative?

While OneDrive is often seen as a secondary choice to Google Photos or iCloud Photos, it can actually be the top pick for backup purposes.

Why? OneDrive offers apps not only for Windows, but also for Mac, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. This cross-platform compatibility allows you to access your files on any device, providing the flexibility to switch between different platforms. While your OneDrive content won’t automatically transfer to Apple or Google’s apps during a migration, you’ll still have access to your media when needed.

Similar to iCloud, OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage. Upgrading to 100GB is cost-effective, and opting for a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription increases storage to 1TB while granting access to Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. There’s also a Family plan with 6TB of storage, which may be excessive if your focus is mainly on photos and videos.