Comparison · checked
Google Photos vs iCloud Photos for backing up an iPhone
The verdict
The verdict: If everything you own is Apple, iCloud Photos is the easier pick: it is built in and syncs in the background. Google Photos makes more sense if you also use Android or Windows, or want your photos in any browser. Both start free with little space (5 GB on iCloud, 15 GB shared with Gmail and Drive on Google), so most people end up paying for one of them.
Side by side
| Feature | iCloud Photos | Google Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 5 GB, shared with iCloud backups and iCloud Drive | 15 GB, shared with Gmail and Google Drive |
| Works on | iPhone, iPad, Mac, iCloud.com, iCloud for Windows | iPhone, Android, any browser |
| Uploads in the background on iPhone | Yes, part of iOS | Yes, but iOS sometimes pauses it |
| Photo quality | Always the original | Original quality, or Storage saver (slightly compressed) |
| Frees space on the phone | Optimize iPhone Storage keeps smaller copies on the phone | Free up space removes copies that are already backed up |
| Sharing with Android users | Shared links open in a browser | Shared albums open in the app or a browser |
Which one to pick
- Pick iCloud Photos if you only use Apple devices and want nothing to set up.
- Pick Google Photos if you use Windows or Android too, or you want the bigger free tier.
- Pick Both if you want a second copy. It works, but each one counts against its own storage.
The options
iCloud Photos
5 GB free, then iCloud+
Best for: People who only use iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Good
- Built into the Photos app, nothing to install
- Syncs edits and deletions across Apple devices
- Shared Library for a family
Not so good
- The free 5 GB also holds iPhone backups, so it fills fast
- Clunky on Windows and Android
Google Photos
15 GB free (shared), then Google One
Best for: Mixed households and anyone who might switch to Android.
Good
- Works the same on iPhone, Android and the web
- Very good search
- More free space to start with
Not so good
- iOS can pause background uploads, so open the app now and then
- The 15 GB is shared with Gmail and Drive
Questions people ask
Can I use iCloud Photos and Google Photos at the same time?
Yes. Google Photos backs up from the iPhone's photo library whether or not iCloud Photos is on. You just pay for the space twice.
Does Google Photos reduce the quality of my photos?
Only if you choose Storage saver. Original quality keeps the file as it was taken.
What happens when I run out of space?
iCloud stops backing up new photos until you free space or upgrade. Google stops backing up too, and if you stay over the limit Gmail can stop receiving mail.
How do I move my photos from iCloud to Google Photos?
Apple has a transfer tool at privacy.apple.com that copies your iCloud photos to Google Photos. It leaves the originals in iCloud.
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More comparisons and alternatives
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