In the world of cloud storage, finding generous free space
feels like striking gold. While giants like Google Drive, Dropbox, and
Microsoft OneDrive offer modest free tiers (typically 2GB to 15GB), a
lesser-known player, Degoo, tempts users with a massive 100GB of
free storage right out of the gate.
But as with many things that seem too good to be true, there
are often catches. Let's dive into a review of Degoo's free tier and see if
that 100GB is a practical solution for your storage needs.
What is Degoo?
Degoo is a cloud storage and backup service that positions
itself primarily as a solution for backing up photos, videos, and other files.
It offers various paid plans with significantly more storage, but its most
talked-about feature is the impressive free tier.
The Generous 100GB Free Tier: The Main Attraction
Undeniably, the headline feature is the 100GB of
free storage. Compared to the standard offerings from major competitors,
this is a huge amount of space. This alone makes Degoo worth considering for anyone
who needs to store a large volume of files, especially media like photos and
videos, without wanting to pay.
Key Features Available on the Free Tier:
- Ample
Storage: As mentioned, 100GB is the standout feature.
- Automatic
Backup: You can set up Degoo to automatically back up specific
folders on your computer or mobile devices. This is particularly useful
for photos and videos on your phone.
- Web,
Desktop, and Mobile Apps: Access your files and manage backups
from various platforms.
- Basic
File Management: Upload, browse, download, and delete files
through the provided interfaces.
- Encryption: Degoo
generally mentions encryption for files, typically in transit and at rest,
which is standard for cloud services.
The Catch: Limitations of the Free Tier
Here's where the "too good to be true" aspect
often comes into play. Degoo's free tier comes with significant limitations you
need to be aware of:
- Account
Inactivity Leads to File Deletion: This is perhaps the biggest
drawback. If you don't log in to your Degoo account via the web or app for
a specific period (historically 90 days, though policies can change),
Degoo reserves the right to delete all your files. This means
it's not a "set it and forget it" solution for long-term archival
unless you remember to periodically access your account.
- Ads: The
free version includes advertisements within the apps and web interface,
which can be intrusive.
- Speed
Limitations: Upload and download speeds on the free tier can be
slower compared to paid plans or competing services, especially during
peak times.
- Device
Limit: The free tier typically limits the number of devices you
can use for automatic backup (often just one or two).
- No
Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Unlike some privacy-focused services,
Degoo's free tier does not offer zero-knowledge
encryption. This means that while your files are encrypted, Degoo
itself could potentially access them if necessary (though
they state data is stored securely and encrypted).
- Focus
on Media Backup: While you can store any file
type, the interface and features often feel more geared towards photo and
video backup rather than general file syncing or collaborative work.
- Limited
Support Priority: Free users generally receive lower priority for
customer support compared to paying subscribers.
User Experience:
The user interface across web and mobile is functional and
relatively simple. Uploading files manually is straightforward. Setting up
automatic backups requires navigating through the app settings. However, the
presence of ads can detract from the overall experience. Speed can be a point
of frustration for users with large amounts of data.
Pros of Degoo Free:
- An
enormous 100GB of free storage is unmatched by major
competitors.
- Easy
to sign up and start backing up files.
- Available
on multiple platforms (web, desktop, mobile).
Cons of Degoo Free:
- Strict
inactivity policy results in file deletion. This is a dealbreaker
for many.
- Includes
ads.
- Potential
speed throttling.
- No
zero-knowledge encryption on the free tier.
- Limited
device support for automatic backup.
- Interface
can feel less polished than competitors.
Who is Degoo Free For?
Degoo's 100GB free tier is best suited for:
- Users
who need a lot of space for files that are not critically
sensitive.
- People
looking for a temporary or supplementary backup
solution.
- Individuals
who primarily want to back up a large volume of photos and videos
from one device.
- Users
who are diligent about logging in regularly (e.g., once a month) to keep
their account active.
It is not ideal for:
- Storing
highly sensitive or confidential data.
- Users
who need reliable, long-term archival storage without maintenance.
- People
who need to actively sync and share files across multiple devices
frequently.
- Users
who dislike ads or require fast upload/download speeds.
- Anyone
who is likely to forget about the account for several months.
Conclusion:
Degoo's 100GB free storage offer is incredibly appealing on
the surface, providing a vast amount of space that's hard to find elsewhere at
no cost. However, it comes with significant strings attached, most notably the
requirement for regular activity to prevent file deletion and the presence of
ads.
If you understand and accept these limitations, and you
primarily need a large space for non-critical file backup (especially
photos/videos) and are prepared to log in periodically, Degoo's free tier can
be a valuable option. But if you need reliable, long-term storage for important
files, require privacy via zero-knowledge encryption, or prefer a
set-it-and-forget-it solution without maintenance or ads, you might be better
off exploring other free tiers or considering a paid service.
Ultimately, while the 100GB is genuinely free,
it's not without its compromises. Evaluate your needs carefully before
entrusting your data solely to Degoo's free service.
