Online storage, also known as ‘Cloud Storage’ is very popular to archive and share data. Cloud storage service is used to store business and personal files. You will find many online storage providers out there. Most of them offer a certain volume of cloud space for free. You can upgrade the service plan with additional fees.
The cost of a gigabyte of cloud storage can vary widely based on the provider, the specific type of storage (for instance, hot, cool, or cold storage), and any additional features or SLAs (Service Level Agreements) associated with the storage.
But how much does a gigabyte of cloud storage cost? Yes, it’s a big question. Don’t stress yourself! you’ll find the detailed answer reading this guide.
An Overview of Selected Online Storage Providers
Different cloud storage providers have different pricing models. The major cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and others.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Amazon S3:
Standard Storage: $0.023 per GB/month
Infrequent Access: $0.0125 per GB/month
Glacier (cold storage): $0.004 per GB/month
Glacier Deep Archive (very cold storage): $0.00099 per GB/month
Google Cloud Platform – Google Cloud Storage:
Standard Storage: $0.020 per GB/month
Nearline Storage (infrequent access): $0.010 per GB/month
Coldline Storage (cold storage): $0.007 per GB/month
Archive Storage (very cold storage): $0.004 per GB/month
Microsoft Azure – Blob Storage:
Hot Blob: $0.0184 per GB/month
Cool Blob: $0.0100 per GB/month
Archive Blob: $0.00099 per GB/month
Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, and similar services also offer cloud storage solutions, but they’re primarily oriented towards consumers and have different pricing models. They might charge per tier of storage rather than by the exact GB.
Other cloud providers:
Many other cloud providers, like IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and more, offer storage solutions with varying price points. Additionally, companies like Dropbox, Box, and Apple iCloud might cater more to individual users and have pricing models that bundle storage amounts rather than pricing per gigabyte.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember these are just base storage costs. Other costs can be associated with cloud storage, such as data retrieval fees, data transfer out fees, and request costs.
Prices can change, and they might differ based on the region and additional services you opt for. It’s always a good idea to check the respective provider’s official pricing page and use their pricing calculators to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.
Also, keep in mind that technological and market changes over time can influence prices. By 2023, these prices might have changed, so it’s best to refer to the official websites of these providers for the most up-to-date information.