Our verdict: MEGA gives more free storage than Dropbox or Google Drive and encrypts files on your device before upload. The catch is the transfer quota: free accounts can only download a limited amount of data, which makes MEGA awkward for sharing large files with many people.
About MEGA
MEGA is a cloud storage service from MEGA Limited in New Zealand. Files are encrypted on your device with keys only you hold, so MEGA cannot read them. The desktop app, formerly called MEGAsync, keeps local folders in sync with your cloud drive and can back up folders one way.
The free plan includes 20 GB of storage. Free accounts get a small, limited transfer quota for downloading and streaming; Pro plans add much more storage and transfer and extras such as password-protected links. The source code of the desktop app is published on GitHub.
What it does well
- End-to-end encryption. Files are encrypted on your PC before upload with keys only you hold.
- Folder sync. Keep any local folder in two-way sync with a folder in your MEGA cloud.
- Backups. Back up PC folders one way to MEGA without syncing changes back.
- Shared links. Share files and folders with a link and a separate decryption key.
- Stream from the cloud. Open and stream files from MEGA without syncing them first.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want a large free encrypted cloud for their own files and backups.
Look elsewhere
Users who need to share big files with many people for free, because downloads count against a transfer quota.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 20 GB of free storage
- End-to-end encrypted by default
- Sync and one-way backup in one app
- Desktop app source code is public
Cons
- Limited transfer quota on free accounts
- Losing both password and recovery key means losing your files
- Frequent upgrade prompts
How to install MEGA
Run the 64-bit installer and sign in or create a MEGA account. Save the recovery key when prompted: without it, a forgotten password means losing your files. Then pick folders to sync or back up in the app's settings.
Questions about MEGA
Is MEGA free?
Yes. The free plan includes 20 GB of storage. Pro plans add more storage and a larger transfer quota.
What is MEGA's transfer quota?
It is the amount of data you can download or stream. Free accounts have a small, limited amount; Pro accounts get much more.
Can MEGA see my files?
No. Files are encrypted on your device and MEGA does not have your keys.
