Amazon Photos vs iCloud: unlimited photos with Prime, or Apple’s ecosystem?
Amazon Photos gives Prime members unlimited full-resolution photos. iCloud+ 2 TB at $9.99/month covers photos and everything else on your Apple devices. Different jobs, different buyers. Prices checked September 3, 2026.
The short answer
✓ Prices checked September 3, 2026
| Provider | Free | Photos storage | Non-photo storage | Ecosystem | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Photos | 5 GB non-Prime | Unlimited full-resolution (Prime) | 5 GB video (Prime); no general drive | Cross-platform (iOS, Android, web) | Prime members who want photo backup |
| iCloud+ | 5 GB | Counts against your iCloud+ tier | Same tier holds Notes, Messages, backups, files | Apple-first (Windows client is weak) | Anyone in the Apple ecosystem |
Amazon Photos wins
You have Prime and photos are your main storage need. Unlimited full-resolution photos at essentially no marginal cost (already included with Prime) is unbeatable if that is your one job. Amazon Photos works cross-platform on iOS, Android, and the web, so it does not lock you into Amazon’s ecosystem the way iCloud locks you into Apple’s.
iCloud+ wins
You use an iPhone or Mac. iCloud+ 2 TB at $9.99/month covers your photo library plus iPhone backup, iCloud Drive, Notes, Messages, Mail, and desktop-folder sync on macOS. Photos alone is a subset of what iCloud does. If your phone is an iPhone, iCloud+ is the storage service that makes the whole device work smoothly.
Where they tie
Both back up automatically from your camera roll. Both have family sharing (Amazon’s Family Vault vs Apple’s Family Sharing). Both have decent mobile apps. Both are reliable at scale.
The bottom line
Prime + photo-only need: Amazon Photos, and use iCloud’s free 5 GB for iPhone essentials. Any Apple user with more than photo needs: iCloud+ 2 TB, and use Amazon Photos as a redundant free photo backup if you have Prime.
Common questions
Can I use Amazon Photos on iPhone?
Yes, the Amazon Photos iOS app backs up your camera roll automatically. Photos taken on iPhone upload to Amazon Photos at full resolution (with Prime) alongside your iCloud Photos. Two backup destinations for the same photos is redundant but not wasteful.
Does Amazon Photos replace iCloud for iPhone users?
No. iCloud does more than just photos: iPhone backups, Messages sync, Notes sync, iCloud Drive, and desktop-folder sync on Mac. Amazon Photos only handles photo storage. On an iPhone, you still need iCloud for the phone to work properly; Amazon Photos is an additive free photo backup.
What happens to my Amazon Photos if I cancel Prime?
Your account converts to the standard 5 GB free tier. Photos beyond 5 GB stay in your account (you can view and download them) but you cannot upload new ones until you reduce to 5 GB or resume Prime. Nothing gets deleted automatically.
Get the updated tables monthly.
One email when prices change. No spam, unsubscribe any time.