Mega vs Google Drive: 20 GB free vs 15 GB free, and then what?
Mega gives you the biggest free tier in the category (20 GB) with zero-knowledge encryption by default. Google Drive gives 15 GB and provider-side encryption. Beyond free, they diverge fast. Prices checked August 27, 2026.
The short answer
✓ Prices checked August 27, 2026
| Provider | Free | Entry paid | 2 TB class | Family | Encryption | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega | 20 GB | $3.89/mo (200 GB, yearly) | $9.71/mo (3 TB, yearly) | Individual plans only | Zero-knowledge by default | Biggest free tier; strict transfer quotas |
| Google Drive (Google One) | 15 GB (shared w/ Gmail + Photos) | 100 GB Basic (see current price) | 2 TB Premium (see current price) | Up to 5 members | Provider-side (Google can access) | Free tier fills fast with email + photo uploads |
When Mega wins
Your free tier is the whole story. Mega’s 20 GB is the biggest free plan in the category, and every account is zero-knowledge encrypted by default. If you want a stash of files behind end-to-end encryption at no monthly cost, Mega is the honest answer. Paid tiers include transfer quotas that most users don’t hit but heavy uploaders should know about.
When Google Drive wins
You need the drive to actually integrate with your daily tools. Google Drive syncs with Gmail attachments, backs up Android phones, holds Google Docs and Sheets, and integrates with hundreds of third-party apps. Mega does none of that. If your drive needs to be part of your workflow, not just a warehouse, Google wins by default.
Where they tie
Both have real mobile and desktop clients. Both do file sharing. Both are legitimately reliable. Both are usable at scale.
The bottom line
Personal archive with encryption: Mega, and stay on the free plan for as long as you can. Daily-driver drive with tools attached: Google Drive. Different jobs, and there’s no reason not to use both free tiers together.
Common questions
Is Mega really zero-knowledge?
Yes. Every Mega account uses end-to-end encryption by default. Mega’s servers hold the encrypted blobs but not the key. If you lose your password without a recovery key set, the files are unrecoverable; that’s the honest cost of real zero-knowledge encryption.
What’s the transfer quota catch on Mega?
Free accounts get roughly 20 GB of transfer per rolling period. Paid plans get much larger transfer quotas (2.4 TB on the entry paid plan, up to 240 TB on the top tier). If you’re doing heavy uploads or downloads regularly, verify the current quota on Mega’s pricing page before committing.
Where is Mega based?
New Zealand. Founded by Kim Dotcom, though he no longer owns or operates it. Zero-knowledge encryption means Mega itself can’t hand over readable data even if compelled. Some users care about the corporate history; the encryption model is independently sound.
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