Compare software

iCloud Photos vs Google Photos: catalog facts
iCloud PhotosGoogle Photos
Freemium

Uses the storage in the user's iCloud plan.

Freemium

Every Google Account includes up to 15 GB of storage shared across Google Photos, Gmail…

macOS, iOS, Web Web, Android, iOS
  • Syncs automatically across Apple devices
  • Web access for viewing and sharing
  • Automatic backup from Android and iOS in Original quality or compressed Storage saver quality
  • Natural-language search plus face groups, places and things; AI editing tools such as Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur
  • Tied to an Apple account
  • Closed source cloud service
  • Storage saver resizes photos above 16 MP and videos above 1080p, and since June 1, 2021 still counts…
  • Content may be deleted after 2 years of inactivity or 2 years over the storage quota
Web application, Hosted service Hosted service, Web application, Downloadable app
Closed source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
Account needed Account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 23, 2026

Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.