Google Photos review

Google Photos replaces the built-in gallery on both iPhone and Android and adds the largest free cloud allowance on this list. Its US App Store listing says every Google account gets up to 15 GB of storage, though that space is shared with Gmail and Google Drive, and in some countries the full 15 GB needs a phone number. Search works in plain language, so a query such as "Emma painting in the backyard" finds the right shot, and duplicates and near-identical photos are stacked automatically. Editing covers Magic Eraser, Unblur and Portrait Light, and sensitive pictures can go into a locked folder protected by the phone's screen lock. When storage runs out, the US App Store lists 100 GB for $1.99 a month and 200 GB for $2.99. With a 4.8 rating from about 1.7 million US ratings, it is also the most reviewed app here. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test each app.

Who it is for

most phone owners, on iPhone or Android, who want the most free storage

Price

Free with 15 GB of Google Account storage; 100 GB from $1.99 per month on the US App Store.

100 GB $1.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Every Google account gets up to 15 GB of storage, shared across Google Photos, Gmail and Google Drive
• Magic Eraser, Unblur and Portrait Light editing tools
• Search by description, such as "Kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains"
• Duplicates and similar shots grouped into photo stacks
• Locked folder protected by your device screen lock

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Largest free storage allowance on this list at 15 GB
• Strength: 4.8 rating from 1.7 million US App Store ratings
• Strength: Backed-up photos can be removed from the phone in one tap
• Weakness: The 15 GB is shared with Gmail and Google Drive
• Weakness: In some countries accounts start with 5 GB and need a phone number to get the other 10 GB
• Weakness: Photo prints are offered only in the US, EU, UK and Canada

Key facts

• App Store rating: 4.8 from 1.7M ratings
• Free storage: Up to 15 GB
• Paid storage: 100 GB $1.99, 200 GB $2.99
• App size: 437.7 MB
• Age rating: 4+

Where it ranks

Google Photos is No. 1 in our Best Photo Gallery Apps verdict.