What should I use for cheap archive storage for old files?

For cheap archive storage of old files, the best choice depends on whether you want cloud, local, or offsite physical storage.

Best cheap options

1) Cloud archive storage

Good if you want durability and offsite protection.

• AWS S3 Glacier / Glacier Deep Archive

  • Very cheap for long-term storage
  • Best if you rarely access files
  • Retrieval can be slow and may cost extra

• Google Cloud Archive Storage

  • Similar idea: low storage cost, higher retrieval cost
  • Good for infrequently accessed backups

• Azure Archive Storage

  • Also designed for long-term retention
  • Cheap storage, slow/expensive retrieval

Best for: backups, old documents, photos, logs, compliance data.

2) Local external hard drive / SSD

Cheapest upfront if you just want to store files yourself.

• External HDDs are usually the lowest cost per TB
• Store them powered off in a safe place
• Consider keeping two copies if the data matters

Best for: personal archives, large media collections, offline backups.

3) NAS with HDDs

Good if you want always-available storage at home or in a small office.

• More expensive upfront than a single drive
• Can be configured with redundancy
• Not the cheapest, but good convenience and control

Best for: home archive plus regular access.

What I’d recommend

• If you want cheapest cloud archive: AWS Glacier Deep Archive
• If you want cheapest local storage: external hard drives
• If you want safest practical option: local copy + cloud archive copy

Rule of thumb

For true archive data:

• Use HDDs, not SSDs, for cost per TB
• Keep at least 2 copies
• Don’t rely on just one drive
• Test your backups occasionally

If you want, I can recommend the cheapest option for your specific case:

• personal files
• photo/video archive
• business records
• long-term backup
• local-only vs cloud