If you\u2019re reading this Dropbox vs Google drive review, it\u2019s safe to assume you want to make a more informed choice about choosing your cloud storage solutions.
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Given how all these three giants are rolling one feature after another, the choice can be tough. And that\u2019s what we are here for – to take the pain out of the Dropbox vs OneDrive comparison trap and simplify it for you.
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Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: Fast Facts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAt the moment of writing this article, Dropbox has over\u00a0600 million<\/strong>\u00a0active users.\u00a0400,000+<\/strong>\u00a0teams are using Dropbox Business. It\u2019s a sign that Dropbox is giving Google Drive a run for its money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/SUMMALAI.COM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/image-1.png\" "\\"Q3")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere is the full link – Dropbox 600 Million report<\/a><\/strong>
But Hang on! Let me quickly check Drive\u2019s usage statistics.<\/strong>
1 Billion!<\/a> That\u2019s the total number of users Google Drive has already crossed. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s explosive!<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut what about Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s it doing to stay in the Game?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last Summer, Microsoft OneDrive rolled out a\u00a0Personal Vault\u00a0feature to give a neck-to-neck to both Google Drive and Dropbox.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe key selling point of OneDrive\u2019s Vault is stronger authentication and additional security measures. And this feature has already given OneDrive its USP.
Case in Point?<\/strong>
OneDrive, Drive, and Dropbox – they\u2019re all playing cards to trump each other. The question is who is taking the lead. And that\u2019s the intent behind writing this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSo, let\u2019s have a quick review of all the key features of Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox, and see who\u2019s the Boss! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google Drive vs Onedrive vs Dropbox: Cost, Pricing Plans & Storage <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGoogle Drive is cost-effective. It gives you more space with the free plan – 15 GB.\u00a0 Dropbox\u2019s free plan offers a storage capacity of 2GB, which can be increased by inviting friends.\u00a0OneDrive plans\u00a0is cost-effective too<\/strong>. It offers 5GB of free storage.
However, there\u2019s a catch:
<\/strong>GoogleDrive\u2019s 15 GB Storage is shared across your entire Google account – including the photo backups, the email attachments, and more. Hence, the 15 GB storage is easier to burn through it all.
Dropbox sure gives only 2GB space in the beginning, but also offers easy ways to expand it up to 19 GB. With each new friend you invite,\u00a0the storage limit exceeds by 500 MB<\/strong>. Given how Dropbox is so popular, it\u2019s tough to onboard new friends who don\u2019t have a Dropbox account. Which makes Google Drive is a cheaper solution.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>$2 per month for 100GB and $10 per month for 2TB<\/td> The 1-month plan starts at $ 1.99 per month. $23.88 billed every year.<\/td> $11.99 per month & $9.99 per month when paid annuallyDropbox Business has three plansStandard plan at $12.50 \/ user \/ month(Send files up to 2 GB)Advanced plan at $20 \/ user \/ month(Send files up to 100 GB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: Speed\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to speed, Dropbox and OneDrive are a step ahead. Dropbox offers a unique benefit of LAN synch. So, if you have got different computers connected to one network, it syncs files directly between them.
OneDrive performs similarly with a file-syncing technology, often called as block-level copying (but only for the MS-native files). So, if you mainly use Google\u2019s apps, then OneDrive\u2019s file-syncing technology has no real benefit to offer.
With Google Drive, it\u2019s different, a file on Computer A should be uploaded on the internet, and then downloaded to Computer B.
Hence, in terms of Speed, Dropbox takes lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Drive doesn\u2019t support syncing at block-level or LAN sync.It supports fast servers.<\/td> OneDrive is compatible with block-level copyingBlock-level copying is only for MS-native files <\/td> Same as One-Drive, Dropbox supports block-level or LAN, and fast serversIt syncs faster by supporting loc<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDropbox vs Onedrive vs Google Drive:\u00a0Version Control\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you need to restore the previous changes in a file, All three of these tools can help you. However, with Google Drive, you can have access to more detailed changed trackers and deleted files. Google\u2019s broader suite of features has more options.
Google puts a deleted file in the trash folder. So, even if a file has been permanently deleted, it is available in the trash until you empty it.
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In Dropbox, the version history of files is great<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It offers shortcuts for creating documents in MS Word online. Dropbox gets round with the smart sync feature that allows users to set a file as \u2018online only\u2019 – which means the file will not take up your drive’s space. Dropbox has a \u2018rewind\u2019 feature that lets a user revert to an old version of their Dropbox account in case they\u2019ve to face issues like a malware or virus attack.
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MS One Drive<\/strong> also offers similar features for both the native and non-native files – but with basic features only. MS Drive also has a file-on-demand feature that speeds up syn time. Same as Dropbox\u2019s rewind feature, Dropbox has a \u2018file restore\u2019 feature with a limit of 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>With Google Drive, you can have a complete history of Google-native files.For non-native files, you have review changes made in the past 30-days or 100-iteration<\/td> MS Drive keeps a history of all files for 30-daysFile-On Demand featureFile restore feature<\/td> On Dropbox, users can recover the changed or deleted files of the past 30 days.For Business and professional plans, the limit is raised to 120 \/180 days.The online-Only feature that helps you save drive spaceRewind feature that allows user to revert to the previous version<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"blob:https:\/\/summalai.com\/ec0fec0e-47f9-4511-a4ef-749b67ea2c43\")
Google Drive vs Onedrive vs Dropbox: <\/strong>Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to security, the battle gets too competitive. Google Drive allows you to secure your account via two factors authentication – a phone call with a code, SMS authentication, and one-tap-sign-in. It encrypts your data in transit and takes an additional step to protect data from any kind of snooping.
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Dropbox also offers two-factor authentication when you log in. This could be in the form of an authenticator app or an SMS. It encrypts data via 2FA, physical key, app phone call, and also has the option for passwordless login.
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MS OneDrive also offers many security features like Virus scanning during the time of file download. Two-factor authentication helps users to protect their account with an additional layer of security. One Drive also has the personal vault feature that forces users to use 2FA whenever they log in.\u00a0
<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption Drive uses both of these to encrypt data at rest, and TLS protocol to encrypt it on-transit.
TLS encryption,<\/td> AES256 Key, Multiple factor authentication<\/td> Dropbox uses AES 256-bit encryption for the encryption of data at rest. For data-in-transit encryption, Dropbox uses SSL or TLS<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: File Browsing and Search\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhether you choose Google Drive, MS One Drive, or Dropbox, file browsing experience will be good. However, there are a few key differences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google’s advanced search functionality surpasses OneDrive\u2019s File browsing and search. With Drive, you get full access to the file management features via a web browser. It offers quick access to the recent files in different viewing options like a grid, list, and thumbnails. There is an advanced feature that allows users to search by the date, type, date of last activity, and more.
OneDrive also makes searching convenient but advanced search options are slim. So, when you type a search query, it won\u2019t show suggestions or results until you hit the enter button. Also, it cannot search through media and images. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dropbox allows users to create a folder that can be synced across devices. You can browse files on the web and sort them in order of when the file was last modified, who owns the files, and file type. In Dropbox, you can search for a specific term to reach subfolders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Smart, Quick access and it supports machine learning in photo search, and other advanced search parameters.<\/td> Standard search functionality and file management<\/td> Dropbox has all the basic file searching features and it allows users to manually start items for easier access.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDropbox vs Onedrive vs Google Drive: File Sharing <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor the most part, these tools are identical. However, Dropbox takes the leads with robust options. When you create a shareable link on Dropbox, you can also make it password-protected so that only people with the password can view it. There\u2019s also an option to add an expiration date, post which the link will stop working.
Google Drive makes it convenient for users to share files with custom options to view, comment, and edit. OneDrive and Google Drive offer a similar method of file sharing: using someone\u2019s email address to share access or getting the shareable link of the file. On both these platforms, a user can choose permissions to gives access or viewing or editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere is the full link – Dropbox 600 Million report<\/a><\/strong> That\u2019s explosive!<\/strong> But what about Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s it doing to stay in the Game?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Summer, Microsoft OneDrive rolled out a\u00a0Personal Vault\u00a0feature to give a neck-to-neck to both Google Drive and Dropbox.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The key selling point of OneDrive\u2019s Vault is stronger authentication and additional security measures. And this feature has already given OneDrive its USP. So, let\u2019s have a quick review of all the key features of Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox, and see who\u2019s the Boss! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive is cost-effective. It gives you more space with the free plan – 15 GB.\u00a0 Dropbox\u2019s free plan offers a storage capacity of 2GB, which can be increased by inviting friends.\u00a0OneDrive plans\u00a0is cost-effective too<\/strong>. It offers 5GB of free storage. When it comes to speed, Dropbox and OneDrive are a step ahead. Dropbox offers a unique benefit of LAN synch. So, if you have got different computers connected to one network, it syncs files directly between them. If you need to restore the previous changes in a file, All three of these tools can help you. However, with Google Drive, you can have access to more detailed changed trackers and deleted files. Google\u2019s broader suite of features has more options. In Dropbox, the version history of files is great<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MS One Drive<\/strong> also offers similar features for both the native and non-native files – but with basic features only. MS Drive also has a file-on-demand feature that speeds up syn time. Same as Dropbox\u2019s rewind feature, Dropbox has a \u2018file restore\u2019 feature with a limit of 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to security, the battle gets too competitive. Google Drive allows you to secure your account via two factors authentication – a phone call with a code, SMS authentication, and one-tap-sign-in. It encrypts your data in transit and takes an additional step to protect data from any kind of snooping. Dropbox also offers two-factor authentication when you log in. This could be in the form of an authenticator app or an SMS. It encrypts data via 2FA, physical key, app phone call, and also has the option for passwordless login. MS OneDrive also offers many security features like Virus scanning during the time of file download. Two-factor authentication helps users to protect their account with an additional layer of security. One Drive also has the personal vault feature that forces users to use 2FA whenever they log in.\u00a0 Whether you choose Google Drive, MS One Drive, or Dropbox, file browsing experience will be good. However, there are a few key differences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google’s advanced search functionality surpasses OneDrive\u2019s File browsing and search. With Drive, you get full access to the file management features via a web browser. It offers quick access to the recent files in different viewing options like a grid, list, and thumbnails. There is an advanced feature that allows users to search by the date, type, date of last activity, and more. Dropbox allows users to create a folder that can be synced across devices. You can browse files on the web and sort them in order of when the file was last modified, who owns the files, and file type. In Dropbox, you can search for a specific term to reach subfolders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the most part, these tools are identical. However, Dropbox takes the leads with robust options. When you create a shareable link on Dropbox, you can also make it password-protected so that only people with the password can view it. There\u2019s also an option to add an expiration date, post which the link will stop working.
But Hang on! Let me quickly check Drive\u2019s usage statistics.<\/strong>
1 Billion!<\/a> That\u2019s the total number of users Google Drive has already crossed. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case in Point?<\/strong>
OneDrive, Drive, and Dropbox – they\u2019re all playing cards to trump each other. The question is who is taking the lead. And that\u2019s the intent behind writing this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGoogle Drive vs Onedrive vs Dropbox: Cost, Pricing Plans & Storage <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
However, there\u2019s a catch:
<\/strong>GoogleDrive\u2019s 15 GB Storage is shared across your entire Google account – including the photo backups, the email attachments, and more. Hence, the 15 GB storage is easier to burn through it all.
Dropbox sure gives only 2GB space in the beginning, but also offers easy ways to expand it up to 19 GB. With each new friend you invite,\u00a0the storage limit exceeds by 500 MB<\/strong>. Given how Dropbox is so popular, it\u2019s tough to onboard new friends who don\u2019t have a Dropbox account. Which makes Google Drive is a cheaper solution.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> $2 per month for 100GB and $10 per month for 2TB<\/td> The 1-month plan starts at $ 1.99 per month. $23.88 billed every year.<\/td> $11.99 per month & $9.99 per month when paid annuallyDropbox Business has three plansStandard plan at $12.50 \/ user \/ month(Send files up to 2 GB)Advanced plan at $20 \/ user \/ month(Send files up to 100 GB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: Speed\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OneDrive performs similarly with a file-syncing technology, often called as block-level copying (but only for the MS-native files). So, if you mainly use Google\u2019s apps, then OneDrive\u2019s file-syncing technology has no real benefit to offer.
With Google Drive, it\u2019s different, a file on Computer A should be uploaded on the internet, and then downloaded to Computer B.
Hence, in terms of Speed, Dropbox takes lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Drive doesn\u2019t support syncing at block-level or LAN sync.It supports fast servers.<\/td> OneDrive is compatible with block-level copyingBlock-level copying is only for MS-native files <\/td> Same as One-Drive, Dropbox supports block-level or LAN, and fast serversIt syncs faster by supporting loc<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Dropbox vs Onedrive vs Google Drive:\u00a0Version Control\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google puts a deleted file in the trash folder. So, even if a file has been permanently deleted, it is available in the trash until you empty it.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It offers shortcuts for creating documents in MS Word online. Dropbox gets round with the smart sync feature that allows users to set a file as \u2018online only\u2019 – which means the file will not take up your drive’s space. Dropbox has a \u2018rewind\u2019 feature that lets a user revert to an old version of their Dropbox account in case they\u2019ve to face issues like a malware or virus attack.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> With Google Drive, you can have a complete history of Google-native files.For non-native files, you have review changes made in the past 30-days or 100-iteration<\/td> MS Drive keeps a history of all files for 30-daysFile-On Demand featureFile restore feature<\/td> On Dropbox, users can recover the changed or deleted files of the past 30 days.For Business and professional plans, the limit is raised to 120 \/180 days.The online-Only feature that helps you save drive spaceRewind feature that allows user to revert to the previous version<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Google Drive vs Onedrive vs Dropbox: <\/strong>Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption Drive uses both of these to encrypt data at rest, and TLS protocol to encrypt it on-transit.
TLS encryption,<\/td>AES256 Key, Multiple factor authentication<\/td> Dropbox uses AES 256-bit encryption for the encryption of data at rest. For data-in-transit encryption, Dropbox uses SSL or TLS<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: File Browsing and Search\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OneDrive also makes searching convenient but advanced search options are slim. So, when you type a search query, it won\u2019t show suggestions or results until you hit the enter button. Also, it cannot search through media and images. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive <\/strong><\/td> Microsoft OneDrive<\/strong><\/td> Dropbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Smart, Quick access and it supports machine learning in photo search, and other advanced search parameters.<\/td> Standard search functionality and file management<\/td> Dropbox has all the basic file searching features and it allows users to manually start items for easier access.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Dropbox vs Onedrive vs Google Drive: File Sharing <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google Drive makes it convenient for users to share files with custom options to view, comment, and edit. OneDrive and Google Drive offer a similar method of file sharing: using someone\u2019s email address to share access or getting the shareable link of the file. On both these platforms, a user can choose permissions to gives access or viewing or editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n