If you’re looking for cloud storage services to manage your company’s data in a convenient and affordable way, then you’re likely looking at these two great options: OneDrive and Google Drive. When comparing them head to head, there isn’t one that is glaringly better than the other. Rather, it depends upon your specific company’s needs.
If your company is looking to stick only to using cloud-based storage, then Google Drive is what you want to choose. However, if your company is looking to use cloud-based storage that also integrates with Windows and Microsoft 365, then OneDrive is the right option.
Read on to learn the benefits and drawbacks of both so that you can determine which one is right for your business.
OneDrive Compared to Google Drive
OneDrive is a top-notch cloud storage service that allows for easy integration with Windows and Microsoft 365. With this, you can store, sync, and share data with others in a way that is quick and convenient. This platform was created by Microsoft for Microsoft users to allow them to use cloud storage that can easily be accessed via the internet. See what the options for pricing and plans are with OneDrive cloud storage here.
Google Drive is another trusted cloud storage service provided by Google. Anyone who has created a Google account is able to access Google Drive. One account works across all the different Google apps. Similar to OneDrive, Google Drive can be used for both business or personal accounts to access information in the cloud. Look at the options for pricing and plans with Google Drive here.
More Top Cloud Storage Services
Though Microsoft and Google are two of the biggest players in cloud storage services, it is important to note that there are many more options besides these two household names. Here are the very best options we found:
- Sync – Best cloud storage service for most
- pCloud – Best long-term storage solution
- Icedrive – Best for personal cloud storage
- IDrive – Best for personal backups
- Zoolz – Best for automated backups from any device
We scoured the internet and performed thorough research in order to find other cloud storage services that may better suit your business needs. They at least give you more options to choose from so you can find one that has more pros for you than it does cons.
See all of our top picks for cloud storage services here.
Where OneDrive Shines
Syncing: If speed is important to you, then you’ll likely find OneDrive better suits your needs than Google Drive. This is thanks to a file syncing technology that OneDrive uses called Block Level Copying. This means that it takes big files and essentially breaks them down into smaller, easier-to-read bits. Why is that beneficial for speed? Because rather than trying to upload one, massive file, OneDrive uploads fragmented pieces that take a shorter period of time to sync.
Privacy: Though Microsoft does technically have the right to scan your data to keep you safe, if you’re looking for the highest level of privacy with your data and information, you want to go with OneDrive. Google as a whole is known to sift through your data in order to create targeted ads, and chances are good that if privacy is of the utmost importance to you, the going-through-your-data that Google Drive does is not something you’ll be too fond of.
File-Sharing: A major part of utilizing cloud services is taking advantage of the ability to share files quickly and easily. And this is where OneDrive really shines. All you have to do to share files here is highlight what you want to share and click “Share.” Then, you are prompted with a link for which you will create a password and an expiration date. This allows others to easily access the files.
Google Drive, on the other hand, does allow you to create links to share folders and files and allow other people to edit, but it doesn’t provide options for passwords, expiration dates, and more.
Integration with Word and Excel: It’s no surprise that a Microsoft product integrates better with other Microsoft products than Google Drive does, but this is important to note. That’s because many companies use Word and Excel and people working in companies tend to be more familiar with the interface of these programs.
Where OneDrive Falls Short
Free Storage: Though it is nice that OneDrive gives you 5 GB of free storage when you use their cloud storage services, when you compare it to Google Drive, it falls short. Google Drive offers three times as much free storage as OneDrve does, and when you have a company that requires a lot of storage space, this can make a world of difference.
Paid Storage: The 5 GB of free storage that OneDrive offers is a nice little bonus, but it is just that – little. That amount of storage will go quickly in a company, so you are going to need to look to paid storage options for your needs.
One Drive offers four different tiers for business, which can cause some confusion. Here’s a breakdown of the different options you have.
- OneDrive for Business (1): This offers 1 TB of cloud storage for $5/user/month
- One Drive for Business (2): This offers unlimited storage for the price of $10/user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: This offers 1 TB of cloud storage for $5/user/month when you commit to an annual plan or $6/month/user if you commit to a monthly plan. This also comes with Web and Mobile Office apps
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: This offers 1 TB of storage for $12.50/user/month with an annual plan or $15/user/month with a monthly plan and also comes with Web and Mobile Office apps.
Collaboration: OneDrive is a collaborative cloud storage service that allows for quicker updates than other options, but when compared to Google Drive, OneDrive has slower speeds. Google Drive is able to update in real-time, whereas many users of OneDrive experience delays.
Where Google Drive Shines
Customer Support: Google Drive is known for its stellar support system that allows you to have questions answered via phone, chat, or email. Not only that, but you have access to guides and how-tos that you may find have the answers to your issues. On top of that, Google Drive has a great community forum that other Google Drive users, as well as Google staff, contribute to. There is no shortage of resources and customer support available with Google Drive.
In addition to the breadth of support, Google Drive is known to give quicker responses when you reach out via phone, chat, or email.
Free Storage: If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck when it comes to free storage, then you want to go with Google Drive. This gets you 15 GB of free storage space whereas with OneDrive you only get 5 GB of free storage. This means Google Drive gets you more space to store all the data that you need to have sitting in the cloud including, files, media, and more.
Paid Storage: Though free storage is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right cloud storage service for your company, it’s likely inevitable that you will have to turn to additional paid storage to get the amount you need. The free 15 GB of storage that comes with Google Drive is more fit for personal use rather than professional, and you’ll find that free storage goes fast.
So, when it comes time to buy more cloud storage for your company, Google Drive is the clear winner. Rather than the complex plans that OneDrive offers, Google Drive has streamlined options that make everything easier.
After the 15 GB of free storage, Google Drive will cost you $20/user/year for 100 GB, $30/user/year for 200 GB, and $100/user/year for 2 TB. As a bonus, if you purchase the 2 TB of storage you get 10% in-store credit for purchases made in the Google Store.
Collaboration: Both OneDrive and Google Drive allow for collaboration between users, but the biggest difference with the collaboration you’ll experience with Google Drive is that it’s quicker and done in real-time. Multiple tests have shown that OneDrive is slower in updating with collaborators than Google Drive.
Integration: Google Drive is great for working with third-party applications, which opens up a world of additional uses you can get out of this cloud storage option.
Where Google Drive Falls Short
Syncing: Unlike the advanced syncing that OneDrive offers, Google Drive offers basic syncing that tends to be slower. If speed isn’t a big factor for you, then you may find that Google Drive’s ease of use is more important than its shortcomings when it comes to syncing speeds.
Privacy: It’s no secret that Google goes through your data in order to target advertisements. If you’re just using Gmail for personal use, this may not be too big of a red flag. However, if you are looking to store sensitive data that needs to be secure, then Google Drive may not be the right choice for you.
File-Sharing: Where Google Drive wins in collaboration in terms of real-time, it loses in file sharing. You do have the ability to share files and folders via Google Drive, but you aren’t able to set up passwords, expiration dates, and more like you can with ONeDrive. In addition to that, Google Drive allows you to see what files and folders have been shared with you, but you are unable to see which ones you’ve shared with others.
Formatted for Google Drive: Any documents or sheets that you create in Google Drive are formatted specifically to work within Google Drive. Though you can convert them to Microsoft Word documents and send them to others who do not have Google Drive, you have to make sure that none of the formatting gets messed up in the switch, which calls for extra time and attention.
The Final Verdict on OneDrive Compared to Google Drive
Both OneDrive and Google Drive start out with a certain amount of storage space for free so that you can get the ball rolling with cloud storage. However, the majority of businesses will need far more storage than what the free plans offer, so it becomes important to understand the different packings and offerings that each service offers.
OneDrive Pricing Tiers
OneDrive’s pricing plan is a bit more complicated than Google Drive.
You first have multiple options for home plans, and then multiple options for business plans as well.
Let’s start with home.
Free
This plan gives you 5 GB of cloud storage to start with.
OneDrive Standalone 100GB
If you need just a bit of storage for use at home, this is the plan for you. It includes 100 GB of storage at just $199.99/year.
Microsoft 365 Personal
This package offers quite a bit of storage for one person – 1 TB. You’ll pay $69.99/year for it and with that, you’ll also get Skype, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Microsoft 365 Family
This is considered the best value as it provides storage for up to six people in your family. You pay just $99.99/year for 6 TB of storage and you get included in your plan Skype, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Now let’s talk business.
OneDrive for Business (Plan 1)
The OneDrive business plans start here at just $5/user/month. This is great for businesses that are small or just starting. You can upload 100 GB file sizes and you get 1 TB of storage.
OneDrive for Business (Plan 2)
If your company is growing, then you need your cloud storage to grow along with it. This second plan costs just $10/user/month and for that price, you get unlimited cloud storage.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
For a more comprehensive option that includes Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams, consider this package for just $6/user/month.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard.
If you’re looking for a plan that allows for optimal remote working capabilities, then this is the plan for you. It includes Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Yammer, Outlooks, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, and Publisher for $12.50/user/month.
Google Drive Pricing Tiers
Google Drive has 4 different pricing plans to choose from.
Free
This plan gives you 15 GB of free storage to start with.
Basic
This plan is a good upgrade for personal use or small business use. It provides you with 100 GB of storage for just $19.99/year. With that, you also get access to Google experts, the ability to share your storage with up to five other users, and additional member benefits.
Standard
If you are a medium-sized business, the Standard plan should be a solid option for you. For just $29.99/year, you get 200 GB of cloud storage as well as added benefits including:
- 3% back in store credit for Google Store purchases
- Access to Google experts
- Ability to share with up to five other users
- Extra member benefits
Premium
If you know that your company is going to need a lot more than your average amount of data storage, then the Premium plan is right for you. With this, you get a whopping 2 TB of storage for just $99.99/year. You also get all the added bonuses from the Standard plan, plus a VPN for Android and IOS, and an upgrade to 10% back in store credit for Google Store purchases.
OneDrive and Google Drive both offer different pros and cons that make either one a strong option for your cloud storing needs. However, it is important to determine which pros and cons are deal-breakers for your business.
Though OneDrive and Google Drive are both top-notch cloud storage services, they are not the only options. If you’re looking for more options to consider in order to find the one that is best for your business, look into our list of best cloud storage services below.
