Dropbox Vs. Google Drive Vs. OneDrive: Which is Better for Your Business

Jainy patel

Senior Writer

Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive - Which one is the best?

Key Takeaways:

  1. Google Drive has around 1 billion active users, Dropbox last stated that it had around 700 million registered customers, and OneDrive is used by only 445 million users worldwide.
  2. Google Drive often offers more free storage (15 GB) compared to Dropbox (2GB) and OneDrive (5 GB).
  3. Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive all prioritize security measures, such as encryption in transit and at rest. Dropbox’s advanced security features, Google Drive’s robust security infrastructure, and OneDrive’s Microsoft security framework offer compliance features catering to specific industries.

Cloud storage has emerged as an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide. With the ability to securely share, access, and store files from anywhere, anytime, cloud storage services have revolutionized how we work and collaborate. With 87.96% of businesses adopting cloud storage for their website infrastructure and 89.35% leveraging it for mobile access, identifying the right file-sharing platform is critical.

Looking for Document Management Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Document Management Software solutions.

But when considering Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive for your business, it can be challenging to determine the best choice. Each solution brings unique capabilities and limitations around collaboration, integrations, security, and ecosystem fit. This blog compares the key strengths of Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive for business use in 2023.

With mobile and web access dominating business workflows, weaknesses in platform mobility can ruin productivity. Understand how these leading providers differ regarding seamless file access, sharing, and sync across devices. Discover which platform aligns closest to your business needs.

Let’s explore the top considerations to identify your organization’s ideal file-sharing solution.

Dropbox Vs. OneDrive Vs. Google Drive: Which One Is Better?

Three prominent players have emerged as frontrunners in the quest for the ideal cloud storage solution: Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Each service boasts unique features and advantages, making the decision-making process all the more challenging for business owners.

1. Dropbox

Dropbox

Dropbox, one of the pioneers in cloud storage, has garnered a loyal following over the years. Its user-friendly interface, intuitive file organization, and robust collaboration tools make it a popular choice among individuals and businesses.

Dropbox’s seamless integration with various platforms and devices ensures effortless file access. Moreover, its extensive third-party app integration expands its functionality and enhances productivity. However, Dropbox’s free storage offering is relatively limited compared to its competitors, and its pricing plans may not be the most cost-effective for businesses with substantial storage needs.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive

Backed by the tech giant Google, Google Drive brings a wealth of innovative features and tight integration with the Google ecosystem, like its integration with Google Docs, Slides, etc. With generous free storage capacity and affordable pricing tiers, Google Drive presents an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their budget.

The real-time collaboration features of Google Drive, such as simultaneous editing and commenting, foster seamless teamwork and communication. Additionally, Google Drive’s powerful search capabilities and AI-driven features, like automatic image recognition, enhance productivity. However, some users may have concerns about data privacy and security due to Google’s data collection practices.

3. OneDrive

OneDrive

Microsoft’s OneDrive, deeply integrated with the Windows operating system and Microsoft 365 suite, offers a seamless experience for businesses heavily reliant on Microsoft’s software ecosystem. With a range of storage plans and competitive pricing, OneDrive caters to diverse business needs.

Its advanced file-sharing and collaboration features, including co-authoring and version control, make teamwork efficient and streamlined. Furthermore, OneDrive’s robust security measures, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication, provide peace of mind for businesses handling sensitive information. However, non-Windows users may face limitations in terms of compatibility and integration with other platforms.

protip image
Pro-tip

When choosing cloud storage for your business, it's important to consider your specific needs. Look at factors like the amount of storage space required, collaboration features, security protections, and integration with other software you use. Rather than just picking the most popular option, thoroughly evaluate if a provider's strengths align with your business priorities. The "best" option depends on your use case so make the right choice.

Dropbox Vs. Google Drive Vs. OneDrive: Detailed Comparison

Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive are prominent cloud storage and file-sharing services, each offering a unique set of features and benefits to users. This detailed comparison will delve into their strengths, functionalities, user interfaces, pricing differences, etc. Understanding these aspects will help users decide based on their needs and preferences.

Let’s start with the user count –

1. User Count

If one looks at the numbers, then Google Drive wins the game. The company had already reached around 1 billion active users by the year. On the other hand, Dropbox last stated that they had around 700 million registered customers.

User Count

Meanwhile, OneDrive is used by only 445 million users worldwide. But, because of the popularity of Office 365, these cloud storage services are subscribed to by 85 percent of the companies listed in the Fortune 500. This does speak volumes about the kind of services they have to offer.

But what one needs to bear in mind is that numbers don’t mean everything. Although all three cloud storage systems serve the same purpose, they use a different marketing approach to develop their storage service.

Now that it is known who stands where when it comes to the number of people consuming it, let’s start analyzing how each differs. The first thing we’ll be considering is the price and how much storage it offers for the same. And let’s see who seems to do well in this battle against Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive.

2. Features

Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive offer features to enhance business productivity and collaboration. To further understand the primary features of these 3 and compare them, let’s take a look at each of their features –

Cloud Storage Features

1. Dropbox

Dropbox is renowned for its effortless file collaboration and accessibility. It allows users to synchronize files seamlessly across various devices and platforms, ensuring smooth and efficient collaboration. With a user-friendly interface, file versioning, and easy sharing options, Dropbox facilitates teamwork and boosts productivity.

Its selective sync feature optimizes storage usage, granting users control over what files are accessible offline. Integrating third-party apps further enhances its functionality, making Dropbox a versatile choice for individuals and businesses. Some of the features of Dropbox are mentioned below –

  • Advanced sharing controls and file-locking
  • Unlimited device linking
  • Content protection and external sharing controls
  • Recover files or restore your entire account for up to 1 year
  • Large file delivery with Dropbox transfer (up to 100 GB)
  • Unlimited signing
  • Always-on security monitoring, notifications, and alerts
  • Dropbox backup
  • File recovery and version history
  • Data classification
  • Ransomware detection and recovery
  • Dropbox vault
  • Watermarking
  • Account transfer tools

2. Google Drive

Google Drive stands out for its seamless collaboration and integration capabilities. It excels in real-time collaborative editing, enabling multiple users to simultaneously work on the same document. Integrated with Google Workspace, it offers a comprehensive suite of productivity tools like Google Docs, Sheets, etc., enhancing workflow efficiency.

Google Drive interface and organization features ensure files are easily accessible and well-organized, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a cohesive and integrated productivity solution.

  • Version control
  • Data security
  • Offline access
  • Content publishing options
  • Multi-device support
  • Offline access
  • Real-time editing
  • Real-time synchronization
  • Remote access/control
  • Role-based permissions
  • SSL security
  • Search/filter
  • Secure data storage

3. OneDrive

OneDrive provides cloud storage and seamless integration within Microsoft. Its strength lies in deeply integrating with Microsoft Office applications, providing a seamless experience for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more users. Users can effortlessly access and edit their documents from various devices.

Additionally, OneDrive ensures data security and privacy, making it an appealing option for individuals and businesses in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its collaborative features and straightforward user interface further contribute to a productive and efficient workflow.

  • Multipage scan
  • Free Microsoft 365 apps on the web
  • Personal vault
  • Unlimited up to your OneDrive storage limit
  • Expiring sharing links
  • Ransomware detection and recovery
  • Files restore
  • Password-protected sharing links
  • Pc folder backup
  • Advanced sync technology
  • Search and discovery
  • Anywhere editing
  • Files on demand
  • File sharing
  • Version history
  • Offline files
  • Real-time collaboration

Observations

Dropbox and Google Drive provide powerful collaboration tools. OneDrive, as part of Microsoft 365, offers strong integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and robust security features. All three platforms provide storage options with various pricing plans. While Dropbox and Google Drive excel in collaboration features, OneDrive caters well to Windows users. 

The choice depends on specific business needs, budget, and platform compatibility. Google Drive is a top business choice due to its extensive collaboration features, real-time editing, and seamless integration with other Google tools. Its robust search capabilities also make it easy to find and manage files.

3. Pricing

No matter which part of the world we go to, everyone first considers the price before buying anything. So, while we compare the prices of all three, Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive, we’ll also compare the amount of storage they provide. Apart from that, we shall also consider each company’s various plans.

1. Dropbox Pricing

  • Free – 2GB
  • Plus – $9.99 per month
  • Professional – $16.58 per month
  • Standard – $15 per user per month
  • Advanced – $24 per user per month

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Dropbox is its inflexibility. If someone wishes to go for the basic plan, free of cost, the company only provides 2GB of storage. In today’s times, 2GB has no value whatsoever. And on the other hand, if people opt for a paid plan, then the storage they offer is 2TB. This is also over-the-top because not everyone will require so much space or want to pay so much unnecessarily.

The other thing to observe is that they offer 3TB storage and additional features when the Professional plan increases two times. This aspect is also quite debatable.

On the other hand, the business plans provided by Dropbox are way more flexible. The option to pay for a year in advance is also given, and alongside that, one even reaps the benefits of getting exciting discounts. The unlimited storage is mainly linked to the business plan, and one may not be able to get that for professional use. Therefore, when it comes to business, Dropbox is the best choice.

2. Google Drive Pricing

  • 15 GB: Free
  • 100 GB: $1.99/month
  • 1 TB: $9.99/month
  • 10 TB: $99.99/month
  • 20 TB: $199.99/month
  • 30 TB: $299.99/month
  • Google Drive for teams: $10.00/user/month

Google Drive is quite generous in terms of providing storage. If one owns an Android phone or a Gmail account, one automatically gets 15GB of free storage. Here, Google Drive offers 1TB for the same price as Dropbox. But, apart from that, Google also stretches its plans with more options. They provide annual subscriptions along with discounts.

The number of options Google Drive provides is by far the most impressive among its competitors. Although some may find the rates slightly higher, things change shortly.

3. OneDrive Pricing

  • OneDrive Basic – Free 5GB
  • OneDrive Standalone – $1.99 / month for 100GB
  • Microsoft 365 Personal Office apps – $69.99 / year for 1TB /2TB max
  • Microsoft 365 Family – $99.99 / year

This particular storage cloud offers 5GB of free storage space. What’s considered a good bargain is the Office 365 plan. For $69.99 per month, getting 1TB of storage and Office 365 is a huge deal. The reason is that for the same price, they also give access to the desktop versions of Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. Coming to their business deals, their plans seem quite interesting.

Observations

After considering everything the three have to offer, we can safely say that when it comes to luring potential customers with deals, Dropbox does a lousy job. If we compare OneDrive vs. Google Drive, we can say that at least the two are doing their best by offering enticing deals and keeping ahead of the game. However, Google Drive does walk away with the prize in this segment.

4. User-Interface

Regarding cloud storage services, three of the most popular options are Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. While they have similar functionalities, their user interfaces differ in design, features, and overall user experience.

In this comparison, we will explore the user interfaces of Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Let’s dive in and see how these three platforms stack against each other regarding their user interfaces.

1. Dropbox

Dropbox provides a clean, intuitive interface that remains easy to navigate as you access more advanced capabilities. The simplified home screen makes accessing your frequently used files, folders, and tools easy. Icons and menus are descriptively labeled to find features quickly.

Power users can explore more robust options through the desktop app while maintaining the simplistic look. The UI strikes an ideal balance between usability for novices and the required complexity for advanced workflows.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive boasts a user interface emphasizing familiarity and accessibility. It adopts a design reminiscent of other Google products, allowing business users to quickly adapt and utilize its functionalities. The common interface used across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more creates a familiar user experience.

Files and folders intuitively display alongside emails, chats, and calendar events for a centralized workspace. This makes adopting Google Drive easier for existing Google users. The unified search functionality is another benefit, enabling quickly finding Drive content.

3. OneDrive

OneDrive leverages Microsoft’s Fluent Design System to create a visually appealing, modern UI. Animations and acrylic blur effects add style without distracting from usability. Vibrant iconography makes navigating clear.

Adaptive menus reshape based on window size to optimize the experience. Dark mode support and increased accessibility considerations demonstrate Microsoft’s focus on inclusive and flexible design. The UI feels both fresh and familiar to Windows/Office users.

Observations

The user interfaces of Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive share some similarities – they use clean, minimalist designs with familiar navigation like sidebars for folder structures. Dropbox stands out with its unique desktop sync feature shown prominently. 

Google Drive looks more visually integrated with other Google services. Overall, OneDrive’s interface is the simplest and most intuitive interface. The layout is clean, and file contents are shown in an organized, logical way. OneDrive’s UI offers the best user experience.

5. File Sharing

One can share pictures, films, and more with others by granting file access. The basic working of file sharing is the same across all platforms. They usually rely on web links that take you to the folder or file. But this also has a flip side to it.

If the links end up in the wrong hands, then misuse of the same might occur. Therefore, to maintain privacy, other features like protecting it with a password or setting expiry dates to the file/folder exist. So, let’s see who takes the cake in the battle against Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive.

1. Dropbox File Sharing

Dropbox makes use of a web interface to share stored objects. A ‘share’ button is attached to each file and folder in Dropbox. A shareable link is generated once a person clicks on it, which can then be copied and pasted into emails, chats, or documents. Post this. The email addresses of the people you want to send the file must be mentioned. When sharing a folder, one can choose whether the recipient can edit it or is only restricted to viewing.

Dropbox file share

While it has some great features to control access, they are only restricted to those who choose ‘Dropbox Professional.’ The features are: one can include passwords, set expiry dates for links, and turn off the download option.

To keep track of the number of files shared, one can make use of the “sharing” option. This also helps in quickly turning off the shares. To sum it up, the features are not bad and serve a good purpose. Although it would be too idealistic, it wouldn’t harm much if the features were included in the basic plan.

2. Google Drive File Sharing

The features are the same as before, where one can share the file link and control the settings. For example, if the opposite person is allowed to view or edit as well. Options like turning off the download option and preventing others from adding new people are in “advanced settings.” People can also attach the links of the folder/file in the mail body or text.

Google Drive file share

The file-sharing features are a bit own for a cloud-storing platform with the maximum number of users and are considered quite impressive. Although one might wonder what the complaint is about if the software is so good. The issue that bothers me is that there isn’t any safety feature. For example, having expiry dates and sharing files that are password protected, etc.

Apart from that, there is an option where one can view the files shared with them by others, but the vice-versa is not there. Not knowing what one has shared and with whom can be risky. When comparing who is better in the fight against Dropbox vs. Google Drive, it is evident that Dropbox stands out in the battle between the two.

3. OneDrive File Sharing

OneDrive does include a safety feature, which is not prevalent in Google Drive. At the same time, unlike Dropbox, one does not need to pay a $20 subscription to access this feature. In the ‘permission’ option, one can make the necessary changes. If one needs to share a particular file with a larger audience, the links can be shared on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Onedrive file sharing

People can view the files shared with them and those they shared with others by clicking on the “shared” options. The only miss is that there is no option to limit the number of people who can download a particular file. And the other element that is a put-off is that it does not have a file request feature. One could put OneDrive vs. Dropbox as two competitors worthy of fighting the other. Let’s see who emerges to be victorious.

Observations

While comparing who is better in the fight against Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive, one can surely see a clear winner for this segment. Google Drive has lost out in this race due to a lack of some basic requirements. Security issues can cause privacy concerns, and this is expected. Google Drive is scoring well in this section.

What’s disappointing in Dropbox is that one must subscribe to the Dropbox Professional plan to access advanced link controls. Regarding OneDrive, it is disappointing that they have not included a feature where one can send a request to access a file. Therefore, in comparing OneDrive and Dropbox, if one had to choose a winner, it would undoubtedly be OneDrive.

Features like assigning passwords to links and selecting an expiry date for a file or folder easily convince users why they need to opt for OneDrive. The software that deserves to come second is Dropbox.

6. File Sync

Apart from keeping hard drives empty, there are also other features that one needs to consider while getting cloud storage software. Synchronization of files is another aspect that will be looked into while debating.

File synchronization, a staple aspect of enterprise content management software, helps to distribute real-time changes across other devices connected to the storage account. Let’s check out who stands out in the Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrivebattle.

1. Dropbox

The founder of Dropbox, Drew Houston, originally invented the sync model in cloud storage services. Now, getting to the basics, there is a special folder in the computer’s file system where, if one happens to place any document, that file will be saved on their hard Drive and in the cloud.

dropbox

Dropbox is extremely reliable. There are no instances of file names getting mixed up or going missing. Since there is no capsize on how large a file must be, sync works perfectly fine for all files. But, if files are uploaded from websites, the cap is put at 20GB. Overall, the file synchronization feature in Dropbox is a catch.

When the system hinges on a local file, it will take up space in the hard Drive. But Dropbox deals with it smoothly. There is a feature called “selective sync,” which, when selected, allows people to turn off file synchronization and makes folders available only when online.

2. Google Drive

This cloud storage solution makes use of the same model that Dropbox invented. It creates a similar cloud-connecting folder in the file system. They are not available for desktop clients of Linux. Google Drive has the backing of a global server network, which makes up for speedy full-file transfers. However, there is a slight issue where file edits take time to sync, mainly because it cannot possess block-level file copies.

google_drive

When it’s Dropbox vs. Google Drive, one cannot compare the features of Google Drive to that of Dropbox, especially the smart sync feature. But Google does selective sync, which helps clear space in the Hard Drive. In addition, Google allows people to slow the upload and download bandwidth from the settings features if the Drive drains the system resources.

But, Google Drive has a small advantage over its competitors because it comes with a file backup. This helps in uploading files right from the desktop to the cloud.

3. OneDrive

This cloud storage system’s sync folder works like any other cloud storage service. The storage software has block-level sync for file edits in Microsoft file types. However, it would be convenient if they’d make it open for all file types and not just Microsoft.

OneDrive Sync

If the sync is turned off, no one can view the folder synced with OneDrive, which is good, as people can save quite a lot of space in their hard drives. Apart from that, OneDrive also allows people to control the synchronization speed. While looking at who’s done better between OneDrive and Google Drive, OneDrive provides block-level encryption, which is a better bet. But if we look at who’s doing better between OneDrive and Dropbox, the latter proves to be a better choice.

Observations

After comparing Google Drive vs. Onedrive vs. Dropbox, it is clear that Dropbox has beaten the other two at file copying and, therefore, steals the show. Regarding who is better in the fight of OneDrive vs. Google Drive, Google does not provide block-level encryption, which is why it does not qualify in this round.

If one were to choose who might come second, then OneDrive would be the second-best choice. While there are little hiccups here and there, one cannot deny that Dropbox deserves credit. With block-level file copying and smart sync, it sure trumps its competitors. However, it would be appreciated if smart sync wasn’t just for those who opt for Dropbox Professional.

7. Privacy Settings

Although this point has come much towards the end of the debate, security is considered one of the vital elements to look out for when selecting cloud storage software. Security wasn’t taken seriously until the NSA’s PRISM program came to light. In this digital age, when data is extremely precious, one must provide safety when offering cloud storage services.

Let’s see who better provides proper security between Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

1. Dropbox

Intransit and at rest are the two places where encryption takes place in Dropbox. In-transit encryption keys secure the data that is transferred online. These files are protected by TLS, which means “transport layer security.” The problem is that the encryption standard differs when the file is in transit and at rest. This means that they use a different encryption protocol.

This is not considered to be safe whatsoever. This is done to extract metadata, which serves as indices that help retrieve and edit files quickly. But when stored, it is done so in plain text, which means that if hacked into or sent to the wrong person, they might be privy to details that don’t need to be public.

Apart from that, the other issue at hand is that Dropbox possesses the encryption key. This shouldn’t be the case, as the encryption key allows file previews and edits. From what we see here, in the battle against Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive.

2. Google Drive 

Google Drive has two-factor verification, which can be activated from the settings. After enabling it, one must enter a code for security reasons for a new machine login. One will be notified about it via text or on either one of the mobile apps.

Apart from the others, one can observe how Google takes security very seriously. They have also included biometric scanners as well as laser grids. But after saying that, if one glances through their terms and conditions section, they mention that the company can scan the users’ data and emails.

While this helps detect illegal content, we don’t realize that Google also uses the users’ data for targeted marketing. In the fight between Dropbox and Google Drive, Dropbox seems like a much better and safer bet.

3. OneDrive

For personal subscribers, the data is not encrypted when at rest. This is a concern, as Microsoft has always been a soft target for hackers. Since the files don’t remain encrypted, opting for either Dropbox or Google Drive is advisable. Boxcryptor, a private encryption service compatible with all three systems, can be used in this case. But the only issue that will occur is that it might limit the use of Office Online.

It also protects against password theft, where one will receive the security code via text or email. When it comes to Google Drive vs. Onedrive vs. Dropbox, comparing them would do no good as all of them miss out on some necessary elements that Dropbox has considered. However, in the battle between OneDrive and Dropbox, it would be beneficial to vouch for Dropbox.

Observations

This is a little tricky regarding who provides the best security because loopholes are found in all systems at one point or another. Looking at the bigger issues, when it comes to OneDrive vs. Google Drive, they seem less secure as one sifts through the data while the other won’t encrypt it at rest. It’s tricky to think whom one should root for, between Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive.

But as the concerns were mentioned above, it is evident that one would be drawn towards first thinking about Dropbox instead of the other two. No matter what one goes for, using Boxcryptor to construct a private safe box is advisable.

Conclusion

When choosing the right file storage and sharing platform for business, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive have strengths and limitations. Dropbox offers robust collaboration capabilities, extensive integration options, and top-notch security. Google Drive excels at real-time editing and leveraging the Google Workspace ecosystem. OneDrive tightly integrates with Microsoft solutions for optimized Office document workflows.

The good news is you have three powerful options for managing business files in the cloud. Take time to properly evaluate the capabilities and limitations across Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. The platform best matches your unique requirements will provide the greatest productivity lift. Choose wisely and reduce business friction through seamless cloud file access, sharing, and collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dropbox offers a free plan with 2GB of storage, Google Drive provides a complimentary plan with 15GB, and OneDrive offers a free plan with 5GB of storage.

People often prefer Dropbox for its intuitive user interface, seamless file syncing, and ease of sharing files with others.

OneDrive stands out for its added value compared to Google Drive and Dropbox, providing offline versions of the Office suite alongside online collaboration. In contrast, while cost-effective with a generous free plan, Google Drive primarily focuses on online collaboration. On the other hand, Dropbox offers greater flexibility, albeit at a different price point.

Dropbox and OneDrive prioritize security, but OneDrive, integrated with Microsoft's security infrastructure, is often considered slightly more secure.

OneDrive is often preferred for business use due to its integration with Microsoft Office apps, robust security features, and centralized management through Microsoft 365.

Google News
subscribe image
Let’s Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.

people subscribed+21K people have already subscribed 

Related Articles

sitemap
Share This