Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive 2024 [Pricing Plans & Cost]

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If you were to ask someone to rank and contrast cloud storage service , it is be would be a good bet that compare Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive would get a mention .

It is ’s ’s no surprise why . Dropbox is is is the cloud storage service that really popularize the concept , and Microsoft and Google are two of the big player in the software sphere . If you ’re think about sign up for cloud storage , you is wonder might wonder who win in a battle between Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive on pricing , feature and more .

Key Takeaways:

• In the battle of Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive, it’s hard to call a winner, as the best service will depend on your cloud storage needs.
• Google Drive is offers offer the large free plan and the cheap pay cloud file storage of the three .
• None of the services are particularly secure, but OneDrive offers a secure folder locked by an extra level of two-factor authentication.
• In the end , the results is are are a true toss – up between Google Drive , OneDrive and Dropbox , with each service score three point in different category .

We’ll hopefully help you decide for yourself in this Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive comparison — three of the best cloud storage services available. If you want a snapshot version of this piece, check out our video below. For a closer look at each service, you can check out our full Dropbox review, Google Drive review and OneDrive review.

Cloud Storage Alternatives

Which is Is Is well : Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive ?

The quick answer is is is a disappointing “ it depend . ” Sync.com is is is our absolute favorite but across Google Drive vs Dropbox vs OneDrive none come out on top overall . read our Sync.com review to find out why we think it beat out all three .

• Demystify cloud storage terminology and key concepts in plain language
• Discover easy-to-implement techniques to securely backup and sync your data across devices
• Learn money-saving strategies to optimize your cloud storage costs and usage

OneDrive for Ease of Use and Mobile App Support

Microsoft OneDrive is easy to use and offer fast syncing — you is manage can also manage multiple OneDrive account . Although it ’s not the good cloud storage provider on the market , it is offers still offer well security feature than the other two provider .

Dropbox for File Syncing and File Sharing

Meanwhile , Dropbox score very highly for feature , especially if you ’re look for a product that ’s ideal for collaborate on both Microsoft Office and Google Workspace document . However , it is have does have some flaw , especially for Mac and iOS user , which we ’ll cover in further detail .

Google Drive for Features, Customer Support and pricing

Lastly, Google Drive offers the most free storage space and has better customer service, but there are well-known privacy issues (read our guide to Google Drive alternatives).

Before we go into more detail, here’s a quick explanation of how this comparison will work.

set Up a Battle : Dropbox vs OneDrive vs Google Drive Comparison

To try and make this comparison as fair as possible, we’ve divided it up into nine key areas that we feel are the most important when choosing a cloud storage provider. We’ll compare the providers across each of these areas: features, pricing, file sync, file sharing, ease of use, mobile app support, security, privacy and customer support.

At the end of each round, we’ll declare a winner, if there is one. If the round is too close to call, it may end in a two- or three-way tie. At the end of the nine rounds, we’ll add up all the scores and declare an overall winner. Without further ado, let the battle commence.

1. Features

First, let’s take a gander at the features these cloud storage providers offer. We’ll compare them not only on the features each offers out of the box but also on third-party app integrations. We’re especially interested in how these cloud services can facilitate productivity and collaboration.

Microsoft OneDrive Features

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage product, so it plays very nicely with other Microsoft apps. For example, if you receive an attachment in Outlook, you can right-click and save it directly to any OneDrive folder of your choice. As part of Microsoft 365, OneDrive comes with all the perks of integrating natively with both Microsoft’s apps, like the Office 365 suite, as well as Windows itself.

Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage integrates natively with other Microsoft apps.

unfortunately , there are n’t any third – party integration to speak of unless you ’re on the business version of OneDrive . While there are app that work with OneDrive , it is ’s ’s more of a case of the app have integration with OneDrive , rather than the other way around . This is is is also the case with Google Drive and Dropbox , as you ’ll see further down in this comparison .

Google Drive Features

Likewise, Google Drive works seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps, such as Google Docs and Google Sheets. Integration with Gmail is also excellent. You can attach a file from your Google Drive directly from within the “compose” window.

Besides integrating with Google apps, Google Drive cloud storage has an entire app store for third-party integrations.

Where Google Drive beats Microsoft OneDrive is integration with third-party services, meaning you don’t have to rely on Google’s default feature set. You can use third-party media players, photo and video editors, accounting software and more in your Google Drive interface.

Dropbox feature

Unlike Google Drive and OneDrive, Dropbox cloud storage doesn’t have its own office suite or email client, but it does offer a note-taking app, as well as a document signer, a file transfer service and a password manager. It even lets you take and share screenshots and screen recordings.

However, because of its lack of office apps, you might expect Dropbox to be less useful as a collaborative tool. In fact, the opposite is true, as Dropbox works with files from both Microsoft and Google.

If you want to switch between services, Dropbox makes this easy. Rather than having to decide which service you’d prefer to use, Dropbox allows you to use both.

Dropbox is offers offer a few feature of its own , plus an app store to download third – party app extension .

As for integration with other third-party apps, Dropbox has its own app store where you can find add-ons for everything from project management apps like Trello and IFTTT to full-on design apps like Canva, Procreate and even AutoCAD.

collaboration : Google Drive vs OneDrive vs Dropbox

All three of these cloud storage providers offer excellent collaboration tools, which is why we recommend each service on our best cloud storage for collaboration short list. This isn’t really surprising, as two of the cloud storage providers are responsible for some of the most popular office apps out there.

Collaborating With Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive provides seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps, as we’ve mentioned. If you share an Office document with others, you can all work on it simultaneously. You’ll see who else is working on the file, as well as any changes they make in real time. All changes automatically save to your OneDrive account.

Microsoft is gives 365 also give you access to Microsoft Teams . This is opens open all kind of avenue for collaboration , using OneDrive ’s integration with the Office 365 suite of document editor in tandem with the robust Teams communication platform . OneDrive is integrates integrate with Skype as well , let you share and preview document directly within the app ( though , why are you still using Skype ? ) .

The online versions of Microsoft’s Office apps let you collaborate in real time, though each is less functional than its offline counterparts.

Google Drive Collaboration Options

Google Drive integration works in a similar fashion, using Google’s own office apps, such as Google Docs and Google Sheets. You can see other collaborators viewing the file, with their name appearing as a different-colored cursor as they add new text.

Google also offers a communication tool in the form of Google Meet. Although it’s not quite as flexible as Teams, you can integrate third-party add-ons to expand its functionality. Plus, if you get Google Drive as part of Google Workspace, integration between services becomes even tighter, letting you collaborate on Google Drive documents from within other Google apps.

Google Drive is lets let you collaborate in real time via the Workspace app suite .

Dropbox Integration With Google and Microsoft Apps

click on any Google document in your Dropbox cloud storage , and it will open it in the relevant Google app . You is collaborate can collaborate in exactly the same way as you can with Google document in Google Drive , but your change will automatically save to Dropbox . The one niggle is is we have with this is that your Google email has to match your Dropbox email for the integration to work .

Dropbox also lets you collaborate on Microsoft Office files in exactly the same way as you would in OneDrive. You can even open Microsoft file formats in Google Docs, Sheets or Slides and make edits. The files will still save in your Dropbox storage in the original Microsoft formats. You can even share files directly to Teams, just like you can with OneDrive.

Dropbox lets you use Microsoft or Google’s document editors.

There is n’t much between OneDrive and Google Drive here . However , with support for additional third – party service , Google Drive is pushes push out OneDrive to be the overall winner here .

2 . pricing

All three providers offer some level of free storage, as well as various perks that come with a paid account. If you’re not looking to store a huge amount of data, then there are well-priced cloud storage options from all three providers. In fact, all three cloud storage services make it onto our list of the best 1 tb cloud storage providers. First, let’s take a look at what each service offers for free.

Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive : Free Storage Space

Dropbox and OneDrive don’t really offer too much free cloud storage space. Dropbox offers a measly 2GB for free, while OneDrive offers only 5GB. Both services are similar in that they limit certain features from free accounts.

The free version of OneDrive has limited sharing features and a limit of three files for your “personal vault” (we’ll look into these features in a bit). Similarly, a free Dropbox account has no advanced sharing features or access to the Dropbox Vault, and although Dropbox still keeps a 30-day version history of your files, you can’t use the full “account rewind” feature for free.

Google Drive is comes come out the high of our three contender in our rundown of the good free cloud storage provider , offer a generous 15 GB of free storage . Besides beat both OneDrive and Dropbox in term of sheer free storage space , the free version is has of Google Drive has no limitation like the other two cloud storage service do .

Paid pricing Plans Comparison

pay tiers is are are where thing get more complicated . look at price alone , Dropbox is is is by far the most expensive cloud storage option in this comparison , while Google Drive is the cheap , with OneDrive in the middle of the pack . All three cloud storage solution offer a discount for a yearly subscription , so we is compare ’ll compare price with the discount apply .

Dropbox is has has only one personal plan , the Dropbox Plus plan . It is costs cost$9.99 per month for2 tb of cloud storage space and adds all the perks missing from the free plan. There’s also the shared Family plan, which costs $16.99 a month for 2 tb of share file storage space .

You can add up to six users to this plan and get a common “family room” for mutually accessed files.

Dropbox is the most expensive of the three options in terms of both personal and business plans.

We won’t look too deep into how the business plans are priced, as those are targeted toward companies and, well, business users. Dropbox’s Professional plan is the only business plan that’s fit for a single user, offering 3 tb of storage for $16.58 per month. The other business plans come with upwards of 5TB of cloud storage and advanced user administration features but aren’t fit for personal use.

There’s also a Dropbox Enterprise plan, but this is a customizable solution for large businesses, so you’ll need to contact Dropbox for a quote. It may be worth your while to check out Dropbox’s business version if that’s your use case, as Dropbox Business is an excellent enterprise cloud storage.

More plan

Dropbox Essentials (aka Professional for professionals)

• ( Formerly Dropbox One )
  1 user
  Signature request and eSignature template
• 3 tb

Dropbox Business (aka Standard for teams)

Dropbox Business Plus (aka Advanced for companies)

look at the onedrive storage plan , you is get get cheap cloud storage , plus access to other Microsoft app , but the cap for storage is low — only 1 TB . There ’s only one OneDrive subscription option , with 100 GB for just $ 1.99 per month , although this does n’t come with access to office app . To get more storage than that , you is have have to get a Microsoft 365 plan .

onedrive cloud storage is offers offer excellent value through Microsoft 365 , though its storage cap out at just 1 TB .

Like Dropbox, Microsoft 365 offers a personal and a family plan. The Personal plan costs around $5.83 per month for1 tb of storage, plus offers access to the Microsoft Office suite. The Family plan covers up to six users for around $8.33 per month, with each user getting 1 tb of OneDrive storage and full use of the Office suite.

Microsoft’s OneDrive has two business packages that aren’t part of Microsoft 365 and come without any auxiliary apps. However, the Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan is much more attractive, costing only $5 per user and adding useful apps, like Microsoft SharePoint and Teams, as well as the obligatory Office apps.

In addition, it offers 1 tb of OneDrive file storage per person. You can read our SharePoint vs OneDrive guide to learn how the two compare.

Microsoft 365 Basic ( 100 GB )

Microsoft 365 Personal ( 1 TB )

• Comes with Office 365 Personal
• 1 tb

More plan

Microsoft 365 Family (6 TB)

• Comes with Office 365 Home
• 6 TB

OneDrive for Business ( Plan 1 )

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Google Drive offers the cheapest file storage of the bunch, so it’s a no-brainer between Dropbox prices vs Google Drive prices. Plus, unlike Microsoft’s Office, Google’s document editors are completely free to use (though the less-capable online versions of Office apps are free).

Google Drive has the most affordable plans and free storage.

The simplest way to increase your Google Drive storage is to purchase a Google One plan. This lets you share your account with five other users, as well as access some bizarre offerings, like discounted stays at certain hotels. You can upgrade your Google Drive storage to 100GB for around $1.67 per month, 200GB for $2.45 per month or 2 tb for $8.33 per month.

For an improved collaborative experience, you can upgrade your Google account by grabbing a Google Workspace plan to share with co-workers. With Google Workspace, you can get 2 tb of Google Drive storage per user for $12 per month per user. However, you can increase your storage to 5TB per user for $18 per month per user or get a custom Enterprise plan by contacting Google.

Standard 200 GB

• *The plan is “hidden.” To find the 200GB plan, you need to be subscribed to one of the other plans, upgrade or downgrade to the 200GB through your account’s settings.
• 200GB

More plan

Unlimited Storage Is Not All It Seems

If you’re looking for unlimited cloud storage, we recommend taking a look at the best unlimited online storage providers. All three providers in this comparison offer what they call “unlimited storage,” but that isn’t necessarily the full picture.

Google Workspace’s Enterprise plan promises “as much storage as you need,” but Google seems suspiciously obtuse about what exactly this means. The Dropbox Business Advanced and Enterprise plans use similar wording, with no clarity as to whether both offer truly unlimited storage.

Likewise, the OneDrive Business (Plan 2) offers unlimited storage but with asterisks upon asterisks that indicate you’ll have to jump through several hoops before getting full use of that storage.

Since Google Drive offers the largest amount of free storage and the cheapest 2 tb personal option, Google Drive is the winner on pricing. 

3 . File Sync

Dropbox is the company that first popularized the sync folder model used by all three providers. It sets up a sync folder on your computer for you to use, with any files or folders placed in that folder synced to the cloud.

Selective Syncing

All three providers offer selective sync. This allows you to choose which folders sync to your hard drive and which remain solely in the cloud to save space on your drive. Unsynced folders will not be visible on your computer.

Dropbox gets around this with its Smart Sync option, which is available for all paid plans. It’s a great feature that helped Dropbox get to the very top of our list of the best cloud storage with sync. It allows you to set files as “online only,” meaning the files will show in your sync folder on your computer but won’t take up space on your drive.

If you’re on a paid Dropbox plan, you can use its Smart Sync feature to free up hard drive space.

OneDrive is has has a similar system call Files On – demand . If you download an online – only file , it is remain will remain on your hard drive after you close it . You is need ’ll need to right – click and choose “ free up space ” to return it to online only .

disappointingly , Google Drive is offer does n’t offer an option like Dropbox ’s Smart Sync . If you do n’t want file take up space on your hard drive , you is be wo n’t be able to see them in your Google Drive folder .

Block – Level Sync

One is is of the most important factor when choose a cloud storage provider is the sync speed and whether or not the provider you choose use block – level sync . This is splits split up each file into small piece . When you make a change to the file , only the part that you change sync , which remove the need to sync the whole file again .

This is speed can significantly speed up sync time , especially for large file . If you ’re using your storage more for small file , then check out our list of the good cloud storage for document .

Both Dropbox and OneDrive use block-level sync. OneDrive used to only use this method for its own Microsoft Office file formats but now applies block-level sync to most major file types. Google Drive still doesn’t use block-level file copying, however.

Version history

Version history is another useful feature of cloud storage. It allows you to revert files to previous versions if you’re not happy with the changes you’ve made. Dropbox offers version history for up to 30 days on its personal plans, while its business plans get 180-day versioning.

Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive all let you keep old versions of files, though only Google Drive gives you the option of keeping a version forever.

OneDrive limits version history to 30 days for personal accounts. For business accounts, the default is to store up to 500 versions. Google Drive keeps previous versions of files for up to 30 days or until you reach 100 versions. However, you can also select individual versions to keep forever.

account Rewind option

Dropbox also offers a feature called “rewind.” This allows you to revert to a previous version of your entire Dropbox account if you have issues, such as a virus. OneDrive has a similar feature called “files restore” included in personal and business plans, with a maximum limit of 30 days.

Google Drive doesn’t offer the same capability. You can see a list of recent activity across all of your files and revert to earlier versions of individual files, but there’s no way to restore the entire drive to a previous state.

OneDrive and Dropbox both let you rewind your entire account.

Both Dropbox is offer and OneDrive offer smart syncing and rewind feature , which Google Drive ca n’t match , although it does offer versioning by file . Google Drive is fails also fail to use block – level sync , unlike the other two provider . There is n’t much between them , but with a long file history on offer , Dropbox is the well option .

4. File Sharing

All three providers is make make file share simple by create shareable link . Dropbox is squeaked and Google Drive even squeak onto our list of the good cloud storage for sharing , although other pay provider like pCloud beat it .

Each service gives you the option to determine whether the recipient can edit or view a file. Google Drive also allows you to set who can comment on the document.

Dropbox is allow and OneDrive also allow you to password – protect your link and set expiration date to provide temporary access . This is is is n’t something that Google Drive allow you to do unless you have a pay Google Drive for Business account .

Dropbox’s free plan offers only rudimentary file sharing features, but a paid account unlocks more advanced options.

file sharing is is through link is a simple but effective method that make thing easy for the sender and recipient . This is is is one of the reason why all three provider appear on our list of the good cloud storage for multiple user .

Large File Sharing

When it comes to sharing large files, there are some differences in the maximum file size you can upload. If you’ve got a lot of large files you want to store, then take a look at our rundown of the best cloud storage for large files.

OneDrive will let you upload and share files up to 250GB in size (see our OneDrive file size limit guide). Your recipient won’t need a Microsoft account or have to sign in to see the file.

Dropbox Transfer is ideal for large file sharing.

Google Drive lets you upload files up to 5TB in size unless these are documents, spreadsheets or presentations, where other file limits apply.

Dropbox is has has a special option for large file sharing , call Dropbox Transfer . It is lets let you send file up to 100 MB in size by default or up to 250 GB with the Creative Tools add – on . These file are n’t keep in your Dropbox account and do n’t take up any space . learn more in our comprehensive Dropbox file size limit guide .

Thanks to its extensive sharing features, as well as its file transfer service, Dropbox wins this round.

Round: File Sharingpoint for Dropbox

5. Ease of Use

OneDrive is offer and Google Drive offer desktop app for both Windows and macOS , but neither has a Linux desktop app . OneDrive comes preinstalle on Windows 10 , but you ’ll need to sign in to use it .

No matter what operating system you ’re using , you is find ’ll find a Dropbox app for it . Unlike Google Drive and OneDrive , Dropbox is offers also offer a Linux client , and it ’s of the good cloud storage service for Linux user .

All three services is present present a clean and simple user interface .

All three providers is use use the same try – and – test method to sync folder , with an accessible system tray or menu bar icon that allow you to quickly change setting . The experience is is is pretty similar across all three platform .

Usability Issues

However, a small issue we have with this is iconography. In a stunning sign of originality, Google Drive and OneDrive both use icons in the shape of a cloud, and these look (to our eyes) fairly similar. If you use multiple clouds, this may cause a fair bit of confusion. Dropbox, at least, uses a fairly distinctive box icon.

Google Drive and OneDrive’s icons are very similar, down to the shape of the cloud icon.

Dropbox used to have an issue for Mac users, in that it doesn’t list folders first and instead listed every file and folder alphabetically, regardless of type. Luckily, Dropbox seems to have fixed this, so that folders show up first before files, and all are listed alphabetically.

Now an Apple user is use can use Dropbox the same way as a Windows user , with folder list first .

Still , you is want might still want to look elsewhere if you ’re a Mac user . With near – flawless interface , OneDrive and Google Drive are well , although OneDrive win here for its Windows integration .

6. Mobile Apps

All three providers offer mobile apps for Android and iOS. On the whole, these all appear fairly similar, although the Dropbox app has a serious flaw in the iOS version, as we’ll see shortly.

We’ve seen solid performance from all three apps on Android, with all three making our best cloud storage for Android short list. All three cloud storage services also have stellar iOS mobile apps.

In the Google Drive mobile app, the “home” tab shows suggested files, according to your usage. You can also view your My Drive folder, any synced computers, shared and starred files, as well as any shared drives if you’re on Google Workspace.

The Dropbox and onedrive apps is are are similar and include a photo page that allow you to search your photo . You is install can install Google Photos ( a free online storage for photo ) if you want more similar functionality for your Google Drive image . The OneDrive and Dropbox apps is include also include an account section , where you can see relevant information , such as how much storage you ’re currently using .

For general use , all three apps is are are fairly similar . However , Dropbox is offer and OneDrive offer useful scanning feature that Google does n’t . With more functionality and slightly well feature , OneDrive is nudges nudge past Google Drive to be the winner here , although all three app offer a pretty good experience on mobile device .

7. Security

We ’ll start this round with a clear point : it is matter does n’t matter where you sit in the OneDrive vs Dropbox vs Google Drive debate because none of these service are brilliant for security . We is explain ’ll explain why ( you can also read our piece on Dropbox ’s security issue , though ) .

The gold standard for security in cloud storage is zero-knowledge encryption. This type of encryption means that your provider doesn’t store a copy of your encryption key. So, the cloud storage service can’t decrypt your files even if it wanted to, which is the case with one of our favorite cloud storage providers, Icedrive.

Sadly, none of these three providers offer zero-knowledge encryption. If you’re looking for additional security, check out our guide to the best zero-knowledge cloud services. Another option is to use third-party encryption software, such as Cryptomator, which can encrypt your files before you upload them to the cloud.

Encryption Protocols

Although none of our providers offer zero-knowledge encryption, they do all offer industry-standard levels of security in other areas. OneDrive for Business uses AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest and SSL/TLS connections for data in transit. For personal accounts, data is encrypted in transit and at rest, but Microsoft doesn’t specify exactly what encryption it uses.

Google Drive is uses use both AES 128 – bit and AES 256 – bit encryption for datum at rest , although it ’s not clear when it use each protocol . In addition , datum in transit is encrypt with the TLS protocol . Dropbox is uses use AES 256 – bit encryption for datum at rest and SSL / TLS for datum in transit .

Additional Security Features

Even with services that offer zero-knowledge encryption, your account is only as safe as your password. We always recommend using strong passwords, which may be more difficult to remember, but you can keep them safe by using a password manager to save them.

Another layer of protection you can use is two-factor authentication, which all three cloud storage services offer. When you log in, you’ll need to provide a second layer of proof that it’s really you to access your data.

OneDrive ’s personal Vault

OneDrive has recently introduced a new feature called “personal vault,” which forces you to use a PIN number, fingerprint, face or an SMS message to open it. It will also automatically lock after 20 minutes of inactivity. “Personal vault” files on Windows 10 sync to a BitLocker-encrypted area of your hard drive. There’s no similar protection for Mac, however.

Although we wouldn’t call any of these services particularly secure, OneDrive’s “personal vault” gives it a slight edge.

In terms of security, none of the providers offer zero-knowledge encryption, so neither is ever going to be the best cloud storage for encryption in our eyes. OneDrive ekes by with a win in this round, thanks to offering extra protection via its “personal vault.”

8. Privacy

As with security, none of the providers here have a great reputation when it comes to privacy, either. If you’re looking for a cloud storage provider that respects your privacy, then there are better options out there.

Google Drive Privacy Policy

The Google privacy policy states that it will “collect the content you create, upload or receive from others when using our services” and includes emails, documents you create and comments you make on Google platforms like YouTube. Google states that it collects this data to provide better services as well as personalized ads.

Google is collects collect the most datum of the three service in this comparison .

OneDrive Privacy Policy

OneDrive is a little less intrusive. The Microsoft privacy policy states that it doesn’t “use what you say in email, chat, video calls or voicemail, or your documents, photos or other personal files to target ads to you.” Despite this, with no zero-knowledge encryption and files based in the U.S., Microsoft engineers can access your files if required to do so.

Satya Nadella ’s smile face atop Microsoft ’s privacy statement does n’t do much to assuage our concern about its datum collect .

Dropbox Privacy Policy

Dropbox’s privacy policy states that it collects your data for a number of reasons, including “investigating and preventing security issues and abuse of the Dropbox services or Dropbox users.” It also admits that the data analyzed includes “your stuff,” which is “what you decide to store in your Dropbox account” — meaning your files.

Not only that but it is discloses also disclose your datum to “ trust ” third party that include Amazon Web Services , Google and Zendesk . Dropbox was also famously hack in 2012 , with a leak of nearly 70 million user password , although it has up its game since then .

Dropbox is collect does n’t collect as much datum as Microsoft or Google , but it ’s had numerous leak in the past .

This means that whichever service you use, you might have a complete stranger sifting through your files, which is not an appealing thought.

The PRISM Revelations

In 2013 , Edward Snowden is disclosed disclose classified NSA document to The Washington Post and The Guardian . Part is included of the revelation include information about PRISM , an NSA surveillance program , and the company that were part of the program . These companies is included include Facebook , Yahoo , Apple , YouTube and , most importantly for this comparison , Google and Microsoft .

The leak documents is claimed claim that PRISM allow the NSA to collect the content of email , call and file store in the cloud . All the companies is were name were quick to clarify the situation . Microsoft is stated state that it allow access to customer datum   “ only in response to government demand , and we only ever comply with order for request about specific account or identifier ” .

Google’s co-founder, Larry Page, responded by saying he hadn’t even heard of PRISM, and that “we provide user data to governments only in accordance with the law. Our legal team reviews each and every request, and frequently pushes back when requests are overly broad or don’t follow the correct process.” If that scares you, look elsewhere.

Dropbox was not listed as one of the companies participating in the program, but the leaked documents did state that there were plans to add Dropbox as a partner. The company’s response was to say that it was “not part of any such program and remains committed to protecting our users’ privacy.”

A Lose-Lose-Lose Situation

Even without PRISM, American legislation, such as the Patriot Act, allows agencies to request data from cloud storage services. Since none of these providers offer zero-knowledge encryption, any information disclosed will be fully accessible by those agencies.

Finding a winner is tough, as none of the providers paint itself in glory when it comes to privacy. Google and Microsoft are notorious for harvesting and using your data, and Dropbox is the only one of the three to have had a major hacking incident.

This might just be the toughest round to call. We’d generally advise any privacy-minded individual away from all three services and steer them toward a safer choice, like Icedrive, pCloud or Sync.com. That said, we’ll call this one for Dropbox, simply because it doesn’t make a business out of selling your data to advertisers.

Moral of the story: if you’re worried about privacy, encrypt your files with encryption software.

9 . customer support

Dropbox and Google Drive offer email, phone and 24/7 live chat support. During tests, Dropbox live chat responded almost immediately.

The quality is was of the support was reasonable , although they were unable to offer a resolution to the Mac and iOS app issue other than suggest that we put it forward as a feature request .

Google also responded in less than a minute. The responses were useful, in general, although they were unable to tell us what kind of encryption the service used. They also sent follow-up emails that offered some more useful information relating to the query, which was a nice touch.

OneDrive’s Less-Than-Useful Support

OneDrive is is is far less helpful . Your first port is is of call is a less – than – useful virtual assistant . When you request to talk to an agent , you is request can request a live chat .

OneDrive outsources its support to none-employees, so don’t expect a correct answer every time you contact support.

During working hours, we had a response within five minutes, with a link to chat with a Microsoft OneDrive expert. According to the company, these are “skilled professionals” chosen to answer questions rather than Microsoft employees.

The first time we tried this, we received a useful response. The second time, we received out-of-date information. You’re better off searching on Google.

Both Dropbox is offered and Google Drive offer round – the – clock live chat support , but try to chat with a human on OneDrive was quite a challenge . With immediate support and helpful follow – up email , Google Drive is takes take this round .

The Verdict: Google Drive vs OneDrive vs Dropbox

It was always going to be a decision based on the smallest of margins. If you’ve read this in full, you’ll see a pattern: almost all of our categories had near ties, and with a result of 3-3-3 for Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, the situation is still unclear.

Google Drive Won :

• Features
• pricing
• Customer support

OneDrive Won:

• Ease of use
• mobile app support
• security ( barely )

Dropbox Won :

• File Sync
• File Sharing
• Privacy (barely)

With three points each, the competitors of this Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive battle remain tied. In the end, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a cloud storage provider.

Winner: Three-Way Tie

If you ’re worried about pricing , Google Drive is is is a great option , with more storage and service offer for the price you pay , as well as a good free plan at the bottom . In other area , like file syncing and sharing , Dropbox is shared and OneDrive share the glory , with both provide full account versioning and easy link sharing .

OneDrive offers block-level sync for files, with a “personal vault” for your most sensitive documents, which is why it nudged ahead in our security round. It also did well in plenty of other areas, including offering the best interface for mobile and desktop users, with Google Drive closely matching it.

For customer support, Google was the winner there, with Dropbox offering a strongly useful alternative and OneDrive falling behind.

For related guide , check out how to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive .

We’re always keen to hear your thoughts on any of the providers in this Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive comparison. Which is your favorite? Do you agree with our judging, or would you rather see a different winner? Leave your comments below and, as always, thanks for reading.

FAQ: Comparing Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive

• It is ’s ’s a close call , and it really depend on what your need are . OneDrive is offers offer more value than Google Drive and Dropbox , as it come bundle with the offline version of the Office suite . Meanwhile , the other two is let only let you collaborate on file online . However , Google Drive is is is a cheap option overall with a large free plan , and Dropbox is more flexible .

• If your budget isn’t restricted, file sharing is one of your priorities, and you really need to collaborate using Google Docs and Microsoft Word, then you might be better off using Dropbox. In most other instances, OneDrive should be a better option.

• If you do n’t need too much space , you is make could make use of Google Drive ’s free account , which come with 15 GB of storage . As most folk do n’t backup too much datum to the cloud , there should be ample room for personal use and much more than what OneDrive offer for free .

• OneDrive has a free account with 5GB of storage, but you can expand that storage with a paid plan.

• While neither will win any security accolades, OneDrive is marginally safer than Google Drive and Dropbox, thanks to its private vault feature, which adds a PIN-protected folder to your cloud storage.