Comparing iCloud vs Google drive vs OneDrive is not an easy task. In this article we compare these 3 could storage providers side by side.

Having a cloud-based storage system is convenient as so much important information is on our phones. Mobile phone models are interchangeable as some people change their devices yearly. Having a storage solution to keep our valuable files, photos, and videos safe is excellent. 

On the market, several different internet-based storage solutions are available for consumers to choose from. Several multinational technology companies, including Google, Windows, and Apple, have released their own versions.  

OneDrive is created by Microsoft, Google owns Google Drive, and Apple created iCloud. They are three of the biggest cloud-based storage systems in the world. So, when compared to one another, which storage service has the best features and usability? 

Which is Better, Google Drive or OneDrive, or iCloud?

The three internet-based storage systems have many similarities but distinctive differences between them.  

Usability

OneDrive will work together with Microsoft's other products, such as Office 365. Customers can use Office 365 to edit any documents stored on OneDrive. Google Drive is similar to OneDrive. Usability is easy with Google Drive as it interacts with a range of other products created by Google.

iCloud is known for being easy to use for iPhone and Apple users. But for non-Apple users, their service can be unreliable and glitchy.  

Free Storage

OneDrive and iCloud offer registered customers 5GB of free storage. Google Drive provides 15GB of complimentary storage for registered users. 

Collaboration

Through the OneDrive app, you can share a range of information with other registered Microsoft users. You cannot collaborate with users that are not registered with Microsoft. 

For Google Drive, collaboration is also just for registered Google users. These users can collaborate easily on Google Spreadsheet and other innovative apps. Non-Google users cannot collaborate within Google Drive. 

Also, iCloud will only let Apple users collaborate and interact together as it promotes the continued use of their products throughout their users.

Security

All three platforms offer excellent security. iCloud uses 128-bit AES encryption on all its files. Google Drive uses the same encryption along with two-step authentication for an added layer of security. 

OneDrive has strong security implemented in its system, such as file encryption, additional security information, and two-factor authentication.

All three systems do not protect your information from human error, malware, or ransomware. 

How Much is Google Drive Vs. iCloud Vs. OneDrive?

The main difference that sets these storage systems apart is their paid subscriptions. While Google Drive has bigger complementary storage for its customers. But OneDrive and iCloud's monthly paid subscriptions are better value overall.

iCloud's subscription plans come in three tires. They are as follows: 

• 50GB at $0.99/month
• 200GB at $2.99/month 
• 2TB at $9.99/month

One Drive has various subscription plans, including individual, family, and business.

• The individual subscription plan includes 100GB for $1.99 but does not have access to Microsoft 365. 
• The business plan is called OneDrive's Business One Plan. It costs $5 per month for 1TB of storage.
• The family subscription plan comes with a 365 and OneDrive combined subscription, and there are several tires to that also. 

Google Drive has three different payment plans. 

• A basic plan that costs $6 for 30GB per month
• A business standard plan that costs $12 for 2TB per month
• A business plus plan costs $18 for 5TB per month. 

So, if you want to pay for extra storage space, users will get more monetary value from OneDrive or iCloud.

Is Google Drive Better Than OneDrive?

When comparing the three systems, there are many features to take into consideration.

While they seem similar at first glance, they all run on different systems, three competing systems. This means the competing systems will watch and learn from their competitors, so expect many similar features. 

The main difference between these storage systems is their free and paid subscriptions. They all have similar features, excellent security, and creative collaboration tools. 

Google Drive has a significantly bigger free storage quota for its registered customers than OneDrive or iCloud. But iCloud and OneDrive's monthly paid subscriptions are the best value out of the three companies. So, if you want to pay for extra storage space, users will get more monetary value from OneDrive's Business One Plan or iCloud's subscription plans. 

While having excellent options for paid storage is great, the storage system needs to work with your devices. Customers' preferred storage system depends on their preference in processors, whether they prefer Apple, Windows, or Google on a daily basis. 

For instance, if you have a Gmail account and use Google applications daily, then Google Drive would be the best choice, so all your applications are integrated. If you have a Microsoft email account or use Microsoft Office for work-based reasons, then OneDrive is the best option. You will be able to link all your accounts together.

This is especially important for iCloud. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer, you will know that iCloud works in the background, automatically saving all your information as you gather it. It is an excellent option for a customer who uses Apple products, as your information from all your devices is stored in one place. 

All three solutions can be used by other processors, but users get to utilize more features if they stick to the same brand. This point is significant for users who do not own an iPhone but are thinking of installing iCloud. Non-iPhone users are limited to the web-based version that can be glitchy on mobile-based search engines. 

Have you considered a portal?

Did you know that Clinked integrates with both Google Drive and OneDrive? Would you like to find out how you could manage your documents with Clinked? Perhaps you can benefit from a Virtual Data Room or a client or project management portal. Book a free demo now!