Google Drive vs. OneDrive: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 11, 2023
Google Drive and OneDrive are both cloud storage services but are provided by different companies, Google and Microsoft, respectively, each with its own set of features, storage plans, and integrated apps.
Key Differences
Google Drive, developed by Google, provides users with a space to store files in the cloud. The platform offers 15 GB of free storage and allows file sharing among users. On the other hand, OneDrive, a Microsoft creation, ensures users can store data online securely. Although it initially offers less free storage (5 GB), it is deeply integrated into Windows and Office 365, making it a beneficial option for regular Windows and Office users.
On the aspect of pricing, Google Drive provides varied options that cater to individual, business, and enterprise needs, with plans known as Google One. Contrastingly, OneDrive, while also presenting various pricing tiers, is often bundled with the Microsoft 365 subscription, which includes access to Office applications, thereby potentially offering more value to users who utilize Microsoft’s suite of apps.
When considering collaborative tools, Google Drive, with its suite of Google Workspace applications, such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides, facilitates seamless online collaboration. Conversely, OneDrive ties in smoothly with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which, while also enabling efficient online collaboration, may be perceived as more professional or familiar to those ingrained in using Microsoft products.
In matters of accessibility, Google Drive often shines due to its simplicity and ease of use across multiple platforms. Meanwhile, OneDrive, while also accessible and user-friendly, provides additional features like "Personal Vault" for an extra layer of security for a subset of data, reflecting a potentially heightened focus on data protection.
For third-party app integrations, Google Drive typically integrates smoothly with various Google services and numerous third-party apps. Whereas OneDrive, while also offering broad integration capabilities, often presents an enhanced experience for Windows users and those embedded within the Microsoft ecosystem, with features like "Files On-Demand" which allows access to files without using storage space on your device.
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Comparison Chart
Developer
Google
Microsoft
Free Storage
15 GB
5 GB
Integrated Apps
Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Additional Features
Extensive third-party integrations
Personal Vault, Files On-Demand
Business Usage
Offers Google Workspace for business collaboration
Often bundled with Microsoft 365 for businesses
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Google Drive and OneDrive Definitions
Google Drive
Google Drive integrates with various Google and third-party services, facilitating a connected work environment.
By integrating Google Drive with their CRM, the sales team streamlined their document management process.
OneDrive
OneDrive is a cloud storage service from Microsoft.
John saves his documents in OneDrive to access them from any device.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a free cloud storage service that provides users with space to store and share files.
I shared the project files with my team using Google Drive.
OneDrive
It provides features like Personal Vault to safeguard sensitive files with additional security.
Tom stores his sensitive financial documents securely in OneDrive’s Personal Vault.
Google Drive
Google Drive enables collaborative work by allowing multiple users to edit documents simultaneously.
We worked on the spreadsheet collaboratively in real-time through Google Drive.
OneDrive
OneDrive allows users to share files and folders with anyone, ensuring collaborative functionality.
Lisa shared the project folder with her team using OneDrive.
Google Drive
It is a platform developed by Google that allows users to synchronize files across devices.
With Google Drive, she accessed her documents from both her laptop and smartphone.
OneDrive
OneDrive is integrated into the Windows operating system, providing seamless file management for Windows users.
By saving files directly to OneDrive, Emily could access them from her Windows laptop and tablet without manual syncing.
Google Drive
The service allows users to access their files from any device with an internet connection.
Traveling did not hinder John's work as he used Google
OneDrive
It often comes bundled with Microsoft 365, offering additional value to subscribers.
After subscribing to Microsoft 365, Jane found utilizing OneDrive for storing her Office documents convenient.
FAQs
How much free storage does OneDrive initially offer?
5 GB.
Can Google Drive be accessed on different operating systems?
Yes, Google Drive is accessible on various operating systems and devices.
Does OneDrive allow real-time collaboration on documents?
Yes, OneDrive allows real-time collaboration on Office documents.
Is OneDrive integrated into Microsoft Office apps?
Yes, OneDrive is deeply integrated with Microsoft Office apps.
Is it possible to edit documents directly in Google Drive?
Yes, Google Drive allows you to edit documents directly using Google Workspace apps.
Who is the developer of Google Drive?
Google.
How can I organize my files in Google Drive?
You can organize files by creating folders and utilizing the "My Drive" and "Shared with me" sections.
What is Google Workspace in the context of Google Drive?
Google Workspace is a suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, integrated with Google Drive.
Can I access files offline with OneDrive?
Yes, OneDrive allows you to access files offline if synchronized to your device.
Are Google Drive files and folders sharable?
Yes, you can share files and folders in Google Drive.
How secure is storing data on Google Drive?
Google Drive uses encryption to protect your data during transfer and while it's stored.
How can I increase my OneDrive storage capacity?
You can increase OneDrive storage by upgrading your subscription or purchasing additional storage.
Can OneDrive be accessed from different operating systems?
Yes, OneDrive can be accessed via web browsers on various operating systems and also has dedicated apps for certain platforms.
Can I password-protect shareable links in OneDrive?
Yes, OneDrive allows you to set passwords for shareable links to enhance security.
Can I restore deleted files in Google Drive?
Yes, Google Drive allows you to restore deleted files from the Trash for a certain period.
Can files from Google Drive be shared with non-Google users?
Yes, files can be shared with non-Google users via shareable links.
What is OneDrive for Business?
OneDrive for Business is a cloud storage service from Microsoft designed for business and enterprise use, providing advanced features and capabilities.
Is there a file size limit for uploading to OneDrive?
Yes, there is a file size limit, which can vary depending on your subscription and settings.
Is Google Drive available for mobile devices?
Yes, Google Drive has mobile applications for various platforms.
Can I automate file movements in OneDrive?
Yes, with Microsoft Power Automate, you can create automated workflows involving OneDrive.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
