BoxvsGoogle Drive
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Box
- Why is Box so expensive? Per-seat pricing with a 3-user minimum(7/10)
- External collaborators cost extra on the Business plan(6/10)
- Charged after cancelling Box and refunds denied(7/10)
Google Drive
- 15GB shared storage fills up faster than users expect(6/10)
- Google One storage plans being repackaged into AI bundles(5/10)
Box
- Box Drive slow to sync changes between computers(8/10)
- Box uploads fail or crawl, especially large files through Box Drive(7/10)
- Box Drive cache eats disk space beyond its limit(5/10)
Google Drive
- Download quota exceeded on shared files(6/10)
- Folder downloads stuck on 'Zipping'(5/10)
Box
- Box Drive 'problem items' and files that won't sync(7/10)
Google Drive
- Google Drive not syncing on desktop(7/10)
- 750GB daily upload limit breaks large backups(6/10)
- Drive for desktop dropping Google Photos backup and older macOS(5/10)
- Storage still full after deleting files(5/10)
Box
- Box customer support hard to reach on lower plans(8/10)
Google Drive
No signals
Box
- Locked out of Box account and 2-step verification codes not working(7/10)
Google Drive
- No zero-knowledge encryption - Google scans and accesses your files(8/10)
- Gemini AI caught scanning private files without user permission(9/10)
Box
- Recipients pushed to sign up just to open a shared Box file(5/10)
- Box Sync end of life in December 2026(6/10)
- Box file size limit: 250 MB free, 5 GB Business, despite 'unlimited storage'(6/10)
- 'Account storage limit reached' even on unlimited plans(5/10)
- Version history limited on cheaper Box plans(4/10)
Google Drive
- Poor offline functionality compared to competitors(6/10)
- Search often fails to find files even with exact terms(5/10)
- Multiple account switching is frustrating and clunky(5/10)
Box
- No Box Drive for Linux(4/10)
Google Drive
- Microsoft Office file compatibility issues(5/10)
Pricing Comparison
Box
Users: 1 user
Storage: 10 GB
Limits: 250 MB upload cap, no version history beyond the current file, single user only
Users: 1 user
Storage: 100 GB
Limits: Single user, only 10 versions per file
Users: 3-10 users
Storage: 100 GB
Limits: Not unlimited storage, 2 GB file cap, max 10 users
Users: 3+ users
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: 5 GB file cap, no advanced admin controls
Users: 3+ users
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: 15 GB file cap; HIPAA and FedRAMP support require Enterprise
Users: 3+ users
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Unlimited version history only on Enterprise Plus and above
Users: 3+ users
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: No monthly option
Users: 3+ users
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: No public price
Google Drive
Users: 1 user
Storage: 15GB
Limits: Content may be deleted if you stay over quota for 2 years
Users: Share with up to 5 others
Storage: 100GB
Limits: No Gemini AI features
Users: Share with up to 5 others
Storage: 2TB
Limits: AI Plus AI features reportedly being restricted from Nov 2026
Users: Share storage with up to 5 others
Storage: 5TB
Limits: Mostly an AI subscription with storage attached
Users: Per user (max 300)
Storage: 30GB pooled per user
Limits: Only 30GB per user
Users: Per user (max 300)
Storage: 2TB pooled per user
Limits: Vault and advanced security need Business Plus
Users: Per user (max 300)
Storage: 5TB pooled per user
Limits: DLP and data regions only on Enterprise
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Box | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Unlimited storage Business plan and above (Business Starter: 100 GB) | ||
| Unlimited version history Enterprise Plus and above only | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform access Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | ||
| Linux desktop app No official Linux client | ||
| Linux desktop client Windows and macOS only | ||
| Security | ||
| Compliance support SOC 1/2/3 on business plans; FedRAMP Moderate and HIPAA on Enterprise | ||
| Granular permissions Advanced admin controls from Business Plus | ||
| Zero-knowledge encryption Customer-managed keys require the paid KeySafe add-on | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Best-in-class for documents | ||
| Box Hubs content portals Enterprise and above | ||
| Shared drives (Business) Business Standard and above | ||
| AI | ||
| Box AI Business and above; AI Units and agents on Enterprise tiers | ||
| AI features (Gemini) Controversial - scans files | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Google Docs/Sheets/Slides Included free, don't count against storage | ||
| e-Signatures (Box Sign) 5/month free, unlimited from Business | ||
| Workflow automation Advanced workflows on Enterprise | ||
| Integrations | ||
| 1,500+ integrations Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack | ||
| Third-party integrations Extensive but Google-centric | ||
| Backup | ||
| Version history 30 days free, extended with paid plans | ||
| Sharing | ||
| File sharing links Granular permissions | ||
| Family sharing Up to 6 people on paid plans | ||
| Usability | ||
| Offline access Limited, must mark files specifically | ||
| Offline access (Box Drive) Folder-level only; mark folders 'available offline' | ||
| Sync | ||
| Desktop sync Drive for desktop app | ||