DropboxvsGoogle Drive
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Dropbox
- Dropbox free plan is only 2GB(7/10)
- Why is Dropbox so expensive? Plus is $11.99/month unless you prepay a year(7/10)
- Dropbox team plans went back up to $15 and $24 per user in January 2026(6/10)
- Shared folders count against your Dropbox storage(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)
Dropbox
- Dropbox Basic limited to 3 devices(6/10)
- Dropbox moved to ~/Library/CloudStorage on Mac (File Provider)(7/10)
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)
Dropbox
- Dropbox cancellation and refund problems(8/10)
- Dropbox customer support is hard to reach(8/10)
Google Drive
No signals
Dropbox
- Dropbox stuck on syncing or indexing(7/10)
- Dropbox using high CPU and RAM with many files(6/10)
Google Drive
- Download quota exceeded on shared files(6/10)
- Folder downloads stuck on 'Zipping'(5/10)
Dropbox
- Dropbox creates conflicted copies and duplicate folders(6/10)
- Dropbox lost my files - reports of missing or corrupted files(9/10)
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)
Dropbox
- Dropbox shut down Dropbox Passwords and the Paper mobile apps(6/10)
- Problems with Dropbox for Business: admins can't see device sync status(6/10)
Google Drive
- Microsoft Office file compatibility issues(5/10)
Dropbox
- No zero-knowledge encryption on personal plans(6/10)
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)
Pricing Comparison
Dropbox
Users: 1 user
Storage: 2GB
Limits: Max 3 linked devices; no live chat support; tiny storage compared with Google Drive (15GB) or OneDrive (5GB)
Users: 1 user
Storage: 2TB
Limits: Single user; only 30 days of version history; no live chat
Users: 1 user
Storage: 2TB
Limits: Single user
Users: 1+ users (per user)
Storage: Starts at 3TB for the team
Limits: No SSO, no tiered admin roles, no phone support
Users: 3+ users (per user)
Storage: Starts at 15TB for the team
Limits: 3-user minimum
Users: Custom
Storage: Custom
Limits: Sales process required
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 | Dropbox | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sync | ||
| Cross-platform sync Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | ||
| Desktop sync Drive for desktop app | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform access Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | ||
| Mobile apps iOS and Android | ||
| Linux desktop app Available for Linux | ||
| Unlimited devices Paid plans only; Basic is limited to 3 devices | ||
| Performance | ||
| Block-level sync Faster uploads for changed files | ||
| Sharing | ||
| File sharing links Password protection, expiration dates | ||
| Family sharing Up to 6 people on paid plans | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Google Docs/Sheets/Slides Included free, don't count against storage | ||
| Paper (notes/docs) Paper mobile apps lost support in October 2025 | ||
| Built-in office suite Relies on integrations | ||
| Backup | ||
| Version history 30 days (Plus), 180 days (Standard), 1 year (Advanced) | ||
| File recovery Restore deleted files | ||
| Storage | ||
| Smart Sync Online-only files to save local space | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Third-party integrations Slack, Zoom, Adobe, etc. | ||
| Usability | ||
| Offline access Mark files for offline use | ||
| Security | ||
| Zero-knowledge encryption Not on personal plans; end-to-end encryption listed only on Advanced | ||
| Password manager Dropbox Passwords discontinued October 28, 2025 | ||
| AI | ||
| AI features (Gemini) Controversial - scans files | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Shared drives (Business) Business Standard and above | ||
| Real-time collaboration Via Microsoft 365/Google co-editing integrations; otherwise conflicted copies | ||
| Admin | ||
| Admin console (Business) Business plans only | ||