Google DrivevsOneDrive
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
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)
OneDrive
No signals
Google Drive
- 15GB shared storage fills up faster than users expect(6/10)
- Google One storage plans being repackaged into AI bundles(5/10)
OneDrive
- Only 5GB free storage - much less than competitors(6/10)
- Standalone OneDrive for Business plans retired - forced into Microsoft 365(6/10)
- Microsoft 365 Family storage cut from 6TB to 2TB shared(8/10)
- Why did Microsoft 365 go up? Copilot added $3/month(7/10)
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Standard prices rose in July 2026(6/10)
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)
OneDrive
- New 'Hero Link' sharing changes broke old links in 2025(7/10)
- Cannot control or remove shared files appearing in your OneDrive(5/10)
- 50,000 item limit when sharing folders(5/10)
- Windows 11 turns on OneDrive folder backup without asking(7/10)
Google Drive
- Microsoft Office file compatibility issues(5/10)
OneDrive
No signals
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)
OneDrive
- Shared folders disappeared and were replaced by web shortcuts(9/10)
- Sync conflicts create duplicates and lost work(7/10)
- Windows 11 updates break OneDrive sync and sign-in (2026)(7/10)
- Is OneDrive down? Repeated outages in 2026(6/10)
Google Drive
- Download quota exceeded on shared files(6/10)
- Folder downloads stuck on 'Zipping'(5/10)
OneDrive
- Painfully slow sync speeds frustrate users(8/10)
Pricing Comparison
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
OneDrive
Users: 1 user
Storage: 5GB
Limits: Google Drive gives 15GB free; no desktop Office apps
Users: 1 user
Storage: 100GB
Limits: No Copilot/AI features; web and mobile Office only
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1TB
Limits: Single user only
Users: Up to 6 users
Storage: 2TB shared (older plans: 1TB/person until 2027 renewal)
Limits: Copilot only for the owner; new subscriptions since Oct 8, 2026 get a 2TB pool, existing ones switch at renewal on/after May 2, 2027
Users: Up to 6 users
Storage: 2TB shared
Limits: AI features for the subscription owner only
Users: Per user
Storage: 1TB
Limits: End of sale June 2026 (no new customers); renewals stop January 2027; retired December 2029
Users: Per user (up to 300)
Storage: 1TB
Limits: No desktop Office apps
Users: Per user (up to 300)
Storage: 1TB
Limits: Advanced security needs Business Premium ($22)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Drive | OneDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform access Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | ||
| Windows integration Built into Windows 10/11 | ||
| Mobile apps iOS and Android | ||
| Linux desktop app No official Linux client | ||
| Mac desktop app Available but historically buggy | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Best-in-class for documents | ||
| Real-time co-authoring Works best with Office files | ||
| Shared drives (Business) Business Standard and above | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Office app integration Deep integration with Word, Excel, PowerPoint | ||
| Third-party integrations Extensive but Google-centric | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Google Docs/Sheets/Slides Included free, don't count against storage | ||
| Storage | ||
| Files On-Demand See all files without downloading | ||
| Backup | ||
| Version history 30 days free, extended with paid plans | ||
| Security | ||
| Personal Vault Extra-secure folder with 2FA | ||
| Ransomware detection Alerts and file recovery | ||
| Zero-knowledge encryption Google can access your files | ||
| Sharing | ||
| File sharing links Granular permissions | ||
| Family sharing Up to 6 people on paid plans | ||
| Usability | ||
| Offline access Limited, must mark files specifically | ||
| Sync | ||
| Desktop sync Drive for desktop app | ||
| AI | ||
| AI features (Gemini) Controversial - scans files | ||