iCloud
Google Drive
iCloud
Google Drive
No signals
iCloud
Google Drive
iCloud
Google Drive
iCloud
Google Drive
No signals
iCloud
No signals
Google Drive
Users: 1 user
Storage: 5GB
Limits: No Private Relay, No Hide My Email, No custom email domain, No HomeKit Secure Video
Users: Up to 6 family members
Storage: 50GB
Limits: Only 1 HomeKit Secure Video camera supported
Users: Up to 6 family members
Storage: 200GB
Limits: Limited to 5 HomeKit Secure Video cameras
Users: Up to 6 family members
Storage: 2TB
Limits: None significant at this tier
Users: Up to 6 family members
Storage: 6TB
Limits: None
Users: Up to 6 family members
Storage: 12TB
Limits: None
Users: 1 user
Storage: 15GB
Limits: No family sharing, limited support, storage shared across services
Users: Up to 6 (family)
Storage: 100GB
Limits: Shared storage pool for family
Users: Up to 6 (family)
Storage: 200GB
Limits: Still relatively small for heavy users
Users: Up to 6 (family)
Storage: 2TB
Limits: Large jump from 200GB tier
Users: Per user
Storage: 30GB per user
Limits: Only 30GB per user, no shared drives
Users: Per user
Storage: 2TB per user
Limits: Need Business Plus for advanced security features
| Feature | iCloud | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Photo sync Syncs, not backs up - deletes propagate everywhere | ||
| File storage (iCloud Drive) Good iOS/Mac integration, poor Windows | ||
| Version history Limited compared to Dropbox/Google Drive | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform access Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | ||
| Linux desktop app No official Linux client | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Best-in-class for documents | ||
| Shared drives (Business) Business Standard and above | ||
| Backup | ||
| Device backup Automatic iPhone/iPad backup, not comprehensive | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Google Docs/Sheets/Slides Included free, don't count against storage | ||
| Collaboration tools Basic, not comparable to Google Workspace | ||
| Compatibility | ||
| Cross-platform sync No Android support, buggy Windows app | ||
| Security | ||
| End-to-end encryption Requires enabling Advanced Data Protection | ||
| Zero-knowledge encryption Google can access your files | ||
| Password manager (Keychain) Good iOS/Mac, limited cross-platform | ||
| Sharing | ||
| File sharing links Granular permissions | ||
| Family sharing Up to 6 members, shared storage pool | ||
| Privacy | ||
| Private Relay (VPN-like) iCloud+ only, not available in all regions | ||
| Hide My Email iCloud+ only, generate random email aliases | ||
| Sync | ||
| Desktop sync Drive for desktop app | ||
| Custom email domain iCloud+ only | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Third-party integrations Extensive but Google-centric | ||
| Usability | ||
| Offline access Must manually mark files as 'Keep Downloaded' | ||
| AI | ||
| AI features (Gemini) Controversial - scans files | ||
| Smart Home | ||
| HomeKit Secure Video iCloud+ only, camera limits on lower tiers | ||
