Google Drive and Dropbox are two popular cloud storage service providers. They both have several features, such as file synchronization, backup, and sharing with others. At first, they appear to be the same service. However, there are several differences between Google Drive and Dropbox. In this post, we will go through the same.
What is Google Drive?
Google Drive is a popular, free cloud storage service for storing and sharing files. Consider it Google’s SaaS offering for storing files for regular users. It uses cloud technology to give you the power and comfort of storing and accessing information from anywhere and at any time. In addition, users may access their files from anywhere and share them with other Google Drive users easily.
It also gives you access to free web-based document and spreadsheet creation tools (Docs and Sheets). Gmail and Google Docs use Google Drive as their default storage. Google Drive has a storage limit of 15 GB with a free plan, which you can increase by purchasing a higher plan.
Why should you choose Google Drive in 2022
- Access files from anywhere: The primary benefit of storing your data on Google Drive is viewing it anywhere. Google servers allow you to view your data by logging in with your Gmail account. You need an internet connection and a smartphone or computer to connect to the internet.
- Compatibility: You are not restricted to accessing Google Drive on a single device. You may access your stored data from any device, such as an Android phone, iPad, Mac, iPhone, or PC, and any location.
- Easy Sharing: It only takes a few seconds to exchange files and data with others. This makes it simple for people to collaborate as a group. You must configure permissions so that your collaborators can edit, view, or comment on specific files.
- Free Storage: When you sign up for a Google account, you get 15 GB of free storage space. It is accessible via Google Photos, Gmail, and Google Drive. You can upgrade if you have many files and data to keep.
What is Dropbox?
Dropbox is a popular cloud storage platform that allows you to store, share and back up files anywhere. Because many individuals want access to documents and information while away from their offices, keeping all of your documents on a single hard drive is no longer a practical option.
It is also necessary to exchange files with others to operate more productively in collaboration with other team members. You can use Dropbox to store, download, and manage your files. It is compatible with smartphones, Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
Why should you choose Dropbox in 2022
Dropbox syncs and backups data across several devices, allowing you to access information anywhere. You can also share files and collaborate with others. There are numerous advantages of using Dropbox, and some of them are:
- Start for free: You get 2 gigabytes (GB) of storage space when you sign up for a Dropbox account. There are upfront fees associated with using the service. There’s also a premium option that gives you 2 TB of storage capacity for storing hard drive backups.
- Easy to use: Dropbox is simple to use and accessible to anybody with an Internet connection. You don’t need any technical knowledge to use it. The app is simple to install on your computer or smartphone. Start by launching the app and uploading or downloading files.
- Highly secure: You can always use Dropbox to back up your files. This implies that if you lose your smartphone or computer, you can immediately access all of the data stored by using Dropbox. Both your files and other data are encrypted in this cloud storage. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) protocol is used to encrypt these files.
- Collaboration: Anyone with a Dropbox account can access and work on your shared files. You can also password-protect your shared data, allowing only people with password access.
Google Drive vs Dropbox: Free Space
Dropbox and Google Drive – Both services offer free options. Dropbox offers only 2GB of free storage, while Google Drive offers 15GB. If you only manage word documents, 15GB can be enough for a while before you need to scale up, especially if you have a small team. 2GB will not last long, and customers should upgrade to a premium subscription as soon as possible.
Google Drive vs Dropbox: Pricing
Google Workspace provides reasonable premium value for organizations. All fees are levied per user per month. For $6, you receive 30GB of storage space, $12 gets you 2TB, and $18 gets you 5TB.
Dropbox’s business plans are a little cheaper. For 5TB of storage space, users must pay $15 per month per user. For $25 per user, you can have unlimited storage space.
Dropbox vs Google Drive: Customer Support
Dropbox offers email, live chat, and phone assistance 24×7. Google Drive has the same help channels, but reaching them is difficult, especially when you need a speedy answer. Google Drive and Dropbox have an adequate support structure in place, and their representatives are competent. Overall, though, Dropbox’s support structure is significantly more user-friendly.
Dropbox vs Google Drive: Synchronization
Traditional file synchronization across different devices is available from both cloud storage services. Dropbox, on the other hand, supports block-level sync. This feature allows for better sync times since it selectively updates altered parts of files in the cloud rather than the entire file. Google, on the other hand, has yet to adopt this functionality.
Dropbox also has a feature called “smart sync,” which allows users to pick which files are kept locally and which are only accessible online. This has the advantage of allowing users to free up space on their PC.
Dropbox vs Google Drive: File Sharing
Google Drive allows you to share files and folders with others using the mobile app or web browser interface, with direct links and email. You may also configure permissions such as view and modify.
The only disadvantage is that there is no password or link expiry date feature in the drive. It may pose a security risk sometimes. Professional and corporate account holders in Dropbox can create passwords and expiration dates on links, which helps safeguard your data in the long run. You can also grant users edit permissions.
Google Drive vs. Dropbox: Complete Comparison Overview
| Google Drive | Dropbox | |
| Owners | Dropbox | |
| Hosted on | Google Cloud Platform | Its own data centers |
| Free Storage | 15 GB | 2 GB |
| Paid Storage(2 TB Upgrade) | 99.99 USD/year | 119.88 USD/year |
| Security | Google Drive uses 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption | Dropbox uses 128-bit SSL encryption |
| Syncing | Google Drive doesn’t use block-syncing method | Dropbox uses a block-syncing method |
| Free account with apps and services | Youtube, Gmail, Maps, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms | Paper |
| Video conferencing programs |
Google Drive integrate with Google Hangouts Meet | Dropbox integrate with Zoom |
Final words
Google Drive and Dropbox have comparable cost and performance, and their commercial plans have limitless storage capacity. When the brand names are removed, it may appear not easy to distinguish between the two services at first look. Aside from the storage space, your choice will be based on the purpose for which you want to utilize cloud storage.
That’s it for this article.
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Amit Doshi is a Cloud Engineer who has experienced more than 5 years in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. He is an IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining cloud computing infrastructure, applications, and services.