OneDrive (Microsoft) and Google Drive do the same thing: they store your files in the cloud, sync them between computer and phone, and let you share with other people. The differences are in the free storage, the integration with what you already use, and what comes with the paid plan.
In this article
Quick summary
| OneDrive | Google Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 5 GB (shared with Outlook.com email attachments) | 15 GB (shared across Gmail, Drive and Google Photos) |
| Entry paid plan | Microsoft 365 Basic: 100 GB | Google One: 100 GB |
| Larger plans | Microsoft 365 Personal/Family: 1 TB per person + desktop Office | Google One: 2 TB or more, shareable with family |
| Integration | Built into Windows; backs up the Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders | Built into Android; works with Gmail and Google Photos |
| Documents | Word, Excel and PowerPoint (web and desktop, depending on the plan) | Docs, Sheets and Slides (web) |
| Recovering files after ransomware | Restore your OneDrive to an earlier date (Microsoft 365 plans) | Previous versions per file |
Choose OneDrive if…
- You use Windows and want your Documents, Pictures and Desktop folders automatically protected in the cloud.
- You use Word and Excel and want to open and edit files straight from the cloud.
- You’re going to subscribe to Microsoft 365 anyway: the 1 TB of storage comes with it.
Choose Google Drive if…
- You use Android and Gmail, and your photos are already in Google Photos.
- You want to start for free: 15 GB free is three times what OneDrive offers.
- You work on documents in the browser and share a lot with people outside your organization.
Can I use both?
Yes, but avoid syncing the same folder with both at the same time: it creates duplicate files and conflicts. A common split: OneDrive for your Windows documents and Google Photos for your phone photos. See how to transfer photos from your phone to your PC.
The cloud isn’t a complete backup
If you delete a file on your computer, it also disappears from the cloud (it goes to the recycle bin, which is emptied after a few weeks). Keep a copy outside the cloud too: see the 3-2-1 backup rule.
FAQ
Which one is more secure?
Both encrypt your files and offer two-step verification. Security depends more on you: a strong password and two-factor authentication turned on.
What about businesses?
For businesses, the choice usually comes with email: Microsoft 365 includes OneDrive and SharePoint; Google Workspace includes Drive. See Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365.
