Google recently released their free cloud service called Google Drive to take up the fight with Dropbox, iCloud and Microsoft’s SkyDrive.
Google Vs DropBox
As you might know I am a big fan of Dropbox for many reasons, but now that Google have entered the game I thought I would check out their new solution. I do also have a SkyDrive account, but I am not using it that much even though I have 25 GB of free storage available on their service.
When people are comparing features on cloud services a lot tend to look only on the among free storage space before they make up their mind. Of cause it is nice to get a lot of storage for free, but for me personally it is just as important how good the support for synchronization and mobile devices are working. I have been using SkyDrive, Dropbox and now Google Drive and so far my favorite has been Dropbox, because the synchronization to my PC’s and mobile devices are working great.
What to choose? Google Drive or Dropbox?
I have been playing around with Google Drive for the last couple of days and have to say that the similarities to Dropbox are very easy to spot. The way the PC applications and the website services are working are almost identically. The only thing I have not been able to figure out in Google Drive is how to select what folder to upload to from my Android phone. When I upload e.g. pictures they are always uploaded to the root folder. I hope that this little issue will be fixed in future releases.
When it comes to free storage Google Drive comes with 5 GB free space Vs Dropbox where you by default get 2 GB. In my case I have been able to upgrade my Dropbox to 12 GB do to different Dropbox Upgrade Programs.
Feature comparison table:
| Feature | Google Drive | Dropbox | SkyDrive | iCloud |
| Free Storage Capacity | 5GB | 2GB (Can be upgraded by inviting friends) | 7GB (25GB for old loyal users) | 5GB |
| Maximum Capacity | 16TB | 1TB | 100GB | 50GB |
| Folder Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mobile App. | Android, (iPhone, iPad upcoming) | iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Android | Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, Android (Updated) | iPhone, iPad |
Which cloud service do you prefer?
How about you? What cloud services are you using and what do you think about Google Drive so far? I will love to hear your opinion about Google Drive. Please drop me a comment below.
This a comparison everyone is doing these days. Google Drive launched and it already popular enough to cause problems to dropbox! The 5GB limit is great for start and this will cause dropbox to raise it’s limit as well..
Hi Rashmi
I do expect Dropbox to increase their free storage limit soon too. In the other hand you have the possibility to earn extra free space with Dropbox. You don’t have that with Google Drive. I have 12 GB myself on Dropbox.
Indeed. I think i know how to increase space in Dropbox but i never actually bothered. I am positive that the competition will force Dropbox to raise it’s limit. It is too bad that so many people are moving to GoogleDrive since Dropbox was for a long time here..
Hi Rashmi,
It is quite sad that people are moving to GoogleDrive, but people will soon move back to Dropbox because of the quality of service they provide. Impeccable storage service and network availability.
While yes I do think the new google drive 5gb limit is very good, I really like dropbox and don’t see the point in changing to google drive as dropbox copes find with what i use it for.
Hi Ryan
I kind of feel the same way about it. If I did not have any services today I would properly choose Google Drive, but on the other hand I don’t see that Google Drive are offering anything that Dropbox can’t do.
Don’t forget that Google Drive Apps are something that make it unique when compared to other services. The surprise for me though was SkyDrive which made itself more accessible. I’ve always enjoyed using SkyDrive and it is still my second favorite service after Dropbox. Got nothing against Google Drive, but does one really need another cloud service when one already has a good thing going with another one? I think the answer to that will strangely be a Yes. People will still use as much free cloud as they can get. Thanks to Google Drive, the cloud is just one step closer to Heaven!(lol)
Hi Adeline
I think that the improved competition is great news. I have no plan stop using Dropbox either, but I do think that Google Drive work pretty much the same.
the big and outstanding surprise for me though was SkyDrive which made itself more accessible. I’ve always enjoyed using SkyDrive and it is still my second favorite service after Dropbox.
Hi Milsia.
Dropbox is still my favorite too, but I think that Google have been doing a good job with Google Drive too.
Agreed, Thomas.
I do use a few cloud services from Google, but in terms of data storage I really don’t use them. I usually work locally, and on one machine most of the time. For storage, I usually go with a backup solution, which unfortunately, neither Google or Dropbox can satisfy my requirements. I have too much data to store that it would cost too much.
Hi Paul
For a total backup the free storage is not enough for me either. I am using both local backup and cloud services. I work from different locations and for the purpose services like Dropbox and Google Drive are perfect.
Few of my friends using dropbox but I never used it because I already have Gmail id and its easy for me to access Google drive while I am checking my inbox as compared to dropbox.
If I should create a new cloud account today I would properly go for Google Drive too. However I have been doing Dropbox for a while and have 12 GB of free storage so for now I will keep using Dropbox.
Hi Thomas, Great comparison. I’m sticking with Dropbox too because it’s integrated so well with other services. Google Drive doesn’t even have an iOS app yet so it’s not very useful to me. I’ve been able to increase my Dropbox account for free (thanks for your great article on that!) to above what Google Drive is offering.
I guess I’m living the adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Hi Carolyn
I totally agree with you. No need to change away from Dropbox for now, but happy to see some competition to Dropbox. I think that Google Drive is working very similar to Dropbox. Not better not worse, but we still need better app support for other than Android smartphones.
I agree, competition is a great thing, especially if it means we get more free Dropbox space! 🙂
Have a great weekend, Thomas!
Internet is all about competition. I currently using Dropbox. I will check how Google drive works and help my needs in keeping my files.
Hi Becca
Let me know what you think about it.
I don’t like the 5GB free space i mean if one is already using Dropbox why would he move towards Drive when he see no extra advantage.
Hi Mohsin
I have 12 GB free space on Dropbox and have no intentions to make the move to Google Drive for now. However if I should create an account today I would properly have chosen Google Drive.
Wao Dropbox can be upgraded to 12 GB from 2 GB!!!Awesome!But how did you upgrade your Dropbox to 12 GB?
Hi Raihan
It is possible. You can get extra space if you invite friends but also by joining Dropbox Beta programs. Check out this post: https://techthatworks.net/tools/how-to-get-more-free-space-for-your-dropbox-account
Google has the advantage with the Google Drive because they also included Google Docs with the new service. I was already using Google Docs, so Drive was just a click away.
Hi Marty
Good point about Google Docs. I am not using Google Docs myself, but I can see that it is a big advantage for Google Drive.
Hi there Thomas, it’s certainly nice to know the alternatives and the comparisons between the two, thanks for the info 😉
Thank you Slappy. Always nice with some free online space right 😉
I`m happy the improved competition, hopefully it`ll benefit us all,dont forsee any plans to stop using Dropbox.
Hi Mario
I feel the same way. Lets get some competition to Dropbox to make them keep making their cloud service better and maybe give us more free storage 🙂
Don’t forget that you can use both 🙂 many people seem to neglect that!
I am using both, but Dropbox is still my favorite 🙂
For the time being I still use Dropbox mainly because it supports linux. Linux is a platform that many professionals use. So when and if google drive supports linux I might try it.
Thank you!
That is a good point Jim. I guess that Google will have to come up with Linux/Unix support.
I am actually enjoying the free services of drop box, but I want to try the Google drive also since my friends are telling me good things about it.
Hi Jonathan
I am still using Dropbox, but I am sure that you will like Google Drive too. It is very similar to Dropbox.
I am using icloud and drop box. These two really suits my needs and helps me a lot in saving my important files.
Hi Joan
If you are already using iCloud and Dropbox I don’t see much point of switching to Google Drive. I have never tried iCloud, but Dropbox can do pretty much the same as Google Drive.
Really i like the service of drop box. But i m also interested in using Google drive.
Hi
Give it try and let me know what you think of it.
We don’t need to make this comparison, each one has it’s own bad sides and good sides, use whichever you feel like to. But 5G is really something we should consider.
That is correct, but in order to make the right choice we need to know the difference between the services.
For free storage, SkyDrive is best.
You have brought up a very wonderful details , regards for the post.
I would like to go with Google Drive !! it gives 5GB and the files in the drive can also be attached with the mail using gmail.. 🙂
Integration with other Google services is for sure a strong advantage for Google Drive.
havent tried Google drive but i welcome some competition for Dropbox to improve their benefits and service, hopefully we`ll get some more storage soace out of it
Google drive is going to end up taking over hands down.. Watch and see they will start uping the free and paid storage space and put a squeeze on the competition real soon..
Thanks for sharing comparison chart, Thomas. In my opinion, google drive will go far and this competition is good to increase dropbox limitations.
Google Drive is for people tied heavily with Gmail and other Google Services. Otherwise, for consumers its definitely Dropbox. What do you think Thomas?
Hi Terry
So far I will stick with Dropbox. If I should create an account today I would properly go for Google Drive due to the extra space (5GB). I do think that Dropbox and Google Drive work very similar when it comes to features and functionality.
Yeah they are indeed similar in functionalities. But these cloud services are not the right option for businesses.
I agree Terry. You should never rely on free services for business if you ask me.
Absolutely. Do you have any recommendation for businesses? We have been trying SyncBlaze and it seems to work pretty well.
Hi Terry
For business I have been using Amazon S3. It is working fine and are pretty cheap as I remember it.
Google Drive is very helpful for storing our privet data for life time.thanks for giving more info on Google Drive and Dropbox really its a nice post.
Hi Rashmi & Thomas this article is very much healthy for all drop box and Google drive users. From this article user may gather some depth knowledge about drop box and Google drive. Drop box doesn’t requires any specific Email account. For creating Google Drive account, users must need Mail account.On the under hand Google drive provides 5 GB storage limit and drop box provides 2 GB storage limit.So lots of advantages of using Google drive using drip box. So great article.Great job.
I use Dropbox most often, but don’t understimate Microsoft Skydrive which gives you 20GB for free (if you act now and upgrade) or 5GB free if you are lazy. They also have direct iOS integration for easy sync like Dropbox does.
Hi Justin
In fact I have 25GB on Skydrive, but I like the services on Dropbox and Google Drive better. I have been able to upgrade my Dropbox to 12GB so that is my favorite.
I agree, I use Dropbox most often and use it as a collaborative workspace for my writers and myself for my blog. I also love how easy it is to use for taking screenshots from my iPad, upload them to drop box, then grab them for my computer from there.
Great – Just the comparison table that I was looking for. Great video as well. Still in the process of deciding which one I should use a paid membership for….
I used Dropbox a lot but since Google drive has been released I have started to find myself using Google drive more.
I love using dropbox and Its more comfy for me. Haven’t tried the other one. I should try then, so I can compare which one is more effective. Thanks
I am using GoogleDocs a lot and I just recently update it to GDrive. It works pretty well but I my bet is still Dropbox. I am using Dropbox for years already and it helped me a lot, especially when I forget my thumb drive at home and I need the file immediately. I just use my mobile phone to download the file from the cloud through Dropbox.
I have both google drive and dropbox account but I rarely use google drive because I find that the dropbox user interface is much easier and it also looks better. Actually, these two free cloud storage is the new home of my downloaded pictures in my social networking accounts like facebook and twitter.
Actually i am using Dropbox from years now and must say its easy to use whether you you use android or your pc but recently i tried to install g drive on my PC. My machine is old enough with XP installed but when i tried to install G DRIVE it gave error so i was not able to install on my xp pc. Thomas have you tried on xp? Bet. new to your blog, nice work around.
I have not tried Google Drive on Windows XP, but Windows XP are supported by Google Drive. What error do you get? Maybe someone here can help you with a solution.
Thank you for visiting my blog hope to see you back soon 🙂
Hi Thomas!
I think that at the moment Dropbox is better than Google Drive. After using Drive I was left with a feeling that this is some kind of beta version. It’s not polished till bright. Hope that in the nearest future some improvements will be done to Google Drive, but now I remain at Dropbox. Use Google Drive only for work (that’s where the Google’s account integration is really useful).
Very useful post cantaining a lot of knowledge about drop box, google drive and sky drive. I have used google drive only but I was also looking for the dropbox and skydrive. So your post is very important to me.
I still preffer dropbox, maybe when competition will have better features then I will think about change. It’s hard to go from one to another when you already upload many files.
My first preference goes to Google drive because of its gmail integration and more. Second preference is Skydrive (more storage :D)
Well i use none actually. I got myself a 40gb linux vps for those types of things. But if I had to choose between one of those I’d say google drive.
I also have 12 gigs on my dropbox. So I dont see any reason to switch. I have tried other programs the biggest issue I have is that they have max upload sizes…
Dropbox is the best thing to happen to cloud computing this side of the Amazon CDN. Its free, expandable, and baller-tastic. Enough Said.
Personally, I prefer Dropbox since that is what we use for my company. Everyone uses it and everyone is familiar with it. We haven’t encountered any problems with it. The Google Drive, however, sounds appealing because of the availability of more space (I’m also a big fan of the great new innovations Google is always making!).
The only downfall is that I don’t like having to learn new software. I know it’ll probably be easy to switch over to Google Drive but the possible effort and time it takes is what drives (Drive! ha, get it?) me away.
I have only tested Google Drive, but I will have to say that it is very simular to DropBox, but I have 12GB on Dropbox, so for now I will stay with DropBox.
I’m also pretty committed to Dropbox now, and have amassed some extra space in my free account by referring friends and doing other tasks that they used to offer. I like Google services but it will take a lot to pry me away from Dropbox.
Skydrive (https://skydrive.live.com/ ) gives me 25GBs of online storage now (before it used to be 5GBs of synched storage). You install a client on your computer and it sets up a Skydrive folder. Anything you put into that folder gets synched back up to Microsoft’s Skydrive. I just have My Documents redirected to that instead.
I also have a SkyDrive account. I just like the apps for Google and DropBox better. I don’t really need that much space at the moment so for now I will stick to DropBox.
For me the best Google Drive. After that ibox. I used dropbox too but is not my favorite
This a round up everyone is doing these days. google Drive launched and it already popular enough to cause problems to dropbox! The 5GB limit is exceedingly great for start and this will cause dropbox to raise it’s limit as well..
As i have used the drop box and google drive, i would suggest drop box because it has some great features.
I clearly prefer Skydrive due to the free 25 MB they nicely handed me. Skydrive just seems painfully slow compared to Dropbox.
I guess you mean 25 GB right Kim? 😉 The think I link most about Dropbox is the app that synchronizes my data to all my devices.
Sorry, off cource GB not MB. Btw. there are lots of Android Skydrive “viewers” so maybe correct your otherwise fine table overview.
This post is from May, maybe it was a different story back then, but I will add Android support for Skydrive too 🙂
Great. I am not aware of anyone comparing upload / download rates for each service. Maybe an idea for adding stuff or writing a new blog entry?
Dropbox is great for me !!
I think it depends on what you want to do. For me, I prefer Google Drive for working, because It’s great for sharing, editing documents, good for team-work.
Just one question. Is Google drive giving 5gb for lifetime? As dropbox gives 50gb for my note2 but only for 2 years. That isn’t more helpful.
So I just wanna know that is GD (5gb space) free for lifetime?
Hi Mack
The 5 GB free space is for good. No time limit there.
I am using Google drive and 5GB storage capacity is enough for me. Apart from Google Drive I will use Dropbox also.
Hi Thomas,
I use Google Drive and Dropbox both, but not for the same files. It never occurred to further backup the Google Drive files into Dropbox as I thought Google Drive is secure enough, but you’re right that backups should always be there.
This is the first time I got to know about CloudHQ and seems really useful. As you say, it can save you lot of hassle and your time.
I think if you’re using too much of cloud storage facility and many such services or providers, then CloudSync is definitely worth the investment. But I’m yet to reach that stage, and though I haven’t had any problem with my Gmail storage for more than a decade, I think MS Outlook is good as its backup option.
But have there been any frequent instances and case studies of the cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox misfiring or failing? I’d surely like to know that.
Thanks for bringing to light another useful feature and an issue that we must not ignore.I shall see you now after a few weeks once I am back – happy holidays from my end. 🙂
Hi Munna
I have never has any connection issues with Dropbox or Google Drive. I have not used Google Drive that much, but I use Dropbox every day on multiple devices and I can’t remember ever having had any connection issues with Dropbox. If I think about it, it is very amazing for a free Cloud solution 🙂
Google Drive and Dropbox are good only till we are storing/synchronizing files over cloud network. When it is about sharing files with others using short URL links, I recommend using http://meto.in which is really awesome.!