Google Drive vs Dropbox: Comparison and Review – Guide
Both Google Drive and Dropbox offer great options for cloud storage and backup. However, the two platforms differ in a few key ways. For example, Google Drive is more affordable than Dropbox, while Dropbox offers a wider range of features. Additionally, both platforms are available on different devices. If you want to use Google Drive on a computer or phone, you’ll need to purchase an account and install the software. If you want to use Dropbox on a computer or phone, you’ll need to install the software and add your account to the service.
Google Drive is a great option if you’re already using other Google products, like Android and Chrome OS. It’s also a good value overall. If you’re more concerned about speed and performance, Dropbox is your best bet. ..
Google Drive vs Dropbox: Features
Google Drive and Dropbox offer features that make it easy for companies to create and manage content. However, this should not discourage companies in other industries, who will benefit from the convenience of these services. ..
Synchronize
Both cloud storage providers offer traditional file synchronization across multiple devices. However, Dropbox offers block-level sync, which provides faster sync speeds as it only updates edited sections of files in the cloud instead of updating the entire file. Google has not yet implemented this feature.
Dropbox and Google Drive both feature “smart sync,” which allows users to select which files are stored locally and in the cloud, and which files are only online. The advantage of this is that users can release up space on their system. However, Dropbox has recently implemented something similar, but through the use of a third-party app, which takes more time and manual effort than with Google Drive.
Integration
Dropbox has been a popular file storage and communication service for years. Users can use Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to create documents, manage meetings, and communicate with apps like Zoom and Slack. Additionally, Google Drive integrates with many third-party applications, including Microsoft 365 for document creation, Salesforce for sales data management, and Adobe for creative content creation. Those who are familiar with Google’s products will benefit from the application’s built-in integration.
Integrating third-party applications can compromise your privacy. Both Google and Dropbox admit to sharing their data with third-party companies, which means they can access your files and pass them on, for example, to government authorities if they feel justified. Something to keep in mind is that the more organizations that have your data, the wider the door opens for cyber attacks. It rarely happens with either service, but the potential is there. ..
file version control
If you accidentally delete or make a mistake with your files, each service offers different ways to get them back. Dropbox Business offers up to 180 days to recover files, while Google Drive now lets you keep previous versions indefinitely. With Google Drive, version control of Docs, Sheets and Slides is unlimited and you have the option to highlight exactly where changes were made. ..
sharing
Google Drive and Dropbox let you create virtual teams for sharing files. All authorized users added to a team can access shared files that are uploaded or updated in the cloud. Users can comment and edit files in real-time, allowing for a smooth workflow, even when working remotely.
Dropbox and Google Drive offer different security features, but both services allow you to password protect files and folders. Dropbox also allows you to set link expiration dates to increase security.
Google Drive vs Dropbox: Performance
We like to use both platforms during our testing. On the desktop, on the web and mobile, Google Drive and Dropbox have developed a clean, straightforward user interface (UI) that even the least tech-savvy person can understand. Dropbox, however, has recently updated the desktop version of its platform. It no longer replicates the web interface, but instead has its own design. While it’s not too difficult to navigate, those familiar with Dropbox on the web may need some time to adjust.
The Google Drive desktop app is more streamlined, existing as a folder in the favorites tray. You can drag and drop files directly into the folder or add them when saving a job. Google will automatically sync the files, allowing you to access them across multiple devices. ..
Dropbox won the race to upload files quickly. By uploading a 2GB folder using a 45Mbps internet connection, they were able to do it in just under 16 minutes. Google Drive took 24 minutes to do the same. This is because Dropbox is known for its consistent speeds.
Google Drive vs Dropbox: Support
Both services offer multiple support options, but Dropbox offers more customer service options and live chat support. Google offers the same support, but access to streams can be tricky. When contacting Google, we wait two minutes to be connected to a live chat representative.
We took seven minutes to connect to a live chat agent with Google and nine hours for an email response. Google Drive and Dropbox have an efficient support system and their agents are knowledgeable. Overall, though, Dropbox’s support system is much easier to use.
Google Drive x Dropbox: prices and plans
Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage, while Dropbox only offers a disappointing 2GB. If you only manage Word documents, 15GB might take a while before it needs to be updated, especially if you are an extremely small team. 2GB doesn’t last long and users should switch to a paid plan sooner rather than later. For businesses, Google offers decent value through Google Workspace. All amounts are charged per user per month. For $6 you get 30GB of storage space, for $12 you get 2TB and for $18 you get 5TB. ..
Dropbox business plans are slightly cheaper than Google Drive or Dropbox. For 5TB of storage space, users must pay $15 per user per month. For $25 per user, you can enjoy unlimited storage space, which is perfect for large businesses and those that handle large files. However, Google Drive or Dropbox are not the most expensive or the most accessible options on the market. We consider their prices reasonable in relation to what they offer.
Final note
Google Drive vs Dropbox: Comparison and Review Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that allows users to store files online. It offers a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. The service has a free trial and is available on most devices. Dropbox, on the other hand, is a software company that allows users to store files on their computers or smartphones. It has a more complex interface and can be more difficult to use than Google Drive. However, it is worth considering Dropbox if you want to save files offline or if you need an easier way to store files on your computer than Google Drive.
