Comparing Dropbox and Google Drive is helpful to get the most out of your file management and storage. Both tools cater to various uses. You should also consider whether you can use them with your existing profiles and devices. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Dropbox vs. Google Drive.
Dropbox vs. Google Drive: An Overview
| Software | Free Storage | Security Features | Storage Management | Premium Price | Device Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropbox | 2 GB | 2FA, transfer encryption, file recovery | Pin documents and folders, move to trash | From $11.99/mo | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Google Drive | 15 GB | 2FA, TLS encryption | Clearance features, drag-and-drop, mark important documents/folders | From $1.99/mo | Windows, macOS, Linux (browser), iOS, Android |
1. Free Storage Space
Dropbox offers a fairly standard 2 GB of free storage when you sign up for a new account. This should be enough for casual users, but I recommend something more substantial if you work with larger files.
For example, I do a lot of photography. Dropbox’s 2 GB wasn’t enough for me, and I had to upgrade to a paid plan.
Google Drive, on the other hand, gives you 15 GB for free. Most people won’t need a paid subscription; I’ve used the service for over six years without coming close to filling my storage.
Winner: Google Drive
2. User-Friendliness
Dropbox has, for the most part, a user-friendly interface. However, I have noticed some glitches while using it. For example, the web app sometimes changes to a local language when I travel; this is an issue if I don’t understand that language.
I also feel like Dropbox’s interface can feel cluttered if you’re a casual user. In my opinion, it’s more designed for professionals. Nonetheless, the app is quite easy to use once you’ve learned the basics.
Google Drive was designed for casual users and is much more streamlined than Dropbox. The color scheme also works well together, making it easy on the eyes.
Winner: Google Drive
3. Extensions
Dropbox lets you build your own extensions, but I’ve never needed to use these in my more than four years with the service.
Besides custom extensions, you can leverage Dropbox’s other tools after creating an account. It has an eSignature tool, a password manager, and a Google Docs-style collaborative document.
You can use several third-party tools to keep Google Drive organized. These include ZIP extractors and programs that allow you to save anything to Google Drive. Furthermore, you can use Google apps like Docs and Sheets within your workspace.
Winner: Google Drive
4. Security
Google Drive has standard Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, meaning your files are at least somewhat protected. You can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts and control viewing/editing permissions for files and folders.
Dropbox uses SSL/TLS encryption during file transfers as well as 2FA. Access tools like vulnerability testing, too, and 30 to 180 days of file recovery.
One thing worth noting is that third-party Google Drive integrations can compromise your security. Read the fine print before downloading anything.
Winner: Dropbox
5. Premium Pricing
Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the best-value cloud storage tools. Both have multiple pricing tiers, too.
Dropbox starts at $11.99 per month with an annual subscription. You get 2 TB of data, which is the same as many external hard drives. I use this tool to back up all of my important documents, and I’m well within the file storage limit. 5 TB and 3 TB plans are also available.
Google Drive’s first premium tier costs $1.99 per month on an annual subscription, but it “only” offers 100 GB. You can get 2 TB starting at $8.25 per month when paid annually (or $9.99/mo when paid monthly). Either way, it’s slightly cheaper than Dropbox.
Winner: Google Drive
6. Integrations With Third-Party Apps
Google Drive and Dropbox integrate with numerous third-party tools. For example, both are some of the best file management apps for Slack.
You can integrate Google Drive with project management and communications tools, such as Notion, Asana, and Zoom. Dropbox and Google Workspace also integrate with each other.
Dropbox is a great choice if you use creative software. It integrates with Canva, for example. However, you can also use it with Zapier, CapCut, and Microsoft Office Online.
Winner: Tie
7. Ecosystem Flexibility
Google Drive is ideal if you’re already in the Google ecosystem. You can use Docs, Sheets, and Slides. You can also access Gmail from your drive. Moreover, you can use apps like Google Calendar and Meet.
It’s possible to upload documents from other tools, such as Microsoft Word, to Google Drive. However, you need a Google account to use the service.
Dropbox, on the other hand, is more flexible. You can upload files from anywhere else and don’t need a Google account to sign up. There’s even an option to upload files from Google Drive.
Winner: Dropbox
8. Storage Management Features
Google Drive has some helpful tools to keep everything organized. For example, you can quickly clear out space-consuming files by going to Storage -> Clean up space.
Besides this, Google Drive is generally easy to keep organized through drag-and-drop, access to suggested folders, and making it easy to highlight and delete files.
Dropbox has a feature that lets you pin important files and folders. I use this often for content that I need regular access to, and it’s incredibly simple. However, its specific storage management tools aren’t as advanced as Google Drive.
Winner: Google Drive
9. Search Features
Dropbox and Google Drive have reasonable search functionality. You should have no problems finding the file or folder you need by simply searching for it.
With Dropbox, you can click on the search bar to find content that others have shared with you. In Google Drive, these files and folders are accessible via the dedicated folder.
Both apps let you search for recently accessed content, too. There isn’t much between them in this category.
Winner: Tie
10. Cross-Device Use
I use Dropbox on my computer and mobile devices without any issues. It’s a convenient way to transfer files and folders, and my experience is consistent throughout.
Besides being available on Windows and Mac, you can get Dropbox on Linux for Ubuntu and Fedora. To use Google Drive on Linux, on the other hand, you need to use your web browser.
Both programs have downloadable smartphone and tablet apps.
Winner: Dropbox
Dropbox and Google Drive are excellent file management tools, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. I recommend using Google Drive if you need a simple place to keep general files and folders, and you probably won’t need to upgrade to a paid plan. However, Dropbox is better for enhanced security. You can always check other cloud storage managers for data hoarders. When all is said and done, the winner in Dropbox vs. Google Drive comes down to your own personal needs.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.
