While the OneDrive vs. Google Drive debate has gone on for years, I decided that I had enough of OneDrive and switched permanently to Google Drive. I no longer use OneDrive for multiple reasons. From navigation to storage limits, I don’t feel a reason to use it above Google Drive.
1. Google Drive Easier to Navigate than OneDrive
To give OneDrive credit, the interface is much easier to navigate than it used to be, but I still don’t like it that much. It annoys me that you can’t see suggested files on the homepage, for example, as these are normally the ones I want to open first.
Similarly, while the app lets me open other Microsoft apps, I don’t think the left side is a logical place to put it. Google Drive keeps this menu on the right, making it easier for me to find. Moreover, the homepage suggested files are collapsible if I don’t want to see them.
Furthermore, I like how Google Drive’s icons are bigger and easier on the eye. OneDrive is aesthetically pleasing, but in my opinion, it uses too many colors. This, among other reasons, is why I find it easier to manage files in Google Drive.
2. Google Apps More Responsive Than Microsoft
I was a big Microsoft user from 2011 until 2019. From Word to Outlook and PowerPoint, most of my digital ecosystem was within Microsoft apps. However, I became increasingly disgruntled at how badly the apps would function.
Outlook is, in my opinion, very clunky. It always takes at least a second for the app to respond when I click on something, and the mobile app is even worse. Even OneDrive is notably slower than Google Drive.
All the features in the world mean little if an app doesn’t work. Google Drive is very fast by comparison, and I’ve had fewer issues with Docs, Sheets, etc. on desktop and mobile. Since I now use Google’s apps, it makes sense to use Google Drive as well.
3. Bigger Storage Limit in Google Drive
OneDrive gives everyone 5 GB for free. This initially seems reasonable, but things quickly add up if you’re a heavy user. I’m a photographer in addition to a writer, and pictures consume significant storage space.
Though you can organize OneDrive storage more effectively, you sometimes need more storage for essential files and folders. I’d rather look for alternative options then pay for extra storage if it’s an absolute requirement.
Google Drive, on the other hand, offers 15 GB of storage for free. This has been more than enough for me, especially for personal use.
4. Saving Is More Seamless in Google Drive
I’ve used the online version of Microsoft Word, etc., a handful of times. And to be honest, I don’t think they’re anywhere near as good as the Google equivalent. My alternative is one of the offline versions.
The main issue is that I needed to upload my recently saved documents each time I made changes. This became particularly frustrating for big projects, such as eBooks and research reports, when I needed to access files multiple times.
Since Google Docs is so seamless, I never feel the need to use an offline app. Everything saves automatically, making it easy to pick up where I left off.
5. Easier to Maintain Google Drive
I don’t like organizing files in OneDrive, as it’s much less intuitive. I can’t drag and drop files or folders into the Trash folder; instead, I have to tap the three-dot icon, then remove them.
In contrast, Google Drive lets me easily drag and drop files I no longer want into the Trash folder. Moreover, I can use the suggested optimization tools to find out what’s consuming the most space.
Both make Google Drive one of the best file management tools in Slack, but I also enjoy using it elsewhere.
A non-intuitive interface, along with no longer using Microsoft apps, has left me with few options other than leaving OneDrive and using Google Drive instead. Five years later, I’m happy with my decision and don’t see myself changing anytime soon. It’s also very easy to transfer Google Drive files to another account.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.
