If you have a Google account, you've got Google Drive. But just because Google's cloud storage solution is there doesn't mean you have to use it. There are plenty of alternatives - but which one is the best?
We'll introduce you to some of the most popular alternatives to Google Drive and tell you how they're better (or worse) than Google's cloud storage service.
What Are the Drawbacks of Google Drive?
Our review reflects our belief that Google Drive is pretty good, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. Here are its biggest drawbacks:
No end-to-end encryption
If privacy is important to you, Google Drive isn't an option since it doesn't offer end-to-end encryption. Your files are only encrypted on Google's servers. While this protects them from external attacks, Google keeps the encryption keys and can access your data anytime.Limited sharing options
You can share files and folders with others, but the options for doing so are limited compared to other cloud storage services. For example, Drive doesn't offer password-protected links or expiration dates for shared content.Basic sync settings
Google is less flexible with file syncing than other cloud storage services. It uses a master folder system in which all content is kept in one main folder. You can't choose specific files to sync, and there aren't advanced features like speed limits or LAN transfers.No mid-size storage plan
Google Drive is cost-effective if you need less than 200 GB or more than 2 TB of storage. However, cheaper options are available for storage needs in between, like 500 GB or 1 TB.Upload and file size limits
You can only upload 750 GB per day to the cloud. The maximum file size is 5 TB. Text documents are limited to 50 MB. While these shouldn't cause problems for everyday use, some users might find them restrictive.Google ecosystem integration
Google Drive's seamless integration with Google's ecosystem is a big plus. At the same time, this can be problematic since it ties you to Google's products. For example, working with users who don't have a Google account can be tricky.
The Best Google Drive Alternatives
Picking the best Google Drive alternative depends on what bothers you about Google's solution and how you plan to use your cloud storage. Here are five of the best options for different needs:
MEGA: Faster, More Private, and More Free Storage
MEGA* is a cloud storage service from New Zealand founded in 2013 as the successor to the file-sharing platform Megaupload. With over 300 million registered users, it's one of the most popular cloud storage solutions worldwide.
MEGA is a good alternative to Google Drive if you:
want cloud storage with end-to-end encryption and increased privacy.
care about user-friendliness but not at the cost of privacy.
can do without collaboration features and document editing.
What Makes MEGA Better Than Google Drive?
MEGA focuses on user privacy and offers more free storage space than Google Drive. In our review, it also beat Google in performance.
Integrated end-to-end encryption
Unlike Google Drive, MEGA can't access your content: Everything you store in the cloud is encrypted on your device.Faster sync speeds
In our performance tests, MEGA had better upload and download speeds than Google Drive.More free storage
MEGA offers 20 GB for free, while Google Drive only gives you 15 GB, which is also shared with your emails and photos.
MEGA is our top pick for cloud storage.
Drawbacks: Where Does MEGA Fall Short Compared to Google Drive?
Mega's biggest downside compared to Google Drive is its lack of collaboration features. These aren't included owing to the platform's focus on privacy.
No real-time collaboration
MEGA doesn't have a built-in web office. If you need cloud storage for working on documents with others, like in Google Drive (or Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox), MEGA isn't for you.More expensive for minimal storage needs
MEGA's smallest plan starts at 2 TB. Unlike Google, they don't offer a cheap starter plan for users who need less storage.Higher CPU usage
In our tests, MEGA used more system resources during syncing than other programs.
Dropbox: Great All-Around Solution With Web Office
Dropbox* was one of the first cloud storage services - and remains a leading all-around solution today. This is due in part to Dropbox's continual integration of new features designed to help it stay one step ahead of its competitors.
Now, Dropbox even offers its own web office program (Dropbox Paper), which lets you edit documents directly in the cloud and digitally collaborate with your team members in real time.
Dropbox is a good alternative to Google Drive if you:
want flexible cloud storage to edit documents.
need end-to-end encryption for business use.
want more sharing and sync options than Google Drive offers.
What Makes Dropbox Better Than Google Drive?
For core cloud storage features, Dropbox offers more flexibility and control than Google Drive, which shines most when used with Google's office tools. Dropbox stands out with better sync settings, improved sharing options, and optional end-to-end encryption for certain subscription tiers.
Better sharing settings
Dropbox has more detailed sharing options than Google Drive. You can protect links with passwords, set expiration dates, or limit access to specific users.More sync options
The solution's sync settings are also more flexible. Dropbox offers selective sync for individual folders and time-saving LAN transfers between devices on the same network.Optional end-to-end encryption
With Dropbox's Business Plus plan, you can secure selected folders with end-to-end encryption at the click of a button. Keep in mind that this option isn't available to all subscriber tiers.
The pioneer, Dropbox, still ranks among the best cloud storage services.
Disadvantages: How Does Dropbox Compare to Google Drive?
When it comes to value for money, Dropbox can't match Google Drive, which offers a much better platform for productivity and teamwork.
Limited free storage, higher prices
Regardless of the plan you choose, Dropbox costs more than the Google Drive equivalent. Plus, it only offers 2 GB of free storage – Google gives you more than seven times that amount just for signing up.Less smooth collaboration
Dropbox Paper can't compete with Google Docs and its office tools. Its collaboration platform is clunkier and has fewer features and formatting options.Lower user ratings
Many reviewers aren't satisfied with Dropbox. They complain about its customer service, pricing, and functioning.
pCloud: Secure Cloud Storage With Optional End-to-End Encryption
pCloud* is a Swiss cloud storage service that markets itself as more secure than services like Google Drive. Like MEGA, pCloud uses end-to-end encryption, which means they can't access your files.
pCloud is a better choice than Google Drive if you:
need cloud storage with optional end-to-end encryption for sensitive data.
want fast syncing and low CPU usage.
don't need real-time collaboration.
What Makes pCloud Better Than Google Drive?
pCloud stands out with its strong performance and the greater file control it gives users, thanks to optional end-to-end encryption.
Built-in end-to-end encryption
pCloud offers secure storage with end-to-end encryption through its Crypto folder. However, this is only included in business plans (individual or family users can purchase this for an extra fee).Faster sync speeds
In our performance tests, pCloud bested Google Drive. Upload and download speeds were much better - downloads were about four times faster.Better value for medium storage needs
If 500 GB of storage is enough for you, pCloud's plan will be more affordable than the Google Drive equivalent.Lifetime plans available
While Google Drive only offers monthly subscriptions, it's possible to purchase a lifetime pCloud subscription.
pCloud offers a special folder with end-to-end encryption.
Cons: Where Does pCloud Fall Short Compared to Google Drive?
pCloud's focus on security comes at a cost: It's not great for collaboration. Also, the company hasn't backed up its security promises with proof.
No real-time collaboration
pCloud doesn't have a built-in document editor. This means that you can't work together with colleagues on files in the cloud as you would with Google Drive or Dropbox.Web app performance issues
During testing, the web app often froze, and its built-in video player had many problems. Google handles these features much better.Lack of transparency
While Google has privacy issues, you know what you're getting. With pCloud, you can't be so sure: Their company structure is hard to understand, and they don't back up their security claims with independent audits or transparency reports.
Microsoft OneDrive: The Best Google Drive Alternative for Windows Users
OneDrive* is to Microsoft 365 what Google Drive is to Google Workspace: a cloud storage solution that fits perfectly into Microsoft's ecosystem. If you already use Microsoft 365, OneDrive makes sense since it's deeply connected to Windows and makes working with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint much easier.
OneDrive is a good alternative to Google Drive if you:
want cloud storage that works perfectly with Windows and Microsoft 365.
need to edit and share Office documents directly in the cloud.
want to work on documents in the cloud with your coworkers.
What Makes OneDrive Better Than Google Drive?
OneDrive is more like Google Drive than dislike it. However, OneDrive does have a few advantages that are especially relevant for Microsoft users:
Perfectly integrated with Windows and Microsoft 365
OneDrive is built into Windows, which makes accessing and managing files effortless for those who use the operating system. Specifically, you can save Office documents directly to the cloud and edit them in real time.More control for businesses
OneDrive might be the better choice for organizations with complex team structures since Microsoft offers more advanced business management features. When combined with SharePoint, you get greater control over permissions and access rights.Better performance
In our performance test, OneDrive slightly outperformed Google Drive. Download speeds were notably better, and CPU usage was lower.
Google Drive is the tech giant's answer to Microsoft OneDrive.
Drawbacks: Where Does OneDrive Fall Short Compared to Google Drive?
Of course, OneDrive has many of the same drawbacks that Google Drive does: Neither offers end-to-end encryption, and file syncing is just as inflexible. On top of that, Microsoft falls behind Google in several other areas:
Collaboration features aren't as user-friendly as Google's
Working together in Microsoft 365 isn't as smooth as in Google Drive. The Office apps feel less "cloud-native" and are a bit clunkier.Less of a "one-stop-shop" than Google
Google offers everything in one place - from email to a calendar, notes, photos, and meetings. Microsoft's ecosystem isn't as comprehensive.Less free storage
OneDrive only gives users 5 GB of storage for free, while Google dishes out three times that amount.
Proton Drive: Document Editor With E2E Encryption
Proton Drive* differs from Google Drive in several significant ways. While Google always emphasizes ease of use and often overlooks privacy, Proton Drive is known for its strong commitment to data protection and privacy - though this comes at the cost of user-friendliness.
Still, Proton Drive could be a good option if you want to switch from Google Drive to a privacy-focused cloud storage solution. Proton Drive now offers a document editor that lets you work on text files in the cloud. The provider's end-to-end encryption is also applied to these documents.
Proton Drive is a good alternative to Google Drive if you:
want cloud storage with high security standards and built-in end-to-end encryption.
need to edit text documents in the cloud with E2E encryption.
care a lot about privacy and transparency.
can live with fewer features and slower performance.
What Does Proton Drive Do Better Than Google Drive?
Proton Drive stands out mainly for its security and privacy features, but it also offers some nice extras.
High security standards and privacy focus
Proton Drive excels at privacy: All uploaded files have end-to-end encryption. As a result, Proton cannot access your data.Document editor with E2E encryption
With Proton's new document editor, you can jointly edit text files with others in the cloud - all the while enjoying the benefits of comprehensive end-to-end encryption.Transparency through open-source apps
Proton is more transparent than other cloud storage services: Anyone can check and test Proton's app code for security issues.
Drawbacks: Where Does Proton Drive Fall Short Compared to Google Drive?
Proton's strong focus on security comes with slower performance and fewer features. If you need a solution that offers a good selection of collaboration options, Proton Drive might not work for you.
Slow sync speed
In our review, Proton Drive was noticeably slower at syncing files than Google Drive and other providers. Upload speeds were especially weak.Limited collaboration
Proton's document editor can't compete with Google's collaboration suite. It doesn't work with presentations or spreadsheets (just text) and has only basic formatting options. Also, you can't turn every text file into a Proton document.Limited preview options
Most file types can't be previewed in the web interface. It also isn't possible to play videos larger than 100 MB.
Alternatives
Do none of our picks check all of your boxes for the ideal Google Drive alternative? One of the other providers from our review might be a better match. Check out our full ranking below, with links to detailed reviews for each cloud storage service:
Final Verdict
The best Google Drive alternative depends on what bothers you about Google's solution and what you're looking for.
Are you concerned about Google's privacy practices? Then, you should pick a provider with end-to-end encryption, like MEGA, pCloud, Proton Drive, or Tresorit.
Do you want to edit documents directly in the cloud and work on them with others in real time? If so, your best options are Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox.
Or maybe you'd like something that costs less than Google Drive? MEGA offers more free storage (20 GB), while pCloud and Icedrive have better plans for medium storage needs and lifetime plans that can save you money in the long run.
Whichever cloud storage solution you pick, make sure that it has the features and capabilities you want and need. Our cloud storage comparison can help you narrow down the selection and find the best option.
