Box vs Microsoft OneDrive: Which Cloud Storage Tool Is Better in 2026?
Box
From $15Microsoft OneDrive
From $5Quick verdict
Overall pick: Microsoft OneDrive
Choose OneDrive if cost per seat is the deciding factor or your team already works in Windows and Microsoft 365, since it starts at $5 per seat versus Box at $15. Choose Box if you are a regulated enterprise prioritizing HIPAA and finance compliance positioning, though both tools list enterprise compliance as a feature. Neither tool offers client-side zero-knowledge encryption, so that requirement is unmet by both.
- Microsoft OneDrive's entry plan ($5) is 67% cheaper than Box's ($15).
- Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
- They cover the same 7 of 8 core features we track, so price and UX decide.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Box · per user | $75.00 | $900 |
| Microsoft OneDrive · per user | $25.00 | $300 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious team buying storage per seat | Microsoft OneDrive | OneDrive starts at $5 per seat versus Box at $15 per seat, both billed per seat. |
| Regulated enterprise with HIPAA and finance compliance needs | Box | Box is positioned for regulated enterprises and HIPAA & finance compliance, and lists enterprise compliance as a feature. |
| Windows and Office 365-centric organization | Microsoft OneDrive | OneDrive is built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer and is best suited to Windows & Office 365 teams. |
| Team needing real-time co-editing with large file sharing | Tie | Both tools list real-time document co-editing and large file transfer as features. |
| Buyer requiring client-side zero-knowledge encryption | Tie | Neither Box nor OneDrive offers zero-knowledge encryption, so neither satisfies this requirement. |
Feature comparison: Box vs Microsoft OneDrive
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✅ | ✅ |
| Starting price | $15 /user/mo | $5 /user/mo |
| Client-side zero-knowledge encryption | — | — |
| File version history & recovery (30+ days) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Large file transfer (100GB+ / link) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Real-time document co-editing & preview | ✅ | ✅ |
| HIPAA, GDPR & SOC2 compliance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Password-protected & expiring links | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart on-demand selective sync | ✅ | ✅ |
| REST API & enterprise cloud integrations | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
Box
- Positions strongly for regulated enterprises with HIPAA & finance compliance use cases
- Covers all listed collaboration features: versioning, large file share, real-time co-editing, compliance, protected links, smart sync, and API
- Offers a free plan alongside paid per-seat pricing
- Founded in 2005, with an enterprise content focus including governance and Shield security
- Starts at $15 per seat, three times OneDrive's $5 starting price
- Does not offer client-side zero-knowledge encryption
- Pricing is per seat, so cost scales with team size
Microsoft OneDrive
- Starts at $5 per seat, the lowest entry price of the two
- Built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer for teams already in that ecosystem
- Covers all listed collaboration features: versioning, large file share, real-time co-editing, compliance, protected links, smart sync, and API
- Offers a free plan alongside paid per-seat pricing
- Does not offer client-side zero-knowledge encryption
- Pricing is per seat, so cost scales with team size
- Positioning centers on Windows and Microsoft 365 environments rather than regulated-industry compliance
Which tool would you pick for your stack?
Cast your vote to see real-time peer recommendations from other software buyers.
At a glance
Enterprise Content Cloud with advanced governance, unlimited storage, and Shield security.
Founded 2005 · From $15 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: regulated enterprises, HIPAA & finance compliance
See Box alternatives →Secure cloud storage seamlessly built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer.
Founded 2007 · From $5 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: Windows & Office 365 teams, corporate document management
See Microsoft OneDrive alternatives →FAQ
Is Box cheaper than Microsoft OneDrive?
No. Box starts at $15 per seat, while OneDrive starts at $5 per seat; both bill per seat and offer a free plan.
Do Box and OneDrive offer the same features?
Based on the listed feature set, yes: both offer file versioning, large file sharing, real-time co-editing, enterprise compliance, password-protected links, smart sync, and API access.
Does either tool offer zero-knowledge encryption?
No. Neither Box nor Microsoft OneDrive lists client-side zero-knowledge encryption.
Which tool is better for regulated enterprises?
Box is positioned for regulated enterprises and HIPAA & finance compliance, while OneDrive is positioned for Windows & Office 365 teams and corporate document management; both list enterprise compliance as a feature.
Which tool should a Microsoft 365 team choose?
OneDrive, since it is built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer and starts at $5 per seat versus Box at $15.
Related comparisons
Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Cloud Storage tools →