Google Drive vs Microsoft OneDrive: Which Cloud Storage Tool Is Better in 2026?

Google Drive

From $6

Microsoft OneDrive

From $5

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Microsoft OneDrive

Choose Google Drive if your team already uses Google Workspace and prioritizes real-time document co-authoring. Choose Microsoft OneDrive if you need password-protected and expiring links or work primarily in Windows and Office 365. OneDrive has a slight edge on price and link security, while Google Drive is stronger for Google-centric collaboration.

Microsoft OneDrive's entry plan ($5) is 17% cheaper than Google Drive's ($6).
Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
Only Microsoft OneDrive offers: password-protected & expiring links.

Try Google Drive →Try Microsoft OneDrive →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Google Drive · per user	$30.00	$360
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
Teams needing password-protected and expiring file links	Microsoft OneDrive	OneDrive supports password-protected and expiring links, while Google Drive does not.
Organizations standardized on Google Workspace	Google Drive	Google Drive is integrated into Google Workspace and is best for Google Workspace users.
Windows and Office 365 teams	Microsoft OneDrive	OneDrive is built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer, making it best for Windows & Office 365 teams.
Budget-conscious buyers comparing per-seat pricing	Microsoft OneDrive	OneDrive starts at $5 per seat, while Google Drive starts at $6 per seat.
Real-time document co-authoring	Google Drive	Google Drive is specifically noted for real-time document co-authoring and is best for real-time document co-authoring.

Feature comparison: Google Drive vs Microsoft OneDrive

Feature	Google Drive	Microsoft OneDrive
Free plan	✅	✅
Starting price	$6 /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

Google Drive

Integrated into Google Workspace for seamless real-time document collaboration
Supports file versioning, large file sharing, smart sync, and API access
Offers enterprise compliance including HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC2
Best for Google Workspace users and real-time document co-authoring

Does not support client-side zero-knowledge encryption
Lacks password-protected and expiring links
Starts at $6 per seat, higher than OneDrive's $5

Try Google Drive →

Microsoft OneDrive

Starts at $5 per seat, lower than Google Drive
Supports password-protected and expiring links
Built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer for seamless integration
Best for Windows & Office 365 teams and corporate document management

Does not support client-side zero-knowledge encryption
Less focused on Google Workspace-style real-time co-authoring

Try Microsoft OneDrive →

COMMUNITY POLL

Which tool would you pick for your stack?

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At a glance

Google Drive

Cloud storage and seamless real-time document collaboration integrated into Google Workspace.

Founded 2012 · From $6 · 6/8 tracked features

Best for: Google Workspace users, real-time document co-authoring

See Google Drive alternatives →

Microsoft OneDrive

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 Google Drive cheaper than Microsoft OneDrive?

No, Google Drive starts at $6 per seat, while Microsoft OneDrive starts at $5 per seat.

Do both tools offer a free plan?

Yes, both Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive offer a free plan.

Which tool supports password-protected and expiring links?

Microsoft OneDrive supports password-protected and expiring links; Google Drive does not.

Do both tools offer client-side zero-knowledge encryption?

No, neither Google Drive nor Microsoft OneDrive offers client-side zero-knowledge encryption.

Which tool is better for real-time document co-editing?

Google Drive is best for real-time document co-authoring, while OneDrive also supports real-time collaboration but is more focused on Microsoft 365 integration.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Cloud Storage tools →