When trying to decide which cloud storage service is best for you, it’s important to look into how each one performs in key areas like pricing, file sharing, and data protection. If you often find it hard to choose between Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox, this breakdown will help you assess their features side by side, allowing you to make a decision that matches your storage goals and usage habits.
Saving pictures, music, documents, and videos on cloud platforms has become a regular habit for many people as of 2021. These services make it easier to keep treasured memories and work-related materials safe online. They also offer added layers of protection through two-factor authentication and encryption systems that help shield your data from theft or unexpected loss.
Google Drive iCloud and Dropbox each bring something unique to the table (Photo: Getty Images)
Many providers have entered the cloud storage market over the years, but only a few continue to lead with consistency and strong reputations. Among the most frequently used are Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud.
This article examines their pricing models, storage options, file-sharing capacities, and the level of protection they offer users. The goal is to assist you in finding the most appropriate solution for either your personal or professional storage needs.
Cost Comparison and Storage Plans
When trying to determine which of these three services gives the best return on investment, you need to compare how much they charge, the volume of space you receive, and how the cost breaks down per gigabyte. The tables below show how Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud perform in terms of their personal and business plans.
Dropbox Costing and Storage Options
| Product Name | User Category | Plan | Monthly Fee | Storage Size | Price per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropbox | Personal | Basic | Free | 2GB | 0 |
| Plus | $9.99 | 2TB | $0.005 | ||
| Family | $16.99 | Shared 2TB | $0.008 | ||
| Business | Professional | $16.58 | 3TB | $0.006 | |
| Standard | $12.50 | 5TB | $0.003 | ||
| Advanced | $20.00 | Unlimited | – |
Google Drive Costing and Storage Options
| Product Name | User Category | Plan | Monthly Fee | Storage Size | Price per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Personal | Free | Free | 15GB | 0 |
| Google One | $1.99 | 100GB | $0.020 | ||
| $2.99 | 200GB | $0.015 | |||
| $9.99 | 2TB | $0.005 | |||
| Business | Starter | $6.00 | 30GB | $0.200 | |
| Standard | $12.00 | 2TB | $0.006 | ||
| Plus | $18.00 | 5TB | $0.004 |
iCloud Costing and Storage Options
| Product Name | User Category | Plan | Monthly Fee | Storage Size | Price per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud | Personal/Family | Free | Free | 5GB | 0 |
| Paid | $0.99 | 50GB | $0.020 | ||
| $2.99 | 200GB | $0.015 | |||
| $9.99 | 2TB | $0.005 |
Note: 1TB equals 1000GB. The cost-per-GB is calculated approximately and may include slight rounding differences.
Looking at these figures, one can observe that the more space you subscribe to, the less you pay for each gigabyte. While Google Drive and Dropbox cater to both individual and corporate users through a variety of plans, iCloud focuses mainly on individuals and families with fewer plan categories.
For casual use, any of the three would work well. However, if you intend to use it in a business setting, Dropbox and Google Drive are better suited to handle larger teams and more demanding workflows.
Quick Tip: Dropbox serves large companies better, while Google Drive is more tailored to businesses that fall within the small-to-medium bracket.
Comparing File-Sharing Functions
When it comes to sending and sharing files through these services, the methods and flexibility differ across platforms. Users who have used these services will quickly recognise that iCloud has a few limitations in this area. For instance, you can only share individual files, and those files can only be accessed by other iCloud account holders, especially within the family.
Meanwhile, Dropbox and Google Drive both support the sharing of several files at once. Users can also send links to shared folders or documents, and these links work even for people who do not have accounts with Dropbox or Google. This makes Dropbox and Google Drive more practical for group collaboration or working with external contacts.
Data Safety and Account Protection
Security of cloud-stored content remains a growing concern. People using these services expect that their private data will be kept safe from hackers or unauthorised access. So, let us examine how each service handles security.
Dropbox employs an advanced system that includes two-step verification along with data encryption. It relies on SSL and TLS to ensure that data transferred over the web remains secure, and 256-bit AES encryption is applied to files that are stored in your account.
Google Drive also supports two-step authentication and uses encryption to guard users’ information. One additional feature that gives it an edge is its file-specific encryption key, which enhances protection for each individual item stored on the platform.
Apple’s iCloud also applies strong protections through encryption and user verification. It uses 128-bit AES for storage and offers end-to-end encryption for certain types of content. To activate this, users must enable two-step verification via their Apple ID, which offers another security layer.
Each of the three platforms maintains a strong approach to data security and provides adequate systems for securing files.
How to Transfer Files Between These Platforms
Google Drive iCloud and Dropbox each bring something unique to the table (Photo: Twitter)
People who operate accounts on more than one cloud platform often need to move data from one to the other. If you use both Dropbox and Google Drive, for instance, and want to move files between them, there are a few methods you can apply.
The first approach is the manual one: downloading files from one platform and uploading them again to another. Though this method works, it is often exhausting and takes up unnecessary time.
A better option is to use a service like MultCloud. This is a browser-based application that supports several cloud drives including iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, MEGA, FTP, and many others. It simplifies the process and saves you time.
Features of MultCloud for File Synchronisation
Here are some advantages that come with using MultCloud for cloud-to-cloud data movement:
- Multiple Sync Styles: MultCloud comes with nine synchronisation modes such as Mirror Sync, Real-Time Sync, and Move Sync, letting users select what suits their workflow best.
- Direct Web Transfer: With MultCloud, you do not need to store files temporarily on your device. All transfers occur online, which reduces storage use on your system.
- Background Syncing: Users receive 5GB of monthly data allowance for free transfers. Even if your internet gets cut during a sync, the platform completes the task behind the scenes once it resumes.
Step-by-Step Instructions Using MultCloud
Here’s how to perform a sync from Google Drive to Dropbox:
- Create a MultCloud Account: Sign up and log in. Then add both Dropbox and Google Drive to your MultCloud dashboard by selecting “Add Cloud.”
- Select Sync Source and Destination: Go to the “Cloud Sync” option. Choose Google Drive as the source and Dropbox as the destination.
- Adjust Sync Preferences: Click on “Options” to choose your sync type or go to “Schedule” if you want to automate the process to run daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Start the Process: Press “Sync Now,” and MultCloud will begin the task. You can monitor the progress through the dashboard.
With tools like MultCloud, handling files across different cloud services becomes easier, especially when you depend on more than one platform for storing and accessing your data.
