Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive: Cloud Storage & File Sharing Compared (2026)
Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are two widely compared storage services. Microsoft OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud file storage and sync service, integrated with Windows and Office apps and sold for business inside Microsoft 365. Google Drive is Google's cloud storage and file sharing service, integrated with Docs, Sheets and Slides, sold for business inside Google Workspace.
- Verified 10 Nov 2026Sources are dated on this page
- 3 sourcesLinked, typed and dated
- No winner declaredFit depends on your criteria
- Not tested by Stack18Editorial summary of documented facts
Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive: the short answer
Microsoft OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud file storage and sync service, integrated with Windows and Office apps and sold for business inside Microsoft 365. Google Drive is Google's cloud storage and file sharing service, integrated with Docs, Sheets and Slides, sold for business inside Google Workspace. Both are storage services, but they differ in pricing model, target team size and focus.
On pricing, Microsoft OneDrive is described as: bundled in Microsoft 365 per-user subscriptions; Google Drive as: per user per month via Google Workspace; Google One for individuals. Both have a free option. Microsoft OneDrive lists a free option: Thin free tier. Google Drive lists a free option: 15 GB shared. Microsoft OneDrive is positioned for organisations already on Microsoft 365, and Google Drive for teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
Everything below is drawn from the two sourced profiles and the 3 dated sources listed at the end. Where a source does not document something it is marked Unknown, and third-party estimates are labelled. No winner is declared: the better fit depends on your size, budget and requirements.
Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive at a glance.
One card per product, drawn from each full profile. Open a profile for features, pricing plans, limits and sources.
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft · Cloud Storage & File Sharing
Microsoft OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud file storage and sync service, integrated with Windows and Office apps and sold for business inside Microsoft 365.
- Pricing
- Business: via Microsoft 365 from $7 per user a month (annual, 1 TB); personal: Microsoft 365 Personal $99.99 a year.
- Best for
- Organisations already on Microsoft 365
Google Drive
Google · Cloud Storage & File Sharing
Google Drive is Google's cloud storage and file sharing service, integrated with Docs, Sheets and Slides, sold for business inside Google Workspace.
- Pricing
- Free 15 GB; Google One from $1.99 a month; Workspace $7, $14, $22 per user a month (annual).
- Best for
- Teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive: feature-by-feature comparison.
Every row is drawn from the sources listed below. Rows that differ are marked, and you can filter the table to show only those.
- YesDocumented
- PartialAvailable with limits or on some plans
- NoDocumented as unavailable
- UnknownNot documented in the sources reviewed
| Dimension |  Microsoft OneDrive |  Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Product typeDiffers | YesCloud storage in Microsoft 365 | YesCloud storage in Google Workspace |
| VendorDiffers | YesMicrosoft | YesGoogle |
| Best forDiffers | YesOrganisations already on Microsoft 365 | YesTeams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing modelDiffers | YesBundled in Microsoft 365 per-user subscriptions. | YesPer user per month via Google Workspace; Google One for individuals. |
| Pricing summaryDiffers | YesBusiness: via Microsoft 365 from $7 per user a month (annual, 1 TB); personal: Microsoft 365 Personal $99.99 a year. | YesFree 15 GB; Google One from $1.99 a month; Workspace $7, $14, $22 per user a month (annual). |
| Free planDiffers | YesThin free tier | YesYes (15 GB shared) |
| Free trial | NoNot documented | NoNot documented |
| Cloud Storage & File Sharing criteria | ||
| Pricing modelDiffers | YesBundled with M365 | YesPer user (Workspace) |
| Starting priceDiffers | Yes$7/user/mo (M365 Basic) | Yes$7/user/mo (annual) |
| Encryption | YesProvider-managed | YesProvider-managed |
| Best forDiffers | YesMicrosoft 365 orgs | YesGoogle Workspace teams |
| Fit and platform | ||
| Team size | YesSmall teams, Mid-size teams, Large enterprises | YesSmall teams, Mid-size teams, Large enterprises |
| Platforms | YesWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | YesWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| IntegrationsDiffers | YesMicrosoft 365, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Windows | YesGoogle Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce |
| API | UnknownNot reviewed for this profile. | UnknownNot reviewed for this profile. |
Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive pricing.
Plan names, prices and billing terms as reported in each profile's sources. Taxes, add-ons and discounts are excluded unless stated.
Microsoft OneDrive pricing
Bundled in Microsoft 365 per-user subscriptions.
- Microsoft 365 Basic (personal)$1.99 per month · Monthly
- Microsoft 365 Personal$99.99 per year · Annual
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic$7 per user per month · Annual
- Business Premium with Copilot$32 per user per month · Annual
Prices from independent sources; treat as reported. Rework (September 2026) and Dupple (October 2026). Currency: USD. Checked 10 Nov 2026.
All Microsoft OneDrive plans and sources
Google Drive pricing
Per user per month via Google Workspace; Google One for individuals.
- Free$0 · Free
- Business Starter$7 per user per month · Annual ($8.40 flexible)
- Business Standard$14 per user per month · Annual
- Business Plus$22 per user per month · Annual
Prices from independent sources; treat as reported. Rework (September 2026); introductory rates may apply to the first 20 users. Currency: USD. Checked 10 Nov 2026.
All Google Drive plans and sourcesMicrosoft OneDrive vs Google Drive: pricing model, ecosystem and fit.
Pricing model and cost drivers
Microsoft OneDrive: bundled in Microsoft 365 per-user subscriptions. Rework (September 2026) and Dupple (October 2026). Google Drive: per user per month via Google Workspace; Google One for individuals. Rework (September 2026); introductory rates may apply to the first 20 users. Model costs at your real seat count, usage and contract term before comparing headline prices.
What sets each apart
The Microsoft OneDrive profile highlights: standalone business plans retired in 2026; 1 TB per user; office integration. The Google Drive profile highlights: native Docs, Sheets, Slides; generous free tier; pooled storage.
Integrations and ecosystem
Microsoft OneDrive integrations named in its sources: Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and Windows. Google Drive: Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom and Salesforce. Check that the connectors you rely on exist on the plan you would buy.
Deployment and team fit
Microsoft OneDrive runs on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android and is documented for small teams, mid-size teams and large enterprises. Google Drive runs on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android and is documented for small teams, mid-size teams and large enterprises. We did not test setup or migration.
Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive: each option, in balance.
Each point is linked to a dated source on the product's profile.
Microsoft OneDrive
Strengths and limitations from the profile
- Integrated with Office and Teams.
- 1 TB per user on every Business plan.
- Low entry via Business Basic.
- No longer sold standalone for business.
- Over-quota accounts go read-only.
- macOS sync historically clunky.
Google Drive
Strengths and limitations from the profile
- 15 GB free.
- Real-time co-editing.
- Large storage on Standard and Plus.
- Free storage shared with Gmail and Photos.
- Google holds keys outside paid Workspace.
- No Smart Sync equivalent.
Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive: which fits which situation?
No overall winner is declared. The better choice depends on the criteria that matter most to you, so test both against your own requirements.
Choose Microsoft OneDrive if you are…
- Organisations already on Microsoft 365
- Windows-centric teams
- Office co-authoring
Less suited to: teams wanting storage without Microsoft 365; Mac-first teams.
See the Microsoft OneDrive profile
Choose Google Drive if you are…
- Teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
- Schools
- Individuals wanting generous free storage
Less suited to: zero-knowledge privacy needs; Microsoft Office-centric teams.
See the Google Drive profileSwitching between Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive.
Moving off Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive means copying all files with folder structure and version history where possible, re-creating sharing permissions and external links, reconnecting integrations and updating desktop sync clients. Run both services in parallel until users confirm every shared folder is in place. Move one team's shared folder into each shortlisted service and test sync speed, external sharing and permission controls for a week.
- Export a sample of your data and test an import into the other product.
- List the automations, integrations and permissions you would need to rebuild.
- Compare total cost at your real volume, including add-ons and services.
- Pilot with one team before a full cut-over.
- Check contract terms and notice periods with both vendors.
General guidance, not specific to either vendor. Confirm migration options with the vendors.
Microsoft OneDrive vs Google Drive: questions and answers
What is the difference between Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive?
Microsoft OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud file storage and sync service, integrated with Windows and Office apps and sold for business inside Microsoft 365. Google Drive is Google's cloud storage and file sharing service, integrated with Docs, Sheets and Slides, sold for business inside Google Workspace. Both are storage services, but they differ in pricing model, target team size and focus. Microsoft OneDrive is positioned for organisations already on Microsoft 365; Google Drive for teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
Is Microsoft OneDrive cheaper than Google Drive?
It depends on your volume and plan. Microsoft OneDrive: Business: via Microsoft 365 from $7 per user a month (annual, 1 TB); personal: Microsoft 365 Personal $99.99 a year. Google Drive: Free 15 GB; Google One from $1.99 a month; Workspace $7, $14, $22 per user a month (annual). Compare both at your real seat count, usage and contract term.
Do Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive have a free plan?
Both have a free option. Microsoft OneDrive lists a free option: Thin free tier. Google Drive lists a free option: 15 GB shared. Microsoft OneDrive free trial: Not documented. Google Drive free trial: Not documented.
Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive: which is better for small teams?
Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are both documented for small teams. Microsoft OneDrive suits organisations already on Microsoft 365; Google Drive suits teams working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. Neither is best for everyone.
What are the main limitations of Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive?
Microsoft OneDrive: No longer sold standalone for business. Google Drive: Free storage shared with Gmail and Photos.
Can you still buy OneDrive for Business standalone?
A September 2026 guide says the standalone plans were retired for new customers on 31 May 2026; OneDrive now comes inside Microsoft 365.
How much free storage does Google Drive give?
15 GB, shared with Gmail and Google Photos.
What are the alternatives to Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive?
Stack18 has alternatives guides for both: Microsoft OneDrive alternatives and Google Drive alternatives, each comparing at least four other storage services on pricing, free plan, features and fit. The Cloud Storage & File Sharing category lists every profile.
Where this comparison comes from.
- Best OneDrive Alternatives in 2026 (updated 4 September 2026) Rework Third-party Accessed 10 Nov 2026
- Best Cloud Storage in 2026 (updated October 2026) Dupple Third-party Accessed 10 Nov 2026
- Best Dropbox Alternatives in 2026 (updated 6 June 2026) Rework Third-party Accessed 10 Nov 2026
This comparison summarises the Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive profiles and their sources. Third-party figures are labelled; confirm current pricing and terms with each vendor. Stack18 has not tested these products.
Ready to test Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive?
Check each vendor's current pricing and terms, run both against a real scenario from your business, or talk to Stack18 if off-the-shelf software is not the answer.
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