Dropbox vs Google Drive vs OneDrive: The Best Cloud is ...?

Summary

In this Cloud Words video, Marissa compares the top three cloud storage services: Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. She evaluates them on features, collaboration, pricing, file syncing, sharing, user experience, mobile apps, security, privacy, and customer support. Despite privacy concerns and past security breaches, each service offers unique advantages. Google Drive leads in free storage and third-party integrations, Dropbox excels in syncing and user interface, and OneDrive provides seamless Microsoft integration. The verdict is nuanced, suggesting Dropbox as the top choice but acknowledging the strengths of the others.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares the three most widely used cloud storage services: Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
• 🔒 Privacy is a concern across all three services, with Google Drive and OneDrive belonging to companies that monetize user data, and Dropbox having had security breaches.
• 🤝 Collaboration is a key feature, with each service integrating with productivity apps and third-party integrations, with Google Drive leading in third-party app integrations.
• 💰 Google Drive offers the most free storage (15GB), surpassing OneDrive (5GB) and Dropbox (2GB).
• 💼 For paid plans, Google Drive provides better value per terabyte compared to OneDrive and Dropbox, with Dropbox being the most expensive.
• 🔄 Dropbox excels in file syncing with a reliable sync client, while OneDrive and Google Drive have some limitations.
• 🔒 All services offer robust encryption and two-factor authentication, but OneDrive provides an extra security feature with a file vault.
• 📱 Mobile apps for all three services are similar, offering automatic photo and video backup and document scanning.
• 💬 Dropbox and Google Drive offer 24/7 live chat support, while OneDrive's live chat is limited to office hours.
• 🏆 The verdict is close, with Dropbox edging out slightly due to its strong performance, but the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

Q & A

What are the three most widely used cloud storage services discussed in the video?

The three most widely used cloud storage services discussed are Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

What is the common privacy concern mentioned about Google Drive and OneDrive?

Both Google Drive and OneDrive belong to Google and Microsoft respectively, and these companies make billions of dollars by using the data they harvest from their users, raising privacy concerns.

How does Dropbox compare to Google Drive and OneDrive in terms of privacy?

Dropbox doesn't use user data for advertising like Google and Microsoft do, but it has had several security breaches, with the last one occurring in 2018.

Which cloud storage service offers the most free storage space?

Google Drive offers the most free storage space with 15 gigabytes.

What is the advantage of OneDrive in terms of storage capacity and pricing?

OneDrive is in a unique position where it offers up to one terabyte of storage with a better value per terabyte compared to the other two services, despite not offering higher capacity plans.

Which service is considered to have the best file syncing capabilities?

Dropbox is considered to have the best file syncing capabilities due to its reliable sync client.

How do the three services compare when it comes to sharing files and setting permissions?

All three services let you set editing and viewing permissions for files. Google Drive also allows setting people as commenters, while OneDrive and Dropbox let you set passwords and expiry dates for sharing links.

What is the user interface experience like for each of the three cloud storage services?

Dropbox has the smoothest user interface with a refined and polished sync folder system. OneDrive is convenient for Microsoft users and integrates well with other Microsoft products. Google Drive's sync client has been criticized for its unreliability.

Which service offers additional security features for sensitive files?

OneDrive offers a vault for sensitive files that requires an extra authentication step, providing an additional layer of security.

How do the services compare in terms of customer support?

Dropbox and Google Drive offer round-the-clock live chat support, while OneDrive provides live chat support only during office hours. All three have user forums for peer assistance.

What is the final recommendation for the best cloud storage service among Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive?

The video suggests that Dropbox is the ultimate winner, but it was a close call. The choice ultimately depends on individual needs, such as whether the user values free storage, integration with Microsoft Office, or a reliable sync client.