Since most of us use multiple devices, it is advisable to utilize cloud storage options to access your files and data anytime, anywhere. In this article, we look at the strengths and drawbacks of Dropbox and Google Drive to help you choose the best cloud storage service.
About Dropbox
Dropbox is popular because it is easy to set up and use, and is very reliable. You can access your stored files from Dropbox’s website, applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux, as well as mobile devices.
How It Works
Simply upload your file to the website or add to the desktop apps. Drag and drop the files from the cloud to your computer and vice versa. All your files are automatically synced across devices, enabling you to access them anywhere. Dropbox does not mandate any size limit for the files that are uploaded, but large files can take a longer time to upload, depending on the connection speed.
Dropbox has a simple and clean design, which is easy to use and navigate. But you don’t get many options to organize and view your files.
Storage
Dropbox offers 2GB of storage space on signing up. But you can ramp up this space by turning on various features. Take a look at the Getting Started tutorial to get 250MB. Opt for the automatic photo load feature on a mobile app to get another 3GB of space. Refer a friend to Dropbox and get 500MB if they sign up. Those with a new Samsung or HTC phone with select mobile carriers have the app pre-installed, and can get up to 48GB of added storage for a period of up to two years.
Strengths
Dropbox works well on Macs and PCs, as well as iOS and Android devices. The design is elegant, basic, and easy to use. The desktop apps blend seamlessly with the file system on your computer.
Drawbacks
The Dropbox website design is weak and users have no control over how the files are displayed. But there are many sharing options on the website that compensate for the basic design.
Verdict
Dropbox is ideal for simple sharing for those who use many types of devices.
About Google Drive
Google Drive started as a bunch of useful online tools named Google Docs. This has morphed into a full-fledged cloud storage service along with an inclusive office suite. You get 15GB of free storage space along with a presentation builder, spreadsheet application, and word processor.
How It Works
Those with a Gmail account can easily get access to Google Drive. Simply enable and access the service on drive.google.com. You can use the 15GB storage space for documents, videos, photos, and anything else. However, the total space is applicable for a user’s overall Google account and not just for Drive.
You can access your files on the website and also download the app to your desktop to manage files on your computer. Work on your files on your desktop app and they will get automatically updated in the cloud for easy access anywhere.
Drive is the best cloud storage service for Chromebook users as it is built into Chromium, Google’s operating system that is Web-based. Drive also has Android and iOS apps that help you manage files on your mobile device.
Google Drive’s office suite helps you to create and edit presentations, spreadsheets and documents. It also has extra programs and apps that can sign documents or send faxes, to name a few uses.
Strengths
Google Drive is very easy to set up and use if you have a Google account. Gmail users can save attachments on Drive directly from their email.
Drawbacks
You cannot automatically upload pictures from mobile devices to the cloud storage service.
Verdict
Google Drive is ideal for Google fans and users who can easily utilize this cloud storage option along with a few office tools.
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