Tech Lover 9

A lot has already been written to compare Google Drive and Dropbox cloud storage services. However, as these services are constantly changing it’s worth doing this on a regular basis. This article will cover the latest changes recently announced by Google and Dropbox respectively. Thus, once again, a new short Google Drive vs Dropbox review – what is new and which one should you choose.

Google Drive

During the I/O developer conference, May 15-17, Google announced changes in its free storage capacity to be shared across Google services, including Gmail, Google+ and Drive. Instead of limiting free storage of 5GB limit shared between Google Drive and Google+ and 10GB for Gmail messages and attachments, it has put a total 15GB free storage limit irrelevant of what service is being used. So, for example, you could be using 1GB storage in Gmail and 14GB in Drive, a total of 15GB. The result? More flexibility to the user. Also, compared to other cloud storage providers, the Google free storage offer is generous. And, its permanent storage space – not a short-term online-storage offer as with some other providers that offer temporary expanded storage capacity. Clearly, this offer makes Gmail, Google+ and Google Drive much more appealing, especially to existing Google users.

When it comes to added storage space, Google offers step-wise Pro plans. This goes all the way from $2.49/month for additional 25GB to $799.99/month for an incredible 16TB online-storage space.

Dropbox

Dropbox revolutionized cloud storage services with its Folder Sync service, allowing complete data sync between the Dropbox account and selected folders on users computers and mobile devices. Users can completely control which folders should be synced and easily unsync when needed. With its recent major 2.0 update changing the desktop interface makes accessing the Web service easier and sharing items faster and more obvious.

When it comes to free storage capacity, Dropbox offers a standard 2GB space. With its referral scheme, users can get additional 500MB per referral, up to a max 18GB. Furthermore, Dropbox entered into collaboration with Samsung and certain mobile carriers, offering Samsung smartphone or tablet users an additional whooping 48GB free for 2 years. Whether this generous offer will continue in some form after the 2-year period, probably no one knows.

Dropbox offers additional paid storage called Dropbox Pro, $9.99/month for 100GB, $19.99/month for 200GB and $49.99/month for 500GB.

Which one is right for me?

It’s probably fair to say that no online-storage service has equaled the complete flexibility and simplicity of online-storage as Dropbox with it’s easy-to-use client or app, enabling selective and intuitive online data sync. Although its standard free offer of 2GB is rather sparse, it’s promotional offer with Samsung is interesting – but only to Samsung smartphone or tablet users.

When it comes to permanent free storage space, Google Drive must be the winner with its current 15GB offer. And, with it’s pro plan offering up to 16TB, you actually have to look to professional secure cloud storage providers likes of Amazon S3 to go beyond this space.