Apple iCloud vs Google Drive (Google One): Which cloud storage service is the best?

Cloud storage for your smartphone and other gadgets is a useful thing to have for many reasons. For one, it helps you keep your data such as photos, documents, emails, and files safe, protecting against damage or loss of your smartphone or laptop which could erase the contents of the on-device storage. Other use cases include letting you access the same files across multiple devices, backing up your data to be able to switch to a new smartphone with very little friction, and more.

Among the various options available for smartphone and gadget users, Apple iCloud and Google Drive (also known as Google One) are the most popular, thanks to their deep integration with device ecosystems. Apple iCloud works seamlessly with Apple devices such as iPhones and Mac computers, while Google Drive works well with Android smartphones and Google’s various services. Which one should you pick though?

Apple iCloud vs Google Drive (Google One)

Whether you should pick iCloud or Google Drive largely depends on the devices you use, among other factors. That said, both cloud storage services are accessible and usable across different platforms, so you could also choose as per price, convenience, and ease of use.

Devices: Apple iCloud is built with Apple’s devices in mind, particularly iPhones and Mac computers. If you have an Apple iPhone or computer (Mac desktop or MacBook laptop), an iCloud subscription could benefit you. On the other hand, if you primarily use an Android smartphone and Windows device, a Google One subscription is likely to come in handy.

Backing up your data: Both iCloud and Google Drive allow you to back up specific data in folders, as well as maintain dynamic backup ‘images’ which allow you to restore a new phone or computer to exactly the same state as your old one – a valuable feature meant to keep your files and settings intact. Both services also have the option to automatically backup new data such as photos, videos, contacts, and documents, ensuring your data is always safe.

Ease of use and access: Both Google Drive and Apple iCloud are easy to use and access across different devices, although the automatic synchronisation and backup features are typically limited to devices on the same ecosystem.

You can also access iCloud as well as Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and more through a web browser or dedicated apps on various devices across platforms. Google services are accessible and usable even on Apple devices, while Apple iCloud typically needs the use of the website to access on non-Apple devices.

Subscription plans: Apple iCloud and Google One are both subscription-based cloud storage services, although both have a basic free tier, which only requires you to sign up for the respective services. Apple iCloud offers 5GB of free storage, while Google accounts include 15GB of storage in the basic free plan.

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If you want more storage, you will have to upgrade to a paid plan. Additionally, both services come with combo plans, which offer access to other features and services as well, such as music and TV streaming, or premium AI features. Family plans on both services offer cloud storage for not just you but also your family and friends who are a part of your subscription.