Google Drive review

Google Drive is the default Dropbox alternative for anyone with a Gmail address, because every Google account already includes up to 15 GB of free storage. That space is shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos, so heavy email or photo users will fill it faster than the number suggests. Google One plans add more: Basic gives 100 GB, Google AI Plus gives 2 TB, and Google AI Pro gives 5 TB, and each paid tier lets you share storage with up to 5 others. The 2 TB and 5 TB tiers are now sold with Gemini features such as Gemini in Gmail, which helps if you want those tools and adds cost if you only need storage. The plans page offers monthly or annual billing, with annual saving up to 16%. We could not confirm USD prices from this location, so check Google's page for your region. Google does not list end-to-end encryption for consumer Drive files, so privacy-first users should look at Proton Drive or Sync.com.

Who it is for

Android and Gmail users who want the largest free tier

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Up to 15 GB of storage free with every Google account
• Basic plan adds 100 GB shared across Google Photos, Drive and Gmail
• Every paid plan can share storage with up to 5 others
• Google AI Plus includes 2 TB and Gemini in Gmail
• Google AI Pro includes 5 TB and Gemini in Gmail, Docs and Vids

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Largest free allowance among the big three at 15 GB
• Strength: One storage pool for Drive, Gmail and Photos
• Strength: Family sharing with up to 5 others on every paid tier
• Weakness: Storage is shared with Gmail and Photos, so mail and photos use the same space
• Weakness: Larger tiers are sold as AI bundles
• Weakness: No end-to-end encryption for consumer files listed on the plans page

Key facts

• Free plan: Up to 15 GB per Google account
• Paid tiers: 100 GB, 2 TB, 5 TB
• Sharing: Up to 5 others on paid plans
• Billing: Monthly or annual, annual saves up to 16%

Where it ranks

Google Drive is No. 2 in our Best Dropbox Alternatives verdict.