Google Drive vs iCloud

March 07, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
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Google Drive
Online file storage and syncing service working as a file system for other Google's services. Allows to sync files between all your computers and mobile devices or collaborate on files with your team and partners. Version control, OCR, powerful online viewer. Provides 5 GB free disk space.
12
iCloud
iCloud is cloud service done right. It stores your music, photos, apps, calendars, documents, and more. And wirelessly pushes them to all your devices.

In the grand cosmic dance of digital storage, both Google Drive and iCloud perform their duties as benevolent cloud overlords. They both store your files, photos and the occasional questionable meme, ensuring they follow you around wherever you go. They’ll happily sync themselves between your devices, ensuring no file is ever left behind. If you need to share something with a friend (or an unsuspecting stranger), they’ve got you covered, offering simple ways to collaborate and send documents into the digital ether. Plus, both will happily hand you a free starter pack of storage, though if you get too enthusiastic with your file hoarding, they’ll gently remind you to upgrade.

Google Drive, in a burst of 2012 enthusiasm, arrived as the cloud solution for those who prefer to live in the land of Google. Offering a sprawling 15GB of free storage (shared across Gmail and other services), it seamlessly integrates with the mighty Google Workspace. Its cross-platform accessibility means it happily supports Android, iOS, Windows and Mac, doing its best to play nice with all the devices you never quite agreed to own. If you’re the sort who enjoys collaborating in Docs or Sheets, Drive is there for you, offering a space where the digital world of productivity thrives.

Meanwhile, iCloud, born in 2011, takes a more tailored approach for Apple users, integrating so deeply with your iPhone, iPad and Mac that it’s practically a part of the furniture. Its 5GB of free storage is a modest offering, though once you’ve become an iPhone enthusiast with a penchant for storing photos of your avocado toast, you may quickly find yourself needing to pay for a bit more space. Designed to cater to the Apple faithful, iCloud keeps your life tidy in an ecosystem that rarely asks for anything more than your soul (or perhaps just your Apple ID).

See also: Top 10 Cloud Storages
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com