Dropbox vs Microsoft OneDrive
Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive are both file storage & sharing tools. Dropbox is aimed at small businesses and freelancers, while Microsoft OneDrive is aimed at small businesses and enterprise. Microsoft OneDrive costs less, from $1.99/mo versus $11.99/mo for Dropbox. Both have a free plan.
Cloud storage and file sync pioneer
Microsoft's cloud storage and file sync, bundled with Microsoft 365
| Pricing | Freemium · $12 | Freemium · $2 |
| Starting price | $11.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Built for | Small businesses, Freelancers | Small businesses, Enterprise, Freelancers |
| Platforms | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android | web, windows, macos, ios, android |
| Country | US · 2007 | US · 2007 |
| Rating | — | — |
Choose Dropbox if
Creative professionals and teams needing reliable sync across platforms.
- Best-in-class sync reliability
- Great for large creative files
- Suite of add-on products
Look elsewhere if: Teams already paying for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 storage.
Choose Microsoft OneDrive if
Windows users and Microsoft 365 organizations that want storage tightly wired into Office and Teams.
- Included with Microsoft 365, so often no extra cost
- Deep integration with Windows and Office apps
- 1 TB per person on Personal and Family plans
Look elsewhere if: Linux users or teams standardized on other suites (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box).
Dropbox vs Microsoft OneDrive pricing
Dropbox
- Basic$02 GB
- Plus$11.99/mo$9.99/mo billed yearly; 2 TB, 1 person
- Standard$18/user/mo$15/mo billed yearly; from 3 TB team storage
- Advanced$30/user/mo$24/mo billed yearly; 3+ users, from 15 TB, SSO, E2E
- EnterpriseCustomEnterprise security and dedicated support
Microsoft OneDrive
- Microsoft 365 Free$05 GB cloud storage and web Office apps
- Microsoft 365 Basic$1.99/mo$19.99/yr; 100 GB, ad-free Outlook
- Microsoft 365 Personal$9.99/mo$99.99/yr; 1 TB, desktop Office apps, Copilot
- Microsoft 365 Family$12.99/mo$129.99/yr; up to 6 people, 1 TB each
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic$7/user/moAnnual commitment; 1 TB per user, web Office apps, Teams
Dropbox · Key features
- Reliable cross-platform file sync
- Sharing, file requests and transfers
- Version history and file recovery
- Dropbox Dash AI search
- Replay video review and Sign e-signature
- Admin controls and security
Cons
- Small free tier (2 GB)
- Pricier than bundled alternatives
- Product sprawl
Microsoft OneDrive · Key features
- Files On-Demand shows every cloud file without using local disk space
- Automatic backup of Windows Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders
- Real-time co-authoring in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Personal Vault with extra identity verification for sensitive files
- Version history and ransomware detection with whole-drive restore
- Sharing links with view or edit rights, passwords and expiry dates
Cons
- No official Linux client
- Big jump from 100 GB to 1 TB with nothing in between
- Sharing permissions can confuse external guests
Dropbox vs Microsoft OneDrive: FAQ
Which is cheaper, Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive?
Microsoft OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo and Dropbox at $11.99/mo. Both prices are checked on the vendors' own pricing pages.
Do Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive have a free plan?
Yes, both Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive have a free plan; paid plans add more usage and features.