Google One is a cloud storage service that offers a range of benefits, including expanded storage, automatic photo and video backup, and access to Google experts.
The service was launched in 2018 to provide users with a more comprehensive storage solution.
Google One offers three plans: a 15GB plan, a 100GB plan, and a 2TB plan, with prices starting at $1.99 per month.
You can share your storage with up to five family members, making it a great option for small families or groups.
Broaden your view: Google Storage Transfer Service
What Is Google One?
Google One is a membership program that offers users additional storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
It was announced in 2018 and initially offered 2TB of cloud storage for $9.99 per month.
Google One membership also includes access to Google experts who can help with tech support and other issues.
The program is designed to make it easier for users to manage their cloud storage and get help when they need it.
Google One membership is available in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Google One members also get access to exclusive perks and benefits, such as Google Play credits and special offers on Google hardware.
For your interest: How to Access Google Cloud Storage
Features and Benefits
Google One offers a range of features and benefits that make it a great value for users. With Google One, you get more storage space, depending on the plan you choose.
One of the standout features of Google One is its support from Google experts. These experts are available 24/7 in the US over chat, email, and phone to help with any issues you may have with Google services.
Google One also provides automatic phone backup on Android through the Google One app. This means you can rest assured that your important phone data is safely backed up.
In addition to its storage and support features, Google One also offers enhanced editing features in Google Photos. With features like Magic Eraser and portrait light, you can easily edit and enhance your photos.
Google One also allows you to share your subscription with up to five additional family members. This is a great way to save money and share the benefits of Google One with your loved ones.
For more insights, see: How to Share Google Storage
Here are some of the benefits of Google One at a glance:
- More storage space, depending on the plan
- Support from Google experts 24/7
- Automatic phone backup on Android
- Enhanced editing features in Google Photos
- Ability to share with up to five family members
- Up to 10% cashback on purchases from the Google Store (for users in the 200 GB and 2 TB plans)
- Google Play credits and other benefits from Google services
- Gemini Advanced, available only in the 2 TB AI Premium Plan
- A modified avatar icon on your Google One account
Storage and Pricing
Google One offers a wide range of storage options, from 100GB to 30TB, to fit various needs and budgets. You can choose from monthly or yearly billing options, with the yearly option saving up to 16% compared to monthly billing.
The 100GB plan costs $2 per month, while the 200GB plan is $3 per month. These plans also offer savings of up to 16% when billed annually. The 2TB plan is $10 per month, with savings of up to 16% when billed annually.
The higher-tier plans, including 5TB, 10TB, 20TB, and 30TB, are also available, but they don't offer annual billing options. The Premium AI tier offers 2TB of cloud storage and access to the Gemini Advanced AI model for $20 per month.
Google One's lower storage tiers are surprisingly affordable, with 100GB and 200GB plans costing just $2 or $3 per month, respectively. These plans offer significant cloud storage expansion, photo backup from your phone using Google Photos, and more.
Here's a summary of Google One's storage plans:
The Premium AI tier offers a great value, with 2TB of cloud storage and access to the Gemini Advanced AI model for $20 per month.
Pixel 9 Discount for Subscribers
If you're a Google One subscriber, you might be eligible for a discount on the Pixel 9 series.
Some Google One members are being offered $150 off the Pixel 9 series, on top of the standard 10% back on Google Store purchases.
Google has started rolling out a “Lite” plan for Google One that offers a small storage bump at a lower cost.
The free trial period has ended for many early adopters, and Google is trying to entice Google One AI Premium testers to give it another shot with a 50% discount.
During the Google Store summer sale, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro buyers can get four months of Google One AI Premium for free.
This is a great opportunity for those who want to upgrade to the Pixel 9 series without breaking the bank.
For another approach, see: Google One Storage Discount
Chromebook Plus Now Includes AI
The Chromebook Plus is now a more attractive option, thanks to a year of Google One AI Premium included with the purchase. This is a significant upgrade, considering the Plus hardware now starts at $349, a $50 discount from its original price of $399.
Google One AI Premium offers a range of features that make productivity easier. With Gemini, you can get more done without jumping between tabs or apps. This is especially useful for personal accounts, where you can access Gemini features in Gmail, Docs, and other Workspace apps.
The integration of Gemini into these apps is seamless, allowing you to stay focused on your tasks. If you're a Google One subscriber, you'll appreciate the added value of this feature. And with 100 million subscribers now on board, Google One is clearly a popular choice.
If you're considering a Chromebook Plus, be aware that it comes with a year of Google One AI Premium, which includes access to Gemini and other premium features. This is a great deal, especially considering the discounted price of the Plus hardware.
VPN and Security
Google One's VPN service is being shut down, and it's likely due to low usage. Only a fraction of Google One subscribers used the VPN service.
Google's decision to discontinue the VPN service may be attributed to a lack of consumer trust. People are hesitant to use a VPN service if they don't fully trust the company providing it.
The shutdown of Google One's VPN service is a reminder to always prioritize security and trust when choosing a VPN provider.
Availability and Sign Up
To sign up for Google One, you'll need a Google account, which you can create here if you don't already have one.
You can sign up for a paid Google One plan on any device, and the process is straightforward.
To get started, go to the subscription page and pick a plan that suits your needs.
You can also sign up using the mobile app, which is available for download.
Here's how to do it:
- Download the Google One app.
- Select or sign in with your account.
- If you aren’t subscribed to a plan, tap on the Become a member button on the welcome page.
- Select a plan and enter your payment details if necessary.
Google One Lite is now available in more countries outside India, including Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia, although no local pricing information has been made available.
Sign Up
Signing up for Google One is a straightforward process that can be done on any device. You'll need a Google account, which you can create if you don't already have one.
You can sign up for a paid Google One plan by visiting the subscription page and picking a plan. Once you enter your payment details, you're all set.
If you're using a mobile app, you can download the Google One app and follow these steps: download the app, select or sign in with your account, tap on the Become a member button on the welcome page if you aren't subscribed, and select a plan and enter your payment details if necessary.
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Availability in More Countries Confirmed
Google has confirmed that the new low-cost Google One Lite tier will be available in more countries outside India.
Selected users in Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia will also have access to the 30GB storage tier.
Google is remaining tight-lipped on local pricing information for these countries.
The same storage-only approach applies in all countries, so subscribers to the Google One Lite plan will miss out on perks like Family Sharing and Google Store discounts unless they upgrade to a higher tier.
Google is currently testing the service in these locations, and a decision on future expansion will be made after evaluating customer response.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel my Google 1 subscription?
To cancel your Google One subscription, open the Google One app, go to Menu > Settings, and tap Cancel membership. Confirm your cancellation by tapping Cancel membership again.
What are the disadvantages of Google One?
Google One has some limitations, including a file size limit and potential upload/download speed issues. Additionally, users may have concerns about data privacy and integration with non-Google services
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_One
- https://9to5google.com/guides/google-one/
- https://www.androidauthority.com/google-one-865401/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulmonckton/2024/09/15/google-reveals-new-low-cost-storage-for-google-photos-drive-and-gmail/
- https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/google/144486-google-one-and-google-drive-explained-prices/
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