Migrating to a new cloud storage service can be a daunting task, but with the right guide, you'll be up and running in no time.
iCloud and Dropbox are two of the most popular cloud storage services, and migrating between them is a relatively straightforward process.
To start, make sure you have a stable internet connection and a compatible device.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of migrating your data from iCloud to Dropbox, or vice versa.
Cloud Storage Options
Dropbox is available on multiple platforms, including the web, Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows. It's a great option for those who want a cloud storage service that's not tied to a specific device or ecosystem.
The basic plan starts with 2GB of free storage, which is a decent amount for casual users. However, if you need more space, you can upgrade to the Plus plan, which adds 1TB of storage for $9.99 a month.
For those who need even more space and features, the Professional plan offers 2TB of storage for $16.99 a month. This plan also includes additional features like smart sync and priority chat support.
Here's a quick rundown of Dropbox's pricing plans:
Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most widely used cloud sharing networks, with over 800 million users. It's backed by Google and has an unparalleled range.
Google Drive was officially released in 2012 and has been rapidly expanding its user base since then. It's available in around 60 different languages and can be accessed from a dedicated website or app.
The app is compatible with almost every platform, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. This makes it easy to use Google Drive regardless of your device.
Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage, which can be expanded to 30 TB for paid plans. This is a significant amount of space, especially considering it's free.
The free storage capacity is one of the reasons why Google Drive is often compared to Dropbox. It's also one of the reasons why Google Drive comes out on top in terms of free storage capacity.
Here are some key features of Google Drive:
- Provides 15 GB of free storage.
- Has a dedicated website and app, which is compatible with almost every platform.
- Multiple language support.
- Easy setup and integration with Google account.
- Performs auto-backup and support with other Google services.
Google Drive's seamless integration with other Google services makes it a convenient option for business use. It also provides natural language support to make it easier to manage your drive.
OneDrive
OneDrive is a popular cloud storage option that offers a generous amount of free storage space.
You can get started with 5 GB of free data storage on the cloud, which can be upgraded to a maximum of 5 TB with a premium account.
OneDrive integrates seamlessly with Office 365, making it a great choice for businesses that already use Microsoft products.
It's also compatible with almost every major OS, including Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
You can easily create a dedicated OneDrive directory on your system or use its native website to manage your data.
Here are some key features of OneDrive:
- 5 GB of free data storage on the cloud.
- A wide range of plans and customization.
- Seamless integration with Office 365.
- It has a dedicated app for every leading OS.
- Can manage everything in one place using your Microsoft account.
Keep in mind that OneDrive's auto-sync features can sometimes malfunction, requiring users to manually manage their folders via its app or website.
Comparison and Features
iCloud and Dropbox are both popular cloud storage options, but they have some key differences in terms of features and pricing.
iCloud offers 5 GB of free storage, which is the same as OneDrive, but Dropbox only offers 2 GB of free storage. However, Dropbox does offer the option to extend its free storage to 16 GB.
In terms of file size, iCloud has a maximum file size of 15 GB, while Dropbox has a maximum file size of 20 GB on its website, but none on its app.
Here's a comparison of their features:
Dropbox also has some advanced features, such as the ability to recover previous versions of files, which is not available on iCloud's free plan. However, iCloud is well-integrated with Apple's iWork suite of apps, making it a great option for Apple device owners.
Features
iCloud and Dropbox share several features, including device backup and sync, file and folder sharing, and custom file and folder links.
Dropbox has a more comprehensive set of features, making it a professional toolkit with a focus on team collaboration. It offers advanced features like previewing and editing documents, leaving comments on specific parts of documents, and recovering previous versions of your documents.
iCloud is well-integrated with Apple's iWork suite of apps, making it easy to sync changes between desktop and mobile apps. Dropbox Paper is a simple in-built note-taking tool that integrates well with Microsoft's Office software.
The process of uploading and syncing files is generally simple and easy with both iCloud and Dropbox. You can upload files up to 50GB via the website or up to 2TB via the desktop or mobile apps with Dropbox.
iCloud has a maximum file size of 50GB, while Dropbox allows file uploads up to 50GB via the website or 2TB via the desktop or mobile apps.
Here's a comparison of the maximum file sizes for each service:
iCloud's native integration with Apple devices makes it easy to set up a folder structure on Finder, which will back up to iCloud. It's also easy to synchronize photos from your iPhone's camera roll with the Photos app across your devices.
Performance
iCloud can be clunky to work with on Windows PCs, with a basic interface compared to competitors.
The iCloud app for Windows is difficult to use, which is a major drawback for those who don't use Apple devices.
Dropbox, on the other hand, integrates well with both Mac and Windows computers, working nicely with Finder or Windows File Explorer.
You'll need to go through a sign-up and installation process to get Dropbox up and running, but it's not too much trouble.
Once you've got Dropbox set up, everything should run smoothly.
Moving to iCloud Dropbox
Moving to iCloud from Dropbox is a straightforward process. You can use your iPhone or iPad to copy your Dropbox contents to iCloud Drive using just two apps: the Dropbox app and the Files app.
If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you can follow the steps outlined in the instructions: open the Dropbox app, leave the app, and open the Files app. Then, navigate to the Dropbox folder, tap the circular icon at the top-right corner, and select the files and folders you want to move.
Using a Mac computer makes it even easier to move from Dropbox to iCloud. You can download the Dropbox app from the Dropbox website and then drag and drop your files into your iCloud Drive, which is listed in the Finder sidebar.
Why Move
If you're using Dropbox for personal uses like photos, videos, and documents, moving to iCloud makes more sense. It provides 3 GB of additional free storage and is better integrated with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
iCloud is more than just cloud storage; it's fundamental to everything Apple. All apps on your Mac or iPhone or iPad access and use iCloud to store their critical data in the background.
One major advantage of iCloud is that it provides a 5 GB email inbox with storage shared by everything else. To use a Mac or iPhone, you need an Apple ID and iCloud email address.
If you're an Apple device user, iCloud is the best option for you. You can easily activate it on all your devices and instantly access all your data, including calendar, notes, photos, and iWorks documents.
Here are the paid storage plans available for iCloud:
Support
If you have any problems while using iCloud, you'll be thankful that Apple's support is very efficient, with a wait time of just two minutes for phone support, available to all users, even those on the free plan.
Dropbox's phone support is only available to Business Teams users, so users on paid plans can contact tech support via email and expect a response within a day, but those on the free plan are limited to the chatbot.
Both providers have active community forums and online FAQ sections where you can find answers to many questions without needing additional support.
The difference in support options is significant, with Apple offering more comprehensive support to all users, regardless of their plan.
How to Move
Moving to iCloud from Dropbox is a straightforward process. You can use your iPhone or iPad to copy your Dropbox contents to iCloud Drive using just two apps: the Dropbox app and the Files app.
iCloud is a more integrated solution with your Apple devices, making it a better choice for personal use like storing photos and videos. You'll get 3 GB of additional storage for free, which is a nice bonus.
On your iPhone or iPad, you can easily move files from Dropbox to iCloud Drive by opening the Files app and selecting the files you want to move. Tap the circular icon at the top-right corner to select files, and then tap the helpfully titled option called Select All from the top-left corner if you want to move everything.
To access your iCloud Drive, you can find it in the Files app or by tapping the circular icon at the top-right corner and selecting iCloud Drive. You can then select a folder or create a new one to store your files.
On a Mac computer, you can download the Dropbox app and move your files to iCloud Drive using simple drag-and-drop. Just click the Dropbox shortcut, press Command + A keys to select all files, and drag them out into your iCloud Drive, which is listed in the Finder sidebar.
iCloud provides a 5 GB email inbox with storage shared by everything else, so you'll need to consider this when deciding how to move your files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iCloud linked to Dropbox?
No, iCloud and Dropbox are separate cloud storage services that do not link or conflict with each other. You can use both services on the same device without any issues.
Which is better, Dropbox or iCloud?
For cloud storage, Dropbox is a better option with higher upload limits and faster syncing, making it ideal for large file sharing and collaboration. Consider Dropbox for seamless file management and compatibility with various file types.
Can I sync iCloud to Dropbox?
Yes, you can sync iCloud with Dropbox on a Mac by downloading files from iCloud to your computer and then moving them to Dropbox using the Finder. Learn how to do it with a simple drag-and-drop operation.
Sources
- https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/buyers-guides/131520-which-cloud-storage-service-is-right-for-you-icloud-vs-google-drive-vs-onedrive-vs-dropbox/
- https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/restore/icloud-vs-onedrive-vs-dropbox-vs-google-drive.html
- https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/16/why-i-left-dropbox-for-icloud-drive/
- https://www.creativebloq.com/features/icloud-vs-dropbox
- https://inclowdz.wondershare.com/cloud-transfer/move-from-dropbox-to-icloud.html
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