Is OneDrive the Same as iCloud? Choosing the Best Cloud Storage

OneDrive and iCloud are two of the most popular cloud storage services, but are they the same? The answer is no, they have some key differences.

OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage, while iCloud comes with 5GB of free storage as well. However, OneDrive allows you to earn up to 15GB of free storage by completing certain tasks, such as installing the OneDrive app on your device.

OneDrive is integrated with Microsoft Office, making it a great option for those who use Microsoft products.

OneDrive offers 50GB of free space, which is the same as iCloud.

You can upgrade to 50GB for $0.99 a month with iCloud, but OneDrive only offers this tier for $1.99 a month.

OneDrive's premium tier is 1TB for $6.99 a month, whereas iCloud offers 2TB for $9.99 a month.

For larger storage needs, OneDrive offers 5TB for $9.99 a month, but you can also get 2TB for $9.99 a month with iCloud.

If you're using Office365 apps, OneDrive's 1TB tier is a great option, but with iCloud, you can share your storage with up to 6 people using family sharing.

OneDrive offers 5GB of free space, just like iCloud.

OneDrive's storage tiers start at $1.99 a month for 50GB, which is more affordable than iCloud's lowest paid plan of $0.99 a month for 50GB.

OneDrive also offers a bundled plan with Office365 apps, which includes 1TB of storage for $6.99 a month for individuals.

Using cloud storage providers like iCloud and OneDrive can offer numerous benefits. One of the main advantages is data redundancy, which means you have a backup of your data in both services, providing redundant security in case one fails.

Having a backup in both services is a huge relief, especially if you have important files or photos. This way, you can rest assured that your data is safe, even if one service experiences technical issues.

Another benefit of using cloud storage providers is cross-platform compatibility. For example, iCloud works seamlessly with Apple devices, while OneDrive integrates well with Windows and other non-Apple platforms.

This means you can access your files and photos from any device, regardless of its operating system. I've personally experienced this benefit, being able to access my files on both my iPhone and Windows laptop.

Using multiple cloud storage providers can also expand your storage capacity. By combining iCloud and OneDrive, you get further storage capacity, allowing you to store a larger volume of files, photos, and videos.

Here are some specific benefits of using multiple cloud storage providers:

If you're an Apple user, you're in luck because Apple's own cloud storage service, iCloud, offers a seamless experience across all your Apple devices. You can easily access your calendar, notes, photos, and iWorks documents from any device.

iCloud is available on the web, Mac, iOS, and Windows platforms, making it a convenient option for those who use a variety of devices. The free storage starts at 5GB for all users.

To expand your storage, you can opt for paid plans, which include 50GB for $0.99 a month, 200GB for $2.99 a month, or 2TB for $9.99 a month. The prices may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check Apple's support page for more information.

One of the best features of iCloud is its ability to auto-back up your iOS devices, ensuring that your data is always up to date. You can also access your iCloud files from the web, making it a great option for Windows 10 PC or Android users.

Here's a summary of iCloud's paid storage plans:

If you're looking for more information about iCloud's features or pricing outside of the UK, Apple's support page is a great resource to check out.

Microsoft offers a range of cloud storage options, including OneDrive. OneDrive is available on various platforms, including Web, Windows, Windows Phone, Mac, iOS, and Android.

For $1.99 per month, you can get 100GB of storage with OneDrive. If you need more storage, you'll have to opt for an Office 365 plan.

OneDrive is a great choice if you're a Windows 10 PC user or an Office 365 subscriber, as it's included in the subscription and offers real-time collaboration on Office documents. However, the Office license is only for a single Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

If you want to use the basic plan without any Office 365 perks, you might find cheaper alternatives that offer more storage.

Here's a quick look at OneDrive's pricing:

OneDrive offers more significant expansion with paid plans, providing up to 1 TB or more of storage capacity, while iCloud's premium plans are generally more expensive.

OneDrive has a maximum file size limit of 250 GB for uploading, which is generally more than enough for most users.

iCloud is integrated with Apple devices, providing seamless access to your cloud storage across all your Apple devices.

OneDrive, on the other hand, is part of the Microsoft ecosystem, providing easier access for Windows users.

Both OneDrive and iCloud offer 5 GB of free storage, but OneDrive's paid plans offer more storage capacity for a lower price.

Here's a comparison of the storage tiers for OneDrive and iCloud:

OneDrive's support is more comprehensive than iCloud's, with both online questioning services available to help with any issues.

OneDrive has a close connection with Office 365, making it a great option for those who work with Office 365.

OneDrive offers 5GB of free space, but you can upgrade to 50GB for $1.99 a month or 1TB for $6.99 a month if you subscribe to Office 365 apps.

iCloud Drive, on the other hand, can be easily accessed without needing an additional application, and it offers the same 5GB of free space as OneDrive.

iCloud Drive has more flexible storage tiers, including 50 GB for $0.99 a month and 2 TB for $9.99 a month, which can be shared with up to 6 people through family sharing.

You likely need both iCloud and OneDrive if you have multiple devices and want to access your files from anywhere. This is because both services offer cloud storage and syncing capabilities.

iCloud provides 5GB of free storage, which is a good starting point, but it's limited. OneDrive, on the other hand, offers 5GB of free storage as well, making it a viable alternative.

If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, iCloud might be the better choice, but if you're looking for more flexibility, OneDrive could be the way to go.

OneDrive and iCloud both offer free storage space, but for those who need more, the paid plans are where things get interesting. You can get 50GB of storage on OneDrive for $1.99 a month, while iCloud's 50GB plan costs just $0.99 a month.

OneDrive's paid plans get a lot more expensive as you go up in storage, but it's worth noting that the higher-tier plans come with access to Microsoft Office products, which can be a huge bonus for some people. On the other hand, iCloud's paid plans are more reasonably priced, with the 2TB plan costing just $9.99 a month.

Here's a quick rundown of the storage tiers for both services:

OneDrive offers a lot more features than iCloud, including access control, data synchronization, collaboration tools, and more. If you're looking for a cloud storage service that integrates well with Microsoft Office, OneDrive might be the way to go. On the other hand, iCloud is a great option for Apple users who want a seamless cloud storage experience across their devices.

OneDrive's syncing speed is quite impressive, especially with its large number of servers located worldwide.

OneDrive's block-level copying feature makes syncing Office 365 files speedy across devices by only copying the parts of files that have changed.

iCloud's syncing speed may not be as good as other cloud services when handling large files.

iCloud lacks the option to throttle sync speed, which can be frustrating for those who need a speedy syncing process.