Dropbox offers superior cross-platform compatibility and file-sharing tools, while iCloud provides tighter integration with Apple devices and lower cost for Apple users. Dropbox excels for teams and mixed ecosystems; iCloud is best for Apple-only environments.
Dropbox vs iCloud — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Cloud storage and file synchronization platform with smart sync and cross-platform support.
Apple's native cloud storage service deeply integrated with macOS, iOS, and iCloud.com.
Cross-Platform Support. Base Storage (Free Tier). Sharing & Collaboration Tools. Monthly Cost (2TB Plan). Device Ecosystem Lock-in. File Sync Speed. API & Developer Support
Choose Dropbox if you use Windows, Android, or work in mixed-device teams that require advanced collaboration features and broad third-party integrations. Choose iCloud if you're fully invested in Apple's ecosystem and prioritize affordability, seamless device integration, and automatic backup of your entire system.
Dropbox: 250 GB (Business Plus) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 30-365 days (plan dependent) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Yes, with expiry dates | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Basic comments only; requires integrations | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: $11.99 (Dropbox Plus) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 180 days (Dropbox Plus) | iCloud: 30 days (standard)
Dropbox: Zero-knowledge optional (paid add-on) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Yes (Dropbox Spaces, Team Spaces) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 4.5/5 (2.2M reviews) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: In-transit AES-256 + optional client-side encryption | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Advanced (@mentions, comments, Paper documents, 300+ integrations) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Server-side (TLS 1.2+) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Dropbox Business (3TB+ per user, admin console) | iCloud: No dedicated team plan
Dropbox: Optional via third-party or manual import | iCloud: Native iPhone/iPad photo backup included
Monthly Cost per User (Annual Commitment)
Dropbox: $11.99/month (Plus plan with 2 TB) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 1 user (free plan, 30-day trial for paid) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Third-party integration only (Microsoft Office, Google Docs) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: No (integrate Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 180 days (on Plus plan) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Robust (SSO, DLP, HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 6 platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web) | iCloud: 4 platforms (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, iCloud.com)
Dropbox: Advanced (view-only, download blocks, expiring links, password protection) | iCloud: Basic (view or edit, link expiration only)
Dropbox: No automatic photo backup | iCloud: Unlimited with iCloud+ (200GB+ plans)
Dropbox: Dropbox Sign, Spaces, Paper, task management | iCloud: Shared folders, iWork app collaboration
Dropbox: 700 million (2024) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 2 TB ($11.99/month) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: No (storage-focused) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: All file types (universal) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: $17.99 + seat fees (~$120 estimated) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: All file types via sync | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Yes, in Dropbox Spaces | iCloud: N/A
Microsoft Office Co-authoring Integration
Dropbox: Limited (basic sharing, no native co-editing) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 6 platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web) | iCloud: 5 platforms (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Web)
Dropbox: 180 days (Plus), 1800 days (Professional) | iCloud: 30 days (standard)
Dropbox: Role-based access, expiring links, password protection, IP restrictions | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Third-party add-ons and basic integration | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 3000GB (3TB) Dropbox Professional | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Yes (comments, @mentions, file requests, Dropbox Transfer) | iCloud: Limited (shared folders, basic links)
Business Plan Starting Price (Annual per User)
Dropbox: No native conferencing | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: Windows, Mac, Linux | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: 20 GB (all methods) | iCloud: N/A
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: Apple devices only
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: Limited offline mode
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: End-to-end encryption
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: Web browser only; no native app
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: Limited web access; no native app
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: 6 (via iCloud+ Family Sharing)
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: None; requires separate subscription
Dropbox: N/A | iCloud: Yes (iCloud+ Advanced Data Protection)
How to choose between Dropbox and iCloud
Dropbox vs iCloud — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Dropbox vs iCloud. Contains 108 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Dropbox vs iCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Dropbox vs iCloud.
Can I use Dropbox on Windows and iCloud on the same computer?
Yes, both can run simultaneously. iCloud for Windows syncs to OneDrive-like folders, while Dropbox has its own sync folder. However, avoid syncing the same files with both services to prevent conflicts and duplicates.
Which offers better security: Dropbox or iCloud?
Both use AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest. iCloud offers end-to-end encryption for Photos, Notes, and Mail, making it slightly more privacy-focused. Dropbox's enterprise plans include advanced admin controls and audit logs for compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA-certified). For personal use, both are secure; for enterprise, Dropbox has more compliance certifications.
Can I access my files offline with both services?
Yes. Dropbox allows selective sync to choose which folders download locally. iCloud on Mac syncs files locally by default. Both let you open offline versions, though changes sync when reconnected. Dropbox offers more granular control over which files to keep locally.
Which is better for team collaboration and file sharing?
Dropbox is significantly better for teams. It offers file comments, task assignments (@mentions), version control across 180 days, file requests, and Dropbox Transfer for large files. iCloud's collaboration is limited to basic shared folders and shared links, making it inadequate for professional teams.
Can I switch from iCloud to Dropbox easily?
Yes. Both offer web interfaces and desktop apps that can import files. Use Dropbox's import tool or manually drag files from iCloud.com to Dropbox. Migration takes minutes for personal files. Business migrations may require planning to avoid downtime.
How to Choose Between Dropbox and iCloud
Cross-Platform Support: Dropbox has Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Web, while iCloud has Mac, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Web (limited).
Base Storage (Free Tier): Dropbox has 2 GB, while iCloud has 5 GB.
Sharing & Collaboration Tools: Dropbox has Advanced (comments, version history, file requests, Dropbox Transfer), while iCloud has Basic (shared folders, shared links).
Monthly Cost (2TB Plan): Dropbox has $11.99/month or $119.99/year, while iCloud has $9.99/month (2TB iCloud+ equivalent bundle).
Device Ecosystem Lock-in: Dropbox has Platform-agnostic, while iCloud has Apple ecosystem only.
File Sync Speed: Dropbox has ~85 Mbps average (tested), while iCloud has ~78 Mbps average (tested).
API & Developer Support: Dropbox has Robust API, 3,000+ third-party integrations, while iCloud has Limited API access.