iCloud vs OneDrive 2026: Cloud Storage Comparison
iCloud is Apple's cloud storage service integrated with iOS/macOS devices, while OneDrive is Microsoft's cross-platform solution with deeper Windows integration. iCloud offers 5GB free storage; OneDrive offers 5GB free but includes 100GB with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it more cost-effective for most users.
iCloud
Apple's cloud storage service integrated with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Apple users with multiple devices (iPhone, Mac, iPad) who prioritize ecosystem integration and automatic cloud backup.
OneDrive
Microsoft's cloud storage service with native Windows integration and Microsoft 365 bundling.
Windows users, Microsoft 365 subscribers, teams needing collaborative document editing, and users across multiple platforms.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryiCloud is Apple's cloud storage service integrated with iOS/macOS devices, while OneDrive is Microsoft's cross-platform solution with deeper Windows integration. iCloud offers 5GB free storage; OneDrive offers 5GB free but includes 100GB with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it more cost-effective for most users.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose iCloud if you're deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, iPad) and prioritize seamless device integration and automatic photo syncing. Choose OneDrive if you use Windows, Android, or need cross-platform flexibility, especially if you subscribe to Microsoft 365 for Office apps—the included 1TB storage and collaborative features deliver significantly better value.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose iCloud if
Apple users with multiple devices (iPhone, Mac, iPad) who prioritize ecosystem integration and automatic cloud backup.
Choose OneDrive if
Best pickWindows users, Microsoft 365 subscribers, teams needing collaborative document editing, and users across multiple platforms.
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Free Storage Capacity:✓ OneDrive wins(5GB (standalone) or 100GB+ with Microsoft 365 vs 5GB)
- Cross-Platform Support:✓ OneDrive wins(iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web vs iOS, macOS, iCloud.com web only)
- Integration Depth on Windows:✓ OneDrive wins(Native File Explorer integration, automatic sync vs Limited (web access only))
Key Facts & Figures
55 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | iCloud | OneDrive | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Visibility Score(/100) | 78 | — | — |
| File Sync Performance Rating(/10) | 8.9 | — | — |
| Lowest Paid Plan Cost(USD/month) | $0.99 (50GB) | $1.99 (100GB standard) or $6.99 (1TB with M365) | |
| File Version History(days) | 30 days (standard) | 93 days (standard) | |
| Maximum Family Members(users) | 6 (via iCloud+ Family Sharing) | 6 (via Microsoft 365 Family) | |
| Free Storage Included(GB) | 5 GB | — | — |
| Cheapest Paid Plan Cost(USD/month) | $0.99 | — | — |
| Cheapest Paid Plan Storage(GB) | 50 GB | — | — |
| File Version History Retention(days/unlimited) | 30 days (standard) | 30 days | |
| Free Storage Capacity(GB) | 5 GB | 5GB | |
| 200GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) | $35.88 | — | — |
| File Version History Duration(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Third-Party App Integrations(count) | 150+ | — | — |
| Paid Plan Cost (2TB/Month)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Annual Paid Plan Cost (2TB)(USD) | $119.88 | — | — |
| File Sync Speed (Average)(MB/s) | 78 Mbps | — | — |
| Free Storage(GB) | 5GB | 5GB | |
| 100GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) | $35.88 | $119.99 (with Office 365, includes 1TB) | |
| Real-Time Collaboration(feature capability) | Limited (share links only) | Full Office 365 co-editing (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | |
| Storage Plan Options(max capacity) | 2TB (individual) or 2TB (family shared) | 5TB (via Microsoft 365 subscriptions) | |
| Free Storage Capacity(GB) | 1TB (1000GB) | 1TB (1000GB) | |
| Collaboration Score(Rating) | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
| File Sync Speed(Rating) | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
| AI Features Count(Features) | 4+ (search, workspace, photo intelligence, security) | 4+ (search, workspace, photo intelligence, security) | |
| Free Trial Duration(Days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Platform Reliability(Rating) | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
| Maximum File Upload Size(TB) | 250 GB | 250 GB | |
| Monthly Cost (100GB Plan)(USD) | $1.99 | $1.99 | |
| Desktop App Sync Speed (relative)(index) | Baseline (1.0x) | Baseline (1.0x) | |
| Data Center Location Options(count) | 2 regions (US, EU for enterprise) | 2 regions (US, EU for enterprise) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Starter Plan)(USD) | $1.99 | $1.99 | |
| Storage Capacity (Starter Plan)(GB) | 100GB | 100GB | |
| Maximum Single File Upload(GB) | 100GB | 100GB | |
| Free Tier Storage(GB) | 5GB | 5GB | |
| Free Storage Tier(GB) | 5GB | 5GB | |
| Microsoft 365 Personal Bundle Storage(GB) | 1000GB (included) | 1000GB (included) | |
| Uptime Service Level Agreement(percent) | 99.9% | 99.9% | |
| Maximum Concurrent Real-Time Users(users) | 300 (Office docs) | 300 (Office docs) | |
| Global Data Center Regions(regions) | 14 regions | 14 regions | |
| 2TB Annual Plan Cost(USD) | $99.99 | $99.99 | |
| 100GB Plan Monthly Cost(USD/month) | $1.99/month | $1.99/month | |
| 1TB Plan Cost with Productivity Suite(USD/month) | $6.67/month (Microsoft 365 Personal bundle) | $6.67/month (Microsoft 365 Personal bundle) | |
| Real-time Sync Speed(milliseconds) | 2-5 seconds | 2-5 seconds | |
| Platform Support Count(platforms) | 5 major platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web) | 5 major platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web) | |
| Maximum Storage Tier(TB) | 2TB (via Microsoft 365 Family or standalone) | 2TB (via Microsoft 365 Family or standalone) | |
| Standalone 1TB Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $9.99 | $9.99 | |
| Version History Retention(days) | 93 days | 93 days | |
| Maximum File Size Upload(GB) | 100GB | 100GB | |
| Business Plan Annual Cost (1 user/1TB)(USD) | $119.88 (OneDrive standalone) or $99.99 (with M365 Basic) | $119.88 (OneDrive standalone) or $99.99 (with M365 Basic) | |
| Paid Plan (100GB)(USD/month) | $1.99 | $1.99 | |
| Maximum File Size(GB) | 250GB per file (Sharepoint), 15GB (OneDrive) | 250GB per file (Sharepoint), 15GB (OneDrive) | |
| OCR/Search Languages Supported(count) | 40 languages | 40 languages | |
| Mobile App Downloads (All-time)(millions) | 180M+ downloads | 180M+ downloads | |
| Real-time Collaboration Limit(simultaneous users) | 100+ editors | 100+ editors | |
| iOS App Rating(stars out of 5) | 4.7/5 (1.8M reviews) | 4.7/5 (1.8M reviews) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 5GBFree Storage Capacity5GB (standalone) or 100GB+ with Microsoft 365(winner)
- iOS, macOS, iCloud.com web onlyCross-Platform SupportiOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web(winner)
- Limited (web access only)Integration Depth on WindowsNative File Explorer integration, automatic sync(winner)
- Deep system-level integration with iCloud Drive, Photos, Mail(winner)Integration Depth on iOSApp-based access, requires OneDrive app
- $2.99/month ($35.88/year)100GB Plan Annual Cost (2026)$1.99/month with Microsoft 365 Personal ($119.99/year for 1TB + Office suite)(winner)
- iCloud Photos with device backup, automatic library sync(winner)Photo Sync FeaturesOneDrive camera roll backup (non-automatic by default)
- Share links, limited real-time collaborationCollaboration FeaturesSharePoint integration, Office 365 real-time co-editing on Word/Excel/PowerPoint(winner)
- Free Storage Capacity
iCloud
5GB
OneDrive
5GB (standalone) or 100GB+ with Microsoft 365(winner)
- Cross-Platform Support
iCloud
iOS, macOS, iCloud.com web only
OneDrive
iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web(winner)
- Integration Depth on Windows
iCloud
Limited (web access only)
OneDrive
Native File Explorer integration, automatic sync(winner)
- Integration Depth on iOS
iCloud
Deep system-level integration with iCloud Drive, Photos, Mail(winner)
OneDrive
App-based access, requires OneDrive app
- 100GB Plan Annual Cost (2026)
iCloud
$2.99/month ($35.88/year)
OneDrive
$1.99/month with Microsoft 365 Personal ($119.99/year for 1TB + Office suite)(winner)
- Photo Sync Features
iCloud
iCloud Photos with device backup, automatic library sync(winner)
OneDrive
OneDrive camera roll backup (non-automatic by default)
- Collaboration Features
iCloud
Share links, limited real-time collaboration
OneDrive
SharePoint integration, Office 365 real-time co-editing on Word/Excel/PowerPoint(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | iCloud | OneDrive |
|---|---|---|
| AI Visibility Score(/100) | 78 | — |
| File Sync Performance Rating(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| File Sync Speed (Average)(MB/s) | 78 Mbps | — |
| File Sync Speed(Rating) | 8.9/10 | — |
| Desktop App Sync Speed (relative)(index) | Baseline (1.0x) | — |
Show 1 more attributeReal-time Sync Speed(milliseconds) 2-5 seconds — | ||
| Cross-Platform Support | Apple devices only | — |
| Windows Native Support(quality level) | Web browser only; no native app | Full native app with file sync and Explorer integration |
| Supported Platforms | iOS, macOS, Web (iCloud.com) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web(winner) |
| Platform Support Count(platforms) | 5 major platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web) | — |
| Third-Party Integrations | Limited | — |
| Offline Access Capability | Limited offline mode | — |
| Workspace Collaboration Tools | Basic sharing | — |
| OCR & AI Text Recognition | Not available | — |
| File Version History(days) | 30 days (standard) | 93 days (standard)(winner) |
Show 12 more attributesFile Version History Retention(days/unlimited) 30 days (standard) 30 days Advanced Collaboration Features Limited (shared folders, basic links) — Photo Auto-Backup Integration Native iPhone/iPad photo backup included — Third-Party App Integrations(count) 150+ — Automatic Photo Backup Limit(GB) Unlimited with iCloud+ (200GB+ plans) — Automatic Photo Backup(feature support) Yes (iCloud Photos automatic sync) Manual setup required on iOS Collaboration Score(Rating) 8.5/10 — Maximum Single File Upload(GB) 100GB — Version History Retention(days) 93 days — Microsoft Office Native Integration Native editing with Microsoft 365 apps — File Request Feature Availability Limited to Business plans — OCR/Search Languages Supported(count) 40 languages — | ||
| Encryption Type | End-to-end encryption | — |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes (iCloud+ Advanced Data Protection) | No (standard tier); selective E2E on SharePoint |
| Sharing Permission Granularity | Basic (view or edit, link expiration only) | — |
| End-to-End Encryption Standard | No | — |
| Encryption Type | Standard encryption (TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest) | — |
| Lowest Paid Plan Cost(USD/month) | $0.99 (50GB)(winner) | $1.99 (100GB standard) or $6.99 (1TB with M365) |
| Cheapest Paid Plan Cost(USD/month) | $0.99 | — |
| 200GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) | $35.88 | — |
| Paid Plan Cost (2TB/Month)(USD) | $9.99 | — |
| Annual Paid Plan Cost (2TB)(USD) | $119.88 | — |
Show 12 more attributes100GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) $35.88 $119.99 (with Office 365, includes 1TB) Monthly Cost (100GB Plan)(USD) $1.99 — Lifetime 500GB Plan Cost(USD) Not available — Monthly Subscription Cost (Starter Plan)(USD) $1.99 — Free Tier Storage(GB) 5GB — Free Storage Tier(GB) 5GB — 2TB Annual Plan Cost(USD) $99.99 — 100GB Plan Monthly Cost(USD/month) $1.99/month — 1TB Plan Cost with Productivity Suite(USD/month) $6.67/month (Microsoft 365 Personal bundle) — Standalone 1TB Plan Monthly Cost(USD) $9.99 — Business Plan Annual Cost (1 user/1TB)(USD) $119.88 (OneDrive standalone) or $99.99 (with M365 Basic) — Paid Plan (100GB)(USD/month) $1.99 — | ||
| Android Support | Limited web access; no native app | Full native app with sync and offline access |
| Maximum Family Members(users) | 6 (via iCloud+ Family Sharing) | 6 (via Microsoft 365 Family) |
| Microsoft 365 Integration | None; requires separate subscription | 1TB storage + Office apps included with M365 subscription |
| Windows Native Integration(integration level) | Web access only (iCloud.com) | File Explorer sync, automatic background sync(winner) |
| iOS/iPadOS Integration(integration level) | System-level (iCloud Drive, Photos, Mail, Keychain)(winner) | App-based (OneDrive app required) |
| Microsoft 365 Integration(Level) | Native - deeply integrated | — |
| Microsoft 365 Integration Level | Native (included) | — |
Show 2 more attributesMicrosoft 365 Personal Bundle Storage(GB) 1000GB (included) — Windows 11 Native Integration Full File Explorer integration with cloud-only pinning — | ||
| Free Storage Included(GB) | 5 GB | — |
| Cheapest Paid Plan Storage(GB) | 50 GB | — |
| Free Storage Capacity(GB) | 5 GB | 5GB |
| Free Storage(GB) | 5GB | 5GB |
| Storage Plan Options(max capacity) | 2TB (individual) or 2TB (family shared) | 5TB (via Microsoft 365 subscriptions)(winner) |
Show 5 more attributesFree Storage Capacity(GB) 1TB (1000GB) — Maximum File Upload Size(TB) 250 GB — Storage Capacity (Starter Plan)(GB) 100GB — Maximum Storage Tier(TB) 2TB (via Microsoft 365 Family or standalone) — Maximum File Size(GB) 250GB per file (Sharepoint), 15GB (OneDrive) — | ||
| Supported Operating Systems | 4 platforms (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, iCloud.com) | — |
| Team/Business Plans Available | No dedicated team plan | — |
| File Version History Duration(days) | 30 days | — |
| Maximum File Size Upload(GB) | 100GB | — |
| Team Collaboration Tools | Shared folders, iWork app collaboration | — |
| Real-Time Collaboration(feature capability) | Limited (share links only) | Full Office 365 co-editing (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)(winner) |
| Real-Time Co-Authoring Support | Yes (advanced with Office) | — |
| Maximum Concurrent Real-Time Users(users) | 300 (Office docs) | — |
| Real-time Collaboration Limit(simultaneous users) | 100+ editors | — |
| AI Features Count(Features) | 4+ (search, workspace, photo intelligence, security) | — |
| Free Trial Duration(Days) | 30 days | — |
| Platform Reliability(Rating) | 8.8/10 | — |
| Uptime Service Level Agreement(percent) | 99.9% | — |
| Android Optimization(Level) | Good - universal support | — |
| Data Center Location Options(count) | 2 regions (US, EU for enterprise) | — |
| FedRAMP Authorization(Yes/No) | No | — |
| Concurrent Admin Users(users) | Limited by license | — |
| Global Data Center Regions(regions) | 14 regions | — |
| Mobile App Downloads (All-time)(millions) | 180M+ downloads | — |
| iOS App Rating(stars out of 5) | 4.7/5 (1.8M reviews) | — |
iCloudOneDriveShow 1 more attribute
Show 12 more attributes
Show 12 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 5 more attributes
Pros & Cons
11 pros·5 cons across both
iCloud
Pros
- Seamless integration with iCloud Drive, Photos, Mail, and Calendar on Apple devices
- Automatic photo library backup and sync across all Apple devices
- iCloud Keychain stores passwords and payment methods securely
- Family Sharing allows up to 6 family members to share storage plan
- Strong encryption with end-to-end encryption for Mail and Notes
Cons
- Limited cross-platform support (Windows and Android users have restricted access)
- Expensive compared to Microsoft 365 (100GB plan costs $35.88/year vs. $119.99 for Microsoft 365 with 1TB)
- Weak real-time collaboration features for documents
OneDrive
Pros
- Native integration with Windows File Explorer and automatic sync
- Included with Microsoft 365 subscription (1TB storage + Office apps for $119.99/year)
- Strong real-time collaboration through SharePoint and Office 365 co-editing
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web)
- Version history and file recovery with 93-day trash retention
- Personal Vault adds extra security layer with multi-factor authentication for sensitive files
Cons
- OneDrive app on iOS requires manual camera backup setup (not automatic like iCloud Photos)
- Requires Microsoft 365 subscription for best value (standalone 100GB costs $1.99/month)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
iCloud on Windows is extremely limited. You can access files through iCloud.com web interface and use iCloud for Windows to sync Photos and Documents folders, but there's no native File Explorer integration like OneDrive. Most Windows users find iCloud impractical for daily use.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
iCloud vs OneDrive
softwareOneDrive vs Google Drive
technologyiCloud vs Google Drive
technologyOneDrive vs pCloud
softwareBox vs OneDrive
softwareiCloud vs Dropbox
softwareOneDrive vs iCloud Drive
softwareDropbox vs OneDrive
softwareDropbox vs iCloud
softwareGoogle Drive vs OneDrive
softwareWordPress vs Wix
softwareCanva vs Photoshop
software
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology2 min read
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Read article - technology2 min read
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Read article - technology2 min read
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Read article - technology2 min read
Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
Read article - technology2 min read
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
Read article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories