OneDrive vs Dropbox 2026: Full Comparison
OneDrive offers 1TB free storage with Microsoft 365 integration and lower pricing ($6-20/month), while Dropbox provides superior file syncing, advanced sharing controls, and better cross-platform support with plans starting at $11.99/month. OneDrive wins for Microsoft ecosystem users; Dropbox excels for creative professionals and collaborative teams.
Microsoft OneDrive
Cloud storage integrated with Microsoft 365 and Windows ecosystem
Microsoft Windows users, Office 365 subscribers, enterprises using Microsoft Teams and Outlook
Dropbox
Cross-platform cloud storage with advanced sharing and collaboration features
Creative professionals, developers, cross-platform teams, users requiring advanced security and sharing controls
Quick Answer
AI SummaryOneDrive offers 1TB free storage with Microsoft 365 integration and lower pricing ($6-20/month), while Dropbox provides superior file syncing, advanced sharing controls, and better cross-platform support with plans starting at $11.99/month. OneDrive wins for Microsoft ecosystem users; Dropbox excels for creative professionals and collaborative teams.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose OneDrive if you're invested in the Microsoft ecosystem (Windows, Office 365, Outlook) and want the lowest total cost of ownership, particularly for basic file storage and collaboration. Choose Dropbox if you need advanced sharing controls, faster sync performance, Linux support, extended file history for professional work, and a platform-agnostic solution that works seamlessly across all operating systems.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Microsoft OneDrive if
Microsoft Windows users, Office 365 subscribers, enterprises using Microsoft Teams and Outlook
Choose Dropbox if
Best pickCreative professionals, developers, cross-platform teams, users requiring advanced security and sharing controls
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 Allocation:✓ Microsoft OneDrive wins(5GB base, up to 1TB with Microsoft 365 vs 2GB base, 3GB with referral)
- Monthly Cost (200GB plan):✓ Microsoft OneDrive wins($6.99 (with Microsoft 365 Family) vs $11.99 (Dropbox Plus 2TB))
- File Versioning History:✓ Dropbox wins(180 days for Plus, 1,800 days for Professional vs 93 days for deleted files)
Key Facts & Figures
57 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Microsoft OneDrive | Dropbox | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Free Storage(GB) | 1,000 GB | — | — |
| Maximum File Size(MB) | 250 GB | — | — |
| Version History Retention(months) | 93 days | 180 days | |
| Simultaneous Device Sync(devices) | 5 devices | — | — |
| Permission Levels (Custom Roles)(count) | 3 (View, Edit, Owner) | — | — |
| Enterprise Subscription Cost(USD/user/month) | 0 (personal) or $6 (100GB add-on) | — | — |
| Free Storage Tier(GB) | 5GB (or 1TB with Microsoft 365) | 2GB | |
| File Version History Duration(days) | 93 days | 180 days | |
| Maximum Single File Upload Size(GB) | 250GB | 2000GB (2TB) | |
| Permission Control Granularity(levels) | 4 levels | 22 levels | |
| Annual Cost (2TB Plan)(USD) | $99.99/year (Microsoft 365 1TB bundle) | $179.88/year | |
| Free Storage(GB) | 5GB (1000GB with Microsoft 365) | 2GB | |
| Monthly Cost (2TB Plan)(USD) | $6.99 (with Microsoft 365 Family) | $11.99 (Dropbox Plus) | |
| File Version History(days) | 93 days | 180 days (Plus), 1800 days (Professional) | |
| Sync Speed (LAN Test)(MB/s) | 1-3 MB/s average | 2-5 MB/s average | |
| Maximum Storage Plan(TB) | 1000GB (1TB) with Microsoft 365 | 3000GB (3TB) Dropbox Professional | |
| Lowest Individual Plan Price(USD/month) | $11.99/month | $11.99/month | |
| Business Plan Storage (Starting)(TB) | 9 TB | 9 TB | |
| Maximum File Delivery Size(GB) | 250 GB (Business Plus) | 250 GB (Business Plus) | |
| File Recovery Window(days) | 30-365 days (plan dependent) | 30-365 days (plan dependent) | |
| Business Plan Cost (Per User/Month)(USD) | $24/user/month | $24/user/month | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $11.99 | $11.99 | |
| Free Storage Tier(GB) | 2 GB | 2 GB | |
| Maximum Storage per User(TB) | 3 TB | 3 TB | |
| Third-party Integrations(integrations) | 600+ | 600+ | |
| User Adoption Rate in SMBs(Percentage) | 42% | 42% | |
| File Version History(Days) | 180 | 180 | |
| User Satisfaction Score(Out of 10) | 8.7 | 8.7 | |
| Third-Party Integrations(count) | 2,500+ | 2,500+ | |
| File Version History Retention(days) | 180 days | 180 days | |
| Pro Plan Cost (Annual, 2TB)(USD) | $120/year | $120/year | |
| Mobile App Rating (iOS)(stars) | 4.5/5 (2.2M reviews) | 4.5/5 (2.2M reviews) | |
| Active Users(millions) | 700M+ | 700M+ | |
| Free Storage Capacity(GB) | 2 GB | 2 GB | |
| 2TB Monthly Subscription Cost(USD/month) | $11.99 | $11.99 | |
| Mobile App Downloads(millions) | 500+ million | 500+ million | |
| Daily Files Stored (Peak)(billions) | 2.5 billion | 2.5 billion | |
| 100GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) | $119.88 | $119.88 | |
| Uptime Service Level Agreement(percent) | 99.99% | 99.99% | |
| Global Data Center Regions(regions) | 4 regions | 4 regions | |
| 2TB Annual Plan Cost(USD) | $199.99 | $199.99 | |
| Free Storage Included(GB) | 2 GB | 2 GB | |
| Cheapest Paid Plan Cost(USD/month) | $11.99 | $11.99 | |
| Cheapest Paid Plan Storage(GB) | 2000 GB | 2000 GB | |
| Storage (Entry Plan)(GB) | 2 GB (free) | 2 GB (free) | |
| Monthly Cost per User (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $11.99/month (Plus plan with 2 TB) | $11.99/month (Plus plan with 2 TB) | |
| Maximum Team Size (Free/Trial Plan)(users) | 1 user (free plan, 30-day trial for paid) | 1 user (free plan, 30-day trial for paid) | |
| File Versioning History(days) | 180 days (on Plus plan) | 180 days (on Plus plan) | |
| Third-Party App Integrations(count) | 1,400+ integrations | 1,400+ integrations | |
| 200GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) | $119.88 | $119.88 | |
| Version History Retention (Free Plan)(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Version History Retention (Paid Plan)(days) | 180 days | 180 days | |
| Plus Plan Storage(TB) | 2 TB ($11.99/month) | 2 TB ($11.99/month) | |
| Supported File Formats(count) | 1000+ | 1000+ | |
| Version History Retention (Free)(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Team Plan Cost (5 users, 1TB)(USD/month) | $17.99 + seat fees (~$120 estimated) | $17.99 + seat fees (~$120 estimated) | |
| API Rate Limits (calls/hour)(calls) | 2,000 | 2,000 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 5GB base, up to 1TB with Microsoft 365(winner)Free Storage Allocation2GB base, 3GB with referral
- $6.99 (with Microsoft 365 Family)(winner)Monthly Cost (200GB plan)$11.99 (Dropbox Plus 2TB)
- 93 days for deleted filesFile Versioning History180 days for Plus, 1,800 days for Professional(winner)
- Basic link sharing, limited granular permissionsAdvanced Sharing ControlsComprehensive role-based access, expiring links, password protection(winner)
- Native Office 365 integration, co-authoring in browser(winner)Microsoft Office IntegrationBasic third-party integration via add-ons
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web (4 major platforms)Client Platforms SupportedWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, web (5 major platforms)(winner)
- 1-3MB/s average (LAN testing)Sync Speed Performance2-5MB/s average (LAN testing)(winner)
- Free Storage Allocation
Microsoft OneDrive
5GB base, up to 1TB with Microsoft 365(winner)
Dropbox
2GB base, 3GB with referral
- Monthly Cost (200GB plan)
Microsoft OneDrive
$6.99 (with Microsoft 365 Family)(winner)
Dropbox
$11.99 (Dropbox Plus 2TB)
- File Versioning History
Microsoft OneDrive
93 days for deleted files
Dropbox
180 days for Plus, 1,800 days for Professional(winner)
- Advanced Sharing Controls
Microsoft OneDrive
Basic link sharing, limited granular permissions
Dropbox
Comprehensive role-based access, expiring links, password protection(winner)
- Microsoft Office Integration
Microsoft OneDrive
Native Office 365 integration, co-authoring in browser(winner)
Dropbox
Basic third-party integration via add-ons
- Client Platforms Supported
Microsoft OneDrive
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web (4 major platforms)
Dropbox
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, web (5 major platforms)(winner)
- Sync Speed Performance
Microsoft OneDrive
1-3MB/s average (LAN testing)
Dropbox
2-5MB/s average (LAN testing)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Microsoft OneDrive | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
| Base Free Storage(GB) | 1,000 GB | — |
| Business Plan Storage (Starting)(TB) | 9 TB | — |
| Free Storage Tier(GB) | 2 GB | — |
| Maximum Storage per User(TB) | 3 TB | — |
| Free Storage Capacity(GB) | 2 GB | — |
Show 3 more attributesFree Storage Included(GB) 2 GB — Cheapest Paid Plan Storage(GB) 2000 GB — Plus Plan Storage(TB) 2 TB ($11.99/month) — | ||
| Maximum File Size(MB) | 250 GB | — |
| Version History Retention(months) | 93 days | 180 days(winner) |
| Version History Retention (Free)(days) | 30 days | — |
| Simultaneous Device Sync(devices) | 5 devices | — |
| Permission Levels (Custom Roles)(count) | 3 (View, Edit, Owner) | — |
| File Recovery Window(days) | 30-365 days (plan dependent) | — |
| Password-Protected Sharing | Yes, with expiry dates | — |
| Enterprise Compliance Certifications | SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR | — |
| File Encryption Type | In-transit AES-256 + optional client-side encryption | — |
Show 3 more attributesEncryption Type Server-side (TLS 1.2+) — Admin Controls & Compliance Features(null) Robust (SSO, DLP, HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001) — Sharing Permission Granularity Advanced (view-only, download blocks, expiring links, password protection) — | ||
| Enterprise Subscription Cost(USD/user/month) | 0 (personal) or $6 (100GB add-on) | — |
| Lowest Individual Plan Price(USD/month) | $11.99/month | — |
| Business Plan Cost (Per User/Month)(USD) | $24/user/month | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $11.99 | — |
| Pro Plan Cost (Annual, 2TB)(USD) | $120/year | — |
Show 7 more attributes2TB Monthly Subscription Cost(USD/month) $11.99 — 100GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) $119.88 — 2TB Annual Plan Cost(USD) $199.99 — Cheapest Paid Plan Cost(USD/month) $11.99 — Monthly Cost per User (Annual Commitment)(USD) $11.99/month (Plus plan with 2 TB) — 200GB Plan Annual Cost(USD) $119.88 — Team Plan Cost (5 users, 1TB)(USD/month) $17.99 + seat fees (~$120 estimated) — | ||
| Setup Time(minutes) | 5 minutes | — |
| Native Workflow Automation(null) | No (Power Automate required) | — |
| File Version History(days) | 93 days | 180 days (Plus), 1800 days (Professional)(winner) |
| Office Integration | Native Office 365 co-authoring and deep integration | Third-party add-ons and basic integration |
| File Version History(Days) | 180 | — |
| Photo Auto-Backup Integration | Optional via third-party or manual import | — |
Show 3 more attributesAutomatic Photo Backup Limit(GB) No automatic photo backup — Native Document Editing(capability) No (storage-focused) — Offline Editing Support(null) All file types via sync — | ||
| Free Storage Tier(GB) | 5GB (or 1TB with Microsoft 365)(winner) | 2GB |
| Annual Cost (2TB Plan)(USD) | $99.99/year (Microsoft 365 1TB bundle)(winner) | $179.88/year |
| Free Storage(GB) | 5GB (1000GB with Microsoft 365)(winner) | 2GB |
| Monthly Cost (2TB Plan)(USD) | $6.99 (with Microsoft 365 Family)(winner) | $11.99 (Dropbox Plus) |
| Maximum Storage Plan(TB) | 1000GB (1TB) with Microsoft 365 | 3000GB (3TB) Dropbox Professional(winner) |
Show 1 more attributeLifetime Plan Cost (2TB)(USD) Not available — | ||
| File Version History Duration(days) | 93 days | 180 days(winner) |
| Maximum Single File Upload Size(GB) | 250GB | 2000GB (2TB)(winner) |
| Permission Control Granularity(levels) | 4 levels | 22 levels(winner) |
| Real-time Collaboration Features | Basic (Office co-authoring only, limited integrations) | Advanced (@mentions, comments, Paper documents, 300+ integrations) |
| Microsoft Office Co-authoring Integration | Deep (native Word/Excel/PowerPoint real-time co-authoring) | Limited (basic sharing, no native co-editing) |
| Supported Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web (4 platforms) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Web (6 platforms) |
| Supported Operating Systems | 6 platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web) | — |
| File Type Support(formats) | All file types (universal) | — |
| Supported File Formats(count) | 1000+ | — |
| Sync Speed (LAN Test)(MB/s) | 1-3 MB/s average | 2-5 MB/s average(winner) |
| Advanced Sharing Controls | Basic link sharing, limited role management | Role-based access, expiring links, password protection, IP restrictions |
| Maximum File Delivery Size(GB) | 250 GB (Business Plus) | — |
| Real-Time Document Collaboration | Basic (file-level comments) | — |
| Maximum Concurrent Real-Time Users(users) | Unlimited | — |
| Advanced Collaboration Features | Dropbox Sign, Paper docs, access logs, permission roles | — |
| Maximum Team Size (Free/Trial Plan)(users) | 1 user (free plan, 30-day trial for paid) | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Editors(users) | Not applicable | — |
Show 2 more attributesMax Simultaneous Real-Time Editors(users) Not optimized — Comment Threading & Suggestions(null) Yes, in Dropbox Spaces — | ||
| Third-party Integrations(integrations) | 600+ | — |
| Third-Party Integrations(count) | 2,500+ | — |
| Third-Party App Integrations(count) | 1,400+ integrations | — |
| User Adoption Rate in SMBs(Percentage) | 42% | — |
| User Satisfaction Score(Out of 10) | 8.7 | — |
| Mobile App Rating (iOS)(stars) | 4.5/5 (2.2M reviews) | — |
| File Version History Retention(days) | 180 days | — |
| Default Encryption Type | Zero-knowledge optional (paid add-on) | — |
| Maximum File Upload Size(GB) | Unlimited | — |
| Team Collaboration Workspaces | Yes (Dropbox Spaces, Team Spaces) | — |
| Active Users(millions) | 700M+ | — |
| Mobile App Downloads(millions) | 500+ million | — |
| Monthly Active Users(millions) | 700 million (2024) | — |
| Data Center Location(null) | United States | — |
| Daily Files Stored (Peak)(billions) | 2.5 billion | — |
| Microsoft 365 Personal Bundle Storage(GB) | No inclusion | — |
| Uptime Service Level Agreement(percent) | 99.99% | — |
| Global Data Center Regions(regions) | 4 regions | — |
| Team/Business Plans Available | Dropbox Business (3TB+ per user, admin console) | — |
| Storage (Entry Plan)(GB) | 2 GB (free) | — |
| Document Editing Capability(null) | Third-party integration only (Microsoft Office, Google Docs) | — |
| Video Conferencing Built-In(null) | No (integrate Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams) | — |
| File Versioning History(days) | 180 days (on Plus plan) | — |
| Team Collaboration Tools | Dropbox Sign, Spaces, Paper, task management | — |
| Version History Retention (Free Plan)(days) | 30 days | — |
| Version History Retention (Paid Plan)(days) | 180 days | — |
| API Rate Limits (calls/hour)(calls) | 2,000 | — |
Microsoft OneDriveShow 3 more attributes
Show 3 more attributes
Show 7 more attributes
Show 3 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 2 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Microsoft OneDrive
Pros
- 5GB free storage (1TB with Microsoft 365 Family subscription)
- Seamless Office 365 co-authoring with real-time collaboration
- Integrated into Windows 10/11 for native file synchronization
- Lowest total cost when bundled with Microsoft 365 ($6.99/month for 1TB)
- Automatic backup of Windows PC files and photos
Cons
- Only 93-day file version history compared to Dropbox's 180-1800 days
- Limited advanced sharing controls and granular permission management
Dropbox
Pros
- Extended file version history up to 180 days (Plus) and 1,800 days (Professional)
- Advanced sharing controls with role-based access, expiring links, and password protection
- Native Linux client support for development and server environments
- 2-5MB/s average sync speed, 50-100% faster than OneDrive
- Platform-agnostic with equally strong experiences across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Cons
- Only 2GB free storage (lowest in major cloud storage category)
- Expensive standalone pricing at $11.99/month for 2TB compared to Microsoft 365 integration options
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
OneDrive is significantly better for Microsoft Office users. It offers native co-authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with real-time collaboration, automatic saving to the cloud, and seamless integration with Outlook and Microsoft Teams. Dropbox requires third-party add-ons for comparable functionality. Additionally, OneDrive costs $6.99/month with Microsoft 365 Family (1TB storage) versus Dropbox at $11.99/month for 2TB standalone.
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
Dropbox vs OneDrive
softwareDropbox vs Google Drive
softwareBox vs Dropbox
productsOneDrive vs SharePoint
softwareDropbox vs pCloud
softwareDropbox vs Sync.com
softwareOneDrive vs Dropbox
softwareiCloud vs Dropbox
softwareGoogle Workspace vs Dropbox
softwareDropbox vs iCloud
softwareDropbox vs OneDrive
softwareGoogle Docs vs Dropbox
software
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology
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 - technology
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 - technology
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 - technology
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 - technology
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