Execs
- Straightforward to make use of on all platforms.
- Inexpensive storage tiers.
- Lightning quick.
Cons
- Plans can get complicated with the quantity of additional options.
Our Verdict
Google Drive is a unbelievable service that, if you happen to’re something like me, it’s exhausting to think about being with out.
Worth When Reviewed
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Greatest Pricing At this time
Worth When Reviewed
Free (15GB), $1.99 (100GB), $2.99 (200GB), $9.99 (2TB) a month. If you happen to do not see the 200GB deal choose 100GB and improve from that.
Greatest Costs At this time: Google Drive
In terms of selecting the very best cloud-based storage companies to your Mac, it truly is tough to look previous Google Drive.
Whereas the concept of utilizing Google’s instruments on Apple {hardware} will make some squirm, it’s such a strong platform, with deep integration with issues like Google Docs, Sheets, and extra that it makes it exhausting to not admire it.
That’s earlier than you understand it comes with a whopping 15GB of free storage, triple what Apple presents totally free on iCloud Drive, and a few surprisingly highly effective backup and sync options.
First Impressions
Earlier than we begin, it’s price noting that you should utilize Google Drive on Mac via a devoted app, or through the online interface. Whichever you choose, you’ll undoubtedly admire simply how fast the system is.
A useful setup wizard allows you to choose and select how a lot of your Mac you divulge heart’s contents to Google’s syncing options. As soon as it’s arrange, you possibly can verify sync standing in your menu bar, in addition to get a glanceable have a look at how a lot knowledge you’re utilizing. It turns into second nature to create a Google Doc, shift information round, or preserve a backup of your images inside Google Images.
Talking of information, 15GB is loads beneficiant, however you possibly can take pleasure in 100GB for simply $1.99/£1.59 a month, 200GB for $2.99/£2.49, and transfer up the tiers till you get to 2TB for $9.99/£7.99 monthly. That’s what Google presents as customary, however there are much more choices as much as 30TB for an eye-watering $150 a month.
Google Drive options
Google Drive can replicate file adjustments throughout gadgets.
Google Drive can replicate file adjustments throughout gadgets.
Google Drive can replicate file adjustments throughout gadgets.
Google’s system, alongside Dropbox and OneDrive, is arguably some of the widespread file-sharing choices. Meaning it’s far more prevalent than, say, iCloud Drive, making it far more helpful throughout a number of platforms.
I exploit it frequently to put in writing articles, similar to this one in Google Drive, retailer the screenshots I seize, and ship them to editors, and in case your workflows and job require any diploma of fast sharing of information forwards and backwards, it’s an ideal match.
The deep integration with Docs, Sheets, and different Google instruments means it’s by no means been simpler to share a doc with a colleague, gather suggestions, and make amendments.
It’s simple to see which information are taking over essentially the most room in your Drive.
It’s simple to see which information are taking over essentially the most room in your Drive.
It’s simple to see which information are taking over essentially the most room in your Drive.
As regards to amendments, the Backup and Sync characteristic is nice. You’ll be able to set Google Drive to watch sure information and folders in your native machine, and any adjustments made shall be up to date throughout the cloud – preferrred for anybody utilizing a number of machines.
Google Drive annoyances
Google Images is a pleasant backup choice to have, however it’ll begin to eat into your storage fairly shortly.
Whereas Google’s One plans are fairly inexpensive, I do want it could be somewhat simpler to discern which plans supply which options.
It’s a small gripe, however whereas the 200GB plan comes with storage sharing and three% again in Google Retailer credit, the subsequent tier up provides Magic Editor for Google Images, Google Workspace options, and even Fitbit Premium.
It’s maybe to be anticipated given the extensive internet solid by Google’s ecosystem, however the sheer variety of extra options, and the way in which they’re strewn throughout the plans, is somewhat powerful to parse.
Must you use Google Drive?
Whether or not you’re on Mac, iPhone, iPad, or simply about some other platform, Google Drive stays the most suitable choice round.
A beneficiant free tier, a dizzying array of additional options, and a quick, easy interface take all the trouble out of cloud sharing.
