It’s about time that you backed your information up in the cloud. Cloud storage is beneficial to just about anyone who uses a computer, phone, or mobile device.
For one, it frees storage space on your devices. Secondly, it prevents your data from getting deleted in the event that your device crashes, gets stolen, or gets lost.
There are two primary cloud storage services. Android devices automatically use Google Drive, whereas Apple devices use iCloud. The Google Drive vs iCloud debate is a complex one, but it’s important to know the pros and cons of both.
We’re going to take a look at the difference between Google Drive and iCloud today, giving you some insight to inform your choice. Let’s get started.
The Pros of iCloud
iCloud is familiar to all of those who use an Apple device. In order to use most of their devices, a person has to have an Apple ID which is a vessel from that device to iCloud storage.
iCloud is an effective way to house all of your pertinent information. All of your photos, videos, messages, notes, calendar dates, and more. Neither of the applications we’ll discuss today give you the opportunity to backup large software files or other downloads.
If you have downloads you’d like to backup, you can turn them into files that are compatible with the services.
One benefit of using iCloud is that it’s an excellent way to backup all of the information from iTunes backups. Even though few people use iTunes, backing up your information on Apple Music or iTunes is the best way to set things in stone on your iCloud.
When you run a backup, you establish all of that information into your iCloud storage and ensure that it’s never lost. You can then retrieve it whenever you want to.
It’s also worth noting that the iCloud service is a great way to share and connect with other individuals who have iCloud as well. A great example of this is the “AirDrop” features. Those with iCloud can receive information from you in an instant, and things like audio and video don’t get compressed in the same way that they do via text message.
Cons of iCloud
The first disadvantage of iCloud is the fact that you get only limited storage. You’re allowed 5GB of storage right off of the bat, but need to pay $0.99 per month after that.
While the fee is small, it’s still a little bit of a deterrent. 5 GB goes by pretty quickly when you consider the sheer volume of personal media and messaging on your phone.
Another disadvantage is that iCloud’s platform isn’t rooted in cross-platform interaction. In other words, there aren’t a lot of ways for you to use iCloud to engage with those who don’t have iCloud. While a lot of people do use Apple products, there are still a lot of individuals who engage on Google Drive.
That problem extends into the next issue, which is that the service isn’t integrated for Android users. You can log in to an iCloud account via the web browser if you’re using an Android, but it’s not infused with the device itself.
The Pros of Google Drive
Google Drive is a great way to store things like images, videos, messages, emails, and more. It’s a service that gives you a lot of connectivity with other users as well.
For example, Gmail users who receive downloads via email might note that larger files are uploaded into their Google Drive. This is a great way to keep things in check without having to sift through a massive pile of emails to find them.
You’re also able to synch up your computers with the drive fairly easily, giving you the chance to connect any computer, not just Mac or PC. Another interesting part about Google Drive is that you’re allotted 15 GB of data.
That’s three times the number that’s offered in the iCloud. If you’re using the service for mostly documents and images, it will take the average person a year or two to fill that space up. It could take a lot longer as well, depending on your usage.
One of the best parts about Google Drive, though, is the fact that it’s linked up with the rest of the Google Suite. You’re tapped into Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, Contacts, and even YouTube.
Information on those platforms can get incorporated into your Google Drive pretty easily without any additional fees. Further, you can use a trick or two to optimize your storage space even further. For example, you can delete duplicate files, streamline your searches, and more.
Cons of Google Drive
There are a few common complaints about Google Drive, however. First, people don’t enjoy the fact that you have to pay a little bit more to add extra storage space.
For those that have a lot of information to manage on their Drive, that cost gets out of hand. The iCloud AirDrop feature is one that isn’t matched in Google Drive, either.
The ability to send uncompressed files in an instant is very useful to a lot of different individuals. Particularly those who send audio files, video files, and other media that’s larger than text messaging allows.
The Google Drive vs iCloud Debate
It’s hard to say which platform is better because they both hold a lot of value to different groups of users. It’s worth noting that Apple and Android users are separated on this issue, likely because they’re acquainted with the platforms and use them effectively.
Note that you can use both platforms to explore their pros and cons for yourself. If you find that you enjoy them both, there’s no harm in having an iCloud and Google Drive at your disposal.
Want to Learn More About Cloud Storage?
The Google Drive vs iCloud competition will go on for a long time. Until one platform stands out as the clear winner, there will be arguments for using either one of them.
That said, you can use these platforms to the best of your ability if you understand them. We’re here to help. Explore our site for more insights into tech issues, different applications, and much more.
