Comparison · Cloud storage services
Dropbox vs Microsoft OneDrive: which is better in 2026?
Dropbox ranks higher in our list of cloud storage services (#2 against #4, score 88.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 88.5Editorial score87.0
- 6Platforms5
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Dropbox if you want
Shared folders and version history for teams.
Solid sync and sharing with version history and file recovery, but its free Basic plan holds only 2 GB. It suits shared folders across a team, and its business plans are priced per user.
Choose Microsoft OneDrive if you want
Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want built-in sync.
Built into Windows, with folder backup and Microsoft 365 co-editing, and a free allowance. Files are not end-to-end encrypted by default, unlike Proton Drive or Sync.com.
The main differences
- Only Dropbox runs on Linux.
Side by side
 Dropbox |  Microsoft OneDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 87.0 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 12 | #4 of 12 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree Basic plan with 2 GB; paid plans for individuals and teams | Free plan, paid upgradesFree storage allowance; more with Microsoft 365 plans or paid storage |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web | WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
| Made by | Not stated | Microsoft |
| Free storage | 2 GB | Small free allowance |
| Self-hosted | No | No |
| Best for | Shared folders and version history for teams | Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want built-in sync |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Dropbox vs Microsoft OneDrive
- Is Dropbox better than Microsoft OneDrive?
- Dropbox ranks higher in our list of cloud storage services (#2 against #4, score 88.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Dropbox is best for: shared folders and version history for teams. Microsoft OneDrive is best for: Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want built-in sync.
- Which is cheaper, Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive?
- Dropbox: Free Basic plan with 2 GB; paid plans for individuals and teams. Microsoft OneDrive: Free storage allowance; more with Microsoft 365 plans or paid storage.
- Do Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive run on the same platforms?
- Dropbox supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web. Microsoft OneDrive supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
