Apple iCloud Drive is a strong choice for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem due to its seamless integration. Box is better suited for business users who need robust security features, extensive integrations, and the option for unlimited storage.
| Attribute | Apple iCloud Drive | Box |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity Options | Free: 5GB, 50GB: $0.99/month, 200GB: $2.99/month, 2TB: $9.99/month, 6TB: $29.99/month, 12TB: $59.99/month | Individual: Free plan with 10 GB storage, Personal Pro plan with 100 GB storage; Business: Business Starter plan with 100 GB storage, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise plans offer unlimited storage. |
| File Sharing Capabilities | Share files and folders with others, invite people with specific permissions, share with invited people or anyone with the link, recipients can access on any device, changes saved in the cloud | Share files and folders with anyone, inside or outside the organization, by creating a link or sharing directly from Box. Seven different permission levels for secure file sharing. Set expiration dates and password protection for shared files. |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility | macOS, iOS, iPadOS, iCloud.com, Windows (via iCloud for Windows) | Works across web, desktop (Windows and macOS), and mobile (iOS and Android). |
| Security Features (Encryption, Two-Factor Authentication) | Encryption in transit and at rest, Standard Data Protection (keys secured in Apple data centers), Advanced Data Protection (optional end-to-end encryption), Two-factor authentication | Encryption in transit and at rest (AES 256-bit encryption). Two-factor authentication. Granular data asset access controls. Password policy enforcement. Data loss prevention (DLP) and threat detection. Watermarking. |
| File Versioning and Recovery | Retains deleted items for 30 days, recover files from iCloud Drive or other apps, automatically saves versions of files | Keeps track of older file versions, allowing you to revert to a prior version at any time. Restore deleted versions from Trash. |
| Collaboration Tools | Real-time collaboration on documents, invite others to collaborate, see edits in real time | Real-time collaboration tools like Box Canvas and Box Notes. Assign tasks, set deadlines, and brainstorm ideas. Integrations with Zoom, Slack, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace. |
| Integration with Other Apps/Services | Integrates with Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Contacts, Mail, Reminders | Integrates with over 1,500 apps, including Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Okta, and more. |
| User Interface and Ease of Use | User-friendly interface, easy to navigate and manage files | Simplified web app experience with updated navigation. Organize content into collections. |
| Pricing Plans and Value | Various storage plans, including a free 5GB option, paid plans offer more storage, Family Sharing available | Offers a free individual plan with 10 GB storage. Business plans with unlimited storage start at $20 per user per month (minimum of 3 users). |
| Automatic Backup Features | Automatic backup of photos and documents | Stores deleted files and folders in Trash for 30 days by default, allowing for recovery. |
| Mobile App Availability and Functionality | Accessible through the Files app on iPhone and iPad | Mobile apps available for accessing content anytime, anywhere. |
| Data Synchronization Speed and Reliability | Synchronizes files across all Apple devices, changes made on one device are automatically reflected on other devices | Allows users to quickly sync their files from a local hard drive to the cloud storage area. |
| Free Storage | 5GB | 10GB |