Both Google Drive and Box offer robust file storage and collaboration capabilities. Google Drive is a strong choice for individuals and teams already using Google Workspace, while Box is better suited for organizations needing extensive integrations and advanced security features.
| Attribute | Google Drive | Box |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 15 GB free, expandable with paid plans (100 GB, 200 GB, 2 TB, up to 30 TB) | Offers various plans with different storage capacities, including unlimited storage on some business plans. Business Starter plan provides 100 GB of storage. Individual plans offer 10 GB (Individual Free). File size upload limits vary by plan, ranging from 2GB to 50GB. The 'Enterprise Advanced' plan supports files up to 500GB. |
| File Sharing Capabilities | Share files/folders with specific people or via shareable link; control edit, comment, or view permissions; up to 600 individual email addresses. | Allows sharing files and folders via direct links or by inviting collaborators. Features include password protection, link expiration dates, and access permissions. |
| Collaboration Features | Real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings; up to 50 simultaneous users; suggesting mode. | Enables multiple users to work on documents simultaneously with real-time updates and version history. Features include co-authoring, commenting, task assignments, and discussions. Integrates with tools like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoom. |
| Security Measures | Industry-standard encryption (256-bit SSL/TLS in transit, AES-128 at rest); strict access controls; regular audits; two-factor authentication (2FA) supported; data security certifications like ISO 27001 (SOC1, SOC2, SOC3) and certifications from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Complies with standards like ISO 27018 and ISO 27701. | Employs multiple layers of security, including data encryption in transit and at rest, granular access controls, and auditing. Uses AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.2 for data in transit. Additional security features include password protection, access notifications, and data loss prevention. Holds various security certifications, standards, and reports, including ISO 27001, ISO 27018, HIPAA, FedRAMP, SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3. Complies with the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) for cross-border data transfers. |
| Data Encryption | AES-128 encryption for data at rest, 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit. Client-side encryption available. | Encrypts data both in transit (using TLS 1.2) and at rest (using 256-bit AES encryption). Utilizes a key-wrapping strategy for additional protection. Enterprise-level encryption with user-controlled key management is an option. |
| Platform Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. | Accessible through web browsers, desktop applications (Box Drive), and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Supports the latest versions of major browsers and operating systems. |
| Mobile Accessibility | Mobile app for Android and iOS; access, view, and edit files; scan documents directly to Drive. | Provides mobile apps for on-the-go access to files and collaboration features. The mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. |
| Version History | Maintains revision history; revert to previous versions of files; granular changes are recorded and color-coded by person. | Automatically keeps track of document versions, making it easy to revert to previous versions if necessary. |
| Integration with Other Apps | Integrates with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides; integrates with third-party apps through platforms like Zapier and Albato. | Integrates with over 1500 applications, including Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, and Zoom. Offers APIs and SDKs to customize and integrate content management within other apps. Natively integrates with apps like Salesforce, Slack, and Oracle NetSuite. Box offers Box View and Box Content APIs to provide integration between Box storage and existing enterprise applications. |
| Customer Support | 24/7 access to Google experts for Google One members. | Provides customer support services. For customers with Standard Support Service, Box will use commercially reasonable efforts to meet an Uptime Percentage of at least 99.9%. Box mitigates risk and enhances user experience with Box's industry-leading standards for first response times and 24/7 support. |
| Pricing Plans | Free plan with 15 GB; Paid plans: 100 GB ($1.99/month), 200 GB ($2.99/month), 2 TB ($9.99/month), AI Premium ($19.99/month), AI Ultra ($249.99/month) | Offers various business plans and individual plans. Business plans include Business Starter, Business, Business Plus, Enterprise, and Enterprise Plus. Pricing starts at $5 per user per month. A free plan is available for individual users with limited features, including 10 GB storage. |
| Data Recovery Options | Trash folder for recovering deleted files; backup and sync features. | Employs an active-active data center model and has a well-established Disaster Recovery (DR) testing process conducted at least annually. They also conduct database restoration tests annually. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. |