Storage solutions: Microsoft OneDrive 6TB Plan (Microsoft 365 Family) vs. iCloud+ 6TB Plan

Quick Verdict

Microsoft OneDrive 6TB Plan is a better value for families or groups needing comprehensive Office suite integration and robust security features like ransomware protection, while iCloud+ 6TB Plan is more suitable for Apple ecosystem users prioritizing privacy features like iCloud Private Relay and seamless integration with Apple devices and services, despite the higher monthly cost.

Both OneDrive and iCloud+ offer 6TB of storage, but OneDrive's 6TB plan is designed for up to 6 users with 1TB each, while iCloud+'s plan supports up to five family members.
OneDrive provides more detailed file size limits and robust integration with the Microsoft Office suite, whereas iCloud+ integrates seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem and offers features like iCloud Private Relay.
OneDrive offers stronger data encryption with AES 256-bit, while iCloud+ uses AES 128-bit encryption, although iCloud+ offers optional Advanced Data Protection with end-to-end encryption for certain data categories.
OneDrive includes ransomware protection and a Personal Vault, while iCloud+ provides features like Hide My Email and HomeKit Secure Video support.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Microsoft OneDrive 6TB Plan (Microsoft 365 Family)	iCloud+ 6TB Plan
Storage Capacity	6 TB total, with 1 TB per user	6TB
Number of Users Supported	Up to 6 users	Up to five family members via Family Sharing
File Size Limit	Single download: 15 GB; Total ZIP file size: 20 GB; Up to 10,000 files in a ZIP file	While a specific file size limit isn't explicitly stated, Internxt, a cloud storage alternative, allows for uploads of up to 5GB via WebDAV.
Platform Compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web)	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web	Compatible with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Windows. Also accessible through a limited web interface.
File Sharing Capabilities	Share files and folders by sending an invitation or creating a link. Control permissions.	Users can share files and collaborate on documents via iCloud Drive. iCloud provides the ability to easily share files and manage permissions.
Offline Access	Yes. Install premium Office 365 apps on desktop for offline use. Changes sync when you reconnect.	Not explicitly mentioned, but iCloud Drive allows you to access files on your Apple devices, which implies offline availability for synced content.
Data Encryption (In Transit and At Rest)	AES 256-bit encryption protects files in transit and at rest. TLS 1.2 encryption is also used.	Uses AES 128-bit encryption. Data is encrypted while in transit and at rest. Offers end-to-end encryption for 23 data categories, excluding Mail, Contacts, and Calendars via optional Advanced Data Protection.
File Versioning and Recovery	Yes. Recover files for up to 30 days after attacks, corruption, or accidental deletions/edits.	iCloud offers file recovery.
Integration with Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)	Seamless integration with Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote)	Integrates with Apple's iWork suite.
Automatic Backup Features	Yes. Automatically syncs files with copies in the cloud.	Automatically backs up iOS and iPadOS devices.
Additional Features (e.g., ransomware protection, password-protected sharing)	Ransomware protection, Password-protected sharing, Personal Vault, Microsoft Defender, AI-powered features, Clipchamp video editor	iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, HomeKit Secure Video support for unlimited cameras.
Monthly/Annual Subscription Cost	$129.99/year or $12.99/month	$29.99/month

Overall Comparison

OneDrive: 6TB, $129.99/year, 6 users. iCloud+: 6TB, $29.99/month, 5 users.

Pros and Cons

Microsoft OneDrive 6TB Plan (Microsoft 365 Family)

Pros:

Reliable file syncing across devices
Easy file sharing with permission control
File recovery for up to 30 days
Seamless integration with Microsoft Office apps
Robust security measures including ransomware protection
Option to keep files only in the cloud to save space
User-friendly interface

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

iCloud+ 6TB Plan

Pros:

Seamless data syncing across devices
Easy file sharing and permission management
File recovery available
Simple interface and ease of use

Cons:

Resolving complex issues may require persistence with customer support
Impact on device speed isn't explicitly mentioned
Specific file size limit is not mentioned

User Experiences and Feedback

Microsoft OneDrive 6TB Plan (Microsoft 365 Family)

What Users Love

Automatic file syncing
Easy file sharing via link or invitation
File recovery options
Integration with Microsoft Office
Ransomware protection and Personal Vault
Technical support available via chat or phone
User-friendly file management

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

6 TB of cloud storage, 1 TB per user
Access to technical support
Option to save space by keeping files only in the cloud

User Recommendations

OneDrive automatically syncs files to the cloud and across devices. If you edit a document offline, changes will sync once you reconnect.
You can share files and folders by sending an invitation or creating a link.
OneDrive files can be recovered for up to 30 days after accidental deletions, malicious attacks, or file corruption.
OneDrive seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Security measures include ransomware protection, Personal Vault (requiring additional authentication), and Microsoft Defender.
OneDrive offers the option to keep files only in the cloud to save space on your local machine.
Subscribers have access to technical support via chat or phone at no extra cost.
The Microsoft 365 Family plan provides 6 TB of cloud storage, with each user getting 1 TB.
OneDrive provides a user-friendly interface for managing and organizing files.

iCloud+ 6TB Plan

What Users Love

iCloud allows users to seamlessly sync their data across devices.
iCloud provides the ability to easily share files and manage permissions.
iCloud offers file recovery.
iCloud is known for its simple interface and ease of use.

Common Complaints

One user recounted a lengthy interaction with Apple support, suggesting that resolving complex issues may require persistence.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.