The main difference between iDrive and Google Drive is their file-sharing capabilities. With iDrive, you are provided with direct links to your files. These links are effortless to share via email, social media, or any other platform. If you frequently use Google Workspace tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, then Google Drive may be an ideal choice.
Comparing iDrive and Google Drive
Here’s a quick tabled view to help you with the iDrive and Google Drive Comparison
| Security | Reliability and Uptime | Backup and Recovery | Cost | |
| iDrive | Ensures data security through 256-bit AES encryption for data transfer and storage and offers private key encryption. | Mostly dependable with high uptime and an easy-to-use interface. | Provides full backup and recovery services, such as disk image backup, backup of Network Attached Storage (NAS) and servers, and point-in-time recovery. | From $99.50 per year |
| Google Drive | Security measures include 256-bit encryption for files being transferred, 128-bit encryption for stored files, and two-factor authentication. | Google Drive promises a 99.9% availability. | Integration with apps such as Google Photos and Gmail for automatic data saving and backup. | From $6 per month |
Access Control and User Permissions
iDrive’s ‘Subaccounts’ feature enables you to develop numerous accounts within your storage area using specific usernames and passwords. This feature can be instrumental when you need to share your storage space but still wish to retain some privacy over your data.
Meanwhile, Google Drive provides sophisticated options for sharing files. You can offer specific users varying access rights, like viewing only, commenting, or editing. It can be done by sending email invites or creating shareable links.
Plus, Google Drive allows for setting permissions at the folder level, which applies to all files within that folder. This feature is convenient when several users work on the same project, promoting efficient collaboration.
Collaboration Tools
iDrive comes with handy features such as file sharing, backup from anywhere, and use on various devices. However, its main focus is backup and storage, not group collaboration.
You can share files through email and social media. However, unlike Google Drive, iDrive does not offer many options for real-time collaboration and simultaneous editing.
On the other hand, Google Drive excels in team collaboration. It comes with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing multiple users to work on a single file or project simultaneously.
It automatically saves all changes and even lets you revisit previous versions of your work. Thus, if you need an easy-to-use and interactive platform for teamwork, Google Drive is a strong choice.
File Sharing Capabilities
Looking into iDrive vs Google Drive, both have unique features for sharing files. As a user, you must easily share files with others, no matter where or how they access the data.
iDrive shines with its easy-to-use file-sharing interface. You get direct links to your files, which you can quickly share through email, social media, or any other platform.
Plus, with its password protection and expiration date options, iDrive gives you more control over who can access your shared files. This feature allows you to determine how long those files are accessible.
Meanwhile, Google Drive offers a slightly different, yet just as practical, approach to sharing files. Known for its smooth interaction with other Google Workspace tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Drive truly shines. It takes the hassle out of collaboration and file sharing.
Reliability and Uptime
Regarding iDrive vs Google Drive, reliability and uptime are vital factors. That’s because you want to be sure that your data will be consistently and promptly accessible whenever needed.
After assessing these two cloud storage options, it’s clear that Google Drive promises a 99.9% availability. It means there’s a slim chance of experiencing issues while accessing your files.
Thanks to Google’s solid and scalable cloud platform, Google Drive provides top-notch performance and dependability.
Although iDrive doesn’t offer an explicit uptime commitment, most users seem to have a reliable access experience. It could be because it’s rare for the system to encounter problems.
It’s also worth mentioning that iDrive operates several data centers with backup servers. These extra servers help ensure the system performs well, even if a particular server fails.
Backup and Recovery
In the iDrive vs Google Drive comparison, both platforms manage backup and recovery tasks well.
As a Google Drive alternative, iDrive is all about offering complete backup services. It means it regularly backs up your data and allows you to get back old versions of your files.
The highlight of iDrive is a unique feature called point-in-time recovery. This nifty feature lets you fetch files from specific points in the past—even years ago—so the fear of losing your data forever is off the table.
In contrast, Google Drive takes a different data backup and recovery route. It may not provide continuous backups like iDrive, but it’s integrated with apps such as Google Photos and Gmail for automatic data saving and backup.
Recovering files is simple, too; users can retrieve files from the trash within 30 days of deletion. Yet, unlike iDrive’s detailed point-in-time recovery feature, Google Drive falls short for those who need extensive data recovery options.
Customer Support
If you’re exploring cloud storage options, don’t overlook customer support. Comparing iDrive vs Google Drive in terms of their customer service can help you make an intelligent decision.
As an alternative to Google Drive, iDrive shines when it comes to customer support. They’re there for you 24/7 with phone and live chat services. Plus, their website contains handy guides and FAQs in their knowledge base. So, even if you have problems outside of support hours, you’re covered.
Google Drive, on the other hand, adopts a different approach. Their support is mainly online, accessible via the Help Center. Here, you’ll find tutorials, guides for troubleshooting, and discussion forums. While this approach is practical and thorough, the absence of immediate contact options like a phone call or live chat can be slightly off-putting.
Cost
iDrive offers three payment plans: Personal, Team, and Business. The Personal plan has two choices for storage, 5 TB and 10 TB. These are priced at $79.50 and $99.50 per year respectively.
The team plans that cater to several users, and computers range from 5 TB to 100 TB. Prices start from $99.50 annually for 5 TB and go up to $1,999.50 for 100 TB.
Business plans, applicable for unlimited users and computers, are priced from $99.50 yearly for 250 GB. They can reach up to $11,599.50 for 50 TB.
Additionally, iDrive offers first-year discounts and a 10 GB free plan. For more specific and up-to-date pricing, visiting iDrive’s website is recommended.
Google Drive offers four plans as part of its Google Workspace for businesses. Business Starter costs $6 per monthly user and provides 30 GB of storage.
Business Standard costs $12 per user per month and comes with 2 TB of storage. Business Plus is priced at $18 per user per month and offers 5 TB of storage. Finally, the Enterprise plan has flexible storage options and pricing.
A free version is available for individuals, and discounts are offered for non-profits and educational institutions.
Mobile Access and Apps Data Sovereignty
The iDrive mobile app is easy to use and fully featured, letting you back data from your phone to the cloud. Not only can you view and handle your files, but you can also upload photos and videos and scan them from your device. Additionally, you can upload contacts and calendar events.
Google Drive does well with its native link to the Android platform and many Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It gives you an accessible and connected experience for creating and editing documents on the go. Google Photos within Google Drive also automatically backs up your photos and videos, providing a solid mobile cloud storage solution.
Data sovereignty refers to who owns your data and where it’s kept. Here, iDrive and Google Drive differ significantly. Google Drive may store your data anywhere worldwide due to Google’s vast infrastructure. On the other hand, iDrive permanently stores your data in the US, which could help avoid potential legal issues about jurisdiction.
Audit Trails and Reporting Scalability
Next, explore an essential part of the iDrive vs Google Drive comparison – their audit trails and reporting scalability.
As an alternative to iDrive, Google Drive provides a clear view of all activities through its detailed audit log. It lets admins monitor everything from changes in Google Docs to adjustments in file-sharing settings. Plus, Google Drive integrates with BigQuery, giving businesses a powerful tool for analyzing data on a large scale.
iDrive provides an activity log so you can keep track of actions in your backup sets. It could involve restoring a file, deleting one, or performing a scheduled backup. However, iDrive’s performance may falter when producing extensive reports due to its limited scalability.
Fill: A Better Choice to iDrive
We need to evaluate their strong points when looking at Google Drive vs iDrive. It’s essential also to consider other options. Other providers like Fill could be a better fit for your needs.
Fill is a stronger contender than iDrive if you need a good alternative. With a simple interface, it makes storing and sharing files easy. Plus, its flexible and affordable storage plans make Fill an attractive option when you’re looking for cloud storage solutions.
Fill uses strong encryption to keep your information secure. Fill also lets you decide where your data is stored. Many other cloud storage options don’t offer this, but with Fill, it’s a top priority.
The Fill support team is a significant advantage, providing 24/7 help from knowledgeable and customer-friendly experts. If you need quick and practical answers to your questions or worries, Fill is there to help.
If you’re stuck in the iDrive vs Google Drive discussion, you might want to consider Fill, too. It stands without its excellent features, impressive performance, and superior support. Unsurprisingly, many people are picking Fill over other customary cloud storage providers.
Register for a free Fill account today to try these features.
