The main difference between iDrive and iCloud is their focus and feature set. iDrive is a versatile and budget-friendly independent cloud storage solution known for its advanced features and unlimited device backups. On the other hand, iCloud prioritizes seamless integration with Apple products for storing and updating content across all devices.
iDrive and iCloud Comparison
To help you with comparing iDrive and iCloud, we’ve compiled a feature table for both cloud solutions.
| Storage Capacity | Security | Access Control and User Permissions | Collaboration Tools | Cost | |
| iDrive | 5GB | 256-bit AES, Private Key Encryption | Admin Rights, User Groups, Access Authorization, User Management | File sharing, user management features, account creation | $69.50/year |
| iCloud | 5GB | Advanced-Data Protection, Lockdown Mode | Cloud Access Policy, iCloud Drive, Access Control | iCloud Drive, iWork apps | $0.99/month |
Storage Capacity
iDrive offers a free 5GB of storage, which is suitable for documents and images. However, it’s worth noting that this storage is primarily geared towards a full computer backup. What sets iDrive apart is its versatility – whether you’re on the free version or exploring premium options, all iDrive versions support local file backup to external or network drives, giving you flexibility and control over your data.
Shifting our focus to iCloud, its free offering matches iDrive with a 5GB storage capacity, catering to basic needs such as photos and documents. Where iCloud stands out is its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. While the free tier covers fundamental storage requirements, iCloud goes above and beyond by providing a range of paid plans for those who need additional storage.
Security
iDrive takes a solid approach to data protection by implementing multiple security measures. It uses 256-bit AES encryption both during data transfer and storage. You also have the option to enhance security further by opting for private key encryption and generating a private key during the sign-up process.
On the other hand, iCloud implements strong security measures and features such as Advanced Data Protection and Lockdown Mode. However, you should be aware of its encryption model limitations. Advanced Data Protection is a feature that ensures end-to-end encryption for specific data categories. Additionally, iCloud employs Lockdown Mode to enhance security by minimizing the attack surface of iCloud and iMessage.
File Sharing Capabilities
iDrive excels with its intelligent access control and user permission features. It places all of the control in administrators’ hands, allowing them to manage user access by adding, inviting, editing, blocking, and deleting them. The iCloud alternative also allows administrators to oversee user groups and manage buckets, access keys, and users, with the added capability of editing access permissions. Users can also implement password protection, set download limits, and determine the link’s active duration.
On the flip side, iCloud offers users a more decentralized approach to access. It allows you to manage access to your data and specify usage permissions. iCloud Drive allows sharing files for viewing and editing, with the option to permit participants to add people. Sharing is possible through email or by copying the link. The iDrive alternative also features an array of access control options, such as iCloud Access Policy, iCloud Drive, and Access Control.
Collaboration Tools
iDrive’s collaboration tools, accessible via the Dashboard Login, cover file sharing, user management, and account creation. Cloud Drive facilitates real-time syncing of files and folders across linked devices, ensuring accessibility from anywhere. Moreover, collaborative sharing of files and folders stored on iDrive accounts is available for joint projects with friends and associates.
In contrast, iCloud’s collaboration tools empower users to work together on diverse content types, such as documents and images. Within iCloud Drive, users can effortlessly share files and folders, enabling others to view and edit them. Apple’s iWork apps elevate collaborative capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly work together on documents or images through iCloud.
Cost
iDrive offers a tiered per-user subscription pricing model based on storage capacity needs. The pricing for iDrive Personal plans starts at $69.50/year for 5TB. While iDrive Business plans range from $99.50/year for 250GB to $499.50 annually for 12.5TB. A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered, allowing for a risk-free trial before purchase.
On the contrary, Apple iCloud offers a range of storage plans to meet different needs. Paid plans start at $0.99/month for 50GB, $2.99/month for 200GB, and $9.99/month for 2TB. Apple’s family plan offers 200GB of storage, shareable with up to five members for $19.95/month. The cost of iCloud storage plans varies by region, and discounts may be available for annual subscriptions.
Fill: A Superior Choice to iDrive
While Drive and iCloud offer impressive storage features, you may need to explore other alternatives like Fill for features that go beyond storage.
Fill sets new standards for digital storage, emphasizing limitless document capacity, precise access control, advanced file-sharing, and seamless team collaborative tools.
Fill distinguishes itself with granular access control, allowing you to define set-up teams and put up permissions to specific documents and folders. Its user interface simplifies this section of access control and user permissions so that even first-time users can manage and assign access rights in minutes.
Stored documents on Fill can be branded with your business’s logo and brand colors, and you can even edit them to request eSignatures from the people you share them with via email. Unlike iDrive and iCloud, which limit your abilities on the platform to storage, Fill allows you to store documents while being able to complete contracts and agreements on the same platform.
For businesses, you shouldn’t pay for storage and contract management separately. Do it all and even more with Fill. Get started with a free Fill account today.
