iWork for iCloud vs Google Drive: Which is the best cloud productivity suite?
Google Drive and iCloud are the most popular cloud storage services in the business. They both offer the convenience of working and accessing documents remotely from any device. Additionally, they come with essential cloud-connected office packages.
However, the big question remains - which cloud storage is the right package for you?
How do the two giants match up when put head-to-head. The devil is in the details so let’s dive in to see the deal makers and breakers.
But first, let’s understand these two cloud storage services.
iWork for iCloud
The iWork for iCloud suite comprises Page, Numbers, and Keynotes.
The apps are regularly updated and they currently have the IOS 7-style visual-makeover. Pages have the context-sensitive side panel, while Numbers has interactive charts.
Google Drive
When it comes to apps, Google doesn’t hold back. They have a full-featured presentation maker, word processor, and spreadsheet editor. Also, a detached app for creating presentation visual charts.
Without further ado let’s stack them up against each other.
Ease of use and convenience
Apple iCloud is well integrated with all macOS and IOS devices. If you want to access your files Files app or Finder will help you manage them. Photos app on all Apple devices will have your photos from the iCloud Photo Library.
On Windows PC installing the iCloud sync client is a problem not to mention the glitchy photo library. If you are using Android, accessing iCloud is a nightmare just save yourself from the frustrations.
The iCloud web app comes in handy when the iCloud sync fails to work. Just log in on your browser and get to work. You can also create and edit documents on the browser. However, it doesn’t allow you to select multiple items. You have to manually pick them one at a time.
On the other hand, Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Android, IOS, macOS, and Windows. Your Google Drive cloud storage and local storage are kept in sync by the Backup and Sync with no hitch.
Google's web app rivals the iCloud web app as it has more features and optimizations. You can manage all your files, access Google suite, and make edits to Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Cutting the long story short, Google Drive gives you more convenience and a seamless user experience compared to iCloud.
Cross-platform operability
iCloud can be used by all Apple devices by default and Windows PC by downloading iCloud for Windows sync client.
Unfortunately, Android was excluded from the deal as there is no iCloud app support. The iCloud web app doesn’t work well on mobile browsers.
Google Drive supports all platforms and can be downloaded on the Google Play Store and App Store. With desktop Mac and PC you should install Backup and Sync to automatically sync your files.
Free Storage
With iCloud, you get 5GB free storage. With several high-resolution images, your free quota is done. Storage requirements have increased over the years. It's only fair to level up from where they started.
Google Drive gives you 15GB free storage. That is minus all documents created using Google Docs. Your videos and photos are what might take up space but you will have uploaded quite some.
Pricing
iCloud and Google Drive agree when it comes to pricing.
At 50GB, iCloud monthly cost is $0.99 while Google Drives costs $1.99/ month for 100GB. For 200GB it is $2.99/month for both and 2TB is $9.99 /month.
However, Google Drive offers more price tiers if you need storage from 10TB-30TB.
Conclusion
If you are looking at convenience, platform operability, and storage, then Google Drive wins hands down.
However, if you have macOS or IOS and you don’t need much storage then iCloud will suffice for you.