OneDrive
Review · Cloud Storage & File Sharing · Freemium
About OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service, deeply integrated into Windows and Microsoft 365. If your team uses Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, OneDrive provides seamless file storage and collaboration.
The personal vault feature adds extra security for sensitive files with two-factor authentication. Files On-Demand saves local storage by only downloading files when you open them. Version history lets you restore previous versions of any file.
For Microsoft 365 subscribers, OneDrive is included with 1TB of storage per user. This makes it excellent value if you already pay for Microsoft 365. The deep Windows integration means it feels like a native part of the operating system.
Our Take on OneDrive
Verdict: OneDrive is the obvious file storage for teams on Microsoft 365. It's included with business plans, tightly integrated with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams, and good at syncing to Windows. If your company already pays for Microsoft 365, adding Dropbox or Google Drive for the same job is usually wasted money.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Basic | $1.99/mo or $19.99/yr | 100GB OneDrive, no Office apps |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr | 1TB plus Office apps (one person) |
| Microsoft 365 Business plans | from ~$7/user/mo (Business Basic) | OneDrive for each user plus Teams and web Office |
For companies, OneDrive comes through Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions, not as a standalone purchase.
Why remote teams use OneDrive
- Office co-authoring. Edit Word and Excel files together in real time.
- Teams integration. Files shared in Teams live in OneDrive and SharePoint.
- Windows integration with Files On-Demand and known-folder backup.
Where it falls short
- SharePoint/OneDrive confusion. Where files live (personal vs team) confuses many users.
- Less pleasant on Mac and Linux than on Windows.
- External sharing controls can be complex for admins.
Choose OneDrive if
- Your company runs on Microsoft 365
- You work mostly in Office files
Avoid OneDrive if
- You're a Google Workspace team. Use Google Drive
- You move very large media files. Compare Dropbox
More in cloud storage tools.
Key Features
- ✓Deep Windows integration
- ✓Files On-Demand
- ✓Personal Vault for sensitive files
- ✓Real-time Office collaboration
- ✓Version history
- ✓Ransomware protection
Pricing
Microsoft 365 Basic
$1.99/mo
- • 100GB, no Office apps
Microsoft 365 Personal
$9.99/mo
- • 1TB + Office apps
Business Basic
~$7/user/mo
- • OneDrive + Teams + web Office
Other Cloud Storage & File Sharing Tools
Compare OneDrive for Remote File Sharing
Remote teams should test OneDrive with real shared folders, document collaboration, external links, permission cleanup, and desktop sync before committing. The best cloud storage tool is the one that keeps files findable and secure without creating duplicate versions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OneDrive free?
Yes, OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage. For more storage, you can buy 100GB for $2/month or get 1TB with Microsoft 365 Personal at $6.99/month.
What is OneDrive Personal Vault?
Personal Vault is a protected area in OneDrive for sensitive files. It requires two-factor authentication and automatically locks after inactivity.
Is OneDrive included with Microsoft 365?
Yes, Microsoft 365 Personal includes 1TB of OneDrive storage. Family and Business plans include 1TB per user. This makes it great value if you use Office apps.
Quick Verdict
Microsoft cloud storage integrated with Microsoft 365 and Windows
88/100 · Excellent
Pros
- ✓Best value with Microsoft 365
- ✓Native Windows experience
- ✓1TB with Office subscription
Cons
- ✗Only 5GB free tier
- ✗Best value requires Microsoft 365
- ✗Sync can be slower than Dropbox