Google Drive vs Nextcloud Files
Google Drive
workspace.google.comNextcloud Files
nextcloud.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Drive | Nextcloud Files |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1.99/mo | €5.94/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 11 | 3 |
| Spec score · File Sharing Software | 9.2 (#2) | 8.8 (#11) |
| Spec score · Cloud storage | 9.4 (#4) | 9.1 (#11) |
| Spec score · Cloud Storage Services | 9.1 (#10) | 8.7 (#24) |
| Business admin controls | Yes | Yes |
| Compliance Support | Google describes its cloud infrastructure as helping meet compliance requirements. | Nextcloud Enterprise is designed to support GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, FERPA, COPPA, MTCDPA and PCI DSS requirements. |
| Device platforms | Windows,macOS,iOS,Android | windows,macos,linux,android,ios |
| File versioning | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1998 | 2016 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California, United States | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Security Features | Security includes ransomware detection, client-side encryption, Vault, and DLP policies. | Security capabilities include encryption, File Access Control, password policies, brute-force protection and ransomware protection. |
| Zero-knowledge encryption | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Google Drive
- FreeFree
- Google One Basic$1.99 a month
- Google AI Plus$9.99 a month
- Google AI Pro$19.99 a month
- Business Starter$7 a month
- Business Standard$14 a month
- Business Plus$22 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- BasicPrice not published
- Business BasePrice not published
Nextcloud Files
- Standard€71.29 a year
- Premium€104.99 a year
- Ultimate€204.75 a year
In their own words
Google Drive
Google Drive stores and shares files across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Google accounts include up to 15 GB, and listed storage options reach 5 TB per user; additional storage can be requested, with costs that vary. Users can grant edit, comment, or view permissions and set expiration dates for shared files. Shared drives let teams store, access, and manage files together, and file versioning is available. The mobile app can scan receipts and billing statements into searchable PDFs. Drive integrates with Google Workspace apps and services including Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, Atlassian, and SAP. Security and administration options include ransomware detection, client-side encryption, Vault, DLP policies, and Workspace management controls. Drive for desktop offers ransomware detection and file recovery, while Gemini in Drive can find, summarize, and analyze files with AI. Google One Basic is listed at $1.99 a month for 100 GB; Google AI Plus is $9.99 a month for 2 TB, and Google AI Pro is $19.99 a month for 5 TB. Google Workspace offers a 14-day trial.
Nextcloud Files
Nextcloud Files is cloud storage and file-sharing software for syncing, sharing and collaboration. Organizations can deploy it on-premises, in the cloud or in a hybrid setup, retaining control over their data. Sharing options include flexible permissions, expiring links, one-time passwords, file requests and File Drop uploads. Teams can edit and co-edit with an office suite, lock files, restore earlier versions and collaborate in real time. Security capabilities include encryption, File Access Control, password policies, brute-force protection and ransomware protection. Supported storage includes FTP, Windows Network Drive, SharePoint, NFS, object storage and CIFS/Windows Shares. Integrations include Outlook, SharePoint, Windows Desktop, Microsoft Office Online Server, Teams and Exchange. Native web, desktop and mobile clients are listed, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Free accounts through selected providers include 2–5 GB storage. Business plans start at €71.29/user/yr, with billing starting at 100 users; a 60-minute instant trial provides a personal installation and core applications.