Cloud storage is cheaper when you know how to share it

Sharing Cloud Storage With Your Family: A Comparison of Top Services

Cloud storage has become essential for storing our digital lives. From photos and videos to important documents, our precious files reside in the cloud. While you can have your own individual account, family plans offer a cost-effective way to share storage space with loved ones. Let's compare the offerings from Dropbox, iCloud, Google One, and OneDrive.

Dropbox Family Plan

Dropbox recently introduced its family plan, offering 2TB of storage shared among up to six users aged 13 and older for $19.99 monthly (or $16.99 monthly with annual payment). The term "family" is flexible; you can share it with friends as well. Each user receives their own Dropbox account with access only to their personal files. The administrator manages billing and membership.

Each user effectively gets a Dropbox Plus account ($11.99/month), including syncing, sharing, Dropbox Paper, and the password manager. A shared "Family Room" folder facilitates easy collaboration on projects like vacation planning or shared shopping lists. Dropbox's focus is primarily on storage, making it a straightforward and potentially cost-saving option, even for smaller families.

iCloud Family Sharing

Apple's Family Sharing encompasses various Apple services, including iCloud storage, Apple Music, Apple TV , Apple Arcade, and App Store/iTunes purchases. You can enable these individually. Family Sharing isn't a separate purchase but an addition to existing Apple subscriptions. Up to six members with individual Apple IDs maintain privacy for personal data.

The account manager handles billing and invites, with the ability to approve in-app purchases—a useful parental control feature. You choose from three iCloud storage tiers (50GB, 200GB, or 2TB) shared dynamically among family members. Low storage alerts notify everyone. The Apple One bundle offers a family option ($19.95/month) including Apple Music, Apple TV , Apple Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud storage, potentially a better value depending on your needs.

Google One Family Sharing

Google One's family sharing is distinct from content sharing. Enabling it is free; you simply add users to your existing plan. Pricing starts at $1.99/month (or $19.99/year) for 100GB, increasing to 2TB for $9.99/month ($99.99/year). Up to six family members share the storage pool, without individual limits. Beyond shared Google Calendar and Keep, there's no central shared folder; each user's Drive, Photos, and Gmail remain private. Use built-in sharing options for collaborative projects.

Microsoft 365 Family (OneDrive Family Sharing)

OneDrive's family sharing, Microsoft 365 Family, bundles cloud storage with Microsoft Office subscriptions and parental controls. It costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year, including 6TB of OneDrive storage (1TB per user). Up to six members can join, each with their own Office apps and online space. The administrator manages billing.

The Family Safety feature allows for optional screen time limits and app/web usage monitoring across Windows, Android, and Xbox. Compared to individual subscriptions, Microsoft 365 Family offers significant value with generous storage, Office apps, and premium Outlook.

This comparison helps you choose the cloud storage family plan that best suits your family's needs and budget. Consider factors like storage capacity, included services, and parental control features when making your decision.

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