# iCloud vs Google Drive: Is Apple Really Safer in 2026? In this article - [iCloud vs Google Drive at a Glance](#icloud-vs-google-drive-at-a-glance) - [Is iCloud Really Safer Than Google Drive?](#is-icloud-really-safer-than-google-drive?) - [iCloud vs Google Drive: Features Compared](#icloud-vs-google-drive:-features-compared) - [iCloud vs Google Drive vs OneDrive](#icloud-vs-google-drive-vs-onedrive) - [Which Cloud Storage Is Best For You?](#which-cloud-storage-is-best-for-you?) In this article- [iCloud vs Google Drive at a Glance](#icloud-vs-google-drive-at-a-glance) - [Is iCloud Really Safer Than Google Drive?](#is-icloud-really-safer-than-google-drive?) - [iCloud vs Google Drive: Features Compared](#icloud-vs-google-drive:-features-compared) - [iCloud vs Google Drive vs OneDrive](#icloud-vs-google-drive-vs-onedrive) - [Which Cloud Storage Is Best For You?](#which-cloud-storage-is-best-for-you?) [Blog](/blog/)/iCloud vs Google Drive: Is Apple Really Safer in 2026? Cloud Storage # iCloud vs Google Drive : Which One Should You Choose? September 4, 20267 min readGoogle Drive is probably the most used cloud storage in the world yet it does not offer [end-to-end encryption](/end-to-end-encryption/) by default. [Client side encryption](/client-side-encryption/) is only reserved for Google Workspace and enterprise clients. However, if you are solely leaning towards iCloud as your cloud storage provider because it offers Advanced Data Protection (ADP), you might want to think twice. While both Google Drive and iCloud will protect your data from external threats, file privacy becomes a major issue. iCloud's ADP when enabled offers end-to-end encryption but people in the United Kingdom cannot use it due to legal restrictions. Apart from this, iCloud does scan your files and images to restrict any illegal content. Regardless of this moral reason, your files are scanned on both platforms. In the context of Google Drive vs iCloud, neither can really be classified as private cloud storage. In this blog, we will compare their encryption, file privacy and general features. We will also discuss why switching to OneDrive is not necessarily the best choice and why choosing a secure, [zero-knowledge cloud storage](/zero-knowledge-encryption/) provider may be the better option. ## iCloud vs Google Drive at a Glance Before we dive into the features and security of each service, take a quick look at how Google Drive and Apple's iCloud compare using the table below.FeatureApple iCloudGoogle DriveFree Storage5 GB15 GBCost per 100GB $$1.22 approx. ($0.99 for 50 GB)$1.99 / month on Google OneEnd-to-End EncryptionOptional with ADP (Not in UK)Not by default (Workspace only)Zero-Knowledge EncryptionPartial (ADP excludes Mail, Contacts, Calendars)NoPost Quantum EncryptionNoNoContent ScanningAutomated scanning under standard protectionAutomated scanning for malware, viruses & prohibited contentMetadata ProtectionLimited (Filenames & timestamps not encrypted under ADP)No (Processes metadata under standard models)Private Key ManagementClient-side (with ADP) / Server-side (Standard)Server-side (Enterprise CSE only)Backup & SyncContinuous sync + periodic device backupContinuous sync (Streaming & Mirroring)CollaborationReal-time (Pages, Numbers, Keynote)Real-time (Docs, Sheets, Slides) ## Is iCloud Really Safer Than Google Drive? Apple's Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for iCloud has been a game changer in terms of [security and file privacy](/security/). When enabled, it paves the way for true end-to-end encryption for all customers, a feature which Google Drive lacks. In Google Drive, client side encryption and private key management is only available for businesses. That being said, Apple's ADP is not available to users in the United Kingdom due to local regulatory and legal pressure. With ADP, your files, photos and various device backups are protected but the same does not extend to your mail, contacts or calendars. You will get true privacy only with a [zero knowledge cloud storage](/blog/zero-knowledge-cloud-storage/) and iCloud isn't completely private. ### Encryption: iCloud vs Google Drive iCloud does not offer end-to-end encryption with client-side encryption for all data by default. They offer standard data protection during which they rely on server side encryption, storing your decryption keys. This makes it technically possible for them to decrypt and access your files if required. That being said, they do offer partial [end-to-end encryption](/blog/what-is-end-to-end-encryption/) for 15 sensitive data categories. These include your passwords, health data, messages, payment information among others. Apple [clearly states](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102651) that they do not "have the encryption keys for these categories, and we can't help you recover this data if you lose access to your account."All files uploaded to Drive or created in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides are encrypted in transit and at rest with AES-256 bit encryption. However, Google Drive does not offer end-to-end encryption by default and relies on server side encryption. This means that decryption keys are stored and managed on their own server, giving them access to technically decrypt your data. Client side encryption is only reserved for Google Workspace or users on the enterprise plan. ### iCloud File Privacy vs Google Drive File Privacy Your files in iCloud under standard data protection are scanned by automated systems to detect illegal content. Advanced Data Protection offers an additional layer of security where your scans are not scanned or read. Nonetheless, some metadata like your file names, timestamps, etc, remain under standard protection even under ADP. [Google Drive does scan your files](/blog/does-google-drive-scan-your-files/) using automated systems to eliminate any virus, malware or illegal content. This information is not used for monetization or advertising rather to eliminate prohibited content. Google Drive processes certain metadata and usage information under their standard models. ## iCloud vs Google Drive: Features Compared Now that we have gone through the encryption and file privacy of each cloud storage, let us take a look at some core features of both Google Drive and iCloud. ### Backup and Synchronization Offering both continuous syncing as well as periodic device backups, iCloud is excellent for backup and sync. Your Apple accounts syncs the iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, Notes and other messages. The iCloud backup includes your device settings, layouts, app organization and other data that does not regularly sync on a regular basis. Google Drive focuses more on continuous file syncing and Google Drive for Desktop offers two modes - streaming and mirroring. With the former, your files primarily remain in the cloud and are downloaded on demand while the latter retains a full copy of My Drive, which is then available offline. You can also use other backup options like [Google Photos](/blog/google-photos-privacy/) but this too has various privacy problems. ### Pricing and Storage iCloud only offers 5GB of free storage when you first create an Apple account. In terms of iCloud pricing, paid iCloud+ plans start from $0.99 per month for 50 GB, $9.99 per month for 2 TB and other plans which go right up to $59.99 per month for 12 TB. Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage and finds its place among the [top free cloud storage](/blog/best-free-cloud-storage-2026/) platforms. In terms of Google Drive pricing, the basic plan starts at $1.99 per month for 100 GB, $9.99 per month for 2TB and $24.99 per month for 5TB plans. Other AI pro plans and workspace plans are much more expensive and varied. ### File Sharing and Collaboration Using iCloud, you can [share both individual files as well as folders](/blog/folder-sharing/), allowing you to restrict access anytime you want. You can choose among sharing options like inviting certain people or sharing with anyone who has the link alongside other view and edit changes. The collaboration works in real time which is extended to keynote files, pages and numbers. With Google Drive files and folders can be shared with specific people or via a link. You can choose between various permission levels like viewer, commenter or editor. Several users can edit docs, sheets, slides and other applications in the google ecosystem that offers real time collaboration. Shared drives in workspaces offer additional file protection features. You can read more about the performance and features in our in depth [Google Drive review](/reviews/google-drive-review-2026/). ## iCloud vs Google Drive vs OneDrive Switching to [OneDrive](/alternatives/onedrive/) after ditching iCloud and Google Drive is not ideal either because Microsoft does not offer zero knowledge, end-to-end encryption for your files. Moreover, [both Google Drive and OneDrive have AI privacy problems](/blog/onedrive-vs-google-drive/) that scan your files. Even though OneDrive offers a 'Personal Vault' for sensitive files, it does not zero knowledge in nature. Take a look at how iCloud vs Google Drive vs OneDrive compare using the table below.FeatureApple iCloudGoogle DriveMicrosoft OneDriveFree Storage5 GB15 GB5 GBStarting Paid Plan$0.99 / mo (50 GB)$1.99 / mo (100 GB)$1.99 / mo (100 GB)End-to-End EncryptionOptional with ADP (Not in UK)Not by defaultNot by defaultZero-Knowledge EncryptionPartial (ADP excludes Mail/Contacts/Calendar)NoNoPost Quantum EncryptionNoNoNoContent Scanning / AIAutomated scanning (standard)Automated scanning + Gemini in DriveAnti-malware heuristics + CopilotMetadata ProtectionLimited (Filenames/timestamps exposed)No (Can see metadata)No (Can see metadata)Sensitive File ProtectionAdvanced Data Protection (ADP)None dedicatedPersonal Vault (not zero-knowledge) ## Which Cloud Storage Is Best For You? If you had to settle for one platform despite privacy issues, iCloud's ADP would probably triumph over Google Drive for reasons we have already discussed. That being said, 5 GB of free storage is too less and many users prefer Google Drive as their free cloud storage. Both platforms perform well in terms of collaboration, sharing, backup and sync. Google Drive and Apple iCloud have their own set of pros and cons, the biggest being privacy concerns. If you want an [encrypted cloud storage](/blog/best-encrypted-cloud-storage/) that does not scan your files and offers end-to-end encryption, DragBin is the best [alternative to iCloud](/alternatives/icloud/) and [Google Drive](/alternatives/google-drive/). Nobody can see your files, filenames, passwords or any data - not even the employees of DragBin. On top of zero knowledge, end-to-end encryption, we add an additional layer of [post quantum encryption](/post-quantum-encryption/) for security. This helps combat active "[Harvest Now, Decrypt Later](/harvest-now-decrypt-later/)" threats which mere e2ee cannot combat. Google has itself set a 2029 post quantum migration timeline and many companies are implementing this, DragBin being among the first in cloud storage. You get 25 GB of free storage when you sign up to DragBin and features like :- [Advanced link management](/features/secure-file-sharing/) with password protection, one-time watch, expiring links, view and download limits, etc. - Integrated global CDN for lightning fast downloads and uploads - Video preview in 4k/8k without downloading the file and folder sharing [Switch to DragBin](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) Share this article Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via EmailCopy link secure by design ## Experience end-to-end encryption with DragBin Protect your sensitive files with zero-knowledge, post-quantum encryption. Try DragBin and truly own your data. [Start free](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) Newsletter ## Stay updated on security trends The latest privacy and security insights, delivered to your inbox. Subscribe Keep reading ## Related articles [August 21, 2026-8 min read ### OneDrive vs Google Drive: Both Have AI Privacy Problems OneDrive vs Google Drive privacy explained. See how Gemini and Copilot access your files, how they use AI, and which cloud storage offers stronger privacy. Read article](/blog/onedrive-vs-google-drive/)[July 10, 2026-9 min read ### Dropbox vs Google Drive: Which is More Private? Dropbox vs Google Drive compared on privacy, security, encryption and features. Find out which is a better option and why DragBin is the better alternative. Read article](/blog/dropbox-vs-google-drive/)[July 28, 2026-10 min read ### Zero Knowledge Cloud Storage: What It Is & Why It Matters Learn what zero knowledge cloud storage is, how client-side encryption protects your files, why it matters and how to choose the best private cloud storage. Read article](/blog/zero-knowledge-cloud-storage/) --- Canonical: https://www.dragbin.com/blog/icloud-vs-googledrive