Overview of Box vs Google Drive
Box and Google Drive are two leading cloud storage and collaboration platforms. Both offer secure file storage for businesses, but each targets slightly different needs. Box excels in compliance and advanced collaboration, while Google Drive is tightly tied to Google Workspace’s productivity apps. Choosing between the two comes down to your organization’s priorities—workflow automation and compliance or streamlined collaboration with Google’s suite.
Key Takeaways
- Box offers better compliance and workflow automation for regulated industries.
- Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and is simple for most teams.
- Box business plans include unlimited storage, while Google Drive’s maximum free plan is 15GB per user.
- Both platforms include strong security and file versioning, but Box supports more compliance certifications.
| Feature | How Box handles it | How Google Drive handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | Unlimited on business plans; free individual plan offers 10GB | 15GB free; upgraded tiers available; up to 5TB single file upload | Box for unlimited storage needs |
| File Size Limits | Up to 150GB (business); 5GB (personal) | Up to 5TB single file upload | Google Drive for large single files |
| File Sharing | Granular controls; advanced workflow tools | Straightforward sharing; integrated with Google apps | Box for advanced sharing needs |
| Encryption | Encryption at rest & in transit; advanced admin controls | Encryption at rest & in transit; Google security infrastructure | Comparable |
| Compliance | HIPAA, FedRAMP, FINRA, GxP, GDPR | GDPR | Box for regulated sectors |
| Version History | Full version tracking | Full version tracking | Comparable |
| Third-Party Integrations | Not publicly specified. | Not publicly specified. | Not publicly specified. |
| SSO Integration | Not publicly specified. | Not publicly specified. | Not publicly specified. |
Pricing and Plans Comparison
Box offers a free individual plan with 10GB of storage. Business plans start at $5 per user per month and include unlimited storage and more advanced features as you go up in tiers.
Google Drive provides 15GB of free storage. If you need more, Google Workspace plans start at $6 per user per month and provide more storage and access to additional productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Higher-tier plans further increase storage capacity and productivity app features.
Box is slightly more affordable for entry-level business use, but Google Workspace offers broader value for organizations already using Google productivity tools.
Storage Capacity and File Size Limits
With Box Business plans, you get unlimited storage, making it a top pick for companies with large archival needs. Individual free accounts have a 10GB cap. File size limits are 5GB per upload for personal plans, and up to 150GB per file for business users.
Google Drive’s free plan offers 15GB per user, shared with Gmail and Google Photos. Paid plans offer more. Google Drive’s standout file limit is a single file upload up to 5TB, well above Box. This matters if you regularly work with massive files—Google Drive has the edge there.
Collaboration and Productivity Features
Box is designed for advanced workflows. Features include built-in task assignment, workflow automation, and granular permissions. This makes Box Business suitable for teams that need structured processes and compliance.
Google Drive supports real-time document collaboration via close ties to Docs, Sheets, and Slides—tools your team may already know. This tight integration with Google Workspace reduces friction and learning curve for most users.
Security and Compliance Capabilities
Box is built for regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. It is certified for HIPAA, FedRAMP, FINRA, GxP, and GDPR. File access is tightly controlled, and advanced admin controls are provided. Encryption at rest and in transit are standard.
Google Drive uses encryption at rest and in transit as part of Google’s security platform. It is GDPR compliant and meets other standard requirements, but its certifications do not reach as broadly into regulated industries as Box.
File Sharing and Versioning
Box allows detailed file sharing permissions, making it suitable for organizations with complex data governance needs. You can assign review tasks, automate approvals, and manage file access at a granular level. Full version history is included, allowing you to recover or audit changes at any time.
Google Drive simplifies file sharing, typically via links or user email invites. Google Workspace fosters easy collaboration, but its data governance and workflow automation are less advanced compared to Box. Version history is available for all files, though with fewer administrative options.
Integration with Third-Party Apps and SSO
Publicly, both Box and Google Drive support integrations with third-party apps, but specific details are not available here. SSO integration details are also not specified in the provided data.
Generally, Google Drive natively integrates with Workspace tools, while Box is known for supporting a wide range of integrations, including connections to productivity, security, and identity platforms.
Administration and User Management
Box gives administrators granular control over users, permissions, and compliance settings. It’s designed for strict data governance and audit trails, ideal for enterprise and regulated sectors.
Google Drive offers user/group management as part of Google Workspace’s admin console. You can control file access, monitor usage, and apply basic security policies, which are suitable for most general business needs.
Deciding Between Box and Google Drive
Choose Box if you operate in a regulated industry (like healthcare or finance), or need advanced workflow automation, compliance tools, and unlimited storage for your business team.
Opt for Google Drive if your focus is on easy user adoption, real-time collaboration using Docs/Sheets/Slides, and integration with Google Workspace. It’s especially cost-effective for teams already relying on Gmail and other Google tools.
Box is built for control and compliance, Google Drive for convenience and collaboration. Assess your organization’s priorities, compliance obligations, file size needs, and your team’s workflow to make the best call.
Conclusion
The Box vs Google Drive decision depends on what your business values most: compliance and granular control, or ease of collaboration and native integration with widely used productivity apps. Box is the better fit for regulated industries and enterprises managing sensitive data. Google Drive is better for teams seeking streamlined collaboration at a competitive price, especially if they’re already using Google Workspace.
FAQs
Which is better for business use, Box or Google Drive?
Box is better for companies in regulated sectors or those needing advanced workflow and compliance features. Google Drive is stronger for straightforward file storage, sharing, and collaboration through Google Workspace.
How do Box and Google Drive differ in terms of security?
Both encrypt files at rest and in transit. Box supports more compliance standards, such as HIPAA and FedRAMP, making it better for regulated businesses. Google Drive uses Google’s robust security but focuses more on general business needs.
What are the main pricing differences between Box and Google Drive?
Box’s business plans start at $5/user/month with unlimited storage. Google Drive provides 15GB free, with paid Workspace plans from $6/user/month; higher tiers mean more storage and Google app features.
Do Box and Google Drive integrate with Microsoft Office?
Not publicly specified.
Is Box or Google Drive better for large file storage?
Google Drive has a higher single-file upload limit (5TB), while Box limits uploads to 150GB on business plans. Google Drive is preferable for regular handling of very large files.
What compliance standards do Box and Google Drive support?
Box supports HIPAA, FedRAMP, FINRA, GxP, and GDPR. Google Drive supports GDPR and other standard compliance regimes but is less comprehensive for regulated industries.
How does collaboration work differently in Box vs Google Drive?
Box offers workflow automation and task assignment for structured collaboration. Google Drive focuses on live, real-time collaboration with Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with an easier learning curve for most users.