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SharePoint vs. Google Drive Comparison 2021

by Arthur Zuckerman

Online document management systems have become valuable tools to companies, not only for internal file storage but also as workspaces, especially for businesses with employees, teams, business partners, or clients that collaborate from different locations. But for this modern workplace to be effective not only to the business but to everyone involved, the right solution must be used. 

In this article, we will look into SharePoint and Google Drive, which–unlike solutions in our other list of document management software–also double as collaboration platforms. The aim of this SharePoint vs. Google Drive comparison is to help you examine the necessary features you have to consider when choosing the right collaboration software by determining which of the two is better. 

What Is SharePoint?

SharePoint is a cloud-based system created by Microsoft for file sharing, document management, and as a collaboration platform. This solution is ideal for businesses as it provides a centralized repository for all documents accessible to members of organizations. Equipped with advanced tools and features designed to optimize collaboration and document management, SharePoint ticks the right boxes of a multitasking application. 

Features

SharePoint is built with teamwork in mind. With the application available for computers and mobile devices, team members working remotely can easily access files, data, and other resources they need to work on. 

Communication within SharePoint is also seamless via intranet, email, chat, voice call, and even video conferencing. When it comes to business processes, SharePoint also supports workflow management. As for security, you can configure the access privileges of team members to documents, data, etc., based on their roles. This way, you can limit the number of audiences of specific projects, folders, and files.

If you are going to use SharePoint in your business operations, you can customize its components and even applications to suit your brand.

Below are some of SharePoint’s core features:

  • Full customization
  • File storage and sharing
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Office apps (web and mobile versions)
  • Email and calendar
  • Security and compliance

Integrations

SharePoint integrates with the following applications:

  • OneDrive
  • OutLook
  • Microsoft 365
  • Exchange
  • Skype
  • Teams
  • Yammer
  • Delve

Customer Support

When it comes to learning resources, SharePoint provides fast training and resource libraries to new users and even developers via SharePoint Developer Resources. There is also the tech community where other SharePoint users offer tips and other advice.

Pricing

Below are SharePoint’s pricing plans:

  • SharePoint Online Plan1 – $5/user/month
  • SharePoint Online Plan2 – $10/user/month
  • Office 365 E3 – $20/user/month

Advantages of using SharePoint

  • Full-featured
  • Highly customizable
  • Seamless collaboration
  • Secure

Disadvantages of using SharePoint

  • The premium package can be pricey for small businesses
  • Not much integration outside Microsoft applications
sharepoint

Sharepoint media library interface.

What Is Google Drive?

Google Drive is also a powerful collaboration platform, aside from being a highly-rated document management solution. You can find out more about this tool on our Google Drive review. Originally designed as cloud storage for personal use, but in this SharePoint vs. Google Drive comparison, we will focus more on Drive Enterprise, which is the enhanced version of the application exclusive to business users. Google Drive offers 15 GB of storage for free.

Features

As a document management system, Google Drive can keep any type of file (photos, videos, presentations, etc.). As for media files, they can be safely stored in and downloaded from Drive without affecting their quality. Files can also be accessed offline, but the user has to enable this first for each file.

As a part of G Suite, Google Drive automatically integrates with other Google applications. All files stored in Google Drive are shareable, and all folders can be customized and protected by configuring each folder’s permission access.

Its mobile application functions are more than just a mobile version of Google Drive. It has additional features, such as a document scanner, which allows you to automatically save a PDF copy of a document (receipt, etc.) by snapping a photo of it.

File versioning with Google Drive is also easier–you can retrieve a file’s version as far back as 30 days. With this feature, you can also see team members who have made revisions or updates to a document. 

When it comes to the use of advanced technology, Google Drive has AI-powered features that turn it into an organized, automated, and protected virtual workspace.

To sum it up, below is a list of Google Drive’s key features:

  • 15 GB free storage
  • G Suite integration
  • SSL encryption
  • Intuitive Google search
  • AI-equipped automation and insights 

Integrations

  • Slack
  • Gmail
  • Google Calendar
  • Google Hangouts
  • Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.
  • Google Drawings
  • All applications available in Chrome Web Store

Customer Support

Google Drive has a rich library of resources that users can access for free. But if you would like to have access to Google’s team of engineers and their expertise, you can upgrade to premium support packages.

Pricing

Google Drive is free for personal use. Drive Enterprise, on the other hand, starts at $8/month for every active user.

Advantages of using Google Drive

  • Broad-range of integrations
  • Offline work option

Disadvantages of using Google Drive

  • Limited customization
  • No shared drive
  • Storage automatically includes all files and documents from other Google applications.
google drive

Google Drive file folder system.

Conclusion

SharePoint and Google Drive are both powerful collaboration solutions, each with pros and cons. While SharePoint wins in the customization category, Google Drive takes major points in its usability. But in this SharePoint vs. Google Drive comparison article, you will be the one to decide which one suits you better. You can also read our Apple iCloud vs Google Drive comparison for more information about these tools’ features. 

Also, if you would like to see what other collaboration platform options you have, you may check out our list of other top collaboration software.

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