OneDrive vs iCloud: Difference and Comparison

Storing the data is a crucial task that requires free space and reliable sources.

Previously pen drives or hard drives were used to store the data, but now with technical advancement, cloud storage is readily used for this specific purpose.

Onedrive and iCloud are cloud storage launched by Microsoft and Apple, respectively.

Key Takeaways

1. OneDrive is a cloud storage service from Microsoft, offering seamless integration with Windows and Office products for easy file management and collaboration.
2. iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage solution, providing tight integration with iOS, macOS, and other Apple devices, making it a more natural choice for Apple users.
3. Both services offer various storage plans and features to cater to individual needs, but compatibility and ecosystem preferences dictate the best choice for users.

OneDrive vs iCloud

OneDrive is a cloud storage service developed by Microsoft. It allows users to store and share files and folders online, as well as collaborate on documents in real-time with others. iCloud is a cloud storage service developed by Apple. It allows users to store and sync files, photos, and other data across all of their Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Apple TV.

OneDrive is the cloud storage service which is previously known by the name of Skydrive.

It allows the user to store their data like photos, media files, and other documents at a reliable online platform so that they can access the data from multiple devices and locations.

Launched in the year 2011, this cloud-based service was launched by Microsoft Incorporation.

iCloud is a cloud storage service initiated by Apple that allows Apple device users to upload or store their data and personal information.

It is always a good option to store the information and media files on cloud-based storage because they are easy to access and transfer the details from one device to another.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	OneDrive	iCloud
Year	OneDrive was launched by Microsoft Incorporation in the year 2007.	iCloud was launched by Apple Incorporation in the year 2011.
Paid Storage	It provides paid storage of maximum of 6 Terabytes.	It provides paid storage of maximum of 2 Terabytes.
Usage	This cloud storage is mainly used for professional work.	It can be used for both professional and personal types of work.
File Versioning	OneDrive provides file versioning feature.	iCloud offers partial file versioning.
Maximum File Size	Maximum file size of this storage service is 100 Gigabytes.	Maximum file size of iCloud can be just 50 Gigabytes.
Pricing	OneDrive is comparatively costly as it charges high prices for additional storage.	iCloud is less costly and charges less if a user buy additional storage.
Remote Uploading	It has a remote uploading feature.	It does not have remote uploading.

What is OneDrive?

The cloud storage service is quite popular nowadays, and so is Microsoft. Microsoft incorporation is a recognized brand for software development, and it launched Onedrive in the year 2007.

Onedrive is an amazing service that allows the user to save their data and media files and sync the same in any device by simply login into their account.

Onedrive is integrated with various Microsoft apps like Word and PowerPoint that facilitate the user to use the software tremendously. Using Onedrive is a simple process.

The user just needs to create their Microsoft account and select the Onedrive service. Not only the media files and documents, but Onedrive also has Facebook integration and scanning feature.

The online storage service facilitates the users to share their files by simply selecting them and entering the email address of the recipient.

Not only for web platforms, but this service is also available on some mobile-based platforms.

Personal vault is another amazing feature that allows the user to store their data and files with authentication or by providing Pin or identity verification.

What is iCloud?

iCloud is an Apple service feature launched in the year 2011 for Apple device users. It is used by millions of people to store their data, media files, and other information.

This cloud-based service facilitates the user to sync their information conveniently from one device to another. Setting up the iCloud service is an easy task.

The user needs their Apple id and password. On a laptop or Mac computer, the user needs to select the system preference, and by entering the Apple account credentials, they can use the features of iCloud.

Furthermore, backing up is also a convenient procedure in which the user is connected to a reliable internet source and selects iCloud backup.

Transferring the data from one device to another is not an easy task, but iCloud makes it feasible for the user in just a few clicks.

You just need to remember your Apple account credentials. iCloud also works on the Windows app, but it is quite difficult to operate or work with.

Main Differences Between OneDrive and iCloud

1. Cloud-based storage services are quite popular nowadays as they provide a convenient and reliable platform for data and media files. OneDrive was launched by Microsoft Incorporation in the year 2007, while iCloud, on the other side, was launched by Apple Incorporation in the year 2011.
2. Every cloud service provides both free and paid storage. OneDrive and iCloud offer 5 gigabytes of free storage space, but they have limited paid storage space. OneDrive provides paid storage of a maximum of 6 Terabytes, while iCloud offers paid storage of a maximum of 2 Terabytes.
3. Apart from the free storage space, the user may require additional storage by paying a fixed price. OneDrive is comparatively costly as it charges high prices for additional storage. On the contrary, iCloud is less costly as it charges less if a user buys additional storage.
4. OneDrive provides file versioning and remote uploading feature. But iCloud, on the other side, offers partial file versioning and does not have remote uploading.
5. OneDrive and iCloud offered limited file sizes to be uploaded on the online cloud-based platforms. OneDrive allows a maximum size of up to 250 Gigabytes but iCloud, on the contrary, allows a maximum of 50 gigabytes file size.

References

1. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3344341.3368808
2. https://arxiv.org/abs/1409.8486