Microsoft OneDrive vs Dropbox
Microsoft OneDrive leads Dropbox by 0.8 points overall (7.3 vs 6.5).
7.3/10, Good
6.5/10, Good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Microsoft OneDrive6.0
Personal Vault adds extra sign-in checks, but files are not end-to-end encrypted.
Privacy & encryption
25% weight
Dropbox5.5
Encrypted at rest, but not end-to-end by default on personal plans.
Microsoft OneDrive8.5
Microsoft 365 bundles bring Office apps alongside storage.
Value for money
20% weight
Dropbox6.0
Paid plans cost more per terabyte than most competitors.
Microsoft OneDrive4.5
5 GB free.
Free tier
15% weight
Dropbox3.0
2 GB free and capped at three linked devices.
Microsoft OneDrive8.0
Built into Windows with Files On-Demand; no official Linux app.
Sync & apps
20% weight
Dropbox9.5
Long-proven sync with an official Linux client.
Microsoft OneDrive9.0
Tight Word, Excel and Windows integration.
Ecosystem & sharing
20% weight
Dropbox8.0
Wide third-party app integrations and easy sharing.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Microsoft OneDrive | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 5 GB | 2 GB |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | No | No |
| Lifetime plan option | No | No |
| Official Linux sync app | No | Yes |
| Built-in document editing | Yes | No |
| Company base | United States | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft OneDrive if…
You want something best for windows and Microsoft 365 users.
- + Built into Windows
- + Bundled with Microsoft 365 apps
- + Personal Vault folder
Choose Dropbox if…
You want something best for people who need reliable cross-platform sync.
- + Very reliable sync
- + Official Linux client
- + Huge range of integrations
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Microsoft OneDrive vs Dropbox: quick answers
Is Microsoft OneDrive better than Dropbox?
Microsoft OneDrive leads Dropbox by 0.8 points overall (7.3 vs 6.5). Microsoft OneDrive scores higher on privacy & encryption, value for money, free tier, ecosystem & sharing. Dropbox scores higher on sync & apps.
Who should choose Dropbox over Microsoft OneDrive?
Dropbox is best for people who need reliable cross-platform sync. Microsoft OneDrive is best for windows and Microsoft 365 users.
How were Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for cloud storage services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.